Side-effects of CBD

We have seen CBD positively change the lives of ourselves, our families/friends and clients. Whilst it is safe to use and rare for users to experience negative side effects, the way CBD interacts with the body and some prescribed medicines must be considered by anyone starting out on their CBD journey.

This below information was written by David Heal PhD, DSc, FRSC, FBPhS, co-founder and Executive Director of DevelRx. Find out more about our team of scientific advisors

Can CBD cause anxiety?

One study in patients with anxiety or sleep problems used a low dose of 25 mg/day CBD (the daily CBD intake recommended in food or supplements is 70 mg/day). Although almost 80% of subjects had reduced anxiety and more than 55% had better sleep, a minority of subjects did report a worsening of their symptoms. It is advisable to start taking low doses of CBD and increasing them gradually if no untoward effects on anxious feelings or sleep are experienced.

Can CBD help you sleep or cause drowsiness?

In two clinical studies of healthy subjects, somnolence (sleepiness) was only seen starting at CBD doses at least 20x higher than the maximum 1 mg/kg/day CBD intake recommended from food products or CBD oils.

It is not likely that taking CBD at the recommended dosage on the product label will cause any feelings of sleepiness.

Can CBD cause tachycardia (increased heart rate)?

In 3 studies in healthy humans, there were no clinically significant findings on electrocardiogram (ECG) after 1500-6000 mg single CBD-OS doses or 750 and 1500 mg multiple doses, or of 750-4500 mg single doses on telemetered cardiac and pulse oximetry.

Another clinical trial in healthy men gave them 600 mg of CBD (about 8 mg/kg bodyweight) or placebo in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind manner. Measurements were made of resting heart function and after different types of stress caused by mental, exercise or cold stress. The single dose of CBD reduced resting blood pressure and the blood pressure increases caused by stress and it slightly increased heart rate.

Further research is needed to establish whether CBD has a role in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders

Can CBD cause diarrhoea?

In two clinical studies of healthy adults, mild to moderate gastrointestinal effects occurred only when ingested at a 10x higher dose of CBD than recommended the 1 mg/kg/day CBD intake from food supplements or CBD oils.

Can CBD cause skin allergies?

In healthy adults, single CBD 80 mg/kg doses did not give any skin or subcutaneous tissue disorders or allergic reactions.

Written by Professor David Heal