CBD oil has been increasingly used in recent years because of the benefits people experience from it. For example, it is said to help against various complaints such as: sleep problems, anxiety attacks, epilepsy, chronic pain, psychosis and more. The scientific evidence is not yet conclusive for all applications. However, anecdotal evidence does show that CBD oil can have benefits for some people. But is it always safe to use?
Contents of CBD oil
It is important to determine whether the CBD oil contains THC, CBD or both substances. CBD and THC are substances found in hashish or herbs. THC is the main ingredient for the psychoactive effect, being stoned. CBD itself has no psychoactive effects but does influence the action of THC (1). So CBD oil with THC will get you high, CBD oil with only CBD will not. THC has a different effect on the body and therefore different side effects than oil with only CBD.
Risks
It is important to always consult your doctor first if you want to use CBD oil for medical reasons. After all, there may be risks involved for you.
Tips for when you decide to use CBD oil:
- Buy CBD oil from a reliable source. Make sure it contains no or very little THC. This can be very difficult to verify. Samples tested showed that a very large proportion did not contain what was written on the label. Sometimes there was no CBD in it at all. Sometimes it even contained THC, even though it was not named. This can cause unpleasant side effects.
- Start with a low dose and build it up slowly until you think you have achieved the desired effect.
- Read all the forums on the internet and see what the experiences of others are.
- Always consult your doctor or pharmacist first and continue to do so. If the CBD catches on, you can possibly lower the dosage of the other medication.
- Be extra careful with other narcotics such as alcohol, benzodiazepines or opiates. CBD oil can enhance the effect of these. So take extra care in traffic.
- If you don’t notice any effect, stop taking it again. Unfortunately, it does not work for everyone.
Side Effects and Interactions
CBD oil with only CBD seems to have very few side effects or interactions at the moment. But you should always be careful when using different drugs together. The most common side effects of CBD oil with THC are increased heart rate, dry mouth, dizziness and red eyes. These side effects can occur even at very low concentrations of THC. Also, not everyone enjoys being stoned. Some groups of people are at increased risk of side effects from CBD oil:
- People with schizophrenia
- People with cardiovascular disease
- People with autoimmune diseases
- Young people (<20)
- Pregnant women
CBD and THC have interactions with some medications. Sometimes CBD oil reduces the effectiveness of medications and sometimes it enhances some side effects. For example, CBD oil also enhances the action of depressants such as alcohol, benzodiazepines (sleep and tranquilizers) and opiates (painkillers). Check out CBD Oil UK to learn more information.
The drugs listed below block the action of proteins in the liver (CYP3A4; CYP2C9). You need these proteins to break down CBD oil. If the medications listed below block these proteins, your ability to break down CBD is reduced. There is then a risk of increased concentration of CBD in your blood, with side effects (palpitations, flushing, dry mouth, feelings of anxiety).