The Potential Side Effects of CBD: What You Need To Know
The therapeutic properties of Cannabidiol (CBD) have been widely touted; this cannabinoid obtained from Cannabis sativa has excited a lot of scientific and medical interest. People consume CBD in various ways – oils, tinctures, edibles, creams, lotions and vaping – using it for stress relief, sleep improvement, pain management, and symptoms reduction in debilitating conditions like epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. However, while the benefits of CBD seem clear, you should also understand its potential side effects.
Some common CBD side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, changes in appetite, and certain GI issues. Interestingly, these side effects are considered minor and tend not to occur in all users.
CBD and drowsiness is a potential side effect with higher doses of CBD. While CBD is often used to promote relaxation and sleep, it could cause users to feel unusually sleepy or lethargic in some cases. However, actual instances of this side effect occurring remain rare.
Some consumers of CBD also report experiencing dry mouth after its use. Consuming CBD, especially via vaping or orally, can affect saliva production causing what is colloquially referred to as “cotton mouth”. This isn’t commonly categorized under CBD overdose symptoms, as it’s a common side effect reported in various cannabis-derived products.
Another side effect potentially linked to CBD is changes in appetite. Some CBD users have indicated an decrease in appetite, while others report an increase. The variation in response suggests that this side effect is also rare and appears to be highly dependent on individual factors.
Consuming CBD may also lead to certain GI issues, such as diarrhea, especially in high doses. However, this effect is suggested to be more associated with the carrier oils used in CBD tinctures rather than the CBD itself.
While considering the side effects of CBD, it is critical to acknowledge two major areas of interest: blood pressure and liver health. A small study on healthy males (2017) showed that a single dose of CBD led to a decrease in resting blood pressure and blood pressure increase response to stress. Although needing further research, with these promising results, it raises considerations for people who already have low blood pressure or take medicines to control their blood pressure.
CBD and liver health are also closely connected areas of interest. A few studies in mice indicate that CBD might potentially cause liver damage. However, most of these mice studies involve the administration of acute, high doses of CBD, which is quite different from a human context.
Another critical consideration is CBD drug interactions. Much like grapefruit juice, CBD can inhibit certain enzymes (cytochrome P450 enzymes), leading to altered processing of certain drugs in your body. This could eventually lead to a higher than desired concentration of the drug, potentially causing adverse reactions. Therefore, it is important for individuals on certain medications to discuss CBD usage with their healthcare provider, to avoid negative interactions.
While these side effects might seem alarming, remember they are relatively rare and typically occur only in high-dose scenarios or in individuals with particular sensitivities. Most individuals can consume CBD without experiencing any adverse side effects, but always proceed with caution while starting a new supplement and consult with a healthcare provider, especially if you are currently taking medication or managing a chronic health condition.
With the increase in interest and usage of CBD, it is crucial to continue generating robust scientific evidence and actively communicate the potential side effects, ensuring the safe and informed use of this promising compound.
Sources:
1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31057128/,
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569602/,
3. https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/news/20180507/cbd-oil-all-the-rage-but-is-it-safe-effective#1,
4. https://www.healthline.com/health/CBD-reasons-it-doesnt-work#7.-Your-CBD-isnt-from-a-reputable-source,
5. https://considerable.com/CBD-side-effects/.
The therapeutic properties of Cannabidiol (CBD) have been widely touted; this cannabinoid obtained from Cannabis sativa has excited a lot of scientific and medical interest. People consume CBD in various ways – oils, tinctures, edibles, creams, lotions and vaping – using it for stress relief, sleep improvement, pain management, and symptoms reduction in debilitating conditions…