In Italy the light cannabis market has literally exploded. Myriads of dedicated sales points cover our Peninsula, offering products and inflorescences rich in CBD, both for human and animal use.
But approaching this world without prejudice, especially after cannabis has been associated with the devil's drug for about a century, is not at all simple. It's normal to wonder what the possibilities are side effects of CBD, contraindications or interactions with drugs. Well. We are here to clarify.
The possible side effects of CBD
The CBD, or cannabidiol, is a molecule present in large quantities in cannabis. Known for its enormous therapeutic properties, CBD, unlike THC, it has no psychotropic effects and is not addictive.
Generally safe and well tolerated, when it comes to side effects of CBD we always refer to minor inconveniences. All easily manageable problems which, by paying attention to the right dosage and the chosen product, most of the time do not arise at all.
Dry mouth
The dry mouth it is among the most common side effects when consuming cannabis, often if it is rich in THC. Although it occurs in lesser quantities with the CBD inflorescences, it is a consequence of everything harmless caused by the interaction of cannabinoids with the glands responsible for salivation.
But don't worry. Although annoying at times, it is a sensation that resolves quickly and easily sipping water during the session.
Tiredness
Among the benefits of CBD are relaxation and the ability to induce sleep. And it is likely that this state of tiredness simply comes from feeling deeply relaxed.
However, a excessive dosage, often if we have been using this cannabinoid for a short time, it can cause an unexpected sense of tiredness. For these reasons, it is advisable to approach CBD with low doses and prefer evening use, preferably at home. So, if we suddenly feel tired, we won't hesitate to jump into bed and rest.
Dizziness
In extremely rare cases, CBD can cause dizziness attacks. This effect is very little known and no study so far has explored the possible reasons for it.
According to some scholars, it is theactivation of cannabinoid receptors of the endocannabinoid system. Whether CBD or THC, when cannabinoids are taken, the latter interact with the central nervous system giving a different stimulus to blood flow. This momentary alteration could cause dizziness.
Diarrhoea
Among the most annoying side effects of CBD consumption is the possibility of accusing intestinal disorders, such as diarrhea.
One study of 2018 published in the magazine Epilepsia, investigated the long-term effects of cannabidiol consumption. Conducted on 278 patients suffering from Dravet syndrome, a form of epilepsy treatable with cannabinoids, it was discovered that, among the side effects, diarrhea occurred in 34% of them.
However, in most cases, it appears that cannabidiol is not the direct manager of these disorders, but rather the other components present in CBD products.
Usually, in the production of CBD oils are used carrier oils - such as hemp oil, coconut oil, olive oil - which favor the absorption of the active ingredients. But their presence, sometimes, due to particularly sensitive gastrointestinal systems that cannot tolerate them, manifests itself with episodes of dysentery.
For improve intestinal tolerance to CBD and minimize the problem, it is recommended to take it just after meals. With a full belly it will certainly be easier to tolerate it.
Change in appetite
CBD has different effects on appetite. It can speed up the metabolism and promote the feeling of hunger or, on the contrary, reduce the desire to eat. Also in this case the active ingredient acts differently depending on the subject.
One study of 2015 published on Epilepsy & Behavior monitored the administration of CBD-enriched cannabis extracts to children with epilepsy. Out of 117 parents, the 13% reported a significant increase in appetite of the son.
Although the studies in this regard are decidedly limited, they offer the first scientific insights from which to learn. The key is to take CBD and evaluate how our body reacts. We may notice an increase, a decrease in hunger, or no change at all.
Low blood pressure
Finally, thelowering of pressure it is a side effect felt only in sporadic cases and which, depending on the individual, can be dangerous or even beneficial.
Since, although it is considered among the most serious side effects of CBD, it should be noted that in times of stress, cannabidiol modulates the reaction of the cardiovascular system, reducing tension.
One study of 2017 conducted in the United Kingdom found that a single dose of cannabidiol has reduced blood pressure in nine healthy volunteers at rest. Furthermore, it was also found to reduce the increase in blood pressure resulting from stress.
The interaction between drugs and CBD
Even if well tolerated, it is always better to consult your doctor, if possible open-minded, before combining it CBD with drugs that they are taking on. Cannabidiol doesn't interact with them directly, but it can change how the liver breaks them down. Let me explain better.
The liver, among its functions, deals with metabolize drugs. It produces certain enzymes that work tirelessly to break them down and eliminate them from the body. Among these, the enzyme CYP3A4 breaks down approximately 60% of all prescription drugs.
CBD can inhibit the activity of this enzyme, slowing the breakdown of drugs. As a result, these would remain in the bloodstream longer than expected without being disposed of in the established time.
But the opposite is also true. If a person already takes medications that require CYP3A4 metabolism, CBD, which is broken down by this same enzyme, may not receive its fair share of processing, causing cannabidiol levels in the blood to rise.
One research published on Epilepsia analyzed the effects of CBD when co-administered with the epilepsy drug clobazam. Of 25 children, 13 were taking this drug. The researchers observed in the participants a average increase of clobazam levels by 60–80%.
Although this allowed for reduce the amount of drug prescribed alongside CBD, in turn reducing the side effects of clobazam, you should never combine CBD and medications without your doctor's supervision.
How to calm the side effects of CBD
We have ascertained that the side effects of CBD, if they were to occur, as each organism reacts differently to cannabinoids, They are mild in nature, sporadic and disappear quickly.
That said, to reduce the risk that side effects of CBD occur or to limit the violence, there are some precautions, aspects and advice to always take into consideration.
Prefer high-quality CBD products
The CBD market has been expanding rapidly. In Italy there are thousands of companies that have launched their articles by passing them off as the best cannabidiol in circulation. But that's not always the case.
To limit any side effects it is better to prefer exclusively high quality CBD products sold by reputable companies that care about them from seed to flower. That to protect the well-being of its customers they avoid chemicals harmful to the body, such as pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides.
Pay attention to the dosage
As anticipated, CBD acts differently on each individual. For this reason, if we are new to this cannabinoid and do not know ours tolerance rate, the advice is to start with low bumps.
In this way we give the body the necessary time to get used to it and we will be able to regularly increase the doses and frequency with which we take CBD, until we reach our ideal dosage, without suffering the negative effects dictated by irresponsible consumption.
