CBD Side Effects: Yes, They Do Exist but What Are They?
CBD or cannabidiol is an understated cannabinoid found in the hemp plant. Less popular than it’s famous counterpart THC or tetrahydrocannabinol – the compound responsible for the psychoactive properties effects of cannabis, CBD offers many benefits of it’s own. While many strains of cannabis flower including Harlequin, Ringo’s Gift, Sweet and Sour Widow, Stephen Hawking Kush, ACDC, Cannatonic, Harle-Tsu, Canna-Tsu, Sour Tsunami and Pennywise are high in CBD, there are many places where prohibition laws still stand firm. So, if you are living in one of the states where CBD is legal, or full profile cannabinoid product you may want to know more about what the research says about using CBD products.
Are There Any CBD Side Effects?
Using CBD products may make you feel uneasy because you wonder, “Are there any side effects from using CBD products?” Well, while there are very few clinical trials to confirm anything about cannabidiol, there is limited information on CBD side effects. However, there are a few reported side effects in one recent review on CBD safety and side effects, published in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research.In the 2017 review, the majority of studies included participants with epilepsy and psychotic disorders. Overall, the safety profile of CBD was confirmed and the most common CBD side effects were mild, they include:
- Tiredness
- Diarrhea
- Changes of appetite
- Weight gain
Kerstin Iffland, Franjo Grotenhermen. An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2017; 2(1): 139–154.Further, it was found that the side effects of CBD showed no negative responses in these areas:
- Blood pressure
- Heart rate
- Body temperature
- Blood sugar balance
- pH levels
- Red blood cell volume
- Digestion
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What’s so Different About CBD?
Many people don’t realize that CBD is still under prohibition in many U.S. states. Making the mistake of using a CBD product illegally can cost you a hefty price. But if you are in a CBD legal state, you may not be aware the CBD products are completely different than a full-profile cannabinoid product that includes THC and THC-A – the psychoactive compounds in cannabis. In fact, since CBD products are derived from hemp, they contain only trace amounts of these cannabinoids and actually offer anti-psychoactive properties.Strains of cannabis that contain high amounts of CBD are known to counter euphoric effects of THC in the flower. This offers a more controlled, balanced effect on the endocannabinoid system by clocking the body’s CB1 receptor, preventing the binding to THC. So, you will most likely not feel any type of “high,” when using a CBD product as the effects of CBD are naturally non-psychoactive.
Taking to Your Doctor About CBD (cannabidiol)
You may worry that you cannot talk openly to your doctor about the use of CBD (cannabidiol) products. It is essential though to talk to a qualified health care practitioner if you are taking, or considering using CBD in your health regimen. While there are only a few common, mild CBD side effects, there are a range of dosages that can be used from low-potency, to a mega dose. If you are living in one of the 29 states where CBD products are legal, you can discuss the effects of any CBD or full-profile product you are using and get a proper dosage for your needs.Then together, you can eliminate any potentially harmful medications or dietary supplements that could cause negative interactions. However, if you are concerned that your regular doctor could offer a biased option talk to your cannabis doctor as they may be able to offer more information about the products you are using than even a primary care physician. Remember: You should never feel like you have to shy way from talking to your doctor about CBD products. You can! And it is the best way to avoid any potential side effects from CBD (cannabidiol).