It’s important to be aware of possible side effects for ALL your supplements. That includes the side effects of CBD oil.
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If you’ve been a part of the Singy’s family for some time now, you’re probably well aware of the many positive effects of CBD. Due to how CBD interacts with our bodies, it often feels like the benefits are limitless. However, we firmly believe everyone should have all the information when it comes to what they put in their bodies. That’s why we want to talk about some of the potential side effects of CBD.
These side effects are almost always very mild, and negative reactions are rare. But everyone responds to supplements differently, therefore it’s always better to be fully informed. So, here are some of the most common side effects of CBD oil.
Disclaimer
We want to be clear that we’re just talking about side effects of CBD (cannabidiol) and not necessarily any other additives that may be in your products. Less reputable companies may use harmful chemicals or additives, all of which have their own list of potential side effects.
If you’re worried about having a reaction to CBD, follow these steps for maximum caution.
- Talk to your doctor
If you’re particularly sensitive then it’s always safest to partner with a medical professional before adding any new supplements to your regimen. They can review your medical history and help you decide if CBD is the right choice for you.
- Find a trustworthy CBD brand
Only purchase CBD products from brands who are completely transparent about what’s in their products. These companies should make it easy for you to access their Certificates of Analysis (click here to learn more about these documents). Also, they shouldn’t have any problems answering your questions. If a company seems shady, steer clear!
- Be aware of what type of CBD product you’re using
Find out whether you’re using a CBD isolate, a broad-spectrum product, or a full-spectrum product. These have different compounds in them, so this allows you to avoid certain compounds if you’re sensitive to them. Read more about these differences here.
- Carefully monitor your dosage
The best rule of thumb is to “start low and go slow.” CBD shouldn’t cause a drastic change overnight, so don’t increase your dose after the first day. Give it a week or two before you increase your dose. Once you’re happy with the effects, then stick to that dose.
- If you DO have a reaction, stop using CBD and contact your doctor
Like we said before, negative reactions are rare. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t happen. If you have any sort of negative reaction to your CBD products, stop using them and talk to your doctor immediately. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Possible Side Effects of CBD
Dry mouth
This effect happens with many cannabinoids. Many refer to this phenomenon as a “cottonmouth” feeling that leaves people feeling thirsty but with only mild discomfort.
Diarrhea
This side effect is surprising because CBD actually has gastroprotective properties. This reaction most likely occurs when someone uses CBD products with lots of additives, or when they’re using a particularly high dosage of CBD. If this happens it’s recommended to stop use for 24 hours to know for sure that it’s related to CBD use. Once you resume CBD use, lower the dosage to avoid this reaction.
Fatigue
Considering that many people use CBD oil to help them sleep, this side effect isn’t all that surprising. Check to make sure that your CBD product doesn’t contain any sleep-inducing additives like melatonin. Those products are only meant to be used at bedtime. If it doesn’t contain any of that, then it’s recommended to either lower your dose or to take CBD at night.
Dizziness
CBD oil can sometimes cause a small drop in blood pressure which can cause feelings of lightheadedness or dizziness. This is usually minor, but if you already a blood pressure disorder then you should contact your doctor right away.
Weight and Appetite Changes
This side effect is complicated because people have reported both weight loss and weight gain from CBD use. Sometimes CBD use can promote feelings of hunger, but other times it promotes feelings of satiation. Everyone is different, so monitor your eating habits when you first start taking CBD.
Nausea
The majority of these reports were from people with particularly sensitive stomachs, people using extremely high doses, or using CBD on an empty stomach. If this occurs, stop using CBD until nausea subsides, and when you resume use make sure to have it with a meal and to try a lower dose.
Anxiety
This is a particular disheartening side effect considering that many use CBD to lessen anxiety. This is often associated with extremely high doses and/or sensitivities to THC. Full-spectrum CBD products contain a minuscule amount of THC (less than .03%), but for someone who is extremely sensitive to THC that could be enough to increase anxiety. If this happens, try switching to a broad-spectrum or isolate product to avoid any THC content.
Other CBD Reactions
The previous side effects seldom occur, but it’s important to be aware of them. However, you should pay special attention to the following list if you are pregnant or on certain medications.
Prescription Drug Interactions
CBD has the ability to alter the way your body processes certain medications. This is due to the way it interacts with your liver. The liver metabolizes the majority of prescription medications, and CBD may increase or decrease a particular enzyme needed to metabolize medications.
This can lead to too much OR too little of your medications being in your system. Healthline even says, “If your body is metabolizing a medication too slowly, you may have more medication in your system at one time than intended — even if you’ve stuck to your normal dose. An increased level of medication in your system could exaggerate its effects, including unwanted or harmful side effects.”
If you’re taking any prescription medications it’s important that you consult with your doctor before adding CBD to your regimen.
Pregnancy and Breast Feeding
The FDA strongly advises women who are pregnant or breastfeeding not to use any cannabis products (including CBD). They do mention, however, that “There is no comprehensive research studying the effects of CBD on the developing fetus, pregnant mother, or breastfed baby.”
The main concern seems to be surrounding potential additives in CBD products. WebMD says, “Cannabidiol products can be contaminated with other ingredients that may be harmful to the fetus or infant. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.”
Final Thoughts
We can’t stress enough that these side effects are rare, however, it’s important that everyone has access to any possible reactions they may have. We believe in the many positive benefits of CBD, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t give you the entire picture.
So, we’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, always consult your doctor before adding CBD to your regimen. CBD can greatly improve your quality of life, but using it with the direction of your primary healthcare provider ensures that you’re using it safely and responsibly.
Contact us today if you have any questions and feel free to check out our other blogs for more information on how to find and use CBD products safely and effectively.