The Potential Side Effects of CBD

Generally speaking, cannabidiol (CBD) is considered a safe substance when applied topically or taken orally. There are, however, some potential side effects to keep in mind when using this substance, the majority of which are mild.

This article discusses the most common CBD side effects and other factors you should consider before taking CBD products. It also covers some of the potential benefits CBD may offer.

Common CBD Side Effects

The most comment side effects of CBD include drowsiness, gastrointestinal issues, dry mouth, reduced appetite, nausea, and interaction with other medications. Those are outlined in greater detail below.

Drowsiness

Drowsiness and sedation are among the most common CBD side effects. This is also considered a benefit for some people, but Jas Matharu-Daley, MD, a physician and chief medical officer for a CBD brand, notes that the effects might be too strong if you’re also taking CBD with other sedating medications.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Stomach upset or other gastrointestinal problems are another common side effect of CBD and CBD-derived products.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that CBD may cause liver damage. In clinical trials on Epidiolex, a CBD-derived prescription medication used to treat seizures, was linked to an increased risk for high liver enzymes, a sign of liver damage.

Dry Mouth

Also known as “cotton mouth,” CBD can potentially cause your mouth and eyes to feel very dry. Though this side effect is more likely to occur with THC, it can happen with CBD as well.

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a common side effect of different medications and substances. The exact reasons why CBD causes this effect are not fully understood, but some research suggests that CBD's impact on the endocannabinoid system might affect how saliva is produced.

Can Interact With Other Medications

CBD might interfere with the other medications you take. While research on CBD and drug interactions is ongoing, it has been found to interact with antidepressants, opioid pain relievers, anti-epileptic drugs, alcohol, and acetaminophen.

Nausea

In some cases, those who ingest CBD supplements might experience nausea, says Dr. Matharu-Daley. This depends on how sensitive the person is to CBD, as well as the amount they ingest.

Because CBD supplements come in so many different forms—such as oils, gummies, tinctures, and vapors—the amount that’s actually absorbed can vary drastically. This, combined with each person, will ultimately affect which (if any) CBD side effects you might experience.

What Is Cannabidiol (CBD)?

CBD—the abbreviation for cannabidiol, a substance that's generally derived from the hemp plant—has skyrocketed in popularity over the last five years. In fact, according to research, "CBD" as a Google search term remained stable from 2004 to 2014 but has since ballooned by up to 605%.

CBD is one of the many chemical compounds that is found in the cannabis plant—referred to as cannabis sativa. There are two primary parts of the plant that humans use. One is THC, or Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol, and the other is CBD. Though they're from the same plant, THC and CBD are quite different from each other.

She adds, “[Another difference is that] CBD is derived from hemp and has been classified as a legal substance. Hemp has <0.3% THC. Conversely, cannabis plants such as marijuana are grown to have much higher levels of THC and are still illegal according to the FDA, although individual states vary as to their use.”

Are There Any Benefits Associated With Using CBD?

There are several reasons why someone might want to use CBD. The substance can be found in a multitude of products ranging from pain-relieving creams to edible tinctures to skincare. Research is still underway, but over the last few decades, scientists have become more aware of how CBD might be beneficial when applied topically or ingested.

“Since discovering the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the body in the 1990s, CBD has been researched more extensively. The ECS is a central regulatory system restoring normal balance and homeostasis in a range of human physiologic systems throughout the body and brain and has cannabinoid receptors and chemicals in its function,” explains Dr. Matharu-Daley.

CBD benefits include the following:

• CBD can have a positive impact on the brain. Dr. Matharu-Daley says the substance is legally prescribed in a specific medication for certain severe forms of epilepsy in children.
• It has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which is why you often see CBD in topical products such as oils, creams, and lotions.
• Some research points to CBD’s ability to relieve stress and anxiety.
• It has been used as a nausea treatment in some countries.
• CBD may potentially reduce pain symptoms.
• It has antioxidant properties, which means it can help fight off free radical damage that leads to premature aging.
• Regarding skincare, CBD may help reduce excessive oil production in those with very oily skin types.

Ultimately, the primary reasons why people use CBD is because it tends to have calming, relaxing, pain-reducing effects. It has been used to alleviate joint pain and nerve pain, reduce anxiety and stress, treat insomnia, improve migraines, and address nausea.

CBD Is Still an Unregulated Substance

It's important to point out that CBD is not regulated by the FDA and therefore dosages might not be accurate. It’s also difficult to know the appropriate dose the first time you try a new product.

She also notes that, “The CBD should be organically grown, free of pesticides and heavy metals, and not sourced in food which can affect absorption. Generally, CBD is safe and side effects are few at low doses.”

Important Considerations

CBD is technically an unregulated substance in the United States and therefore it ought to be used with caution. This is especially important for those taking additional medications and/or those with ongoing medical issues.

That said, preliminary research on CBD and its benefits are promising in relation to helping with mild to moderate health concerns and it is generally considered a safe substance. Health professionals do not consider CBD a cure-all for serious medical issues, including cancer.