Is CBD dangerous?
Are there any risks to consuming CBD?
Over the past few years, a great deal of research has been conducted on CBD and its effects , and so far, no risks have been identified regarding the consumption of this substance. In fact, the many studies conducted indicate that CBD poses no risk to a healthy or sick individual.
Most people are wary of the potential psychotropic effects of this substance. However, it is THC that is responsible for the psychoactive effects of hemp. In other words, CBD and THC are two molecules derived from the same plant, but they are nothing alike. Indeed, CBD is ideal for enjoying the therapeutic benefits of cannabis without the harmful effects of THC.
CBD and medications
While CBD is safe to consume on its own, it is not safe to consume with other medications. CBD is often mixed with other substances such as coffee , mixtures that have been proven to be effective and beneficial in many studies. However, when CBD is mixed with other medications, it can pose some risks, especially when there are dosage errors when consuming said medications.
Blood Thinners: A study published in the journal Epilepsy and Behavior Case Reports found a clinically significant interaction between pharmaceutical-grade cannabidiol and warfarin, one of the most widely used oral blood thinners. If CBD interferes with the metabolism of a blood thinner like warfarin, the buildup of drug levels in the body could lead to significant bleeding. It is critical that patients prescribed this type of medication be closely monitored by healthcare professionals.
Epilepsy Medications: Although CBD medications are used to relieve some forms of epileptic seizures, dosage errors can cause side effects . This type of medication should be used under medical supervision.
Chemotherapy Drugs: Most chemotherapy drugs are manufactured based on their expected metabolism rate. If CBD slows this rate, drug concentrations may build up in the body. In this case, CBD use may be inadvisable.
Other research has also shown risks of mixing CBD with:
- antidepressants and anxiolytics;
- cold or flu medications;
- blood pressure medications (beta-blockers);
Ultimately, you should definitely seek professional advice before taking CBD if you are ill and taking medication. While CBD is not dangerous to your health, some medications are simply not compatible with this molecule.
CBD in everyday life
As numerous studies have shown, consuming CBD in low doses in moderation and at a frequency determined by a specialist is safe. Side effects are very rare and not very serious. To date, the only reported side effects are gastrointestinal disturbances, impaired alertness, and drowsiness.
Furthermore, many experts agree that CBD is a natural substance brimming with health benefits. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and stress-relieving properties, CBD is a valuable ally for your daily well-being. Although opinions differ regarding its use, CBD is not dangerous to health when used wisely.
The Importance of CBD Dosage
CBD is known for its ability to calm and soothe its users . It is mainly consumed for its relaxing and soothing properties.
A 2017 study in the Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry tested the anxiety levels of 57 men during a simulated public speaking test. Some participants received a placebo, a product that did not contain CBD, while others received either a 150 milligram, 300 milligram, or 600 milligram dose of CBD before their speaking engagement.
Those who received 300 milligrams of CBD experienced significantly reduced anxiety during the test compared to those who received the placebo. Interestingly, participants who received 150 or 600 milligrams of CBD experienced more anxiety during the test than the group that received 300 milligrams.
Additionally, one study found that CBD had similar effects to the antidepressant imipramine. However, human trials are needed to confirm whether CBD can induce this same antidepressant response in our bodies.
The benefits of CBD
CBD has many benefits recognized by the scientific community. Indeed, numerous studies have demonstrated its virtues, especially when consumed properly.
CBD Reduces Symptoms of PTSD
In a 2018 study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 11 people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) received CBD and psychiatric care for two months at a specialized clinic. Ten of the 11 participants experienced a reduction in their PTSD symptoms. CBD was generally well tolerated, according to the researchers.
Margaret Rajnic, a registered nurse with experience in medical cannabis and CBD, emphasizes the importance of using therapy in conjunction with any type of cannabis or CBD for PTSD. She assures that there is a certain amount of therapy that is necessary for PTSD, and that CBD will help reduce anxiety.
Four other clinical trials conducted from 2012 to 2016 suggest that CBD reduces PTSD symptoms , although some include THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, the main psychotropic element in cannabis. When THC and CBD work together, they create what's called an "entourage effect," complementing each other's benefits and potency. For example, taking the same dose of THC and CBD together tempers the "high" of THC, while a little THC combined with more CBD enhances the effects of CBD.
CBD helps treat opioid addiction
Some studies, both preclinical animal and human clinical trials, suggest that CBD could be used to help treat people with opioid addiction.
In one such study, researchers administered CBD to people with heroin use disorder. Over the course of a week, CBD significantly reduced heroin users' cue-induced cravings , withdrawal anxiety, resting heart rate, and salivary cortisol levels. No serious adverse effects were reported.
Other studies find CBD helpful in reducing various psychiatric and medical symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, and pain in patients with substance use disorders, indicating that CBD may be an effective treatment for opioid addiction.
CBD to combat stress and anxiety
CBD is generally used for its anti-stress and anti-anxiety properties. In addition to helping you regain a calm and serene state of mind, CBD helps you achieve deep, restful sleep , all without any risk to your health.
