Can CBD have side effects ?

The multiplication of CBD oil products (cannabidiol), and their success lead many people who would like to consume it, to question themselves about the possible side effects. In this article, we will explain everything to you, so that your consumption is without risk.

Can CBD have side effects ?


What is CBD (cannabidiol) ?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a substance produced by the hemp plant (Cannabis Sativa). It should not be confused with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which has psychotropic properties (high), and whose consumption is prohibited by law.

CBD is a legal substance since December 31, 2021, and its sale is strictly regulated. Thus, the CBD oil sold must not contain more than 0.2% THC in France, and 0.3% in Europe. Because with a quantity lower than these limits, the quantity of THC is considered negligible, and does not produce any of the psychoactive effects usually met.

The CBD as for him, is not psychotropic, and its consumption will never make you high, be reassured.

 

In what form to consume its CBD ?

The imagination of the man having no limit, it is possible to find CBD under a big number of different forms, whose way of absorption can vary. Here are the most common :

  • Sublingual route (the one we recommend): CBD oil or CBD gummies are placed under the tongue, or against the mucous membrane to promote excellent penetration of the molecule into the body
  • Oral way : CBD capsules, herbal teas or CBD bars, directly swallowed by the mouth
  • Breathing : CBD flowers smoked with or without tobacco, CBD E-liquids, all passing through the lungs
  • Transdermal route: CBD Balm, for a localized action by application on the skin.

 

At Kannabay we recommend products in the form of oil or CBD gum. The oral mucosa offers an excellent way to absorb the CBD, and to diffuse it everywhere the body will need it. Simple and easy to use, our oils allow you to know very simply the precise dose (in milligrams) of CBD to consume. You can thus adapt your consumption according to your needs.

The transdermal route is perfect to act precisely where you need it, a skin problem, joint pain, muscle pain or related to a shock, a migraine, etc.

 

What are the effects of CBD (cannabidiol) ?

The late legalization of CBD, is partly due to the existing confusion with THC. But thanks to the numerous scientific studies that have been published in recent years, the way the public and the different governments look at it has changed. Scientific studies have shown that CBD has properties :

  • Anxiolytic
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Anti-convulsive
  • Antidepressants
  • Analgesic
  • Neuroprotective
  • Promotes better sleep
  • etc.

You will find in our articles the latest scientific advances on CBD, by browsing our site.

What are the side effects of cannabidiol (CBD) ?

After listing the positive effects of CBD on the body, let's now talk about the possible side effects encountered. It is important to understand that the effects can vary from one person to another, and that few people are affected. The method of absorption can also come into play, as well as the quality of the product. This is why we invite you to follow our guide: How to choose your CBD.

CBD can indeed cause, like any other substance, more or less annoying side effects. They are often related to a bad use of the product with CBD, or to an overdose.

Here are the main side effects encountered :

  • Drowsiness : An overdose of CBD can in some people lead to some drowsiness in the consumer. It is thus important to respect the doses advised by the manufacturer.
  • Gastrointestinal problems : If CBD is known for its positive action in people suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), exceeding the recommended dose can lead to intestinal discomfort in some subjects, sometimes accompanied by diarrhea
  • A dry mouth : very present in people smoking CBD flowers, or E-liquids, it is much rarer in those consuming oil, or gum. The sensation of dry mouth (xerostomia) is a side effect depending strongly on the product used, and its way of absorption.
  • Loss of appetite : Unlike THC which strongly increases appetite and can cause cravings, CBD has a regulating effect on the feeling of hunger, by its action on ghrelin, a digestive hormone stimulating appetite. Thus a strong feeling of hunger is due to a high concentration of ghrelin. After a meal, the level of ghrelin drops again. CBD can therefore be a valuable aid for people seeking to eat less for health or aesthetic reasons. If this is your case, we remind you that it is important to have a varied diet and little processed to stay healthy. So side effect or not, we leave you alone to judge.
  • Feeling of fatigue : An overdose of CBD can cause a feeling of fatigue. Often used to improve rest, cannabidiol helps to recover physically and mentally. Studies have shown an improvement in emotional and physical fatigue after 28 days of CBD treatment. In order to avoid any feeling of fatigue, it is important to follow the recommendations for use of products containing Cannabidiol.
  • Nausea : A study published in 2012 and confirmed by another in 2013 showed that CBD has a potential in reducing nausea and vomiting of various origins. (Rock et al.). But in some very sensitive people, or in case of overdose, an unpleasant sensation in the stomach can occur, as well as feelings of nausea.

How to avoid any risk of side effects with your CBD ?

In order to reduce the risk of side effects we recommend that you do not exceed the recommended daily dose, which may vary depending on the product. You can have a progressive approach by starting with half of the recommended dose and increase it gradually over the days or weeks.

Are there any contraindications to CBD ?

People undergoing medical treatment: To avoid any interaction with your medication, please consume your CBD at a distance from them. We encourage you to seek the advice of your doctor, if you are taking medication.

  • Pregnant women : Given the lack of studies on the use of CBD during pregnancy, we recommend that you do not use it as a precautionary measure, in order to protect the mother and the child. In the future we believe that studies will be conducted to test the safety and benefits of CBD on pregnant women and their children, but in the meantime, be careful and take a 9 month break from CBD.
  • Allergic people : Allergies to hemp are extremely rare, but if you have an allergic ground you will have to proceed by stages, by applying a small quantity of CBD on the skin, and to supervise if a skin reaction occurs. If all goes well, start with a drop of cannabidiol by sublingual route, and proceed by stages.

In summary

Side effects related to CBD are extremely rare, and are mostly due to overdoses, or to pre-existing pathologies. In any case we recommend you to always follow the manufacturers' indications, but also to start with a low dose, then to increase it little by little until you reach the one indicated on the product label, and always take CBD away from drugs.