There’s a common misconception that CBD has no side-effects, and you can’t actually take too much of it. This is untrue, as anything in copious amounts has a side-effect, even oxygen. CBD is certainly no different, and while its side-effects are generally mild and not dangerous to your health or well-being, it’s still important to know and understand them.
Let’s take a closer look at seven common side-effects that come with taking CBD on a regular basis or taking too much CBD in a short period of time. Each of these side-effects can occur from taking CBD oils, gummies, or other edibles and aren’t limited only to ingesting CBD products.
CBD oils’ benefits far outweigh its setbacks, but having a complete spectrum of knowledge about the compound makes for more conscious purchasing decisions. Let’s dive into the seven most common CBD side-effects!
In this article
1. Dry Mouth
Among the mildest of CBD side-effects is dry mouth. This is usually just uncomfortable and doesn’t cause any major issues. Why does CBD cause dry mouth, anyway? CBD is a cannabinoid, which interacts with our body’s endocannabinoid system in a very specific way. These receptors are activated when cannabinoids like CBD are introduced to the body, affecting specific bodily functions.
One function that seems to be affected by CBD use is the production of saliva. The submandibular glands are responsible for controlling saliva production, and it’s widely believed that certain cannabinoids bind to cannabinoid receptors on these glands, causing an interruption in the production of saliva.
Health Effects: So, what does dry mouth do to your health? It will make your mouth feel like it’s full of sand, and cause you to want something to drink. Other than that, there’s no real harm to speak of from getting dry mouth from CBD.
2. Fatigue
There’s a myth floating around the CBD space that it will automatically make you tired when you take it. According to Penguin CBD, while fatigue is certainly a possible side-effect, CBD doesn’t actually make everyone who takes it tired, and fatigue usually occurs when a user takes too much CBD.
CBD is often used as a pre-bedtime supplement, so it must have properties that make you tired, right? The short answer is no. According to urbanmatter, CBD is a relaxant, helping to reduce anxiety, muscle soreness and pain, inflammation, and improve focus.. When you feel relaxed, it’s much easier to ease into sleep than when you’re stressed out and tense.
However, there are some cases where taking CBD simply makes the user more tired. This side-effect is generally rare, but something worth considering.
Health Effects: So, how bad is fatigue, anyway? Fatigue can make you feel sleepy in the middle of the day, unmotivated to perform regular tasks, or more stressed out than usual (since you don’t have the energy to handle your stressors). If you experience fatigue from using CBD, try lowering your dose or frequency of your doses.
3. Decreased Appetite
This symptom usually occurs within the first few weeks of taking CBD products, as your body adjusts to your dosage and the new chemical compound you’ve introduced it to. CBD affects the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in appetite management and body weight, so it’s no surprise that taking CBD for the first time can disrupt eating habits.
You may find that food simply doesn’t sound appetizing, or you just aren’t hungry. Either way, you’ll likely end up eating less than before, at least for the first couple weeks after your first dose. Continue your doses as normal, and everything should stabilize within 3-4 weeks of regular dosing.
Health Effects: Decreased appetite sounds terrible, but it’s actually quite mild. Eating less might mean you lose a few pounds of body fat, but if you find yourself eating almost nothing (which is unlikely), then it can become a problem. Generally, appetite loss is mild and only lasts for 1-2 weeks with regular dosing.
4. Stigma
This isn’t exactly a physiological side-effect of taking CBD, but it is something you may encounter from your peers when you begin taking it as a health supplement. The stigma around CBD still exists, unfortunately, even with the mountain of evidence that supports CBD’s uses.
Since hemp, from which CBD is derived, is a strain of Cannabis, there seems to be some confusion about its relationship to THC and marijuana. If you encounter this sort of stigma from using CBD, the remedy is simple: education.
Direct your peers to educational resources on CBD and its origins, or take the time to explain it yourself. You might find that they’re eager to listen and simply didn’t know what CBD was. They might even want to give it a try!
5. Diarrhea
This is perhaps the most unpleasant CBD side-effect, but it’s hardly life-threatening (as long as you’re staying hydrated). There are several digestive issues that users have reported from taking CBD, and diarrhea is one of the most common.
Health Effects: How does diarrhoea affect your health? Besides being incredibly uncomfortable, it’s a quick way to lose fluids. If you’re having diarrhoea while taking CBD, be sure to stay hydrated and monitor your digestive cycle. If the diarrhoea doesn’t improve, consult your doctor or lower your CBD dose.
6. Nausea
Nausea is that sickening feeling like you’re going to throw up. It can also make you feel dizzy or disoriented under certain conditions. Being nauseous isn’t a comfortable feeling, but it’s also not exactly dangerous or life-threatening.
It might make eating difficult since you’ll feel sick to your stomach. This is also a symptom that seems to dissipate after a few weeks of regular dosing.
Health Effects: Nausea will make you feel sick to your stomach and could cause you to not want to eat.
7. Blood Pressure
CBD has actually been shown to reduce blood pressure, acting as a vasodilator and keeping blood vessels open. This can be potentially beneficial for someone who has high blood pressure, but if you’re at normal or low blood pressure, it’s not a desirable side-effect.
Studies have shown that higher doses of CBD cause a slight drop in blood pressure, so taking a normal dose shouldn’t affect it. However, if you’re already on blood pressure medication, experts recommend not taking CBD until you’ve consulted with your doctor.
Health Effects: Low blood pressure can cause light-headedness and drowsiness. If you experience these symptoms, consult with your doctor.