Batch: CBD Side Effects
CBD sounds pretty swell, but there’s got to be a catch, right?
By now, several studies have explored the potential side effects of cannabidiol (CBD), and here’s what they’ve found…
Drum roll please…
Side effects are generally mild and uncommon!
CBD side effects can include:
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Low blood pressure
- Changes in weight
- Dry mouth
- Changes in appetite
However, the study’s authors admit that we still need more human trials before we can say if there are any long-term side effects.
At the same time, certain medications may conflict with CBD.
And of course, if you’ve got a bun in the oven or are breastfeeding, most experts recommend avoiding it.
Not to worry, though, this recommendation is pretty common in the supplement world.
So far, though, even frequent CBD use is generally well-tolerated.
Here’s a closer look at the possible side effects of CBD:
What Is CBD?
CBD is a compound found in hemp and cannabis plants that’s responsible for therapeutic benefits like:
- Reduces inflammation
- Calms anxiety
- Relieves pain
- Shrinks cancer cells
- Promotes sleep
There’s even a prescription CBD medication called Epidiolex that’s used to treat epilepsy!
The bottom line is, CBD has broad health effects and more are being discovered every day.
Will CBD Get You High?
No sir-ey, CBD will not get you high.
Although it may reduce anxiety, CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t have any intoxicating effects.
When you take CBD, you can still drive a car, juggle bowling pins, change diapers, and do everything in between.
However, some CBD products do contain small amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to help with absorption, which may cause you to fail a drug test at high doses.
But Batch CBD (thank heavens) is made entirely from hemp, which contains less than 0.3% THC.
By the time it’s fully processed, there isn’t anywhere near enough THC to get you high or to cause you to fail a drug test, so you’ll always be clean as a jellybean!
CBD Side Effects Can Vary
CBD side effects can vary depending on certain factors, and many of them may be out of your control.
Some of the factors that can influence CBD side effects include:
- Dosing
- Method of administration
- Gut health
- Fat consumption
- Genetics
The fact is, some people don’t utilize CBD as well as others.
Genetics can play a big role, but scientists still have a lot to learn about CBD so it remains a mystery.
However, we do know that CBD is fat-soluble, and studies show that taking it with coconut oil may help your body absorb it.
The Best Way to Take CBD to Reduce Side Effects
How you take CBD affects the risk for side effects.
For example, ingesting CBD is more likely to cause nausea.
The gut doesn’t absorb CBD very well anyway, so if you want to minimize side effects and maximize absorption, sublingual CBD tinctures are your best bet.
Tinctures come in an easy-to-use dropper.
All you have to do is place a few drops under your tongue, hold it there for at least 30-45 seconds before swallowing, and voila! You’re dosed!
So why do CBD tinctures work so well?
Instead of having to pass through the digestive system, they’re absorbed directly into the bloodstream for fast-acting relief.
Possible Drug Interactions
Are you taking prescription medications?
If so, CBD might interfere with them.
This can be risky because it can limit effectiveness, cause complications, or both.
One big concern is liver metabolism.
CBD may slow liver metabolism, increase drug concentrations, and cause toxicity.
This is why you should always consult a doctor before mixing your meds with CBD.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
The next time you see your doctor, have some questions ready.
In general, CBD is a safe, natural substance with few side effects.
However, your specific medical history can make a difference.
Before you start popping CBD like it’s candy, ask these questions:
- I’m already taking “XXXX” medications. Are there any drug complications I should be worried about?
- Is it safe to take CBD with my current health issues?
- What do you know about CBD as it relates to my health condition?
- Are there any side effects I should look out for when taking CBD?
- What’s the best way to take CBD for my symptoms?
- How do I find quality CBD products?
Don’t worry if your regular doctor hasn’t heard much about CBD.
Although CBD shows a ton of promise, it’s still in the early phases of development, and most conventional practitioners are out of the loop.
With that said, your doctor should be familiar with your personal medical history, and they can offer some great insight as to whether or not CBD is a healthy way to go.
When in doubt, play it safe and get a second or third opinion.
Make Sure Your CBD Is Real CBD
Yeee-hah!
In a lot of ways, it’s the wild west of CBD.
The industry is still so new and unregulated, and the internet is packed with shady companies selling cheap, ineffective and dangerous products.
Unfortunately, many of them only contain trace amounts of CBD.
Even worse, the little CBD they do contain is often low quality and/or contains pesticides and other toxins.
Buying the wrong product can be a waste of money and a health risk.
That’s why it’s always important to research brands before you buy.
Look for CBD products with the following labels:
- Organic (safe and high-quality nutrients)
- Pesticide-free/toxin-free (no harmful contaminants)
- Third-party tested (unbiased reviews from licensed laboratories)
- Full-spectrum (contains a wider variety of beneficial nutrients)
Any reputable CBD manufacturer will have these listed on their packaging, and the best- of-the-best will provide evidence of their claims on their website.
Ultimately, CBD has a ton of benefits and minimal side effects.
As long as you shop wisely, CBD can be a low-risk way to enhance your health.
References
Reference 1: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569602/
Reference 2: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326553/
Reference 4: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29784129
Reference 5: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6140266/
Reference 6: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5009397/