Cannabidiol oil (CBD) is one of many extracts from the cannabis plant. With the legalization of marijuana in Canada and in some parts of the US, it is being used for a variety of reasons; one of which being medicine.
There have been lots of studies that show CBD can be used to treat a number of conditions and illnesses such as acne and arthritis, reducing inflammation and even help fight against serious diseases like cancer.
However, while there are lots of potential advantages, just like with other medicines, there are a number of side effects that need to be addressed before you go out and start using it for yourself.
Here are 5 CBD oil adverse risks you should know about.
Lower Blood Pressure And Affect Medication
Firstly, CBD oil can act as a blood thinner, resulting in lower blood pressure. This means that anyone that has a history with blood pressure can be at risk to some very serious health risks.
It can also interfere with various medications, causing other side effects. According to the Harvard Health Blog, it’s similar to how grapefruit juice interacts with medication.
While these effects can be mild, it’s certainly possible for these interactions to become serious and, in the worst cases, even deadly.
For those of you that have issues with blood pressure and are taking prescription medication, it’s best to avoid citrus fruits, fruit juice and fermented products. Always consult your doctor or other medical professionals before taking CBD oil alongside your standard medication.
Nausea And Sickness
Another side effect of CBD oil is that it can cause nausea and gastrointestinal issues within the body, leading to potential vomiting and diarrhea. It can feel like you have eaten something bad and leave you with an upset stomach.
Dr Michele Ross, CEO of Infused Health, said this:
“CBD oil is used with many carriers, including olive oil, coconut/MCT oil, grapeseed oil, emu oil, or hempseed oil. If you are experiencing gastrointestinal distress symptoms or an upset stomach, you may have a sensitivity, especially to coconut/MCT oil, which is the most common carrier I’ve seen. Many people can experience abdominal cramping and stomach pain, especially when consuming large quantities.”
This is also common with other oils and supplements as some people can find it tough to digest in the first place. However, it’s important to note that CBD can cause nausea and sickness because it is not regulated.
Since there are not any standards for safe usage and dosage, it’s possible that medications can include far too much CBD oil than what your body can handle. When this happens, your body will do all it can to remove it from your system.
Again, if you’re unsure if you should be taking CBD oil, consult your doctor.
Drowsiness
CBD oil can also cause you to become sleepy. This is because when it reacts with certain receptors in the brain, it triggers the release of a number of neurochemicals, including serotonin, the chemical that leaves you feeling good and content, and the hormone melatonin.
Melatonin is referred to as the ‘ultimate sleep aid by’ other supplements sold in health shops and online. They often claim that just a single dose of melatonin will leave you feeling sleeping within a matter of minutes.
While these claims aren’t fully accurate, there is an element of truth to them. Melatonin is indeed the hormone responsible for putting your body to sleep.
A study published in the Journal of Current Neuropharmacology found that the brain releases the melatonin hormone when it expects you to be sleepy. For example, if your daily routine has you going to bed at 10:30pm, your body will release melatonin shortly before that and you will start to get sleepy.
However, using CBD oil can interfere with the body’s natural release of melatonin.
Loss Of Appetite
While cannabis is famous for giving people ‘the munchies’, CBD oil has the opposite effect, resulting in the loss of appetite.
The THC from other cannabis substances activates CB1 receptors in body cells. One of the effects this has is it stimulates the appetite. However, a study published in 2018 shows that CB1 receptor antagonists deactivate it.
While CBD does not deactivate CB1 receptors themselves, it may influence other molecules and substances in the body to block them off. When the receptors shut down, your appetite can be reduced.
Furthermore, an animal study from 2012 found that rats who were exposed to CBD also experienced reduced appetite.
This is obviously a risk to people that struggle with maintaining their weight. It’s also important to know if other medications have an impact on the release of melatonin. The last thing you need is dropping off during the day or having your entire sleeping schedule ruined.
However, on the other hand, if you are overweight and find it difficult to lose it, this can actually turn out to be a positive side effect.
Worsen Parkinson’s Disease And Mental Health
There is some research that suggests that CBD oil can worsen the symptoms of Parkinson’s. Some of the symptoms include increased difficulty with muscle movement and more serious tremors.
While this research is still ongoing, it’s best to avoid using CBD until the results are more certain.
This also means that there is the potential for it to have a negative impact on overall mental health. While there is some evidence to suggest that CBD oil can be good for reducing anxiety and other disorders like PTSD and SAD, remain cautious if you struggle with other mental health issues.
Conclusion
These are 5 CBD oil adverse risks you should know about. No matter if you think that you will be exempt from suffering these side effects, always consult your doctor before purchasing and using any CBD oil. Make sure you also read the ingredients of the medicine carefully. This is doubly important if you are using CBD oil at the same time as other medications.
This article was contributed by Julian Gnanteco @ JGBilling