It’s normal to be anxious or fearful about trying something new, especially when it’s something concerning your health. All of the new information can be overwhelming. Furthermore, when it comes to “alternative” treatments, the lack of “professional” guidance can be disconcerting.
It’s very common for users interested in trying to be anxious about taking the very thing that may help them. The goal of this article is to help you feel more comfortable and calm potential fears associated with using CBD products.
How Safe Is CBD Oil?
In short, the safety profile of CBD is incredibly positive. For instance, this World Health Organization (WHO) report found that CBD is “generally well tolerated with a good safety profile.” Additionally, they said that any reported side effects “may be as a result of drug-drug interactions between CBD and patients’ existing medications.”
Above all, what this means is that any CBD side effects are probably the result of cannabis interactions with pharmaceuticals. Possible solutions should be discussed with a doctor, such as lowering either the CBD or pharmaceutical dosing.
What Are CBD Side Effects?
Currently, studies show that CBD oil has almost no significant adverse effects on the human body, even when taken frequently and in large doses. However, as with most medications, there are a variety of possible effects, depending on the person taking it.
Our separate article “Does CBD Oil Have Any Side Effects” goes into more detail and references some of the specific studies regarding CBD side effects.
Is CBD Addictive?
CBD is not addictive according to the World Health Organization report referenced above. They specifically state that “in humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential.”
In fact, CBD has been studied for its potential in reducing addictions to other substances.
Will CBD Oil Get Me High?
CBD products that can be purchased online or in local stores are extremely low in THC (less than 0.3%). They are derived from the hemp plant instead of marijuana. THC is the psychoactive cannabinoid known for causing the “high” associated with cannabis products. While some users confuse the relaxed feeling of CBD with a “high”, quality CBD products will not get you high.
Products available in a licensed dispensary can have a ratio of CBD-to-THC that may be closer to an equal ratio. The closer you get to a 1:1 ratio, the higher the chance you may start to experience some psychoactive effects.
Is CBD Oil Safe – The Bottom Line
Based on our research and the experiences that users share with us in our CBD Oil Users Group on Facebook, CBD is very safe. It’s beneficial properties combined with an excellent safety profile make it a great candidate for supplementing, and sometimes completely replacing, other treatments.
The World Health Organization report concludes by saying “to date, there is no evidence of recreational use of CBD or any public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”
Keep in mind that the above pertains to CBD only. Some CBD products contain other ingredients, such as other various herbs, that may impact how you react to it. THC, the other most popular cannabinoid in cannabis, has a very similar safety profile but can have some adverse effects in certain individuals. Things such as dry eyes, anxiety, or paranoia have been reported.
This is important to know because there are some users who are so sensitive to THC that they cannot use full spectrum CBD products. For them, broad spectrum and isolate products do not contain detectable levels of THC and can be good options.
