Are there negative side effects with CBD?

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CBD is a compound found in cannabis that is isolated and extracted to ensure you benefit from the medicinal benefits of the plant, but without the “high” sensations that come from THC.

CBD helps people of all ages and from all walks of life with a variety of medical and health conditions. Some people use it for arthritis or to get a good night's sleep, while others use it as a great 'Rescue Solution' for their anxiety. CBD is also increasingly used in serious conditions such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis and chronic skin conditions. However, everyone reacts differently to CBD and with its increased popularity in recent years, many are now asking the critical question: does CBD come with any negative side effects? Are these there?

Let's start with the good news. CBD interacts with cannabinoid receptors throughout the body; located in the brain and organs. Unlike THC, CBD does not activate these receptors and has no intoxicating effects. CBD lingers around these receptors, encouraging them to work in the best possible, most efficient way possible. So while the CBD won't get you high whether or not you get confused, it helps your body to regulate itself and heal itself better.

Now to the bad news (don't worry, it really isn't that bad). CBD is not considered addictive and does not cause dependence either. It is also non-toxic; which means that you could not overdose on it even if you try. Some people who dose heavily with CBD, however, feel tired and listless. Many people use it to treat insomnia, so it's no surprise there. These people are advised to only take their CBD at night before going to bed, and not during the day to avoid unwanted drowsiness.

CBD promotes the healthy release of the hormone melatonin, associated with sleep. So taking it at night shouldn't be a problem. On the other hand, CBD also has properties to sharpen the mind and make some people feel invigorated during the day. This varies from person to person and is also related to the quality of the CBD, the specific strain and the amount ingested.

CBD is also used as a blood vessel relaxant in people with high blood pressure and heart problems. It can work wonders for some of those people, but not so much for people with low blood pressure. Anyone with a known, pre-existing heart condition associated with low blood pressure should consult their doctor before starting CBD. So far, minimal research has been carried out into CBD, due to decades of bans on cannabis.

However, research has shown that by far the most common side effects of CBD are diarrhea and weight loss. The diarrhea can be explained by the fact that the bodies of some people have to adapt to the new medication in the system. Weight loss is also possible because CBD works in the opposite way and does not act as a stimulant but rather as an appetite suppressant. Those who are starting CBD for the first time often report a change in their appetite and eating habits as they get used to the new substance for them.

That's about it. Aside from the roughly three negative side effects of CBD reported above, CBD is safe for most people. It is completely normal for new drugs in the system to cause temporary side effects, although most people report no side effects from CBD at all.

Bear in mind that the use of CBD with an existing condition can first be discussed with a doctor. It is also possible that CBD has negative interactions with other drugs, so if you take certain necessary prescriptions, microdosing may be a better option for you. Of course if you have any doubts or questions, always first contact your doctor.

Always make sure when purchasing CBD products that you do a thorough research and ask the CBD supplier that they perform third-party laboratory testing on their products to ensure that they are safe, potent and free of unwanted chemicals or additives.

Read the full article on CBDTesters (EN, source, fig.)