Cannabidiol, or CBD, has become incredibly popular in recent years. It has been given a lot of media coverage because of its many perceived benefits.
CBD has been known for being a natural remedy for numerous health conditions. It is one of the most popular natural remedies that are considered generally safe, but it is not popularly a prescription drug.
However, just like any other natural or traditional medicine, there have been reports of side effects associated with the use of CBD. Understanding the benefits and the possible risks of using cannabidiol is important to ensure that you make informed decisions about your health and well-being.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a natural compound in the cannabis sativa plant. It is one of over 100 compounds, known as cannabinoids, that can be extracted from the hemp plant. Unlike the most well-known cannabinoid, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is non-psychoactive. Users do not experience the “high” that marijuana is known to cause.
CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate bodily functions, including appetite, mood, and sleep. Research also points to it providing a promising solution to certain medical conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, and even epilepsy.
One of the reasons CBD has gained so much attention in recent years is its potential therapeutic benefits, which have been demonstrated in several clinical studies. For example, research has shown that CBD can help reduce anxiety in people with social anxiety disorder and may even be effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
CBD has also shown to have potential as an anti-inflammatory agent, which may make it useful in treating a variety of inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Some studies suggest that CBD may have neuroprotective properties that help in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.
Despite the growing body of research on CBD use, there is still much that is not fully understood about the compound, including its long-term effects and potential interactions with other medications. As such, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider before using CBD to treat any medical condition.
Regarding how to take CBD, various methods are available, including oral ingestion, inhalation, and topical application. The method of delivery may depend on the condition being treated and the individual’s personal preference.
How Did CBD Come To Be?
Dr. Ethan Russo, neurologist and cannabis researcher, says, “The earliest known mention of cannabis for medicinal purposes dates back to the Chinese Emperor Shen Nung in 2737 BCE, who used a cannabis-infused tea to treat a variety of ailments, including gout, rheumatism, and malaria. CBD was likely a component of these early cannabis preparations.”
In the Xinjiang-Uighur autonomous region of China, close to the Flaming Mountains, a well-known tourist destination, a middle-aged European-looking guy was discovered with a sizable stash of marijuana. Further testing revealed that the individual was carrying about 800 g of cannabis that had been grown and contained a high amount of 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Contrary to first impressions, this is an academic archeological study on the excavation of the grave of a 45-year-old male of high social rank who was likely a shaman and buried around 750 BC, not a thrilling news story about an adventurous tourist facing a prison sentence far from home.
The tomb belonged to the Tocharian culture, a nomadic group that was described in ancient Chinese texts as having blue eyes and fair hair and speaking a now-extinct Indo-European language. The results of the botanical and phytochemical tests showed that the marijuana wasn’t just picked up off the ground; instead, it was grown from cannabis breeds that people had chosen for their high THC concentration.
Because the male cannabis plant components are pharmacologically less psychotropic, they have been eliminated. According to Russo et al., cannabis was grown for its psychotropic qualities rather than merely as food or clothing fabric. This narrative demonstrates the long-standing relationship between people and cannabis as a psychoactive substance.
Paleobotanical investigations demonstrate that cannabis already existed approximately 11,700 years ago in Central Asia near the Altai Mountains. It was also proposed that South-East Asia may be an alternative region where cannabis was primarily domesticated.
Cannabis offered nourishment, seeds for oil, and fibers for ropes and nets. The euphoric effects of heated cannabis would have been discovered by our ancestors, and the resin generated by the unusual female plants would have been clearly recognized.
In one conceivable scenario, humans transitioned from collecting cannabis to cultivating it, and they subsequently began choosing strains based on their fiber or THC content. After the last glacial period, about 12,000 years ago, cannabis seeds traveled with nomadic peoples and were traded.
Some of the earliest documentation of cannabis use for medical purposes may be found in China, where hemp and cannabis were called Má. The discovery of the healing benefits of plants may be attributed to a mythological ruler named Shén Nóng, whose name means the Heavenly Farmer.
Because of Shén Nóng, many believed that finding out about the benefits of medical marijuana dates back two millennia. This may be an exaggeration, though, because the compendium of 365 medicinal herbs (BěnCǎo) was written during the Han dynasty (221 bc – ad 220).
During the Roman Empire, several notable figures, including Pliny the Elder, Dioscorides, and Galen, made mention of the medical use of cannabis. Pliny’s Naturalis Historia, the oldest extant encyclopedia from the Graeco-Roman world, discussed the cultivation of hemp and the medicinal benefits of cannabis in Books 19 and 20. Pliny noted the plant’s antalgic and anti-inflammatory properties and did not mention its psychoactive effects.
Dioscorides also confirmed the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis in his pharmacopeia, De Materia Medica. Galen wrote about the custom of serving small cakes containing marijuana for dessert in Italy. He noted that consuming large amounts of the seeds could create a feeling of warmth and emit a warm and toxic vapor affecting the head.
Cannabis gained acceptance in Western medicine in the later part of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Notable figures such as Queen Victoria and Empress Elisabeth of Austria used cannabis as a natural remedy for various ailments.
In 1878, J. Russel Reynolds, a highly influential British physician, became the physician-in-ordinary to Queen Victoria’s household. In 1890, he wrote about his more than 30 years of experience with cannabis in the Lancet. However, a significant obstacle to using cannabis at the time was the inability to isolate its active ingredient, THC, which was not identified until 1964. This made it difficult to make uniform plant extracts, as the amount of the therapeutic agent varied depending on the hemp’s source and growing conditions.
Cannabis was gradually displaced in medical use by other drugs in various medical indications, such as aspirin. In the 20th century, cannabis was further restricted by a series of measures in the United States, including the Marihuana Tax Act in 1937, the removal of cannabis from the American pharmacopeia, and the 1961 United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs that placed cannabis under strict control (Schedule IV) alongside heroin.
In 1970, cannabis was declared a Schedule 1 drug in the USA, effectively making research on its effects almost impossible. Psychiatrists were also wary of cannabis due to a 15-year follow-up study of 45,570 Swedish conscripts, which found that cannabis is an independent risk factor for schizophrenia.
However, an alternative explanation is that the association between cannabis use and schizophrenia might be due to a pathology of the cannabinoid system in schizophrenia patients, which is associated with both increased rates of cannabis use and an increased risk of schizophrenia, without cannabis being a causal factor for schizophrenia.
Over 100 cannabinoids have been identified from the cannabis sativa plant, but two of the most important ones are cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ 9 -THC. While CBD was discovered in marijuana in 1940, it was largely neglected because it was not psychoactive, unlike THC.
THC’s structure was identified by Raphael Mechoulam and Yechiel Gaoni in Israel in 1964, using cannabis seized by the police. Mechoulam subsequently fed the psychoactive compound to healthy volunteers and observed various psychological reactions. This discovery led to the exploration of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a novel receptor system in the body.
Researchers characterized the first cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) in rat and human brains in 1990 and isolated the first endocannabinoid, anandamide (AEA), four years later. AEA was named after the Sanskrit word for bliss, happiness, or pleasure, which was a fitting description of the effects that Scythians experienced when inhaling cannabis fumes in ancient times, as described by Herodotus. The discovery of the ECS helped to explain the long history of humans’ association with cannabis, even though anandamide is chemically distinct from the cannabinoids found in cannabis.
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is now known to consist of a small number of endocannabinoids (primarily AEA and 2-AG) and two primary cannabinoid receptors (CB1R and CB2R). CB1R is found mainly in the central nervous system and digestive organs, while CB2R is involved in regulating immunity and inflammation.
Retrograde signaling, where signaling starts in postsynaptic neurons and affects presynaptic terminals, is a unique feature of the ECS. AEA and 2-AG are produced in the postsynaptic neuron, released into the synaptic space, and then travel retrograde to the presynaptic terminal to interact with CB1Rs, leading to a decrease in neurotransmitter release.
Recent research has greatly expanded knowledge about the ECS, revealing it to be a complex and widespread brain signaling system that plays a role in affective and cognitive functions and psychotic disorders and is potentially targeted by various therapeutic compounds. The discovery of the ECS helps to explain the human fascination with cannabis, which is the only plant known to produce a potent phytocannabinoid activator of the CB1R.
While the 1961 UN Single Convention classified cannabis as being similar to heroin, it is actually a substance that belongs to the same category as commonly used substances like tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine that are consumed by people worldwide. Compared to alcohol and tobacco, cannabis may have lower levels of physical harm.
However, using marijuana during neurodevelopmental periods can lead to the development of cognitive deficits or psychosis. The discovery by Mechoulam that Δ 9 -THC, the main psychoactive component of cannabis, and the subsequent understanding of the endocannabinoid system have paved the way for a new chapter in the history of cannabis.
How is CBD Used in the United States?
CBD is legal in the United States and is currently used for various purposes. The 2018 Farm Bill is credited for legalizing the sale and production of hemp-derived CBD products as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana.
Cannabidiol products earned a whopping 5.3 billion in the United States in 2021 alone. This proves that it is one of the highest-grossing and most in-demand medicinal products today.
Dietary Supplement
CBD is available as a dietary supplement in a wide range of forms, including tinctures, capsules, gummies, and even beverages, and can be purchased online, in health food stores, and in some pharmacies. These products are often marketed as a natural way to support overall health and wellness. They may be used to promote relaxation, reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, and support joint health.
Medicine or Treatment for Various Medical Conditions
In addition to its use as a dietary supplement, CBD is also used medically in some cases. The use of Epidiolex, a CBD-based medication, is FDA approved. It is used for epilepsy, and there is ongoing research for chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Epidiolex contains a purified form of CBD and is administered as oral CBD. The medication has been shown in clinical trials to significantly reduce the frequency of seizures in children with these conditions. It is considered a promising new treatment option for those who have not responded to other treatments.
Additionally, some studies suggest that medical cannabis may contain neuroprotective properties, which could make it helpful in treating conditions like Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.
It is important to note that while medical cannabis has shown promise in treating certain medical conditions, more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and risks. It is always advisable to speak with a healthcare provider before using CBD to treat any medical condition, particularly if you are taking other medications or have underlying health issues. Additionally, it is important to only choose high-quality products from cannabidiol extracts made by reputable companies to ensure their safety and efficacy.
Creams and Balms
Other CBD products approved by the government include topical products, such as creams and balms, for localized pain relief and skin care. These products can be applied directly to the skin and are often used to soothe sore muscles and joints or to improve the appearance of the skin.
By interacting with our endocannabinoid system, topically applied CBD may help to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and promote skin health.
CBD creams and balms typically contain other ingredients that are also beneficial for the skin, such as moisturizing agents, vitamins, and essential oils. Absorbed through the pores, these products provide localized relief.
CBD creams and balms are often used to soothe sore muscles and joints, particularly after exercise or other physical activity. They may also be used to treat conditions like arthritis and fibromyalgia, which can cause chronic pain and inflammation.
CBD creams and balms may also be used to promote healthy skin. Cannabinoid compounds have active ingredients that contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Some users also report that CBD creams and balms help to improve the overall texture and appearance of their skin.
Other Products
Aside from those mentioned above, CBD also comes in other shapes and sizes, including tea, soaps, vape products, and pet products. Included in the most preferred cannabidiol products in the United States as of 2022 are lotions and flowers, according to Statista, a leading provider of consumer and market data.
CBD is legal and widely available in the United States, but it is not regulated by the FDA in the same way that pharmaceutical drugs are. This means that CBD products on the market may be available in various levels of quality and potency. This is why consumers need to do their research, choose high-quality products, and seek advice from healthcare providers.
Benefits of CBD Use
The following potential health benefits of CBD have been a constant subject of research and the go-to topic of heated discussions:
Relieve Pain
Pain experts believe that CBD has the potential to help with pain relief. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is responsible for regulating several physiological processes, including pain perception. By interacting with the ECS, CBD may help to reduce pain and inflammation.
Frontiers in Pharmacology conducted research entitled Cannabidiol Treatment in Neurotherapeutic Interventions Volume I in 2021. The research body analyzed numerous studies on the use of CBD for pain management. The review concluded that CBD might be a promising treatment for chronic pain, neuropathic pain, and inflammation.
A manuscript authored by Brooke Porter of the University of Iowa, College of Nursing, published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, suggests that it provides mild to moderate pain relief to a number of health conditions. These include fibromyalgia, cancer-related pain, neuropathic pain, and non-specified chronic pain. Since CBD is proven to have minimal psychoactive effects, it is, therefore, more recommended for older adults.
Citing a few studies, the American Cancer Society states that smoked or vaporized marijuana can help alleviate neuropathic pain caused by damaged nerves. In fact, it has been long proven that people who took marijuana extracts or CBD in clinical trials tend to need less medicine for pain. Recently, scientists claim that CBD slows the growth or causes death in specific cancer cells.
Alleviate Anxiety and Depression
Experts believe that taking the right CBD dosage has the potential to help with anxiety and depression. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is responsible for regulating a number of physiological processes, including mood and anxiety levels. By interacting with the ECS, CBD may help to regulate these processes and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
A 2019 research on cannabidiol and anxiety published in The Permanente Journal looked at the use of CBD for the treatment of anxiety and sleep disorders. The study found that CBD was well-tolerated and effective in reducing anxiety in a majority of the study participants.
Another study in 2015 analyzed numerous studies on the use of CBD for anxiety. The study concluded that CBD has the potential as a treatment for anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic, obsessive-compulsive, and post-traumatic stress disorders.
A review of how cannabidiol can help anxiety and depression revealed that CBD has fast antidepressant-like effects since it “shows large-spectrum therapeutic potential in preclinical models and humans.” The study showed that CBD use can induce fast and sustained antidepressant-like effects even after a single administration on Swiss mice.
Help with Sleep Problems
Recent studies show that CBD products have the potential to help with sleep problems. CBD is widely recognized for its calming effect on the body, which can help to promote sleep. It may also help to reduce symptoms of insomnia and other sleep disorders.
A 2019 study looked into the use of CBD for the treatment of sleep disorders. The study found that CBD was well-tolerated and effective in improving sleep in a majority of the study participants.
The Sleep Foundation states that preliminary research shows that medical cannabis may help with several sleep problems. The study concluded that CBD may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of insomnia, REM sleep behavior disorder, excessive daytime sleepiness, and other sleep disorders.
A recent Consumer Reports survey found that nearly 10% of Americans who tried CBD confirmed that CBD helped them sleep better. Similarly, a 2017 review revealed CBD’s therapeutic potential for insomnia treatment.
Ease Neuroprotective Issues
Further research shows that CBD can help with neuroprotective issues, meaning it may protect the brain and nervous system from damage and disease.
A 2018 review concluded that CBD has shown promise as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and similar neurodegenerative disorders.
Another study published found that CBD may help to protect against the toxic effects of beta-amyloid proteins, which are associated with the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
A 2017 study found that CBD may have the potential as a treatment for epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by seizures. The study found that CBD reduced the frequency and severity of seizures in a majority of the study participants.
Help with Epilepsy Treatment
Synthetic and pure CBD is recognized as a promising aid in treating epilepsy because it interacts with endocannabinoid system (ECS) that helps regulate the body’s physiological processes.
CBD’s ability to interact with brain receptors as well as its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects are said to be key in preventing seizures and protecting the brain from damage.
A 2017 University of Alabama Birmingham research found that CBD effectively reduced the frequency and severity of seizures.
Reduce Addiction Symptoms
While research is still ongoing, some experts believe that CBD may help people with addiction problems by reducing drug cravings and withdrawal symptoms, as well as decreasing the risk of relapse.
A 2019 review concluded that CBD showed promise as a treatment for addiction to opioids, cocaine, and psychostimulants. The review also suggested that CBD may have the potential as a treatment for tobacco and cannabis addiction.
The Icahn School of Medicine – Mount Sinai discovered that CBD could reduce craving and anxiety among heroin users, while also helping lower the heart rate and cortisol levels caused by abuse of the drug.
Provide Anti-inflammatory Benefits
The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD may help people with arthritis and multiple sclerosis (MS) by reducing inflammation, which causes pain and other symptoms associated with these conditions.
Arthritis, which is essentially an inflammation in the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. A 2017 study looked into the use of CBD for the treatment of arthritis in rats. The study found that CBD significantly reduced joint swelling and pain in rats.
Multiple sclerosis is a neurological disorder that causes inflammation and damage to the brain and spinal nerves causing muscle spasms, pain, and fatigue. A 2019 review analyzed numerous studies on the use of CBD for the treatment of MS. The review concluded that CBD has shown promise in animal studies as a treatment for MS-related symptoms, including inflammation and pain.
CBD may work to reduce inflammation by interacting with receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) that are involved in regulating immune function and inflammation. CBD products may also have antioxidant and neuroprotective effects, which may help to protect against inflammation and damage to the nerves.
CBD for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Mothers?
The US Food & Drug Administration confirms that there is “no comprehensive research” focusing on the effects of CBD on the fetus, the pregnant mother, or the breastfed baby.
However, certain tests proved that high CBD doses could cause issues in developing male fetuses, and that the CBD can be transferred to babies during breastfeeding. A study conducted by the American Academy of Pediatrics concluded that “THC was measurable in a majority of breast milk samples up to 6 days after maternal marijuana use.”
A Journal of the American Medical Association study also found that prenatal cannabis exposure heightened the risk of low birth weight and neonatal intensive care unit admissions.
Contaminants—such as bacteria, fungus, pesticides, and heavy metals—have also been found in some CBD products.
All things considered, it is safe to exercise caution when using products containing CBD and CBD extracts. The ACOG-American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends against the use of cannabis or any of its byproducts, including CBD, by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Women considering using CBD to manage a medical condition while pregnant or breastfeeding should discuss the potential risks and benefits with their healthcare provider.
Commonly Known CBD Side Effects
Cannabidiol (CBD) is generally considered to be a safe and well-tolerated substance with few adverse effects. However, some people may experience adverse effects when using CBD.
Here are some of the commonly reported cannabidiol side effects:
Fatigue
The body’s endocannabinoid system is a complex network of receptors, enzymes, and signaling molecules that help to regulate many physiological processes, including sleep, appetite, mood, and pain. CBD is thought to interact with the ECS by binding to certain receptors in the body, including CB1 and CB2 receptors.
One theory is that CBD may affect the body’s levels of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes sleep and suppresses arousal. Adenosine levels build up in the brain over the course of the day, promoting feelings of fatigue and sleepiness. When you go to sleep, adenosine levels naturally decrease.
CBD may increase the levels of adenosine in the brain, causing fatigue and drowsiness. This is supported by research that has found that CBD can increase the duration of deep sleep and reduce the amount of REM sleep.
The effects of CBD on sleep and wakefulness are complex and can vary depending on the dose and individual differences. Some people may experience increased alertness and wakefulness after using CBD, while others may experience fatigue or drowsiness.
If you are concerned about experiencing fatigue or other side effects from using CBD, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional. They can help you determine if CBD is safe and appropriate for you to use and can offer guidance on how to minimize any potential side effects.
Diarrhea
Cannabidiol (CBD) has been reported to cause diarrhea in some people, although the exact mechanism behind this side effect is not fully understood. There are several theories about why CBD may cause diarrhea:
- Gastrointestinal irritation: CBD can cause irritation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which can lead to diarrhea. This may be because CBD interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the gut, which can affect GI motility and cause changes in bowel movements.
- Intestinal permeability: CBD may also increase intestinal permeability, allowing more water to enter the colon and leading to diarrhea. This is supported by research that has found that CBD can increase the expression of certain genes involved in the regulation of gut permeability.
- Interaction with medications: CBD can react with certain medications, such as those that are metabolized by the liver. When taken together with these medications, CBD can increase their bioavailability and lead to increased side effects, including diarrhea.
- Dosage: The dosage of CBD may also play a role in causing diarrhea. High doses of CBD are more likely to cause side effects, including diarrhea.
Diarrhea commonly occurs as a side effect of many medications and dietary supplements, not just CBD. Most people who experience diarrhea after using CBD find that the symptom is mild and goes away on its own. However, if you experience persistent or severe diarrhea after using CBD, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional.
Changes in Appetite or Weight
CBD oil and other products have been reported to cause changes in appetite and weight in some people, although the exact mechanism behind this side effect is not fully understood.
There are several theories about why CBD may cause changes in appetite or weight:
- Interaction with the endocannabinoid system: Well-regulated appetite, metabolism, and energy balance result from CBD’s interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).
- Changes in serotonin levels: Cannabidiol CBD may affect serotonin levels in the body, which can impact one’s appetite and mood. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that regulates feelings of happiness, well-being, and appetite. Changes in serotonin levels may cause an increase or decrease in appetite, leading to changes in weight.
- Dosage: CBD dosage may affect the appetite or weight. High doses of CBD may lead to decreased appetite, while low doses may have no effect on appetite or may even increase appetite.
- Individual differences: The effects of CBD on appetite and weight may vary depending on individual differences, such as age, sex, genetics, and medical history.
Changes in appetite or weight are not always a negative side effect of CBD oils. For some people, CBD may help to regulate appetite and lead to weight loss or weight gain, depending on their individual needs.
However, if you experience persistent or severe changes in appetite or weight after using any CBD product, you need to speak with a healthcare provider. They can help you determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and offer guidance on how to manage them.
Dry Mouth
CBD products have been reported to cause dry mouth in some people. The following may be some of the reasons why CBD causes dry mouth:
- Interaction with the endocannabinoid system: CBD works alongside the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps in saliva production. One theory is that CBD may affect the ECS in a way that reduces saliva production, leading to dry mouth.
- Inhibition of salivary secretion: Cannabidiol extracts may also directly inhibit the secretion of saliva from the salivary glands. This is supported by research that has found that CBD can reduce the activity of certain ion channels in the salivary glands that are involved in the production of saliva.
- Dosage: High doses of CBD are more likely to cause side effects, including dry mouth.
- Method of administration: The method of administration may also affect the likelihood of experiencing dry mouth. For example, smoking or vaping CBD may increase the risk of dry mouth due to the heat and irritation caused by the smoke or vapor.
Many medications and supplements, not only CBD, are known to cause dry mouth. However, the symptom is often mild and goes away on their own. If the symptom persists or you experience severe dry mouth after using CBD, you need to visit your doctor to be assessed properly.
Liver Injury
Evidence suggests that CBD can cause liver injury, although this is a relatively rare side effect. Here are a few possible explanations:
- Interaction with other medications: Products with cannabis derived compounds can react with other medications that are processed by the liver, which can lead to liver damage. This is because CBD is metabolized in the liver by the same enzymes that are responsible for metabolizing many other medications. When these enzymes are busy metabolizing CBD, they may not be able to properly metabolize other medications, leading to a build-up of these drugs in the liver.
- Dosage: High doses of CBD are more likely to cause side effects, including liver damage.
- Quality of the CBD product: The quality of the CBD product may also be a factor in causing liver injury. Some CBD products may be contaminated with harmful substances, such as heavy metals or pesticides, which can damage the liver.
- Underlying medical conditions: People with underlying medical conditions, such as liver disease or a history of alcohol abuse, may be more susceptible to liver damage from CBD.
Dizziness
Some of the possible reasons why CBD can cause dizziness include:
- Drop in blood pressure: CBD may cause a considerable drop in blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness. This is because CBD has been found to have vasodilatory effects, meaning it can widen blood vessels and reduce blood pressure.
- Interaction with other medications: If you are taking a medication that also causes dizziness as a side effect, the combination of CBD and that medication may increase your risk of experiencing dizziness.
- Dosage: High doses of CBD are more likely to cause side effects, including dizziness.
- Method of administration: Smoking or vaping CBD may increase the risk of dizziness due to heat or irritation.
Changes in Mood or Behavior
CBD is generally considered to have a calming and relaxing effect on the body and mind, and many people use it to manage anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders. However, in rare cases, CBD can cause changes in mood or behavior, such as irritability, agitation, or even mood swings. There are several possible explanations for this side effect:
- Interaction with other medications: Taking a medication that affects your mood or behavior and combining it with any CBD product can increase the possibility of the medicine affecting your mood or behavior.
- Dosage: Taking high doses of CBD is highly likely to cause side effects, including changes in mood or behavior.
- Quality of the CBD product: The quality of the CBD product may also be a factor in changing your mood or behavior. This is because some CBD products may be mixed with harmful substances, such as heavy metals or pesticides, which can affect mood and behavior.
- Underlying medical conditions: People with underlying medical conditions, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, may be more susceptible to changes in mood or behavior from CBD.
It’s important to keep in mind that the adverse effects of CBD are generally mild and short-lived. Most people do not experience any effects when using CBD, and those who do typically find that the side effects are mild and go away without any medical intervention.
However, if these side effects occur or have any concerns about using CBD, you should speak with a healthcare provider right away.
In Conclusion
The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 paved the way for hemp to be removed from the federal Controlled Substances Act. This led to the legalization of CBD products (including cannabidiol extracts sold online) that come from hemp.
Remember, however, that a few states have not removed hemp from their Controlled Substances Act, which means that there are unapproved CBD products in some places in the US.
To this day, scientists are still studying and conducting randomized clinical trials about how CBD affects the body. It’s essential to note that although CBD may offer health benefits, but it is not risk-free. Stay informed on the dangers in taking any topical or oral CBD.
