In recent years CBD  has grown to a multi-million dollar industry and only keeps growing as users return for more. You see sports players endorsing it, and all the top health food blogs raging about its widespread use. and thus it is natural for individuals to question its safety.

CBD is a chemical found in the cannabis plant. Pure CBD oil does not contain THC that is responsible for psychoactive effects.

Some time back, the Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) has approved CBD oil in the composition of the medicine used to treat epilepsy. A wide range of studies are starting to show the therapeutic effect of CBD. At the same time, CBD properties are being actively investigated as a potential treatment for many other diseases, including diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia.

Besides, in 2018, on the federal level, the Agriculture Improvement Act removed cannabis and cannabis derivatives that are low in THC from the definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act¹.

In 2011 the article published in Current Drug Safety proved CBD safety. This review described in vivo and in vitro reports of CBD administration. It suggested that CBD is non-toxic in non-transformed cells and does not cause a change of body functions.². Later, in 2017, a group of German researchers supported these findings. They justify the potential safety of CBD oil despite a relatively small number of side effects³.

Possible side effects

Though CBD is often well-tolerated, it can also carry some risks. According to scientific researches, side effects of CBD oil are the following ^{2 3}:

• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea
• Reduced appetite
• Change of weight
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Interaction with some medications like blood thinners

Also, some findings show that CBD may affect psychiatric conditions, cardiovascular and immunological systems, and can lead to liver diseases³.

Allergy to cannabis

Also, recent studies found that some people can have allergic reactions triggered by cannabis. Some researches show that only a particular strain can cause allergy. But a recent study found that people are more likely to develop cannabis allergy if they have allergies to dander, molds, dust mites, or various plants⁴. But more research is needed to explain this phenomenon.

Quality of CBD oil

Not all CBD oils are created equally; some products are of much higher quality than others. The quality of the product/supplement has lots to do with safety. Due to the difference in the quality of various CBD products, some products are safer than others. It also means that if a person had side effects with CBD products, just changing the product/brand of CBD may help in many cases.

If a consumer wants to choose a safe product, he or she must consider the following things:

• Many products may contain a minimal amount of CBD oil. They will not show any result or may cause harmful effects.
• The cannabis plant can absorb chemicals like lead and mercury from the ground. Check the origin of the plant used by the oil manufacturer to avoid unwanted effects.
• Product labeling. It is an important piece of information that every user should read beforehand to know everything about the product.
• Lab reports. You can ask your trusted brand of CBD to provide you with bathfc tests or lab reports that will list the substances in the bottle.

And the most important – if you want to get the best outcomes and be safe taking CBD oil, do not hesitate to seek a medical advice. Medical professionals/naturopaths/other health professionals can help you adjust the dosage and avoid unwanted interactions.

References

1. Abernethy A, Schiller L. FDA is Committed to Sound, Science-based Policy on CBD. FDA. July 2019. http://www.fda.gov/news-events/fda-voices-perspectives-fda-leadership-and-experts/fda-committed-sound-science-based-policy-cbd. Accessed October 22, 2019.
2. Bergamaschi MM, Queiroz RHC, Zuardi AW, Crippa JAS. Safety and side effects of cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent. Curr Drug Saf. 2011;6(4):237-249.
3. Iffland K, Grotenhermen F. An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. 2017;2(1):139-154. doi:10.1089/can.2016.0034
4. Min J-Y, Min K-B. Marijuana use is associated with hypersensitivity to multiple allergens in US adults. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2018;182:74-77. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2017.09.039