Hemp oil is a natural dietary supplement, which is widely used for a variety of health problems and issues that plague us. But with the growing interest in its main ingredient Cannabidiol (CBD), there is also a growing demand for more information about this cannabinoid. One of the questions we are regularly asked is about the disadvantages of cannabis. In other words, what are the possible side effects of CBD? Let’s find out:
Benefits of CBD oil
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the many active cannabinoids found in industrial hemp. Combined with aromatic terpenes, these plant cannabinoids are known to have an amazing effect on our bodies. Thanks to their unique interaction with our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), it appears that cannabinoids such as CBD help regulate a variety of key processes in the body. Consequently, it is believed that in this way the effects of CBD oil can help alleviate certain physical and mental health problems. From chronic pain due to inflammation or injury, to combating anxiety and stress, and even some forms of epilepsy in children.
The list of benefits that cannabis oil can have goes on and on. Mainly due to the growing interest in the product from both consumers and scientists around the world. Because of this, we are also beginning to understand more about the potential disadvantages that cannabis oil can have. They also give us information about the possible side effects of CBD oil…
Possible side effects of CBD oil
Sure, the term “side effects” may sound a little scary at first. However, you need not worry. Taking many common vitamins, minerals and other supplements can also have some side effects. Not in the slightest because they are toxic or dangerous, but simply because they affect the body in different ways. And bearing in mind the complexity of the human body. It is recommended that you read about the possible (side effects) of a substance before you start taking it on a daily basis.
This also applies to cannabis-derived dietary supplements such as CBD oil. Because studies show that Cannabidiol has some side effects that you may – or may not – have experienced yourself:
1. Dry mouth from CBD oil
One of the most common side effects that cannabis oil can have is dry mouth. This is because Cannabinoid interacts with receptors in the mucosal tissue of the mouth, which are connected to the salivary glands. This interaction causes a temporary decrease in saliva production, resulting in dry mouth. Obviously, you don’t need to worry about that. As you will need a sip of water or juice to combat this feeling.
If the dry mouth feeling persists with the use of regular CBD oil, there are a few other things you can try. You could not consume drops of cannabis oil just under the tongue. Instead, you could try the full-spectrum water-soluble CBD product CBDactive+. This product can be mixed with water to be consumed, generally avoiding the direct interaction of available Cannabidiol with oral receptors. Consequently, the risk of dry mouth after ingestion of the cannabinoid is reduced.
Another option to avoid ingestion altogether, is to try our local CBD Patches. These allow the active ingredient to be slowly absorbed through the skin, providing long-term effect. Because the available Cannabidiol is absorbed directly through the skin, the possibility of dry mouth is minimal with the use of CBD Patches.
2. Fatigue
A less common – but nevertheless – side effect of CBD oil is fatigue. Now we should note that most CBD consumers notice the opposite: increased concentration and more balanced energy levels due to the cannabis supplement. Although there are some cases where consumers report feeling tired and fatigued due to CBD use.
If you feel fatigue during the day due to the consumption of cannabis oil, then there is a possibility that you are using too much. Try lowering your CBD dose and increasing your CBD tolerance over the course of a few weeks. Then slowly increase your dose if you believe it is necessary to achieve the desired results. Usually this tactic helps you get to the “sweet spot” and find the right amount of cannabinoids for your needs.
3. Change in appetite due to CBD
A more complicated side effect that needs to be explained is the potential impact of CBD on your appetite. As studies have shown, Cannabidiol interacts with certain parts of the brain that can affect your appetite. By stimulating receptors that deal with the hormones that regulate our mood, such as dopamine and serotonin – and the hunger stimulator Ghrelin – for example. CBD can increase or decrease your appetite. After all, mood often affects appetite.
In short, CBD can either increase or decrease your appetite. So, when you notice an adverse effect of cannabinoid on your appetite, it is recommended to reduce your daily CBD intake until it returns to normal.
4. Does CBD cause diarrhea and nausea?
Something we also hear from time to time is that CBD could cause nausea or diarrhea. However, this is not due to Cannabidiol or other active ingredients in the product. In fact, in most cases these side effects are caused by the carrier oil that the product contains. As traditional hemp oil consists of hemp extract – like CBD paste – and an oil that helps in the precise dosage and absorption of the ingredients by the body.
These oils – often hemp seed oil, olive oil or MCT oil – all have their own nutritional value. Considering that they are often full of healthy fatty acids and in some cases even vitamins. Although these oils can also irritate stomach tissue, especially in high doses. As a result, consumers may experience diarrhea or nausea due to CBD oil. When this happens, first try reducing your dosage and build up a tolerance to the ingredients. If that doesn’t help, you may be better off with products containing a different carrier oil – or no carrier oil at all. Contact us for advice if you are unsure about the product you choose.
5. Lowering blood pressure
For most people this is barely noticeable, if at all. But the cannabidiol in hemp oil can lower your blood pressure. Mainly due to the vasodilator properties of CBD. Obviously you are not going to worry about whether your blood pressure is okay. But it’s definitely something you want to discuss with your doctor if you already have low blood pressure. Also be careful when mixing CBD with other supplements to lower your blood pressure, or consider switching to CBD oil only.
6. Zali
This potential side effect of CBD oil can have three main causes. First, dizziness due to CBD oil can be caused by lower blood pressure, as explained above. However, this is not very common in people with no previous blood pressure problems. In most cases people feel dizzy from CBD oil when the dosage is too high. Ultimately, the substance interacts with signaling substances in the brain. Especially when you’re not used to Cannabidiol, a high concentration CBD oil can slightly induce such a sensation. Try lowering your dose when this happens and build it up over a few weeks until you reach the desired results.
CBD vs. pharmaceutical drugs
The last, but not least possible cause of dizziness with CBD comes from the interaction the cannabinoid may have with other drugs in the body. As we explained in this previously published article, Cannabidiol may delay the breakdown of certain drugs in the liver. Corresponding pharmaceuticals and other substances are broken down by so-called cytochrome P450 enzymes. As a result, higher levels of these substances may remain in the blood when combined with large doses of CBD. With potentially dangerous consequences in the case of heavy painkillers or certain forms of chemotherapy.
Therefore, if you are already taking medications, be sure to investigate whether these medications interact with cannabinoids like CBD in any way. If you are unsure about this, always contact your doctor for advice. Because regardless of our many years of experience, we are not doctors and can in no way give you medical advice. Although we are always willing to help you choose the right product for your personal needs.
Source: dutchnaturalhealing.com