CBD has been shown to be well tolerated with minimal side effects.1
However, products are unregulated and could contain contaminants or more THC than indicated on their labels.
Corticosteroids, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib (Celebrex), and antidepressants like amitriptyline (Elavil). Therefore it is wise to consult your healthcare provider prior to beginning CBD use.
What is CBD?
CBD is an extract found in cannabis sativa that has therapeutic benefits. It has been utilized for pain, anxiety and dystonia – amongst other conditions – as well as to address other health concerns.
CBD has been demonstrated to have positive effects on the heart, and research indicates it could potentially help lower the risk of seizures for epilepsy sufferers. Furthermore, CBD shows promise as a treatment for addiction; one study demonstrated it reduced drug cravings among opioid use disorder sufferers.
When taking CBD to reduce pain, seek a product containing solely CBD and no THC. These may include oils, tinctures, capsules and other oral forms for oral consumption – such as NuLeaf Naturals and Bluebird Botanicals offer third-party testing and batch reports online. When possible it’s wiser to avoid intaking oil forms alongside high fat meals which may slow its absorption rate as this may also increase absorption time; and refrain from smoking or vaping any products containing CBD products.
Dosage
As with all supplements, finding the ideal CBD dosage will depend on each individual. Higher doses may have more immediate and noticeable results for some individuals while for others lower dosages may work just as effectively.
Start out slow and increase the dose gradually, until you feel its effects. However, always consult a medical provider on how best to proceed in your situation.
As part of determining the appropriate CBD dosage, it is also essential to take other factors into account, including any medications you are currently taking such as antibiotics and rifampicin that could interfere with how this product metabolizes in your body.
Also, your choice of CBD product can have an impact on how quickly it takes effect. Capsules and gummies often feature an expressed milligram amount on their labels, making dosage easier than oils or creams.
THC content
THC and CBD cannabinoids both interact with our bodies’ endocannabinoid system, which regulates processes like sleep, mood, pain and appetite. THC is most well known as being responsible for creating the high associated with recreational cannabis use as it binds with cannabinoid receptors within our brains and increases dopamine release.
However, CBD appears to bind differently and mitigate some of the psychoactive effects associated with THC, leading some people to find that different ratios of THC to CBD produce different results.
FDA has determined that adding THC and CBD to food products is generally GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe). This applies if they do not exceed 0.3% THC content, do not claim to treat or prevent any disease, and are not labeled as drugs. Products containing such ingredients must display appropriate food additive notices and must be used according to manufacturer instructions; typically this would include beverages like juices and smoothies; dips and spreads; sauces; salad dressings; plant-based alternatives to meat products; desserts; snack bars or nutrition bars.
Side effects
CBD may cause side effects including nausea, fatigue and irritability. Furthermore, taking CBD may increase blood levels of certain medicines (e.g. blood thinners, antiepileptics or immunosuppressants) since CBD competes for similar liver enzymes with these treatments and you may need to adjust their dosage if taking CBD.
Clinical trials typically utilize CBD at higher dosage levels under medical supervision; supplements tend to be consumed at lower levels. When purchasing any product containing CBD or supplements containing it, make sure it has been third-party tested for quality and safety by an organization such as NSF International; this will help ensure safe consumption.
People taking CBD should consult their doctor regarding any changes in liver function that might indicate potential liver damage and determine if the dosage needs to be reduced. CBD may interact with drugs that target hepatic enzymes such as Clobazam and Valproate; additionally it could interact with drugs like Efavirenz and Bupropion as well as CYP2B6 substrates such as Gemfibrozil/Lamotrigine plus CYP1A2 substrates such as Phenytoin/Lorazepam increasing exposure.
