Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the naturally occurring plant molecules called phytocannabinoids extracted from cannabis and hemp plants. In contrast to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a phytocannabinoid molecule found in cannabis, CBD is not psychoactive – which means it does not cause alterations in mental state, and does not affect nervous system function. Recently, research studies have demonstrated significant potential health and medicinal benefits of CBD, including its potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as its potential applications in the treatment of epilepsy, anxiety and multiple sclerosis. Although CBD is generally considered safe to use, its users should be aware of its potential side effects.
Importantly, when CBD is taken by mouth, its side effects and their severity are subject to individual variation, making them difficult to predict for each user. Some of the most commonly reported side effects of CBD include appetite reduction, diarrhea, dry mouth, tiredness, and weight changes.If you are concerned about CBD side effects and its adverse reactions, it is recommended to consult your healthcare practitioner for more information.
1. Dry mouth
CBD has been reported to cause dry mouth, also referred to as xerostomia. This may be because of its potential interactions with cannabinoid receptors present in the salivary glands, decreasing saliva production and leading to the sensation of dry mouth. Therefore, CBD users are advised to stay hydrated and get regular dental check-ups, since dry mouth can contribute to higher levels of harmful bacteria growth.
2. Low blood pressure
This is one of the most commonly reported side effects in CBD research studies. The lowering effects of CBD on blood pressure have been recognized as one of CBD’s therapeutic benefits, especially in individuals who suffer from high blood pressure. However, this effect can be dangerous for individuals who have a history of low blood pressure. In individuals who experience this side effect, the decrease in blood pressure can cause light-headedness, dizziness, and even fainting.
3. Diarrhea
Upset stomach, gastrointestinal distress, and diarrhea have been reported as side effects by participants of clinical trials using CBD to treat psychotic disorders and epilepsy. Although it is not clear why diarrhea can occur after CBD consumption, this side effect can be treated or prevented by taking over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medicine.
4. Appetite reduction
In contrast to THC, which is well known for increasing appetite, CBD has been reported to suppress appetite after its consumption. While this effect of CBD has been considered as a potential health benefit for athletes and individuals trying to control or lose weight, it can also result in unintended weight loss and caloric restriction.
5. Lightheadedness
Some people may experience dizziness and lightheadedness after consuming CBD. Although it’s not clear why this happens, scientists think it may be due to alterations in blood flow in the brain, fluctuations in brain cell signalling, activation of the autonomic nervous system and lowered blood pressure. If you experience this side effect after taking CBD, it is recommended to check your blood pressure.
FAQs
While the benefits and risks of cannabidiol, or CBD, are well known and include upsides such as pain relief and inflammation reduction and potential downsides like upset stomach or irritability, some people aren't aware of the different forms the chemical compound is available in.
Does CBD effect everyone? ›
But does CBD really have different effects on different people? The short answer is yes. From subtle differences in our body's to the specific amount of CBD a person takes, there are several factors as to why CBD affects people differently.
Can too much CBD cause vertigo? ›
Among the exposures in which CBD was the only reported substance (n=1275), the most common symptoms were mild central nervous system depression (10%), tachycardia (6%), dizziness/vertigo (5%), vomiting (5%), nausea (5%) and agitation (4%) 26 .
Are there any dangers of CBD? ›
Potential risks and harms associated with CBD use include adverse drug interactions, liver toxicity, and reproductive and developmental effects.
Is CBD good for seniors? ›
Some evidence suggests that CBD can help with conditions such as pain, arthritis, inflammation, and sleep disorders. Some of these conditions are more prevalent among older populations. For older adults who experience a condition such as this, CBD may help.
How long does CBD stay in your system? ›
CBD can stay in a person's system from hours to about a month. This depends on how much a person takes and how they take it. The half-life of CBD in the body can range from about 1 hour to up to 5 days . Half-life is how long the body takes to eliminate one-half of a substance.
Does CBD make you lose weight? ›
Many people also wonder if they can use CBD for weight loss. However, there's very little research to suggest that CBD can help with weight loss. That said, CBD might be able to help indirectly by aiding factors that can lead to weight gain, such as chronic pain and poor sleep.
Why do I feel weird after taking CBD? ›
Though it's often well-tolerated, CBD can cause side effects, such as dry mouth, diarrhea, reduced appetite, drowsiness and fatigue. CBD can also interact with other medications you're taking, such as blood thinners. Another cause for concern is the unreliability of the purity and dosage of CBD in products.
Can too much CBD make you shaky? ›
Initial studies indicated that high doses of CBD could exacerbate muscle tremors related to the condition. However, more recent studies suggest that low doses could be both safe and beneficial.
What does 200 mg of CBD feel like? ›
"Ingesting CBD is typically associated with more attentiveness, less anxiety, and less inflammatory-related pain," explains Shcharansky. "While higher doses—over 200 milligrams—have been associated with drowsiness." In other words, dosing should be determined systematically on an individual basis.
There's no evidence, for example, that CBD cures cancer. There is moderate evidence that CBD can improve sleep disorders, fibromyalgia pain, muscle spasticity related to multiple sclerosis, and anxiety. People report that oral CBD helps relieve anxiety and pain and also leads to better sleep.
What is the main benefit of CBD oil? ›
The possible benefits of CBD oil
One of the main reasons why people may take CBD is due to the potential calming effect it can have on the central nervous system. This, in turn, is linked to the idea that CBD could aid sleep, due to its ability to make some people feel calm and relaxed.
Why should you put CBD oil under your tongue? ›
holding cbd oil drops under your tongue for at least 60 seconds before swallowing allows it to bypass digestion and become rapidly absorbed directly into the bloodstream. cbd is one of many compounds that the body can absorb sublingually.
