One of the under-the-radar effects of legalizing cannabis in a number of US states has been the rise of the CBD oil industry. Cannabidiol, the proper name for CBD oil, is an extract of the cannabis plant.
Most of the attention and press goes to THC, the compound which produces feelings of intoxication and euphoria. Cannabidiol is the other active ingredient in cannabis, and it does not produce a ‘high’ or mind-altering effects.
You may have tried CBD oil, or are considering doing so. If you are, you’re probably wondering whether CBD oil works, and whether it has any side effects.
CBD Oil – Hype vs. Reality
It’s become very trendy for marketers to claim CBD oil as a new miracle supplement. As you may be aware, the health supplement industry has long been plagued with charlatans and crooks overstating the benefits of various natural compounds and substances.
It is true that you can find products claiming that CBD oil can cure or treat just about any ailment under the sun. You’ll find CBD oil-infused food, drinks, skincare and beauty products, dietary supplements and even pet supplements.
Depending on where you look, you’ll see marketers claiming that CBD oil is the greatest, most revolutionary supplement of the 21st century, capable of transforming your life. Much of this is still up for debate pending further research.
And it’s a shame, because there’s real scientific evidence that CBD oil can greatly benefit a high number of people out there. In this case, we’re still in the early stages of doing rigorous clinical research on the benefits of CBD oil. For too long, its association with THC and the narcotic nature of cannabis has limited study of cannabidiol.
Right now, our collective knowledge says that CBD oil may have significant health benefits, and may be able to help people suffering from certain conditions.
Does CBD Oil Have Any Side Effects?
CBD oil may be able to help, but will it do you any harm? The short answer is that it probably won’t. While there have been some reported ill effects to using CBD oil, these tend to be minor in most cases, and a majority of CBD oil users encounter no adverse effects.
The bottom line is that you probably can use CBD oil without having to worry much about having any side effects. However, the long answer is that there are a few reported side effects that you should be aware of.
Does CBD Oil Have Potential for Abuse?
It’s well established that CBD oil has shown no potential for addiction or abuse as a substance. Unlike narcotic substances which can stimulate regions of the brain and produce habit-forming patterns, CBD oil hasn’t been found to produce such a reaction.
Addictions can be either based on physical addiction (heroin, nicotine) or psychological addiction (gambling). CBD oil has not been found to produce either physical or mental dependency.
If you take CBD oil, you don’t have to worry about potentially becoming addicted to it.
Are There Serious CBD Oil Side Effects?
For most people, it’s extremely unlikely that they’ll experience any significant side effects from CBD oil. At most, you might feel slightly unwell or queasy for a bit after taking CBD oil, but this is very rare.
However, people experiencing one of the two conditions should be cautious when taking CBD oil.
First of all, people who have issues with blood pressure or who take blood thinning medication should consult with a doctor about using CBD oil. While the effects of CBD oil are minor, it is a compound which produces a medical effect. One such effect can be to lower your blood pressure.
This can have side effects if you already have health problems surrounding blood pressure. CBD oil can have an adverse effect combined with blood thinners.
Secondly, people with Parkinson’s Disease should exercise caution toward CBD oil. Studies are ongoing, but some research suggests that CBD oil can make the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease worse.
If you have Parkinson’s Disease, or if you have issues with blood pressure or take blood thinners, do not take CBD oil without consulting your doctor. It’s possible that you can use it, but leave it to the discretion of a trained physician.
Minor CBD Oil Side Effects
For people not suffering unrelated health problems, CBD oil has been shown to be pretty harmless. There are a few rare adverse reactions people taking CBD oil have recorded. They include:
Diarrhea and nausea
Drowsiness or fatigue
A reduced appetite
A dry mouth
If you experience any of these symptoms, they should last no longer than a few hours after taking CBD oil.
CBD Oil Purity
Some of the side effects related to CBD oil may have to do with the fact that CBD oil isn’t a strictly regulated industry. As a result, there can be questions about the purity of CBD oil being sold through certain channels.
If CBD oil is mixed with other substances which disagree with the body, it may be those compounds or ingredients causing the side effect, not CBD oil. Also, occasionally CBD oil may contain THC. If this happens, a person taking CBD oil may experience the psychoactive effects associated with cannabis.
To increase your chances of avoiding any kind of negative effects due to impure CBD oil, try to stay away from less reputable sellers. Some common sense helps here – If a seller seems disreputable or shady, that increases the chances of you encountering impure CBD oil.
The Legality of CBD Oil
Depending on the state in which you live, CBD oil may occupy a murky and unclear legal status.
If you live in a state which has fully legalized cannabis for recreational usage, chances are that CBD oil is similarly permitted. However, CBD oil’s status as a medical supplement means that further restrictions may apply.
As an extract of cannabis, CBD oil’s production violates federal law. Things become more complicated by the fact that CBD oil may also be produced via hemp plants. Producing CBD oil with hemp is legal under federal law. (Note that CBD hemp oil side effects are the same as that of CBD produced from cannabis).
The biggest takeaway here is that CBD oil’s legal status very much depends on the state in which you live. If you’re unsure, consult your state or local laws to find out its legal status.
CBD oil may or may not be a wonder drug for everyone, but it’s also not something to be frightened unduly about when it comes to negative side effects. Unless you suffer from one of a few specific medical conditions, you should be able to take it safely.
There may be some mild side effects, but nothing horribly severe. It may make you feel a little better, or may do nothing at all.