CBD Oil Side Effects: Is CBD Really Safe?

Many studies have listed the countless benefits of CBD oil in treating various conditions.

Some states have even allowed its use as part of medical treatments.

Before buying CBD product, it is also essential that you know both its benefits and the possible drawbacks or side effects it can cause.

I know that your safety is also your topmost priority.

It is fairly easy to find information on the benefits of CBD oil.

However, CBD oil has some negative side effects which I will cover in this article.

Does CBD Oil Have Side Effects?

Several studies pinpoint and back the claimed benefits of CBD oil in treating various diseases and illnesses. Most of the studies have also concluded the safety of using or consuming CBD oil and the lack of side effects when used.

While all medications have their own side effects, there has yet to be any stated negative side effects in using CBD oil. But, since studies on it are still fairly new, there is also no guarantee of the continued lack of side effects in using CBD oil long term.

However, like any health supplement, the source, as well as the quality of a CBD oil product, can create a huge difference in its effects when used. Other studies suggested that, in fact, there are side effects when using CBD oil. These negative side effects mainly stem from the issues in the purity of the CBD oil.

When it comes to the CBD oil, the purity and the source matter the most. Most cases claiming that there are certain negative side effects and unpleasant experiences in using CBD oil mainly stem from using poor quality CBD oil and those with impurity issues.

Negative Side Effects of Using CBD Oil

Studies on the benefits and advantages of using CBD oil take it as generally safe and virtually free of any negative side effects. Studies have also shown that it is safe and non-toxic for both humans and animals.

It claims to not induce any sort of changes in the food intake or affect the physiological parameters of a person such as the heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature.

However, questions on the effectiveness and potential side effects of CBD oil stem from issues in its purity and source.

In such cases, there are several claimed and potential CBD oil side effects. Although I haven’t experienced these so far, I consider them as mostly minor effects. But it is necessary that you keep yourself informed before taking CBD oil.

#1 Dry Mouth

One of the most common reported side effects of this oil is the unpleasant dry sensation or having a dry feeling on the mouth. This effect on people using CBD oil seems to be caused by the participation of the endocannabinoid system in the suppression of the secretion of saliva.

A study and research on the side effects of CBD oil showed that there are cannabinoid receptors in the submandibular glands, which are the ones responsible for saliva production. When these receptors are activated, the production of saliva will then be altered that ultimately causes dryness in the mouth, which is also referred to as “cotton mouth.”

#2 Lightheadedness

One of the claimed negative side effects is lightheadedness. However, such cases in people ingesting CBD oil is rare. This effect is usually caused by consuming higher doses of CBD.

Lightheadedness when taking CBD oil is only a temporary side effect and can often be solved by drinking a cup of tea or coffee.

#3 Drowsiness

Studies on the effects of CBD oil when consumed state that a high dose of CBD oil as much as 1,500 milligrams per day can be well tolerated in humans.

However, high CBD oil doses can cause some mild but still negative side effects. Aside from lightheadedness, consuming CBD oil in high doses can also cause drowsiness.

Such a side effect rarely occurs in individuals. In most cases, CBD oil is even used as a wake-inducing agent.

#4 Low Blood Pressure

Most common problems in people who are using CBD oil, aside from issues in the products impurities, are caused by ingestion of CBD in high doses.

In addition to lightheadedness and drowsiness, taking high doses of CBD oil can also cause a slight lowering in the blood pressure. This case usually happens a few minutes after a person takes CBD oil and the CBD entering the system.

The lowering of blood pressure when taking high doses of CBD oil usually shows through several effects such as lightheadedness.

#5 Increase Tremor for Parkinson’s Disease Patients

The worsening of tremors as well as the muscle movement of people who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

However, several studies suggest that it is extremely safe for Parkinson’s disease sufferers to take CBD oil.

In most cases, CBD oil is well tolerated by such patients.

However, in rare cases that the tremor increases in Parkinson’s disease patients, the problem most probably lies on the dosage of the CBD oil.

For Parkinson’s disease patients, it would be best to consult a doctor first before taking CBD oil or start by adding this to your regimen in small doses first.

#6 Inhibition of Hepatic Drug Metabolism

Some studies on the CBD oil side effects when consumed by humans list the inhibition of hepatic drug metabolism. Negative side effects also include a decrease in the activity of the p-glycoprotein.

CBD oil can interact with a wide variety of pharmaceuticals since it can suppress the activity of some enzymes in the liver such as cytochrome P450. It is an enzyme that helps in metabolizing most of the drugs used in treating humans.

Taking high doses of CBD oil can cause the cannabinoid to neutralize the activities of the liver’s P450 enzymes. Although it can cause such effects temporarily, it can significantly alter the process of how pharmaceutical drugs are being metabolized within the body.

At times, this effect when consuming high doses of CBD is considered as a negative effect. However, there are cases when it is also considered to be a benefit, such as when the deactivation of the P450 enzymes can help CBD neutralize THC in the body.

Other claimed negative side effect of using CBD oil is getting headaches. However, such cases are a bit unusual since CBD oil is often used in treating migraines.

In other studies on the effects of using CBD oil, a handful of extremely sensitive individuals have reported having mind-altering effects or feeling mild. But, these cases are also rare. Some individuals who have used CBD oil also claim to have diarrhea and mild digestive upset after ingestion of CBD oil.

Such cases are rare, and it is suggested that these problems are actually because of the impurity of the CBD extract used or ingested.

Effects of CBD: Will It Get You High?

Among the effects, both positive and negative, of using CBD oil, giving you that kind of high like other drugs is not part of it.

CBD is a non-psychoactive compound that is often used to treat depression and anxiety in a lot of individuals. However, the compound found in marijuana or the cannabis plant that can cause the psychoactive characteristic of being “high” is THC and not CBD.

While CBD alone won’t get you “high,” it is still possible that CBD extracts might contain traces of THC. Since both of these compounds are present in the cannabis plant, THC traces can often be included in the extraction process of CBD oil.

CBD Oil Usage Restrictions

While CBD oil is generally considered safe and causes virtually no side effects, there are some restrictions in using CBD for safety.

For one, it is not recommended for those who have low blood pressure. Taking CBD oil, especially in high dosage can often cause a lowering of blood pressure, and as such, it would be detrimental for those who already have low blood pressure.

Also, taking CBD oil during pregnancy or for lactating women should be avoided. There are still no studies that guarantee safety for both mother and child when using CBD at these stages. It would be best to avoid taking CBD altogether.

Aside from various studies, there is still no concrete evidence on CBD’s negative side effects. As such, to be safe, it is always recommended to consult a medical expert before taking CBD oil especially when you are planning to take it with other medicines and supplements. It is also best to start taking CBD oil in small doses to avoid any potential side effects.

More importantly, the quality of the CBD oil should be the topmost priority when buying CBD products. Most side effects are mainly caused by issues of quality and impurity of the CBD product used.