CBD contraindications: what are the side effects?
According to the WHO, CBD is safe
The World Health Organization (WHO) report published in 2018 highlighted that cannabidiol (CBD) does not have risky side effects for human health.
Second the WHO report cannabidiol has a good safety profile and is well tolerated by humans and animals. In clinical studies, CBD was found to be reasonably safe up to a maximum of 1500 mg of CBD per day for four weeks.
CBD: negative effects
Despite its high safety profile and tolerability, CBD may, like any substance, cause some negative effects. For example, dry mouth, drowsiness, and lowered blood pressure. It may interact with certain liver or other medications and is not recommended for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In the following paragraphs, we will answer the most frequently asked questions about the most common side effects of cannabidiol.
Can CBD cause dry mouth?
In a search carried out by the staff of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Arizona, the side effects of CBD on five patients suffering from dystonia were investigated: a motor difficulty caused by completely involuntary postural attitudes of the individual.
In patients who used between 100 and 600 milligrams per day for six weeks, a significant improvement in dystonia was observed, but some mild side effects were also noted, such as pronounced dry mouth. According to researchers, the dryness was due to cannabinoid receptors present in the submandibular glands, responsible for saliva production.
Can CBD interact with medications?
Yes, CBD is processed and metabolized by the same enzymes that handle the metabolism of various drugs. It could therefore slow down or speed up the metabolism of some. drugs, reducing or increasing their effects.
could interact with antidepressants, mood stabilizers, anticonvulsants, sedatives, as well as many other medications. For this reason, if you are undergoing drug therapy, it is advisable to consult a doctor before using CBD.
Can CBD cause low blood pressure?
In 2017, researchers at the University of Nottingham published the results of a study describing the effects observed in nine volunteers (adult males) who had used a massive dose of cannabidiol (CBD): a full 600 milligrams.
Researchers observed a clear decrease in the participants' blood pressure, who also described feelings of fatigue and dizziness, precisely due to this drop.
The cannabidiol can therefore help lower blood pressure (but remember that the study considered the effects of a particularly high dose of cannabidiol taken all at once).
remains very important, however, that people who suffer from low blood pressure carefully consider the dosage of cannabidiol application to avoid unpleasant adverse effects.
Can CBD cause drowsiness?
The CBD is known for its relaxing properties and to promote falling asleep in people suffering from sleep disorders. It is often used for better sleep and it could indeed cause drowsiness, which is why it is advisable not to drive or operate machinery in case of high application dosages.
CBD is the basis of a drug called Sativex regularly on the market, approved to manage muscle spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis. In the first four weeks of use, you should not drive or operate machinery because it may cause drowsiness, but this type of effect tends to stabilize in about 4 weeks, especially once the right dosage is found.
The same applies to another CBD-based drug, which is called Epidiolex and is used for epilepsy associated with Lennox Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.
Can CBD increase appetite?
CBD could, depending on the person's metabolism type, increase appetite. One studio The study on cannabinoids analyzed the effect of CBD on children affected by Lennox-Gastaut syndrome by interviewing 117 parents. The interviews revealed that CBD increased appetite in 30% of cases, while simultaneously improving mood in 63% and sleep quality in 53% of cases.
Can CBD irritate the skin?
As with any skincare product, CBD when used for topical use, could cause irritation. This happens very rarely because it is an anti-inflammatory molecule, but it is good practice to test it on a small area of skin before proceeding with use, as you would with any serum, cream, or ointment upon first use.
When not to use CBD?
is recommended not to use CBD during pregnancy or breastfeeding. People who are taking medications or who suffer from liver disease and Parkinson's disease should consult their doctor before using CBD as it may interact with certain medications and some symptoms.
Is CBD safe?
Studies suggest that CBD is a safe and well-tolerated molecule; however, it is important to carefully choose CBD-based products, ensure they have been tested by third-party laboratories, and come from a short and controlled supply chain capable of guaranteeing high quality standards at every stage of production.
In such a vast and still expanding market, there are many irregular products circulating, which can therefore be contaminated by solvents, pesticides, fungi, or very harmful bacteria, from which it is best to keep away.
CBD side effects: how to prevent them
The side effects of CBD are rare and mild, but here are some tips to prevent and avoid them.
- Application dosage control: start with a low dosage and gradually increase only after monitoring the effect of CBD on your body.
- Medical consultation in case of drug therapy: doctors are increasingly informed about the use of CBD as a phytomedicine. If you want to use it but are taking medications, wait to agree on a personalized plan with your doctor before starting.
- No to CBD during pregnancy and breastfeeding: CBD should not be used by pregnant and breastfeeding women because it could cause problems to the fetus.
- Quality CBD: choose only safe and controlled products whose supply chain can be traced
If you feel that CBD is causing long-term side effects, discontinue use and talk to your doctor.
A brief overview of cannabidiol and its interaction with the endocannabinoid system
The cannabidiol CBD is one of the cannabinoids present in the Cannabis sativa plant. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it does not cause psychotropic effects or any kind of mental alteration. CBD is among the most studied active compounds in scientific research focused on the effects of cannabis, precisely because of its high tolerability and safety.
The interest of science in CBD derives from the ability of cannabidiol to interact with some of the receptors present in our endocannabinoid system (SEC). The SEC is a complex system, located in the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system, and is responsible for regulating various physiological functions essential to us, such as eating, sleeping, perceiving pain, fear, or pleasure.
Precisely by virtue of this interaction and acting as a sort of modulator, CBD is able to reduce pain, lower anxiety levels, promote falling asleep, and exert other positive effects, which have been and continue to be extensively studied by researchers.
Enecta, synonym of quality and safety made in Italy
Enecta, a company with extensive experience in cannabis extracts for the therapeutic market, has always chosen to include exclusively high-quality products made in Italy in its offerings.
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