Much has been discussed about the therapeutic benefits of CBD and the web is filled with info about its pros. However, is there any limitation or shortcomings linked to CBD? In other words, do CBD products have side effects on the users?
Well, if you are planning to start using CBD or you are already using CBD, you would be interested to know about the potential side effects of CBD. More so, you would be curious to know how CBD and its allied products will affect you – positively or negatively – before you incorporating it into your dietary routine.
First of all, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) CBD used for medicinal purposes is safe and poses no risks. It is also important to note, consumption of CBD will not intoxicate you or give you feelings of “high”. Since CBD is derived from the hemp variety of the marijuana plant, some people may think of it as psychoactive. However, this is very fallacious.
A study conducted and published in 1986, tried to find out CBD oil effects in patients suffering from muscle tremors (dystonic movement disorders). The study found the effects to be very mild but could lead to lightheadedness, dry mouth, and low blood pressure. It further showed that patients suffering from dystonia could benefit largely from CBD, but induced unpleasant results in some people with Parkinson’s disease.
Another study tried to investigate the side effects caused by people suffering from epilepsy when they took CBD daily for 30 days. No noteworthy side effects were discovered, and the patients tolerated it very well.
Now, let’s look deeply at some of these mild effects experienced by users of CBD. This will help you decide whether using CBD products is good or bad for you. Also, this will help you compare the mild effects caused by CBD to those caused by prescription drugs.
Dry mouth
A very common side effect experienced by CBD users is dry mouth. However, this should never be a cause of worry. The dry mouth effect experienced after using CBD or allied products will just make you feel very thirsty. Sometimes this feeling is also known as “cotton mouth”. It is brought about by the effects or activity that CBDs have on the nervous system.
A study showed that both CB1 and CB2 receptors are found in the submandibular gland. This gland is responsible for producing saliva. When you use CBD, the CB1 and CB2 receptors may lead to a decline in production of saliva, resulting in the dry mouth as a side effect.
Stick to water if you ever get dry mouth. Never go for fruit juice, wine or beer as these may exacerbate the side effect.
Decrease in blood pressure
First, this will not be deemed as a side effect for patients suffering from hypertension as this will help manage the blood pressure levels to the required levels.
Back to the topic at hand: taking CBD may bring about a reduction in the blood pressure levels, eventually leading to low blood pressure. It should be noted that even a slight decline in blood pressure levels is taken as a possible CBD side effect. However, the side effect is mostly observed when CBD is consumed in large quantities.
Drowsiness
Although CBD is not psychoactive like THC, it can still result in some mild levels of drowsiness. It is good to understand, drowsiness is not a severe side effect of CBD and normally goes away after a short period. However, driving is not recommended when feeling drowsy.
CBD and Parkinson’s disease
CBD is very effective in patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. This would make people believe that it would be an ideal treatment for Parkinson’s disease as well. Nonetheless, the opposite is true. When CBD is consumed in large quantities, it can provoke unpleasant effects in people with Parkinson’s disease.
Final thoughts
It must be understood that, even though CBD might be having some side effects when consumed, the effects are very mild and insignificant whenever. That said: if you are on another treatment plan, it is advisable to talk to a medical specialist before using CBD, to avoid any unnecessary side effects.
