What are the contraindications to CBD consumption?

What are the contraindications to CBD consumption?

Despite the French government's stance against the opening and sale of CBD products, CBD stores and websites are springing up all over France. An impressive number of products are offered by retailers, and it can sometimes be a little complicated, when you're a novice in this field, to select the right CBD products and the right method of consumption. It has been reported to us that, in exceptional cases, some people may experience side effects from taking CBD, and that there are also cases of contraindication to CBD consumption. Drug interactions may not be a good idea and could have the opposite effect to that originally intended, so it's very important to find out beforehand. In this article, we'll answer some of your questions about CBD and its contraindications. Enjoy your reading.

The virtues of CBD

CBD is a natural molecule that comes straight from the cannabis plant or hemp (a variety of cannabis with a low THC content for industrial use). Cannabidiol has been in use for several years and is sold in many pharmacies. At the time of writing, CBD is considered a dietary supplement, not a medicine. CBD was first put forward in the 1970s, but it's 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 research studies have proven that CBD's virtues are undeniable and very important. We can cite, for example, its neuroprotective capacity, as well as its anti-seizure, anxiolytic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory benefits. Many studies have so far been carried out on animals, but more precise results on humans are still needed for CBD to make the headway it deserves. For these reasons, it's difficult to obtain precise, concrete information on CBD and its contraindications.

However, the CBD molecule(cannabidiol) is already present in the drug Epidyolex: part of a treatment for children with severe forms of epilepsy. The second drug, Sativex, is used by patients suffering from multiple sclerosis. It contains CBD and THC. The products on sale in CBD shops are not medicines, however. You'll find CBD oil, CBD candy and CBD flowers.

Let's move on to the main topic: is it dangerous to consume CBD? Are the side effects serious?

Side effects of CBD

Unlike THC, which is considered a drug, cannabidiol is recognized as a dietary supplement. CBD and THC are both molecules present in the cannabis or hemp plant, but as you can see, they don't have the same properties.

CBD has no psychotropic effect like its cousin THC. This molecule, again CBD, does not trigger any addictive process, unlike many addictive drug treatments, not to mention the serious side effects.

You can therefore take CBD over a long period without fear of becoming dependent on it. There are no side effects that could alter your state of consciousness when you take CBD.

However, in rare cases, side-effect-type reactions have been reported after CBD consumption, and it's important to mention these. First of all, let's put things into context: CBD is not toxic to our body's cells. This molecule in no way alters our organism or physiology. Having said that, we can tell you about the side-effects of taking cannabidiol in excessive quantities or dosages:

Some consumers have told us, for example:

  • Reduced appetite
  • Headaches
  • Stomach discomfort
  • Digestive disorders
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Nausea or dry mouth

It's important to remember that all these cases are extremely rare.

Other side effects have also been reported by doctors, always when CBD is taken consistently. In the case of Epidyolex-based treatments, liver disorders, fatigue, drowsiness and even vomiting and diarrhoea can occur.

The dose recognized by researchers to avoid any danger or side effects following CBD consumption is: do not exceed 1500 mg of CBD daily. In other words, there's plenty of room for improvement!

Special case of CBD side effects

Although generally well assimilated, the cannabidiol or CBD molecule can sometimes cause side-effects in certain very specific cases, notably when too much CBD is taken. If the recommended daily intake threshold is exceeded (a maximum of 1,500 mg of CBD per day), cannabidiol can become toxic.

As yet, there have been no studies on humans, so it's hard to say. The side effects of cannabidiol often occur when the user is on medication. CBD can then interact with the latter. If you're already on medication, it's important to consult your doctor before taking CBD. If you suffer from a particular illness, there may be no contraindication to taking CBD. All you need to do is ask your doctor, so he or she can give you the go-ahead.

CBD and contraindications

There are very few contraindications when it comes to CBD. Research is still ongoing, so if you're not sure, you should consult your doctor first, or avoid taking it altogether.

Contraindications for taking CBD are rare and are listed below:

  • Allergies to additives in CBD products
  • During pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • If you are currently taking medication

It is in the aforementioned cases that the undesirable side effects of CBD can occur. If you want to take CBD as a treatment, we once again strongly recommend that you have an interview with a health professional. As a second step, it will be important for you to turn to natural products, such as those offered on our Cali Weed website. Our online store offers French products from sustainable and organic agriculture. For us, organic CBD is a logical choice for the health and well-being of consumers, as well as for the preservation of our planet.

As you may have noticed, CBD or cannabidiol is a molecule derived from hemp with very few contraindications. In just a few years, CBD has become an invaluable aid for many people suffering from chronic pain, enabling them to alleviate the pain themselves. It's a revolution in France, and indeed all over the world!

The Cali Weed team

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