CBD side effects: What you need to know

CBD, or cannabidiol, has in recent years become a popular dietary supplement thanks to its potential health benefits, which include reducing anxiety, pain, and improving sleep. Although it is generally considered safe, it is important to be aware of possible side effects that may occur when using it.

What is CBD and how does it work?

CBD is a natural compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, the main component of cannabis, it does not have psychoactive effects and does not cause the so-called "high" state.

CBD acts on the body's endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for various physiological processes, e.g., our mood, pain perception, sleep quality, and immune responses. Thanks to these properties, CBD is used to support health and alleviate various symptoms.

Most common side effects of CBD

Although CBD has great potential in the field of health, nothing is perfect. As with other dietary supplements, it is important to be aware of its side effects.

1. Fatigue and drowsiness

One of the most common side effects of CBD is fatigue or drowsiness. This effect may be more pronounced especially at higher doses. If you feel tired, it is recommended to reduce the dose or take CBD in the evening before sleep.

2. Dry mouth

CBD may reduce saliva production, which leads to a feeling of dry mouth. This effect is usually mild and can be alleviated by adequate fluid intake or chewing sugar-free gum.

3. Digestive issues

Some CBD users have experienced digestive problems, such as diarrhea, nausea, or loss of appetite. These symptoms are usually mild and temporary. In case of persistent problems, it is recommended to consult the use of CBD with a doctor.

4. Lowering blood pressure

CBD may cause a mild decrease in blood pressure, which may be beneficial for some individuals. However, for people with low blood pressure or those taking medication for high blood pressure, caution is advised. It is recommended to regularly monitor blood pressure and consult the use of CBD with a doctor.

5. Interactions with medications

CBD may affect the metabolism of certain medications, especially those metabolized in the liver. This may lead to higher or lower levels of these drugs in the blood, i.e., combining CBD with these medications may affect their effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects. It is important to inform your doctor about CBD use, especially if you are taking blood thinners, antiepileptic drugs, or immunosuppressants.

Less common and long-term effects

Although CBD side effects are generally rare and mild, there are also less common or long-term effects to watch out for:

• Liver damage: Some studies suggest that long-term use of high doses of CBD may lead to liver damage. It is important to regularly monitor liver function during long-term CBD use.

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The safety of using CBD during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been sufficiently studied. It is recommended to avoid CBD use during these periods unless absolutely necessary and under medical supervision.

• Children and adolescents: The use of CBD in children and adolescents should only be carried out under medical supervision, mainly due to possible interactions with the developing brain.

Who should not use CBD?

Although CBD is generally safe, there are groups of people who should consult its use with a doctor or avoid it:

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women – risks have not been sufficiently studied.
• Children and adolescents – especially due to possible effects on brain development.
• People with liver disease – high doses may affect its function.
• Patients taking blood thinners, antiepileptic drugs, or immunosuppressants – due to possible interactions.
• People with low blood pressure – CBD may slightly lower blood pressure.

CBD and addiction

Addiction is often a discussed topic, especially in the world of cannabis. However, with CBD we can say with a clear conscience that CBD is not considered an addictive substance. Unlike THC, it has no psychoactive effects and does not cause the typical “cravings” for repeated use.

Moreover, according to studies:

• CBD does not create physical or psychological dependence.
• It does not cause a “high” effect, so its use is not associated with addictive behavior.
• Some studies even suggest that CBD may help people quit certain addictive substances, such as tobacco or opioids.

Therefore, CBD is safe in terms of addiction, but it is still advisable to monitor dosage and regularity of use.

Recommendations for safe CBD use

• Dosage: Start with a low dose and gradually increase it to find out how your body reacts to CBD.

• Product quality: Make sure that CBD-containing products come from reputable manufacturers and have quality certificates.

• Monitoring effects: Regularly monitor your health and in case of adverse effects, stop using CBD and seek medical advice.

• Consultation with a doctor: Before starting to use CBD, it is recommended to consult a doctor, especially if you are taking other medications or have health problems.

Conclusion

CBD is generally considered a safe dietary supplement with minimal side effects. Nevertheless, it is important to be informed about possible risks and consult the use of CBD with a professional, especially if you have health problems or take other medications. This way, you can benefit from the potential advantages of CBD while minimizing risks.