CBD and its possible side effects
Whether applied to the skin or taken orally, CBD is generally considered a safe substance. However, when taking it, you should not overlook the possible side effects that CBD can have. The good news is that they are mostly mild.
Common side effects of CBD
The most commonly mentioned side effects of CBD include drowsiness, gastrointestinal problems (digestive issues), dry mouth, decreased appetite, nausea, and also interactions with other medications. These are discussed in detail in the text below.
Drowsiness
Common side effects when taking CBD include drowsiness and lethargy. Such an effect can generally be considered a benefit. However, if CBD is taken in combination with other sedating drugs (sedatives), these effects may be too strong.
Gastrointestinal problems
Some people may experience digestive problems, especially diarrhoea, or even liver problems when taking CBD. This depends on the individual and their medical history, so it's important to monitor how CBD affects you.
Dry mouth
CBD can make your mouth and eyes feel very dry. Although the occurrence of this side effect is more likely with THC, it can also occur with cannabidiol.
It may interact with other drugs
The effects of CBD may cross (interfere) with other medications you are taking in an undesirable way. It is therefore important to consult a doctor about taking CBD.
Nausea
In some cases, people who take dietary supplements containing CBD may experience nausea. It depends on how sensitive the person is to CBD and also on the amount of the substance they ingest.
Since CBD supplements are available in many different forms, such as oils, gummies and tinctures, the amount of active ingredient that is actually absorbed into the body can vary greatly from product to product. This, combined with each person's differences, will ultimately affect what (if any) side effects a user may experience.
What is cannabidiol (CBD)?
CBD stands for cannabidiol, a substance that is usually extracted from cannabis. Its popularity has skyrocketed in recent years. According to research, the frequency of searches for the term "CBD" on Google was stable between 2004 and 2014. Since then, it has increased by more than 600%!
CBD is one of the many chemical compounds found in cannabis. There are two basic parts of the plant that people use. One is THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and the other is CBD. Although they come from the same plant, the effects of THC and CBD differ greatly from each other.
While CBD is not a psychoactive substance, THC is. Another difference is that while CBD is classified as a legal substance in most countries, the distribution of THC on the open market is still illegal in many countries around the world, including the Czech Republic.
Are there any benefits associated with the use of CBD?
There are several reasons to use CBD. The substance can be found in many products, from CBD drops, oils and tinctures, to ointments for sore muscles and joints, to skin care products. Intensive research is still underway to investigate the therapeutic potential of cannabidiol. Over the last few decades, scientists have gradually realised that CBD can be very beneficial both when used externally and when consumed.
During the 1990s, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) was discovered to be the central regulatory system that restores the internal balance (homeostasis) of many physiological functions throughout the human body and brain. The ECS is made up of cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids that bind to the receptors and are produced by the body itself, and enzymes that then break down the endocannabinoids.
The benefits of CBD include the following:
- CBD can have a positive effect on the brain. In fact, this substance is also contained in an approved drug prescribed for some severe forms of epilepsy in children (the drug may not be registered and therefore available in the Czech Republic).
- It has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which is why you will often see CBD in externally administered products such as ointments, lotions and oils.
- Research points to CBD's ability to relieve stress and anxiety.
- In some countries, CBD is used as a treatment for nausea.
- CBD can potentially relieve pain symptoms.
- It has antioxidant properties, which means it can help fight free radical damage that leads to premature aging.
- When it comes to skin care, CBD can help reduce excessive sebum production in people with very oily skin types.
But the main reason people use CBD in the first place is for its calming, relaxing and pain-relieving effects. It has been used to relieve joint and nerve pain, reduce anxiety and stress, treat insomnia, fight migraines and deal with nausea.
CBD is still an unregulated substance
It is important to stress that CBD and its products are not sufficiently defined and regulated in Czech law. Therefore, the dosage of products from different manufacturers may not be uniform. If you are a first-time user of cannabidiol or a new product containing it, it is difficult to determine the appropriate dose.
If the CBD comes from a verified source and the product has been checked by an independent laboratory, as is the case with all Hemnia products, you can rely on the CBD content. CBD should ideally be obtained from organically grown plants, without the use of pesticides and without heavy metals. It should also not be contained in foods that can affect its absorption. In general, CBD is safe to use and side effects are minor at low doses.
Conclusion
CBD is definitely not to be feared. However, it is true that you should always use it with caution. This is especially true for those who are taking other medications and/or have ongoing health problems. Still, the results of preliminary research on CBD and its benefits in combating mild to moderate health problems are very promising. In general, cannabidiol is considered a safe substance. However, health professionals certainly do not consider CBD a panacea for serious health problems such as cancer.
If you have any doubts about taking CBD, we recommend that you talk to your doctor about whether taking CBD makes sense for you and how it can help you. Your doctor can recommend specific products to suit your specific needs and also help you determine the right dosage.
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Declaration of responsibility
Every brand has a responsibility to its customers. Hemnia is dedicated to natural remedies and a harmonious lifestyle. We like to write about these things and share our good experiences. In addition to verified quality and correct, understandable descriptions for our products, we have a duty to let you know what we can and cannot be held responsible for. The goal is your safety and we fully respect that.
Short and simple:
1. Hemnia does not want to, nor can it, replace the professional care of your physician.
2. Hemnia products are not drugs (aka medications), so please do not treat them as such.
3. Hemnia offers cannabis products, but do not look for any narcotic or psychotropic substances. We do not offer or recommend them.
Read the full text of the disclaimer here.