CBD: What are the side effects of cannabidiol?

Overall, cannabidiol helps soothe pain, allowing most people to relax and resolve certain problems caused by illnesses. This is why it is advisable to consume CBD following medical advice. Depending on your current medication, CBD can cause side effects.

When consuming CBD, reactions such as "side effects" can emerge. For the most part, these side effects are benign and we will see in more detail in this article the different side effects noted by CBD consumers.

Learn more about CBD

Let's start by briefly recalling what CBD is. It is essential to understand how this molecule interacts with our body and what its main effects are. Cannabidiol or CBD is a molecule coming from the cannabis plant or hemp. Some research dating back to 2014 has allowed this molecule to be put in the spotlight.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical compound (molecule). We distinguish two very well-known molecules which are THC and CBD. THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is known for its very high effects and is considered a drug above 0.2% in any product.

The difference between THC and CBD

Tetrahydrocannabinol or THC is a psychoactive molecule that has the particularity of providing soaring effects. These are the "stoned" or "high" effects of cannabis. Its consumption is prohibited in France and the legal rate in a product always remains below 0.2% THC. Cannabis varieties are cultivated with the aim of having a high level of THC. In France its consumption, marketing or cultivation is therefore formally prohibited and punishable by fines or even prison.

Conversely, CBD is now considered a molecule that has positive effects on health and can be very useful for the comfort of life of people (or patients). It can help with certain diseases and can improve the comfort of life for patients.

THC causes side effects. While the somewhat euphoric effect of THC is well known, the heavier effects that occur in the long term are sometimes neglected or ignored by consumers. This can lead to depression and anxiety attacks. Hallucinations or paranoia can also be caused by taking THC too regularly, so be very careful, especially if you consume it regularly. It is not for nothing that THC is prohibited in France.

Cannabidiol does not have the same side effects as THC at all! We will list a few of them, and you will see for yourself, they are very often benign. It is still important to list them in order to be fully informed about the side effects of CBD.

What are the side effects of CBD?

Sleep disorders

Contrary to its benefits which precisely promote falling asleep and the quality of sleep, CBD can sometimes cause insomnia or drowsiness. This has been caused by a high dose of CBD on people suffering from sleep disorders.

Decreased appetite and nausea

It has been reported that cannabidiol, in people with intolerance, can cause nausea and even vomiting as side effects. This is very rare, but it is important to point out because in general, CBD is good for the mind and body.

In some cases, CBD can cause some stomach discomfort. This is quite rare because it is specifically indicated to combat this type of problem. This is most likely due to the fact that the dose ingested by the person concerned is much too high. It will therefore be necessary to consider reducing your CBD consumption in order to no longer have these side effects (of course, if these effects occur). Also remember to check the container of your bottle, if it is a quality product, and above all, what you mix your CBD with when you consume it.

CBD is used to reduce appetite, recommended as part of diets and food rebalancing to promote weight loss. By reducing the rate of lipogenesis and stimulating proteins at the same time, this allows the body to eliminate excessive fats that are stored.

Constipation or diarrhea

As seen just above, CBD can have side effects on the digestive system and also on the stomach. This can therefore lead to diarrhea or conversely, constipation. This is very often benign, but if the problem persists, you will have to reduce or even temporarily stop your CBD consumption and consult a doctor.

Migraines

Another side effect that CBD can cause: migraines. While cannabidiol is really effective in some patients to soothe their headaches, other people do not achieve the same result.

It has been reported that CBD can cause headaches. Yes, but: the quality of the CBD consumed is very often the most likely source of this problem. It is therefore very important to check the product you are consuming in advance. Solvents added to some products can cause this problem. Many CBD products on the market incorporate solvents that can cause these side effects.

Dizziness and lightheadedness

This is a side effect of CBD that is still rare, but sometimes, this molecule can cause dizziness or even vertigo in those most sensitive to this molecule. It is important to sit or lie down if this should happen, drink water, and bring your body a little sugar in order to get back on your feet quickly.

Lower blood pressure

If you have any blood pressure issues, it is very important to consult a healthcare professional before consuming CBD. Only they will be able to give you the green light.

Sometimes CBD causes a side effect of lowering blood pressure which can lead, as mentioned above, to dizziness or lightheadedness in the worst case.

Dry mouth feeling

People who smoke illegal cannabis with high THC levels are already familiar with this dry mouth sensation, aka “the pasty feeling.”

CBD also has the side effect of causing a dry mouth sensation. This is because cannabidiol naturally reduces the secretion of saliva by the salivary glands. It is the receptors that interact with each other at the level of the endocannabinoid system that cause this.

How to avoid the side effects of CBD?

It is therefore important to discuss these side effects with your doctor if you have not already done so. He will be well placed to recommend the ideal dose for you, especially if he is the one who advised you to take CBD.

As a new CBD consumer it is recommended to start with small doses from the beginning. Just a few drops of CBD oil at fixed times over a repeated period, then increase if the expected effects are not there.

To avoid the side effects of CBD, it is also very important that you choose quality CBD products, for which no solvent is added. Also prefer CBD products from organic / ecological farming in order to preserve your health and not ingest products from conventional agriculture in which we too often find residues of fertilizers and chemicals.

The products marketed on Cali Weed come from organic farming (or respect its principles) and are all mainly French or come from neighboring countries. All this in order to be totally consistent with our values as well as those of a large number of people. We are very proud of this and are delighted that more and more people also adhere to these values. Our goal is to improve the health of consumers while preserving our planet.

The Cali Weed Team