Are There Side Effects When Using CBD?

CBD is considered a safe, natural substance derived from hemp.  Just like with any substance, however, there are bound to be potential side effects.  While CBD is non-psychoactive and any side effects are generally mild, it's good we talk about them.  Despite the relatively mild effects, they can still happen and affect you in very noticeable ways.

As your go-to CBD brand, our aim is always complete transparency.  That means understanding what you're getting into when you snag one of our Full Spectrum CBD products.

Again, since side effects are generally mild - what do these effects look like?  We'll start by diving into some of the more common side effects before exploring some of the less common ones.  Ready?  We are, so let's jump right in!

OVERDOSING ON CBD: IS IT POSSIBLE?

First, let's get a serious question out of the way.  Can the body consume "too much" CBD?  Can you overdose from it?

In short, no - you cannot overdose on CBD.

POTENTIAL (AND COMMON) SIDE EFFECTS OF CBD

While these are the most common side effects, this list isn't extensive.  Since everyone inherently processes things, including cannabinoids, differently, you may have a unique experience.  You can, however, keep our list of side effects handy as a good rule of thumb.

DRY MOUTH

The number one culprit of adverse side effects CBD delivers is the classic dry mouth, AKA "cotton mouth."  A symptom more well-known to happen from pot, it's still a potential one for hemp products.  And while it's more likely to occur with THC rather than CBD, it can still happen.

The hemp compound may cause both your mouth and eyes to be dry, sometimes, incredibly so.  We recommend keeping water handy as a quick solution.  If you stay hydrated, thirst becomes a thing of the past!

DROWSINESS

Another common side effect is drowsiness, but with conditions.  Typically, users feel drowsy due to CBD depending on the time of day.  In fact, CBD may make users feel wakeful when taken in the morning or throughout the day.  When taken at night, however, CBD may make users feel drowsy.  This has the added bonus of helping you fall asleep easier and even rest better.

Although, the amount of cannabidiol you take at once can also play a role in drowsiness.  The higher your dose, the more likely CBD is to make you feel a little sleepy.  On the bright side, the more likely it is to also ease symptoms of various anxiety disorders that would otherwise keep you awake!  CBD is all about taking the good with the bad, so drowsiness as a side effect is mild at its very worst.

NAUSEA

Some anecdotal evidence suggests CBD can cause nausea.  Research does indicate, however, that it might actually do the opposite.  Cannabinoids, especially CBD, may help regulate nausea and vomiting.

GASTROINTESTINAL ISSUES

Depending on many variables, including your medical history, CBD may potentially cause diarrhea or other gastrointestinal distress.  This is dependent on the individual, however, and research looks at individual cases rather than a mass scale.

INTERACTIONS WITH MEDICATION

One reason it may be a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider before you incorporate CBD into your wellness routine is if you are on any existing medications.  In some cases, CBD may interact with those prescribed treatments.  Double-check with your doctor(s) that you're not taking anything that could be affected by cannabidiol.  If you're not on any existing medications, then you should be good to go!  Then again, what do we know?  We're not your medical professional or anyone's for that matter!

CBD interactions with medication does lead us into our next point: are there any drugs that might interact negatively with CBD?

Depending on the drug, CBD may render it ineffective.  Conversely, it may make the effects tied to the medication stronger.  A good example is any drug that breaks down in the body by Cytochrome P450.  CBD can block the enzyme from being able to break down drugs as it normally would.  To easily avoid interactions, simply speak with your healthcare provide ahead of time.  Drugs that might interact as side effects of CBD include:

It is worth noting that many of these interactions produce MILD effects.  In fact, some may not even require a change in your treatment.  However, do not take our word for that.  Consult with your doctor(s) should you feel the need to couple CBD with your existing medications.

INTERACTIONS WITH MEDICATION

Clinical research demonstrates that CBD can trigger other side effects, too.  Again, everyone is different, so this may not apply to you.  The severity and type vary from one person to the next.  Additional side effects may include:

• Symptoms of anxiety
• Changes in appetite
• Changes in mood
• Dizziness

PAY ATTENTION TO THE PRODUCT

It's important we mention that the product you choose certainly plays a role in the side effects you ought to experience.  For example, if you are using CBD Topicals such as our Lavender Body Lotion or the CBD Focus Essential Oil Roll-On, you're not likely to experience dry mouth as you haven't ingested anything!  On the other hand, you're more likely to experience the side effects of CBD with ingestible products such as our CBD Tinctures, CBD Gummies, or CBD Gel Capsules.

FINAL THOUGHTS

When you use the right CBD product for your needs, you might find relief from various discomforts life throws at you.  Many users experience less stress, better sleep, and improved responses to pain and overall discomforts.  Overall, it's easy to see that the potential benefits make the potential side effects of CBD more than worth it.  As a consumer, however, you deserve to know what those side effects are so you can be informed and aware of what to expect.

With this knowledge, you can make a plan with your doctor for your new CBD routine. Start incorporating hemp-derived, Full Spectrum CBD into your day-to-day wellness routine to see a noticeable difference over time.  We're excited for your journey!