Over the last decade, CBD became the center of the conversation in the medical world and among the general public.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive component found in marijuana; in other words, unlike THC, CBD does not produce the euphoric “high”, but rather provides healthy and therapeutic substances to the human body.
Not only has CBD showcased its popularity among the general population, but also within the United States government. In 2018, the American government enacted the Farm Bill, which legalized hemp products and derivatives, as well as indirectly decriminalized CBD.
Afterward, the FDA approved Epidiolex, which is a drug containing CBD and can aid specifically children experiencing seizures and pediatric epilepsy.
This particular drug is welcomed by the public so much so that the TSA only weeks ago changed its policy and allowed CBD oils on board in either carry-on or checked luggage.
The agency claimed that Epidiolex is the main reason behind the new regulation, as it helps children and parents travel safely and calmly.
With this widespread acceptance from different sectors of society, CBD is becoming more researched on its effects on the human body.
Like any other substance, CBD has very distinctive side effects.
Here are the top 5 CBD oil side effects:
1) Anxiety/Paranoia
The likelihood of having elevated levels of anxiety when using CBD is higher when the substance contains more THC, which is the psychoactive element of marijuana.
According to Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders affect more than 18% of the United States population each year, making anxiety the most common illness in the country.
In fact, a survey conducted in 2018 found that approximately 62% of cannabidiol users utilized CBD to treat a diagnosed medical condition, including depression, chronic pain, and anxiety.
Many studies have been done where CBD shows promise in treating a variety of anxiety disorders, such as PTSD, OCD, and social anxiety disorders, but all researchers advise people to take a low dosage of the substance.
While the reports have tested people with low amounts of CBD, higher doses have not been administered and tested and should be avoided.
2) Nausea and Vomiting
General sickness is a very common side effect of CBD oil. Vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms of the digestive system can be expected when using cannabidiol.
This is often the case when using an unregulated supplement, as well as the lack of standard dosing and measurements of CBD. With that in mind, a person can easily take too much for their bodies to handle.
All in all, the only remedy for an upset stomach or any other digestive issue is waiting for the body to flush the substance out of the system eventually.
3) Drowsiness and Tiredness
CBD is well-known for causing fatigue and a sense of exhaustion. On some level, the cannabidiol actually provides a feeling of relaxation to the point of tiredness.
Utilizing this side effect to their advantage, doctors have been prescribing CBD oil as a treatment for serious sleep disorders.
Due to the relaxation feature of CBD, people, with or without sleep disorders, tend to have better sleep when using the substance.
While the popular belief is that the drowsiness effect will carry on the next day similar to a hangover, that theory is false; in fact, CBD helps people focus and be alert for the next day.
All that needs to be done is to submerge into the tiredness and go to sleep in order to allow CBD to calm a person’s mind; therefore, the alertness and focus is right there the next morning.
Although tiredness can seem like a negative side effect of CBD from time to time, its long-term effects are quite beneficial and soothing.
4) Change in Appetite
People experience either a loss of appetite or the “munchies”; however, the majority of cannabis users experience the latter due to THC, which boosts appetite, rather than CBD, which suppresses appetite.
Yet again, doctors and people, in general, utilize this side effect to their advantage. In order to control weight, cancer patients may rely on CBD oil to control nausea, vomiting, and a loss of appetite.
Multiple studies present both sides – either a boost or suppression of appetite – of the story.
A study using an animal model discovered a significant loss in body weight and gain in metabolism boost specifically when utilizing a higher dose of CBD oil.
On the other hand, a different report showcased the opposite – an increase in appetite and eventual weight gain.
In a recent review, out of 2,409 cannabidiol users that were tested, 6.35% experienced increased hunger as a side effect.
During a study exploring the correlation between epilepsy and CBD, researchers found that along with helping epileptic children with their illness, the oil increased their hunger by 30%.
Whether it is beneficial for a medical purpose or not, change in appetite is a highly likely side effect when using CBD oil.
5) Dry Mouth
Another popular side effect is dry mouth. Although scientists are not sure yet why that occurs, dry mouth is a pretty widespread side effect of CBD oil.
However, a study conducted in 2006 showcased that the ECS, or the endocannabinoid system, receptors called CB1 and CB2 are not only present in the human glands but also responsible for saliva production in the body. Once these receptors are activated through CBD oil, for example, saliva production halts, leading to dry mouth.
All in all, dry mouth may be a common side effect when using CBD oil, but it is a mere mild discomfort that goes away in time.
Even though these are some of the typical side effects of CBD, there should still be caution and responsibility when using cannabidiols.
For example, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) published a report that advised pregnant women and nursing mothers to not inhale or use in general cannabis due to the possible adverse developmental issues to their baby.
While these side effects do not seem too harmful, one fact remains true: if a person is considering using marijuana medicinally or recreationally, they must discuss the matter with their doctor.
