CBD (cannabidiol) is a natural compound found in Cannabis sativa L. Hundreds of studies have reported benefits and relief for conditions including anxiety, seizures, nausea and pain. Hemp-derived CBD products containing 0.3% THC or less do not produce a psychoactive effect or mood change in users.
With its diverse health benefits and lack of THC-like psychoactive effects, CBD is becoming an increasingly popular alternative for people seeking natural living and treatment.
Research generally suggests that CBD's side effects are minimal and very rare. Of course, many studies involved animals rather than humans, whose physiology differs. Nevertheless, research so far indicates that the human body tolerates CBD well even at doses of 1,500 mg/day and above.
Research into CBD is promising for people with various conditions, and it is promoted almost as a miracle medicine. But are there disadvantages? What adverse effects can CBD have? This article discusses its potential side effects and risk factors.
CBD's side effects
Although CBD side effects are rare, the most frequently reported ones are:
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Dry mouth
- Low blood pressure
Whether you experience side effects can depend on how much CBD you take, your age, weight, health conditions, other medicines and environmental factors. Again, these effects are rare, and experiencing one once does not mean it will necessarily recur every time you consume CBD. More significantly, the research discussed here had not observed severe adverse effects disrupting blood pressure, body temperature or heart rhythm. This is one major reason scientific researchers and health professionals favor CBD.
Who should avoid CBD?
Although CBD generally has a safe profile, doctors warn certain groups against consuming it. Potentially at-risk individuals include pregnant and breastfeeding women, prescription medicine users in particular, and children.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women
Researchers tend to avoid including pregnant and breastfeeding women in clinical trials to prevent harmful outcomes for mothers or babies. Unfortunately, too few CBD studies exist for medical professionals to make recommendations for this group. In addition, research described by the American Academy of Pediatrics indicated that CBD could increase placental barrier permeability, potentially putting the fetus at risk.
People receiving other drug treatments
Negative side effects are generally reported among patients who take CBD with other medicines. They are typically due to interactions between CBD and the other drug rather than CBD alone.
Like grapefruit, CBD can occupy enzymes, cytochrome P450, that the body uses to process particular drugs. Taking CBD alongside these drugs can raise or lower their levels in the bloodstream and create a health risk. If you take prescription drugs carrying a grapefruit warning, such as antiepileptics, HIV antivirals or chemotherapy, we recommend speaking to a medical professional before adding CBD to your routine. Your doctor can explain potential interactions and advise on an appropriate dose.
Children
Although medical CBD and FDA-approved Epidiolex are used for severe forms of pediatric epilepsy, CBD's safety in children has not been tested extensively. Children should always see a pediatrician and receive professional advice before consuming CBD.
Points to consider for safe CBD use
Many people have experienced no CBD side effects or very few. However, there are criteria to consider to ensure the products you plan to use are safe.
1. Review your product's ingredients
Because CBD was not regulated by the FDA and other relevant health authorities at the time of this report, the ingredients and labels of many products on the market did not accurately reflect their contents. Malicious or uninformed manufacturers could exploit gaps in regulation and take a casual approach to ingredients and labeling.
A 2017 study examining 84 products sold online found only 30% accurately labeled. CBD concentrations and percentages were particularly inaccurate. Worse, more than 20% contained THC when none should have been present, or more THC than stated. This is concerning for people avoiding THC's effects or living where recreational cannabis is illegal.
2. Avoid synthetic CBD sold on the consumer market
Make sure consumer products contain pure, plant-derived CBD. Uncontrolled laboratory production of synthetic CBD is likely to introduce dangerous ingredients. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a report about patients experiencing serious effects, including seizures, hallucinations and loss of consciousness, linked to synthetic CBD products in 2017–2018.
3. Use CBD products made from industrial hemp
CBD can come from industrial hemp or Indian cannabis. Hemp-derived products contain 0.3% THC or less, while CBD products made from Indian cannabis may contain up to 40% THC. This is important if you wish to avoid THC's effects or legal problems where you live.
4. Check manufacturer and consumer reviews online
Dissatisfied customers are likely to describe their experiences and negative side effects. Choose manufacturers whose websites feature clear, transparent reviews, both positive and negative. In particular, you may want to see analysis reports for CBD products from independent or accredited laboratories.
5. Speak to your doctor
Always speak to your doctor before consuming CBD products, especially if receiving drug treatment. As noted earlier, taking CBD alongside regular medication can pose a health risk.
6. Start with the lowest dose
The article's general rule is to select a CBD dose according to body weight, 1–6 mg per 10 kg. It recommends starting at the lowest dose and increasing slowly until the intended benefit is felt.
You can also follow the product manufacturer's recommended consumption amounts. However, how long and to what extent CBD works depends on several criteria. Click to read our article explaining this in detail.
Wishing you good health.
