CBD is typically well-tolerated with no significant side effects; however, it may interact with certain medicines. CBD may reduce how your body breaks down CYP450-dependent drugs like anticonvulsants like phenobarbital, Lamictal (lamotrigine) or Clobazam, increasing their blood levels and potentially leading to serious side effects.
Preclinical studies
CBD has an overwhelmingly favorable safety profile in preclinical studies, including treating anxiety and sleep disorders. Furthermore, it shows promise in helping reduce opioid cravings in those suffering from opioid use disorder while it has also shown potential to help children with epilepsy reduce seizures.
Research on CBD’s oral pharmacokinetics is still in its infancy, but existing data indicate it has a faster time-to-peak than THC and lower maximum tolerated dose (MTD).5 Additionally, CBD will likely enter the bloodstream through different pathways depending on its mode of administration; inhalation will quickly reach high concentrations in your blood, potentially leading to adverse side effects; while topical applications might take longer.
Even with limited evidence available to them, committee members determined that health products containing CBD could likely be safe to take up to 200mg daily via oral administration for healthy adults provided they do not combine it with any other drugs or alcohol. They recommended consumers consult a pharmacist prior to purchasing these products to receive accurate dosing information as well as potential side effects that could interact with medications they are already taking.
Arthritis
CBD’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain relief) properties have been demonstrated through animal studies, with two randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials reporting reduced pain for patients suffering spontaneous canine osteoarthritis.
CBD interacts with the ECS by increasing levels of endogenous cannabinoids in the body, increasing receptor activity, and blocking enzymes that break them down – ultimately creating a more efficient ECS that decreases inflammation and relieves pain.
Epidiolex, a CBD-based drug approved by the FDA in 2018, can reduce seizures for those living with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.
Studies have also demonstrated the effects of CBD to reduce inflammatory cytokines and thus decrease pain from rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic back pain. Unfortunately, however, its impact on an individual’s WOMAC pain subscale score wasn’t statistically significant due to patients taking oral NSAIDs; thus limiting its efficacy for treating arthritis pain.
Addictions
CBD can assist individuals in recovering from addiction by improving their sense of well-being. Furthermore, it promotes healthy sleep patterns which is key in recovery from substance use disorder. Furthermore, it may improve appetite which is especially crucial if someone suffers from depressed appetite caused by drug use.
CBD has been shown to reduce anxiety and ease symptoms associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Furthermore, it has been found to boost mood and even extend life for some patients suffering from glioblastoma brain tumors; further research must be completed before being recommended as a therapy option for other conditions like PTSD.
Before starting to take CBD, people should consult a physician. CBD may interact with numerous medications including blood thinners, antiepileptic drugs and immunosuppressants; and can increase liver enzymes levels causing abnormal results for liver-related blood tests – it’s therefore vital that their levels are regularly monitored.
Mental health
CBD may help improve sleep disorders and depression, although more research needs to be conducted. It could reduce side effects from medications used for treating mental illness – including opioid painkillers and immune-suppressants – which in turn could help people suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Furthermore, CBD could ease withdrawal symptoms for opioid addicts who had used substances as well as prolong life for cancer patients with glioblastoma.
Before taking CBD, it is advisable to speak to a doctor regarding dosage. Dosage will depend on factors like bodyweight and the form in which it’s administered; additionally it would be wise to avoid alcohol consumption as this could increase its sedative properties and sedation effects.
Clinical studies demonstrate that CBD is safe in small doses with few side effects, according to clinical trials. It generally well-tolerated among healthy individuals without impacting cardiovascular, respiratory, or gastrointestinal systems. A single oral dose (600 mg) did not alter EEG/ECG recordings among healthy participants in one such study.
