CBD and hemp oil are like hot potatoes these days. Not only people discuss using CBD oil but also rely on it for curing most of the their ailments and utilizing it on a daily basis. No doubt it is a blessing in disguise, CBD, Hemp oil and their related products’ popularity and need are revolutionary today that has awed the world with its several therapeutic properties.
But are Cannabis-related products safe? Many individuals who are beginners or are planning to buy CBD often get confused when it comes to adverse effects associated with the Cannabis family. Let’s clear the misunderstanding and get to the background of this miracle plant.
Are There Any Differences Between CBD And Hemp Oil?
Both oils are different in one way or another. Since many companies use the term hemp oil and cannabis oil interchangeably, it is no surprise to be perplexed over such highlighted products.
Moreover, the distinctive features of both the products carry different outcomes as well as the side effects. While Hemp oil only comes from the seeds of the Cannabis plant, Cannabidiol or CBD oil is extracted from leaves, flowers, and a stalk of the plant.
Furthermore, it is significant to know that hemp oil has minimal CBD content and contains less than 25 parts per million CBD whereas Cannabis oil contains up to 15% CBD.
Hence, hemp oil falls under the category of a dietary supplement while for medicinal and therapeutic purposes CBD oil is used.
CBD Oil
First thing first, CBD oil does not cause euphoric effects in the human body.
It does not contain psychoactive components such as that of THC – tetrahydrocannabinol that is a well-known psychoactive Cannabinoid.
Several studies on CBD acting on the human body relatively showed that it is well tolerated. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system that regulates homeostasis for a wide array of functions including sleep, appetite, mood, anxiety, pain, and immune response.
Hence, fluctuation in the internal environment of a body can be encountered with the help of CBD.
Therefore, studies suggesting CBD oil is completely non-psychoactive and it will not adversely affect perception, sensory awareness, consciousness, behavior or reaction time.
Additional to the list, a research review concluded CBD also does not hold the physiological effects on heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, glucose, and other mineral and pH levels.
Since everybody type is different from one another, according to WebMD, CBD doses of up to 300mg daily have been safely used for six months. Higher doses of 1200-1500mg could be safely used for up to four weeks.
However, there have been some reports suggesting minimal side effects such as dry mouth, diarrhea, lightheadedness, drowsiness, and decreased appetite.
Side Effects Of CBD Oil According To Different Users
There are many current studies and research going on regarding the side effects of CBD Oil:
1) Dry Mouth
CBD oil leads to the dry mouth. However, many researchers are still unsure that how does CBD oil result in dry mouth feeling.
According to a study which was published in 2006, the endocannabinoid system contains CB1 and CB2 receptors which are present in the salivary glands and are involved in the production of saliva.
When these endocannabinoid receptors are activated, the production of saliva is dropped resulting in the dry mouth sensation.
2) Dizziness Or Lightheadedness
It is usually linked to low blood pressure. However, some people usually feel slight dizziness after the consumption of CBD oil. Lightheadedness usually resolves on its own, or it can be resolved if you lay down for a few minutes. You can also have a cup of tea or coffee or snack on a piece of chocolate.
3) Low Blood Pressure
If you consume an increased dosage of CBD oil, it will result in a mild drop in your blood pressure in some cases. It happens within a few minutes of CBD entering the body.
It does not happen with all individuals, and you can also expect lightheadedness after the blood pressure drops.
Before you consume CBD oil, it’s better to consult your doctor if you have issues regarding the blood pressure, i.e. high or low or if you are consuming the medications to control the blood pressure.
4) Nausea
Some people experience stomach discomfort when ingesting the CBD oil. However, there is no specific evidence from scientific research or studies, but people do experience stomach discomfort with the use of CBD oil.
It is completely an odd adverse effect because CBD oil is used for relieving nausea and for increasing the appetite. If you experience nausea, it is usually mild and goes away immediately. If you experience such side effects, then try decreasing the dose of CBD oil.
5) Drowsiness Or Sleepiness
This adverse effect is rarely experienced because the high doses of CBD oil are used for inducing sleep in people who are suffering from insomnia.
CBD oil if consumed in low doses results in relaxation with reduced anxiety and pain, however, at high doses it results in drowsiness.
If you find out that you feel sleepiness after consumption of CBD oil, then avoid having it before you operate machinery or drive a car.
6) Increased Tremors In Patients With Parkinson’s Disease
It’s better to consult a doctor if you are suffering from Parkinson’s disease before you start consuming CBD oil.
According to the research conducted in the past, it was concluded that one of the adverse effects of using CBD oil in high doses is that it increases the muscle tremors in Parkinson’s patients.
However, on the other hand, it is said that low doses of CBD oil aids in relieving the tremors linked with the disease. But still, there is ambiguity regarding this topic, due to which it is suggested to consult the medical doctor before you start the consumption of CBD oil.
7) Headaches
There is a lot of confusion regarding this side effect as CBD oil might or might not result in headaches. It is because the CBD oil is used for the treatment of migraines and headaches.
There are many people who have reported the fact that CBD oil helped them in relieving headaches. If you experience headaches with the use of CBD oil, then it’s most likely due to the low quality of CBD or addition of solvents in the oil such as Isopropanol or Ethanol.
It is recommended to switch to the high-quality CBD oil which is hemp-based and aids in relieving your headaches.
According to Peloquin on Reddit, he has taken CBD oil for relieving the headaches, but after 3 weeks he experienced worse headaches and figured out that the CBD oil he was using was a cheaper one.
Many doctors and scientists consider the use of CBD oil to be completely safe and potent for most individuals, but some people might experience severe adverse effects.
Every individual has a unique body metabolism which indicates that most of them will not experience any side effects after the consumption of CBD oil while others might experience minor side effects such as dry mouth, stomach discomfort such as diarrhea or might have dry mouth feeling.
These side effects usually occur due to the impurities present in the low-quality CBD products.
8) Decreased Appetite
According to the endocannabinoid system in obesity publishes in 2008, the CBD consumption leads to a suppressed appetite in its users. Although, this side effect for some consumers is beneficial who especially takes CBD oil for weight loss purposes.
Since, CBD reduces the rate of lipogenesis and stimulates proteins, which in turn increases the process of breakdown and oxidation of excessive fat stored in our system.
Hence, not exactly a side effect for some individuals, this condition can be managed who are not looking for weight reduction.
9) Diarrhea
After ingesting CBD oil, some of the users experience mild digestive problems that commonly include diarrhea. It can either be dose-dependent or due to one’s tolerance capacity concerning CBD.
Hence, it is recommended to stop thereon and consult your doctor if you notice bowel discomfort.
10) Drug Interactions Of CBD Oil
Apart from the potential side effects of CBD oil, it can also result in some drug interactions and result in interference of the drug metabolism. It is better to consult your doctor before you start taking medications alongside CBD oil.
If you consume CBD oil in high doses, it stops the activity of certain enzymes known as P450 which is found in the liver.
Side Effects Of CBD Oil According To Different Research And Studies
Although the studies and research phase regarding the side effects and benefits of CBD oil is still in the preliminary stage, scientists have devoted most of their time to prove that CBD oil is safer for consumption by humans.
According to a study, published in 1986, in the famous International Journal of Neuroscience, the effects of using the CBD oil were examined in 5 patients who had the dystonic type of movement disorders, i.e. muscle tremors and other uncontrollable movements.
The different study authors such as Reuven Sandyk, Paul Consroe, and Stuart R.Snider conclude that the mild side effects of CBD oil include low blood pressure or hypotension, psychomotor slowing, dry mouth, sedation, and lightheadedness.
According to another study, CBD helped people who were suffering from dystonia, but some patients with Parkinson’s disease experienced dystonia to get worse with CBD oil consumption. However, other research concludes the beneficial effects of CBD oil in Parkinson’s patients.
According to the study published in 2006, in the Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, acute use of CBD oil does not result in any toxic effects in humans. If the chronic use of CBD oil is done then even, it does not result in harmful effects.
According to a study conducted in 2007, which was published in Phytomedicine, CBD oil and other related substances if used in people with hemophilia will result in problems with blood clotting so it should be used with extra caution.
An Argentinian study published in 2006 concluded that our submandibular glands contain cannabinoid receptors type I and II which are responsible for producing saliva.
After consumption of CBD, the activation of these receptors lead to the alteration of salivary production hence, leading to dry mouth.
Does Hemp Oil Also Result In Side Effects?
As abnormal as it sounds, yes over usage of Hemp oil can cause some of the side effects. Since, both the oils come from the same family, Hemp oil not having after reactions would be a myth.
The adverse effects that both the oils carry are much less potent than the standard pharmaceutical drugs. Hence, manageable and safe for your body. Some of the side effects of Hemp oil are:
1) Cardiac Risk
Excessive use of Hemp oil can cause cardiac distress according to some of the studies. The fatty acids in Hemp oil (omega 3 and omega 6) are classified as polyunsaturated.
These compounds carry immense benefits to the human body. However, when taken in large doses these fatty acids can result in cardiac dysfunction.
It is advised to stick to the moderate dose and consult your physician immediately if you notice any changes in your health.
2) Digestive Problems
Similar to CBD, a higher dose of the dietary supplement of Hemp oil can lead to stomach problems, like painful cramps, softening of stools that might degenerate into diarrhea.
Therefore, if you are susceptible to bowel discomforts, it is recommended to consult your doctor before taking Hemp oil in a larger quantity.
3) Hemp Oil As An Anticoagulant
Hemp oil has the potential to affect how blood platelets and anticoagulants work or even stop their production.
According to a study published in Phytomedicine in 2007 reported that CBD along with THC (the main psychoactive cannabis) has potential as an anticoagulant.
The polyunsaturated fatty acids in Hemp oil are critical in the blood clotting process. Because of this possibility, people who suffer from hemophilia or blood clotting deficiency should consume Hemp oil only after consultation with their doctors.
4) Hemp Oil Can Produce Harmful Peroxides
Even though Hemp oil is a dietary supplement, heating it above 121 degrees, Fahrenheit can break down the polyunsaturated fatty acids into the dangerous substance known as “peroxides”.
Exposure to peroxides can compromise organs if consumed, and can even damage the skin. Therefore, it is advised to keep the oil in a cool, dry place while using it only on warm or cold dishes.
Is CBD Or Hemp Oil Safe According To FDA?
Up till now, FDA has not approved the marketing application of CBD and Hemp oil for any type of indication. The FDA considers evaluating the research along with other scientific investigations performed by manufacturers and researchers.
FDA has still not approved any marijuana products such as CDB or hemp oil for any medical indications. It indicates that the FDA has still not found such products effective or safe for treating or relieving any medical condition or disease.
The study of CBD and hemp oil is needed in the clinical trial setup for assessing the effectiveness and safety of such products for medical purposes.
According to the recent statement by FDA Deputy Commissioner, Anna K. Abram, CBD is beneficial for treating neurological disorders which include seizure-triggering and epileptic conditions.
Conclusion
CBD and Hemp oil may have adverse effects that are harmful to some individuals, but overall both the oils result in mild side effects than the most prescription drugs.
Additional to this, cannabis plant oil benefits significantly outweigh the potential side effects they carry. However, it is advised to consult your doctor for the proper dosage and discuss your case for which you opt to consume CBD or Hemp oil.