CBD Oil for Health

Is CBD Oil Safe? What You Need to Know

Posted on by
30
Jun

With the rise in popularity of CBD over the last few years, it makes sense that people, especially those who may be new to the CBD game, are asking “is CBD oil safe?” After all, people around the world are using it for themselves, their children, and their pets.

While it may seem like a simple yes or no answer (and technically, it is), it always helps to do a deeper dive into the science and what the experts are saying. So, we’re going to do just that!

But first…

What is CBD Oil, Exactly?

If you’re new to CBD, a basic overview is always a good idea when looking at safety.

What is CBD? Cannabidiol (CBD) is the second most abundant component of the cannabis plant after tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t cause a high. It’s extracted from the plant using a variety of different extraction methods, usually infused in a carrier oil to increase bioavailability, and comes in several different forms.

CBD oil works by interacting with a complex system inside the body called the endocannabinoid system. This system is found in the brain, the major organs, the central nervous system… pretty much all over your body. Its goal is to bring about homeostasis, or balance. When you take CBD, it interacts with receptors in that endocannabinoid system to help when things are out of alignment.

CBD oil has been researched and tested for a variety of health concerns. In fact, in 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Epidiolex, a CBD-based medication used for the treatment of two rare forms of epilepsy in children, Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. After thorough testing, this drug has been adopted as a solution in many countries around the world.

Is CBD Oil Safe?

Let’s start with the simple answer. Is CBD oil safe? Yes.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “CBD is generally well tolerated with a good safety profile.”

Additionally, the WHO notes, “To date, there is no evidence of recreational use of CBD or any public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”

is cbd oil safe

Now, let’s dig deeper.

When it comes to safety, often the biggest concerns is side effects. And the WHO report does mention side effects, stating, “Reported adverse effects may be as a result of drug-drug interactions between CBD and patients’ existing medications.”

Thankfully, clinical research shows us that CBD oil may have some side effects, but these tend to be uncommon and mild. Common ones include:

  • Anxiety
  • Changes in appetite
  • Changes in mood
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

**Again, CBD is a natural substance, but if you’re concerned about using it to treat a health condition, speak with your health care provider to ensure that it is the right option for you. Also, if you’re overly cautious (and that’s ok!), to avoid any drug interactions, consider taking your CBD at a different time than other drugs, just to be on the safest side.

Tips for Finding a Safe CBD Oil

Now, we’ve mentioned that CBD oil is safe, but of course the CBD oil industry remains largely unregulated, so there are some steps you can take to ensure your own safety.

  1. Do your research. Don’t just buy the first product you find. Make sure you do your research to ensure the company is established, has a good reputation, and shares their Certificates of Analysis.
  2. Go organic. When your CBD is organic, that means it’s grown or produced without the use of genetically modified organisms, pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge or ionizing radiation. You don’t want any of these in your CBD oil as they can all compromise your safety.
  3. Check the Certificate of Analysis. A Certificate of Analysis from an independent, third party lab will give you a detailed breakdown of everything in your CBD oil. Check it for things like heavy metals or pesticides, things that, again, could compromise safety.

Final Thoughts

So, is CBD oil safe? Yes, as a whole, a good quality CBD oil shouldn’t give you any trouble at all. That being said, everyone is different, and while most don’t experience any side effects, there is the off chance that you may feel a little off. In this case, try adjusting your dose – we always recommend starting out slow to allow your body to adjust 🙂

Happy healing!