CBD side effects: 5 possible effects & interactions at a glance

CBD side effects – even though cannabidiol is regarded as very well tolerated, users should know the possible side effects. The WHO rates the substance as safe with a low risk profile, yet there are interactions with medicines and isolated accompanying effects. In this guide you get an honest overview.

How safe is cannabidiol?

In a detailed report in 2017 the World Health Organization (WHO) found that cannabidiol is generally well tolerated and has a favourable safety profile. It is not addictive and leads to no severe side effects. The studies on it can be viewed freely on PubMed.

The most common mild side effects

Tiredness

With higher doses, particularly in the evening, a pleasant tiredness can occur. Taken during the day it can be felt as a side effect – reducing the dose or moving it to the evening usually solves that.

A dry mouth

Cannabidiol can temporarily reduce the production of saliva. Drinking enough helps. The effect usually disappears after a few hours.

Digestive complaints

With some users taking it leads to light diarrhoea or gastrointestinal complaints, above all with higher doses. Taking it with a meal improves the tolerability.

Changes in appetite

Unlike THC, cannabidiol does not increase the appetite. With some users the appetite can even decrease slightly – that usually normalises after a few days.

A lower blood pressure

In high doses the substance can lower the blood pressure slightly. Anyone who already has low blood pressure or takes blood pressure lowering medicines should dose carefully.

Interactions with medicines

Cannabidiol is broken down in the liver by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system – like many medicines. Interactions can arise from that.

Blood thinners (Marcoumar or warfarin for instance)

Cannabidiol can raise the blood level. Caution and consultation with your doctor are essential.

Antiepileptics

With clobazam and similar substances the level of the active substance can rise. An adjustment of the dose is often necessary.

Certain antidepressants

With SSRIs and some other antidepressants interactions can occur. Speak to your doctor before combining them.

When should you do without cannabidiol?

In the following situations its use should be checked carefully or avoided: pregnancy and breastfeeding (too few studies), severe liver conditions, and taking blood thinners without medical guidance. If you are unsure, consult your family doctor or find information at the Federal Office of Public Health.

How to minimise side effects

Start low and increase slowly, as described in our dosage guide. Take the oil with a meal. With interactions with medicines, keep a gap of 2 to 3 hours. If unwanted effects occur, reduce the dose or pause for a few days.

Rare and serious: unusual effects

In very rare cases unusual effects can occur with higher doses: weak concentration, dizziness, skin rashes or changes in the liver values. These effects are reversible and disappear after stopping or reducing the dose. With longer use of higher doses, a check of the liver values every 6 to 12 months is recommended. This precaution is particularly important for people with pre-existing conditions.

Particular risk groups

People with liver conditions, severe kidney insufficiency or a known allergy to hemp constituents should consult their doctor before use. Children and young people under 18 years of age should also take cannabidiol only under medical supervision and with a clear indication. Seniors often react more sensitively and need lower doses.

When should you see a doctor about side effects?

Seek medical advice if side effects last longer than a week, get stronger or if new symptoms occur such as a persistent skin rash, breathlessness, strong dizziness or confusion. Note the exact dose and the time you took it; that helps the doctor with the assessment. In the vast majority of cases, however, side effects are harmless and temporary.

In short: side effects

Anyone taking medicines should speak to their doctor beforehand. High-grade, laboratory-tested products minimise the risk of unwanted effects – in the HempJoy Shop you will find transparently declared Swiss quality.