What are the side effects of CBD?

The WHO said that “CBD is generally well-tolerated, with a good safety profile”, though we still have a lot to learn about its effects on the human body.

While most producers focus exclusively on the positives, we believe it is crucial for our customers to be well informed before they start using CBD oil – not only about the potential health benefits of CBD, but also any potential side effects that might occur.

What are the side effects of CBD, and do they concern you? You can find the answers in this article.

Summary:

- CBD (short for cannabidiol) is a popular supplement extracted from hemp (Cannabis sativa).

- CBD is safe and well-tolerated by most users, but like most dietary supplements, it might have minor side effects for some.

- People with medical conditions should consult their doctor before using CBD.

- Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid CBD altogether.

What is CBD?

Before any potential side effects, we need to make sure we all know the answer to one question – what is CBD?

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. Most CBD is extracted from hemp – a type of cannabis sativa plant known for its high CBD content.

CBD has been the talk of the town over the last few years due to its potential health benefits. Early studies show that CBD may provide support in dealing with symptoms of various health issues.

But, before we move on, it is important to mention that CBD is not a drug but a food supplement, just like magnesium, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. This means that while it can be sold and used legally, your doctor will not prescribe an over-the-counter CBD supplement to cure any of your illnesses.

Is CBD safe?

Is CBD legal?

CBD is legal in many countries around the world, including the UK, USA, Canada and the EU. But this is only true as long as it does not contain more than the allowed levels of THC (an intoxicating cannabinoid), which vary from country to country.

The UK is one of the stricter countries when it comes to how much THC is permitted in CBD supplements. This means no detectable amount of THC whatsoever is allowed in any CBD oils, making CBD isolates and broad-spectrum CBD the only legal products in the UK.

Considering that using THC might cause some side effects, this is good news.

So what’s the bad news? Not all companies respect this law equally, and any products purchased from sketchy producers might have a higher content of THC than what is written on the label.

A recent study conducted on different CBD products available in the UK found that only 38% of products contained the advertised levels of CBD. Additionally, 55% of the tested products had more THC than expected or legally allowed.

So while, in theory, CBD is legal, products purchased from an unreliable source might not be.

What are the potential benefits of CBD?

CBD for chronic pain

CBD, or cannabidiol, has garnered attention for its potential health benefits in managing chronic pain. A 2022 study suggests that CBD products interact with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating pain sensation. Research indicates that CBD oil may help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain without causing the psychoactive effects associated with THC, another compound found in cannabis sativa.

Several studies have investigated the use of CBD products for chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, neuropathic pain, and multiple sclerosis. While results are promising, more research is needed to fully understand CBD's effectiveness, optimal dosages, and long-term effects for different types of chronic pain.

Individuals considering CBD oil for chronic pain should consult with a healthcare professional to discuss potential benefits, risks, and appropriate usage.

CBD for multiple sclerosis

CBD, or cannabidiol, has emerged as a potential treatment option for managing symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is a neurological condition characterised by inflammation, damage to the myelin sheath (the protective covering of nerve fibres), and nerve cell degeneration. Common symptoms include muscle spasms, pain, and mobility issues.

Research suggests that CBD oil may offer several potential benefits for individuals with Multiple sclerosis:

- Pain Management: CBD has been studied in clinical trials for its analgesic properties and may help alleviate neuropathic pain and muscle spasms associated with Multiple sclerosis.

- Anti-inflammatory Effects: CBD oil has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, which could help reduce inflammation in the central nervous system, potentially slowing down the progression of MS and easing symptoms.

- Neuroprotective Effects: Some studies, such as a 2022 review suggest that cannabidiol CBD products may have neuroprotective effects, protecting nerve cells from damage and degeneration, which is particularly relevant in MS where nerve damage is a key feature.

- Improved Sleep: Many individuals with MS experience sleep disturbances, and CBD oil has shown promise in promoting better sleep quality, which can contribute to overall well-being and symptom management.

While research on CBD for multiple sclerosis is still in its early stages, anecdotal evidence and preliminary studies suggest that it may be a promising adjunct therapy for managing symptoms and improving quality of life for individuals with MS.

However, more robust clinical trials are needed to better understand its efficacy, optimal dosages, and long-term effects in this population. As always, individuals considering CBD for MS should consult with their healthcare provider to discuss potential benefits, risks, and appropriate usage.

Are there any potential side effects of CBD?

Does cannabidiol CBD oil make you tired? Can it lower your blood pressure? Will it impact your digestive system?

These are just a few questions you might have regarding CBD products and its potential side effects.

And while CBD oil side effects are rare, we think it’s important to address these questions and provide you with a list of potential side effects some CBD users may experience.

These uncommon CBD oil side effects include:

- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Interaction with certain medication
- Ability to cross the placenta in pregnant women
- Ability to be passed to a baby through breastfeeding
- Potential increase in liver enzymes

When used in very high doses, CBD oil can also cause additional side effects, such as:

- Decreased appetite
- Diarrhoea Increase in liver enzymes
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Rashes
- Sleeping problems Infections

Hence, we recommend speaking with your doctor who can provide advice on whether CBD oil is for you, as you may have underlying conditions that need to be checked before beginning use of CBD Oil.

What causes these CBD side effects?

Even though most of these side effects occur only after taking a very high dose, we believe it is better to be safe than sorry. For this very reason, people with pre-existing conditions should talk to their doctor, BEFORE taking cannabidiol CBD, carefully monitor their body’s response to the supplement, and stick to lower doses just to be safe. People who use certain types of medication, such as blood thinners or liver disease medication, might find that CBD products will either decrease or increase the impact of their daily medication.

Does CBD oil make you tired, even though you do not take any other medications or have any underlying health conditions? If so, then you might be using too much CBD. Adjust the dose and see if this makes your side effects go away.

Didn’t help? Then you might be using a low-quality product. It is shocking how many bad CBD oil products are available on the market. Products made of low-quality and contaminated hemp, with more THC than stated, are flooding the market.

Additionally, low-quality CBD products might contain toxic heavy metals and other unwanted ingredients that high-quality CBD oil producers make sure to remove.

Some people might have an immediate adverse reaction to such ingredients, especially if they are very sensitive and prone to allergic reactions. Others may feel fine at the beginning but then suffer from long-term effects, which could become dangerous.

 Therefore, if you have any suspicion the cannabidiol CBD oil you are using comes from a questionable source, get rid of it.

How to minimise the risk of side effects

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to minimise your chance of experiencing CBD oil side effects significantly.

First of all, only use high-quality CBD products from producers who are transparent about their testing process. Only go for products that have been independently tested, as in-house testing can’t always be trusted.

Second of all, do not take CBD oil together with any medication, and make sure to talk to your GP if you are on daily medication or have low blood pressure.

Third of all, start with a small CBD dosage, like our 5% CBD oil at Naturecan. Observe how you feel and how your body reacts, and only increase the amount of CBD oil you are taking gradually. If at some point you hit a dose that makes you feel tired, nauseous, or simply doesn’t feel right, go back to a lower dosage.

Which cannabidiol CBD is for me?

1. CBD capsules

CBD capsules are a good place to start for people new to CBD, as they are easy to take and offer a simple way to manage your dosage. Plus, they are easy and convenient to carry around, avoiding potential spillages.

To take CBD capsules, simply swallow them with some water. CBD capsules usually take 1-2 hours to work and the effects can last for 2-8 hours.

2. CBD oils

CBD oils have higher bioavailability than most other means of administration, which means that CBD enters the bloodstream faster and takes effect sooner.

To take CBD oil, administer the required number of drops under the tongue (sublingually) and hold them there for one minute before swallowing. CBD oil starts working within 15-30 mins, and its effects can last for 2-8 hours.

3. CBD balms

While CBD oils and CBD capsules work systemically to affect the whole body, CBD balms and other skincare products allow the user to target problem areas, such as sore joints or muscles, and keep CBD benefits localised to the point where they are most needed. To use CBD balms, simply apply a thin layer to the affected area 2-3 times per day. As CBD balms and creams interact directly with the skin, they can begin to take effect within 10-30 minutes. These effects can last for 2-8 hours.

4. CBD edibles

CBD snacks are a delicious and easy way to get your daily dose of CBD. Popular edibles include CBD cookies, gummies, brownies and chocolates. As they have to pass through the digestive system before entering the bloodstream, CBD edibles take longer to have an effect than other products (typically 1-2 hours). However, their effects can last for up to 8 hours, as the CBD is released slowly throughout the body.

5. CBD vape juice

CBD vapes are an effective way to absorb CBD into the body. They have the highest bioavailability of all popular routes of administration, as the CBD is absorbed directly into the bloodstream via the lungs.

CBD e-liquids can take effect within minutes; however, due to their rapid absorption, these effects are relatively short-lived (2-3 hours) when compared to CBD oils or edibles.

While vape products are seen as a reduced risk alternative for smokers, we would not encourage non-smokers to take up vaping.

Contraindications of CBD

While we have talked about it already, we believe this point to be critical, so we want to repeat it. CBD oil side effects should concern certain groups of users more than others.

You should not take cannabidiol CBD oil before talking to your doctor first if you are currently:

- On prescribed medication (such as blood thinners or hormonal replacement)
- Suffering from liver complications
- Struggling with low blood pressure
- Trying to conceive
- Pregnant or breastfeeding

If you are still worried about any other potential contraindications of cannabidiol CBD, you should speak with your GP. Your doctor can always advise you on which dietary supplements can benefit you and which ones you should avoid. All you need to do is ask.

CBD vs medical cannabis

Potential benefits of CBG

Have you heard of CBG (cannabigerol)? It’s another non-intoxicating cannabinoid derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, with some similar properties to cannabidiol CBD. However, it does not come in as much abundance as CBD oil or THC.

We know way less about this cannabinoid than we do about CBD. Still, based on what we do know, CBG might turn out to be helpful for people suffering from symptoms of inflammation, pain, anxiety, glaucoma, bladder dysfunction and neurodegenerative diseases.

It also shows some promise in supporting people with gastrointestinal conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is commonly managed with the help of a strict diet. However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of CBG.

Side effects of CBG

CBG has not been researched nearly enough for us to know what side effects to expect. So far, it seems that CBG and CBD effects are very similar and they can both be effective for different illnesses and ailments. But potential side effects can occur with smaller doses.

Takeaway

Cannabidiol CBD is popular for a reason. Many people find it to be very beneficial, if not life-changing, and can no longer imagine going back to a life without it.

While potential CBD oil side effects are rare, certain users need to be more careful about using CBD than others.

If you have any pre-existing conditions or take prescribed medication regularly, always make sure you speak to your GP before including CBD in your diet. The chances are that with slight adjustments, such as taking CBD hours before or after you take your regular medication, or just decreasing the dosage, you take your regular medication or just decreasing your dosage, you will still be able to take advantage of the benefits of CBD. But again, this is something you should discuss with your GP.

And who knows what the future holds. Perhaps cannabidiol CBD, just like vitamin D, will be available as a supplement in small doses, but as a prescribed medication in higher ones.

But until then, make yourself aware of all the potential CBD oil side effects and only purchase CBD products from reliable, trusted and competent resources.

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