The Potential Side Effects of CBD Oil

Despite CBD’s overwhelming popularity, there remains a lack of regulation in the market. As a result, lots of people are concerned about its safety. Fortunately, CBD oil has an excellent safety profile, according to the World Health Organization.

Nevertheless, users should be aware of some CBD oil side effects. Most consumable compounds have some potential side effects, but fortunately, CBD’s negative impacts are mainly mild.

Prospective users typically want to know things like: ‘can CBD oil cause diarrhea?’ Let’s find out.

CBD Has Some Mild Side Effects

Most of CBD’s adverse effects are very mild and will not affect the average individual too much.

Common side effects include cottonmouth, which refers to a feeling of dry mouth. This symptom is common with all kinds of cannabis use, and it occurs because the endocannabinoid system can impact salivary secretion. In other words, when cannabinoids interact with the body, they can stop the mouth from producing as much saliva.

Luckily, users can combat dry mouth with a glass of water.

Some side effects may be slightly more concerning, such as:

• Diarrhea: Although not usually serious, prolonged cases of diarrhea can lead to dehydration. If you experience this side effect, make sure you stay hydrated and stop using CBD if it continues.
• Fatigue and drowsiness: Again, these symptoms are not serious in their own right. However, individuals who experience drowsiness after using CBD should not operate heavy machinery, which can put them in danger.
• Lowered blood pressure: One 2017 study found that a single dose of CBD could reduce blood pressure in healthy volunteers. A slight drop in blood pressure is nothing to worry about in most people. However, if you have low pressure, this could be a severe consequence; check with your doctor before using CBD.

The above side effects are relatively common among CBD users, though most cease after a few days. Those experiencing prolonged symptoms, or those at elevated risk from these side effects, should stop using CBD immediately.

Some People Should Avoid CBD Altogether

Although the majority of CBD oil side effects are mild, there are some that may be more serious.

CBD could potentially interact with other medications, particularly blood-thinners like Warfarin and some anti-seizure medications. Cannabidiol can affect specific liver enzymes, preventing drugs from being metabolized as usual. As a result, it can lead to higher quantities of the drug remaining in the system than necessary. In some instances, this can be fatal.

It’s advised to follow the grapefruit test. If your medication prevents you from eating grapefruit, then you should also avoid CBD.

Some studies have reported instances of liver damage after using very high quantities of CBD. However, the amounts used in research settings far exceed those that most people use, so this isn’t something to worry about too much.

But those taking medications or individuals with liver issues should always consult a healthcare professional before using CBD.

Finally, pregnant and breastfeeding parents should also avoid CBD. There are not many studies on using CBD or other cannabinoids during nursing, so it’s best to avoid using hemp-based products in these instances.

Is It Still Worth Using CBD?

For most people, the purported benefits of using CBD far outweigh the risks. After all, in healthy individuals, CBD tends to have very few side effects. Many people don’t experience unwanted side effects at all. Meanwhile, it can be an excellent supplement to promote overall health and wellbeing.

Even some people with chronic conditions can safely use CBD. If you are using prescribed medications, it’s recommended to consult a doctor before using any over-the-counter supplements, including CBD. That said, in most cases, it’s fine to do so.

As mentioned above, though, there are some groups of people who should avoid CBD. This includes pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, those with liver complications, and people taking certain types of medication.

In healthy people, it still seems worth it to use CBD. Side effects are unlikely unless you use very high doses, which is not advised for your health nor your wallet! The best way to avoid side effects is to shop with a high-quality brand that uses top-notch ingredients and publishes lab reports for its items.

Doing so helps ensure that you have a pleasant, side-effect-free experience with CBD.

Read Also: How to Decide Between CBD Brands