CBD (cannabidiol) is a compound derived from the cannabis plant that is gaining increasing interest because of its therapeutic benefits. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD has no psychotropic effects, which means that it does not cause euphoria or a ‘high’. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with its consumption.
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What are the various potential risks associated with CBD consumption? And what precautions should you take before incorporating this product into your lifestyle?
Possible side effects of CBD
Most consumers tolerate CBD well, but it can sometimes cause side effects, especially when taken in high doses or used for prolonged periods. Here are some potential side effects to consider when consuming CBD:
Dryness of the mouth
A fairly common side effect of CBD consumption is dry mouth. CBD can reduce saliva production, resulting in a dry mouth sensation. Although this effect is generally benign, it can be unpleasant.
To alleviate this, it is advisable to drink water frequently after consuming CBD. It is also advisable to avoid dehydrating drinks such as alcohol and coffee after consuming CBD.
Fatigue or drowsiness
One of the most common side effects reported by CBD users, notably at higher doses, is fatigue or drowsiness.
In small doses, CBD can have a stimulating effect in some people, but in higher doses it tends to cause a sedative effect. This variation depends on several factors, such as the dose taken, the way CBD is consumed and the individual sensitivity of each consumer.
This effect, although sought after by some people to treat problems such as insomnia or anxiety, can become problematic for others, particularly when CBD is taken during the day or before activities requiring alertness and concentration.
If you feel drowsy when consuming CBD, it is advisable to adjust the dose (start with a low dose and then increase according to the effects observed). If you tend to feel tired after consuming CBD, try to avoid taking it during the day, preferring to take it in the evening.
Digestive problems
Although CBD is generally well tolerated, it can cause digestive side effects in some people, especially when high doses are taken.
The most common digestive problems associated with consuming CBD include nausea, bloating and abdominal cramps. These effects are usually mild and temporary, but may be more pronounced in sensitive users or those starting out with high doses of CBD.
To minimise these risks, we recommend starting with a low dose of CBD and consume it with food. If symptoms persist, consult a healthcare professional.
Changes in appetite
One of the potential side effects of CBD is a change in appetite. This effect, although less frequent than others, can manifest itself in the form of an increase or decrease in the feeling of hunger, depending on the individual.
This side effect depends on the dose of CBD taken, the frequency of use and the user's profile.
Adjust the dose of CBD consumed and monitor your diet when consuming CBD. You can also take CBD after meals to avoid affecting your appetite.
Interactions with other medicines
CBD can interact with certain medicines, which is one of the biggest risks. In particular, it influences liver enzymes, which can alter the way certain drugs are metabolised by the body. It is important to consult a health professional if you are undergoing treatment.
Anticoagulants
If you are taking anticoagulants such as warfarin, it is essential to consult your doctor before using CBD. CBD can increase the effects of these drugs, thereby increasing the risk of bleeding.
Antidepressants and anxiolytics
CBD can also interact with certain antidepressants and anxiolytics. Although CBD is sometimes used to reduce anxiety, it should only be combined with these treatments under medical supervision.
Medicines for high blood pressure
If you take medicines to regulate your blood pressure, be aware that CBD has relaxing properties that can amplify their effects. This could lead to hypotension, with symptoms such as light-headedness or fainting.
Dependence and tolerance
CBD is not considered addictive, but some users may develop a tolerance to its effects over time. This means that to obtain the same benefits, they may feel the need to increase their dose. Although the risk of addiction is low, it is important to monitor your intake to avoid taking more than you need.
To prevent CBD tolerance, you can:
- Use the microdose method: Microdosing involves taking very low doses of CBD, just enough to experience benefits without saturating the receptors of the endocannabinoid system. This approach helps to maximise effectiveness while reducing the risk of developing tolerance.
- Taking breaks: Taking ‘rest days’ can be beneficial in avoiding an excessive build-up of CBD in the body. By taking a regular break, the endocannabinoid system can rebalance, allowing you to maintain a high sensitivity to the effects of CBD.
- Reduce the dose where possible: If you notice a decrease in the effects of CBD, try temporarily reducing the dose rather than increasing it. This allows your body to reset its receptors and maintain an effective response to the product.
- Alternate with other therapeutic approaches: If you're using CBD to manage anxiety, pain or other issues, consider adding other forms of stress or pain management into your routine (such as meditation, stretching, cognitive therapy, etc.) to avoid over-reliance on any one solution.
Legislative risks
It's crucial to know the legislation on CBD in your country. Although CBD is legal in many countries, the laws can vary, particularly when it comes to THC content. Exercise caution, as buying or consuming products containing high levels of THC in places where it is prohibited could result in legal sanctions.
In France, the legal level of THC in a product is 0.3%, so it's important to check that the CBD products you buy comply with this dose to avoid any legal problems. See also our article ‘Beware of a positive saliva test after consuming CBD’.
To minimise the risks associated with CBD legislation, here are a few recommendations to follow:
- Check local legislation: Before buying or consuming CBD, make sure you know the laws in force in your country.
- Buy from reputable brands: Choosing reliable manufacturers who rigorously test their products in third-party laboratories to guarantee THC levels below legal limits is essential. Check the laboratory analyses available on the manufacturer's website to ensure that products comply with local standards.
- Avoid importing CBD: If you are planning to import CBD from another country, find out about the customs regulations in the destination country. Transporting CBD from one country to another, even by post, may be in breach of customs laws.
- Choose isolated CBD-based products if necessary: For those who have to undergo drug testing, it is advisable to use CBD isolate-based products, which do not contain THC and therefore reduce the risk of a positive test.
Key points
In summary, although CBD is widely regarded as a relatively safe and beneficial substance for many people, there are a number of potential risks that consumers need to consider before making it part of their routine.
To avoid these potential side effects as much as possible, follow the consumption recommendations for each product and start with low doses before increasing according to your needs. Do not hesitate to consult a healthcare professional if you have any questions, especially when consuming CBD with medicines.
Discover our article on the benefits of CBD