The side effects that a person will experience when taking cannabinoid-based products depend on the product’s cannabinoid content.
Cannabidiol (CBD) products, such as CBD hemp oil, naturally contain little to no tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound that causes a psychoactive effect. Therefore, CBD-based products will not cause a euphoric high. CBD even has anti-psychoactive properties, making it capable of countering the euphoric effects of THC.
CBD oil is in general considered safe and well tolerated. We have never seen or heard of any significant or negative side effects associated with using or consuming the oil. Some users, however, have reported experiencing dry mouth, light-headedness, and drowsiness.
For those diagnosed with a serious disease and concerned about incorporating another substance into your treatment regimen, it appears that CBD doesn’t pose any threat of making any condition worse. A research review found that CBD does not alter physiological parameters like heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. It also found that CBD does not adversely affect psychological or psychomotor function, nor does it stimulate any seizure activity.
If you’re taking other medications, it’s always a good idea to consider potential drug interactions. Serious drug interactions have not been seen with CBD in combination with any other drugs. There is some evidence, however, that CBD may temporarily inhibit the activity of cytochrome P450, a family of liver enzymes. This could alter how you metabolize a variety of compounds and increase the effects of other drugs.
While there are no known adverse side effects of CBD oil and it’s shown to be safe even at higher doses, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor about the optimal serving size of CBD. It’s also recommended that you start with a lower dose and then gradually increase your daily intake until you’re consuming the amount as recommended by your doctor.
Cannabinoid products that contain higher levels of THC rather than CBD will cause a psychoactive effect. This temporary, mind-altering response can alter senses and cause disorientation or dizziness, slow reaction time, impair body movement, cause short-term memory problems, elicit drowsiness, increase heart rate, and/or create dry mouth. These effects usually wear off after 3 to 4 hours.
When selecting any cannabinoid product, the quality and source of your product can make an impact when it comes to side effects. It’s always a good idea to check whether the product has been tested for purity and safety. Because hemp is a bioaccumulator, it can absorb metals and contaminants from soil, so it’s important to select a product that is derived from a plant that is grown without the use of pesticides, and then tested for residual solvents, heavy metals, bacteria, or other harmful contaminants by an accredited laboratory.
Looking for more information about CBD/Cannabinoid products? Learn the questions you need to ask about your cannabinoid product or check out our guide to reading CBD product labels on our Education page.
