CBD oil is known for being a remedy for a number of different medical issues. While it’s mostly non-toxic, does it have any known side effects? CBD is a natural chemical that occurs in the cannabis plant. This chemical compound is a part of the cannabinoid family, which are found both in the plant and the human body (phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids respectively). CBD has gained a lot of exposure in the last few years for being able to assist in the treatment of a number of different health conditions.

Among the actions of this compound, a few stand out: neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsant and antioxidant. CBD has been found to be a more concentrated neuro-protective compound than both Vitamin E, and Vitamin C. Research also points to its positive effects on cancer cells. If you take larger doses of CBD, you may benefit if you have dementia or schizophrenia.

There has also been some research in the diabetes area as well.

CBD Safety

Cannabis is widely known as a safe alternative medicine with almost no deaths associated with its consumption. Research has been able to name it as the least dangerous substance, especially when compared to nicotine and alcohol.

When it comes to risks surrounding cannabis use, they all fall within the category of mental illness. THC in particular, which is the psychoactive compound in cannabis, has been linked to psychiatric conditions. However, CBD a lot of the time is taken isolated from THC. It affects the body in a number of different ways, although mostly through the endocannabinoid system.

It also can interact with your serotonin receptors. Like any other substance that you may introduce into your body, CBD does come with its side effects. While these risks aren’t considered high, it is worth knowing about them so you can use CBD at your own discretion.

Side Effects of CBD Oil

A Review published in the Cannabis Research Journal in 2017 talks about the number of ways that CBD has been used in clinical trials. Most of these trials were centered around mental disorders and epilepsy. The most common side effects seen from CBD are diarrhea, fatigue, and changes in both appetite and weight.

Ultimately, these side effects could be considered minor. The authors of this particular review have said that CBD has low levels of risk compared to other drugs used to treat similar medical issues. Another review that was published in Current Drug Safety journal showed that CBD had no effect on physical symptoms including body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate.

Most of the side effects associated with CBD have only been witnessed in vitro. This means that they were isolated within a petri dish and subject to animal studies. This means that further research that includes human participants is required to get a better idea of how CBD affects the human body.

Most of the current human studies have included oral administration or inhalation, while in animal studies it was either orally administered or injected. Because the way that CBD is administered determines the levels found in the blood, there can be different outcomes depending on the procedures involved.

Liver Drug Metabolism

One particular side effect of CBD to be aware of is its effect on the liver’s ability to metabolize drugs. This is especially important when talking to patients who take other pharmaceuticals on a regular basis. This is because CBD has been found to interact with pharmaceutical drugs, affecting how they’re metabolized in the body. The enzyme that’s responsible for metabolizing the drug is found in as many as 60% of pharmaceutical drugs.

This means that CBD could potentially affect most medications on the market. Interestingly, this enzyme is also responsible for the break down of CBD in the body. When mixed with certain pharmaceuticals, the chemical reaction will in some circumstances slow down the metabolizing process, while in others will speed up the process.

If you are considering trying CBD and are currently on any pharmaceuticals, it’s vital that you consult with your healthcare professional first. While this may be a minor issue, it’s important to know how it’s going to affect the way your body metabolizes.

Movement Disorders

The International Journal of Neuroscience published a study in 2009 that gave CBD to participants who experienced dystonic movement disorders. Oral doses of CBD were given on a daily basis across a period of six weeks. Improvements in this movement disorder were visible in all patients.

However, there were some side effects that were also observed. These side effects included dry mouth, hypertension, lightheadedness, and sedation. Patients that were administered over 300mg a day experienced an increase in heart tremors.

This meant that researchers believed that CBD increased the effects of Parkinson’s in humans. In contrast to this, a study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology in 2014 found that CBD is actually capable of including the quality of life in patients suffering from Parkinson’s.

Dry Mouth

If you’ve smoked cannabis before, you’ll be familiar with the side effect of dry mouth – or cotton mouth, as it’s also known. This symptom can be quickly taken care of with a glass of juice or water. This symptom happens because CBD decreases the production of saliva in the mouth.

CBD Overdose?

When it comes to cannabinoids and questions around dosage, there have been no recorded fatalities.

In fact, large daily doses in humans have been tolerated surprisingly well. The Department of Health and Human Services says that there are no severe side effects that can be associated with the regular use of CBD in healthy patients.

Proven CBD Products

One of the keys to avoid side effects is to only use pure CBD oil.

Here are the top brands we tested.





References and Further Reading

1. Cannabis can help regulate inflammation

2. Marijuana and schizophrenia the debate continues

3. How cannabis may help treat type 2 diabetes