What are the contraindications to using CBD?
The benefits of CBD
CBD is a natural molecule that comes straight from the cannabis plant or from hemp (a variety of cannabis with a low THC content, used for industrial purposes). Cannabidiol has already been used for several years and is sold in many pharmacies. At the time of writing, CBD is classed as a food supplement and not as a medicine. CBD first came to attention in the 1970s, but it is only in the last ten years or so that this molecule, cannabidiol, has been the subject of numerous studies and research for therapeutic purposes.
Numerous studies have been able to show that the benefits of CBD are undeniable and very significant. Examples include its neuroprotective capacity, as well as its anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory benefits. Many of the studies carried out so far have been on animals, and more precise results in humans are still lacking before firm conclusions can be drawn and before CBD can make the leap forward it deserves. This is why it is difficult to obtain precise, concrete information about CBD and its contraindications.
However, the CBD molecule (cannabidiol) is already present in the medicine Epidyolex, which forms part of a treatment for children with severe forms of epilepsy. The second medicine is Sativex, which is taken by patients with multiple sclerosis. It contains CBD as well as THC. The products sold in CBD shops are not medicines, however. You will find CBD oil, CBD sweets and CBD flowers.
Let's get to the main question: is it dangerous to consume CBD? Are the side effects serious?
Side effects of CBD
We can note that, unlike THC, which is considered a drug, cannabidiol is recognised as a food supplement. CBD and THC are both molecules found in the cannabis or hemp plant, but as you will have gathered, they do not share the same properties at all.
CBD does not produce a psychotropic effect like its cousin THC. This molecule, CBD, does not trigger any process of dependence, unlike many medicinal treatments that create addiction, not to mention serious side effects.
You can therefore take CBD over a long period without fearing that you will become dependent on it. Under no circumstances are there side effects capable of altering your state of consciousness when you consume CBD.
However, in rare cases, reactions of the side-effect type have been observed after taking CBD, and it is important to mention them. Before doing so, let's put things in context: it is important to understand that CBD has no toxicity for the cells of our body. This molecule does not alter our organism or our physiology in any way. That said, here are the side effects that have been observed when cannabidiol is taken in excessive quantities or at excessively high doses:
Some consumers have reported, for example:
- Reduced appetite
- Cephalalgia (headaches)
- Feelings of stomach discomfort
- Digestive problems
- Vertigo or feelings of dizziness
- Nausea or a dry mouth
All of these cases are, of course, extremely rare, and it is important to point this out.
Doctors have also observed other side effects, again when large amounts of CBD are taken. In the case of Epidyolex-based treatment, liver problems, fatigue, drowsiness and even vomiting and diarrhoea may occur.
The dose recognised by researchers to avoid any danger or side effect from consuming CBD is: do not exceed 1500 mg of CBD per day. That leaves plenty of margin!
Special cases of CBD side effects
Generally well tolerated, the cannabidiol or CBD molecule can sometimes cause side effects in certain specific cases, particularly when CBD is taken at too high a dose. Once the recommended maximum daily threshold (1500 mg of CBD per day maximum) is exceeded, cannabidiol can then become toxic, in a sense.
For the moment, no studies have yet been carried out on humans, so it is difficult to say for certain. Side effects of cannabidiol often occur when the consumer is undergoing drug treatment. CBD may then interact with that treatment. It is therefore very important, even essential, to consult your doctor before taking CBD if you are already undergoing treatment. If you have a particular illness, there may be no contraindication to consuming CBD. Simply ask your doctor so that they can give you their approval or not.
CBD and contraindications
There are very few contraindications when it comes to CBD. Research is still ongoing, which is why people who are unsure are advised to consult their doctor beforehand or simply not to consume it at all.
Cases where taking CBD is contraindicated are rare; here is the list:
- Allergies to the additives found in CBD-based products
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding
- When undergoing ongoing drug treatment
It is in the cases mentioned above that undesirable side effects of CBD may occur. If you wish to take CBD as a treatment, we once again strongly recommend that you speak with a healthcare professional. Secondly, it will be important for you to choose natural products, such as those available on our website Cali Weed. Our online shop offers French products from sustainable, organic farming. For us, organic CBD is the logical choice for the well-being and health of consumers, as well as for the preservation of our planet.
As you have seen, CBD or cannabidiol is a molecule derived from hemp with very few contraindications. In just a few years, CBD has become a valuable aid for many people suffering from chronic pain, enabling them to ease that pain. It is a revolution in France and indeed all over the world!
The Cali Weed team