By Luke Sumpter Reviewed by: Gloria Payá


In only a matter of years, CBD went from being a relatively unknown cannabis constituent to a world-famous molecule. Now available in oils, cosmetics, dried flowers, concentrates, and even food, CBD exists just about everywhere.

Despite the sheer popularity of the non-psychotropic cannabinoid, many first-time and long-term users alike have questions regarding CBD's effects and duration. Among these queries are concerns over potential side effects and interactions with medications and health conditions. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about the side effects of CBD oil, who they affect, and how long they last.

What Is CBD

CBD, or cannabidiol, is found in the trichomes of cannabis and hemp plant matter, most notably in the flowers. Alongside over 100 cannabinoids and 200 terpenes, CBD contributes to the vast chemical complexity of the cannabis plant.

Before CBD became “mainstream”, cannabis was almost exclusively associated with the psychotropic compound THC, and viewed largely as a recreational drug. However, the surging popularity of CBD helped to pave the way for cannabis to gain acceptance within society.

CBD Produces No Psychotropic or Intoxicating Effects

Unlike its psychotropic counterpart THC, CBD produces no mind-altering high. However, both of these molecules interface with the human body in a similar way—through the endocannabinoid system (among other targets).

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays a regulatory role within the human body and helps to balance our biological systems. It consists of receptors, enzymes, and our own internal endocannabinoids. The two primary ECS receptors are CB1 and CB2. THC binds directly to CB1 receptors within the central nervous system, which gives rise to its psychotropic effects.

In contrast, CBD has a low binding affinity for these receptors. However, it can still interact with CB1 receptors, helping to block the effects of THC as a result. Cannabidiol also works to preserve our own endocannabinoids, such as anandamide, by preventing enzymes from breaking them down. Finally, CBD produces further unique effects via several other mechanisms, including serotonin receptors.

CBD Is Generally Well-Tolerated

With low toxicity and no psychotropic side effects, medical authorities such as the World Health Organisation consider CBD to be a well-tolerated molecule with a good safety profile[1]. Additionally, the WHO recognises that CBD poses little to no threat of abuse or dependence potential. Most of the time, healthy people tolerate CBD well—medications considered.

Does CBD Cause Serious Side Effects?

Although it lacks the intoxicating nature of THC, CBD can still produce side effects in some users. However, these reactions have nothing to do with getting high. Rather, CBD sometimes causes minor side effects that are mostly mere inconveniences. Even everyday vitamins, minerals, and supplements run the risk of minor side effects.

With that said, the cannabinoid may also disrupt the metabolism of some medications, which can subsequently cause some serious issues.

Some users tolerate CBD with absolutely no side effects, whereas others experience mild annoyances such as a dry mouth. For others, more noticeable CBD oil side effects like dizziness, fatigue, and low blood pressure are possible. Check out the potential side effects caused by CBD below.

  • Changes to Appetite

CBD appears to exert a multifaceted effect on appetite. In some people, the cannabinoid may speed up the metabolism and make them more hungry. In others, the molecule may suppress appetite, potentially leading to weight loss.

How do we know this? Well, science has let us in on some key findings. An article published in Epilepsy & Behavior administered CBD-enriched cannabis extracts[2] to children with epilepsy. Throughout the study, the researchers maintained communication with the parents to get an idea of the efficacy of the treatment, as well as any potential side effects. Out of 117 parents, 30% reported a significant increase in their child’s appetite.

Another study [3], this one published in Suchttherapie in 2016, paints a slightly different picture. This review of clinical data documents a study in which 23 children with Dravet syndrome received up to 25mg of CBD per kilogram of body weight per day. Unfortunately, the results were inconclusive, with some of the children experiencing an increase in appetite, whereas others experienced a decrease. It appears that there may be secondary factors influencing the effect of CBD on appetite, with researchers highlighting the need for larger-scale clinical trials.

Although these studies feature limitations, they currently provide the best scientific insight into the effects of CBD on appetite. After trying CBD for the first time, you might notice an increase or a decrease in hunger, or no change at all.

Does CBD Have Any Side Effects?
  • Dizziness

Although relatively rare, some users experience bouts of dizziness after taking CBD. Many of these experiences are anecdotal, but some scientific literature also backs them up. Several studies report dizziness as an adverse reaction[4] after co-administration of CBD alongside THC. Yet, it remains unknown which cannabinoid truly underpins these effects.

Dizziness after consuming CBD remains one of the more common side effects, but the exact cause is still poorly understood.No study thus far has delved into the mechanism behind why this might occur. In reality, science still has a lot of work to do to truly understand the effects of CBD, and many of its mechanisms remain unidentified or undisclosed. Thus far, some scientists believe that dizziness may be down to a change in brain cell signalling and activation of the autonomic nervous system that alters blood flow to the brain.

Does CBD Have Any Side Effects?
  • Diarrhoea

Perhaps one of the most uncomfortable side effects of CBD oil, some users report diarrhoea after consuming the cannabinoid. Although CBD can cause an upset stomach in some users, the molecule may not always be the direct culprit.

Taking almost any supplement on an empty stomach has the potential to induce nausea, queasiness, and the runs. By taking CBD shortly after a meal, you can work out if you tolerate it better with a full belly. Additionally, almost all CBD products contain other components. Full-spectrum extracts contain an array of other molecules such as terpenes, and crude formulas also contain lipids, waxes, and chlorophyll that may contribute to an upset stomach.

CBD oils use a carrier oil to dilute the product. Common carriers include olive oil and coconut oil, yet these rarely cause issues. However, some product lines use medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, which can cause diarrhoea in some people, especially those new to it.

Going beyond anecdotal experiences, studies, such as one published in the journal Epilepsia in 2018, document diarrhoea as an adverse reaction following CBD administration. This particular study tracked the effects of long-term CBD treatment[5] in patients with Dravet syndrome. Among other side effects, diarrhoea occurred in 34% of the 278 patients.

Does CBD Have Any Side Effects?
  • Fatigue

If you take CBD in the morning before a long day at work, or during the day when you’re feeling particularly stressed, you might find yourself feeling a bit more fatigued than usual. Research has yet to identify a mechanism behind this, and chances are this state of fatigue simply stems from feeling profoundly relaxed.

Interestingly, CBD may help to alleviate fatigue in some circumstances. Characterised by extreme tiredness, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) leaves sufferers feeling wiped out and extremely tired throughout the day. Anecdotal reports claim reduced fatigue following CBD administration, possibly due to changes in immune cell function and inflammation.

Due to the possibility of experiencing fatigue as a side effect, we recommend taking CBD at home during the evenings the first few times you give it a try. This way, you won’t be far from your warm bed if you start to feel a bit tired.

Does CBD Have Any Side Effects?
  • Dry Mouth

The sensation of a dry mouth can occur for a variety of reasons, including dehydration and consuming high-THC cannabis. CBD also appears to cause dry mouth in some users. Although this minor side effect seems innocent and easy to remedy, it can become annoying quite fast. The type of dry mouth caused by CBD differs from merely forgetting to take a sip of water. Known as xerostomia, it results from a reduced or absent flow of saliva. Both THC and CBD act in a similar way in this regard.

Endocannabinoid receptors are located on salivary glands and regulate the amount of saliva that flows into the mouth. THC binds directly to CB1 receptors and inhibits the production of saliva. However, CBD doesn’t bind to this site. Instead, it works by increasing anandamide levels, which then go on to bind to the CB1 receptor, resulting in the same outcome.

Does CBD Have Any Side Effects?
  • Lower Blood Pressure

The lowering of blood pressure resides on the more serious end of the spectrum of CBD side effects.

Numerous clinical trials report reduced blood pressure as a side effect of CBD. A 2017 study conducted in the United Kingdom found that a single dose of CBD reduced resting blood pressure[6] in healthy volunteers. Interestingly, it also reduced blood pressure increase resulting from stress.

Does CBD Have Any Side Effects?
  • Headaches

CBD may cause headaches in some users. This side effect seems to mostly arise in new users, especially those that take too much, too soon. There are many other variables that contribute to headaches, including certain foods, stress, and dehydration. Make sure you rule all of these out before pinning the blame on CBD.

On the flip side, researchers are currently testing CBD[7] to see if it can provide any benefits for headache patients in the future.

Does CBD Have Any Side Effects?

Does CBD Have Side Effects With Other Medications?

CBD changes the way the body metabolises some medications. The cannabinoid doesn’t directly interact with other chemicals in the blood, but it does change the way the liver breaks them down.

The liver plays a fundamental role in human physiology. This fascinating organ helps to metabolise macronutrients, activate enzymes, and filter the blood. The liver manufactures certain enzymes that also work to break down drugs and put an end to their effects in the body.

One such group is the cytochrome P450 enzyme family. These proteins are involved in processing a wide range of pharmaceutical drugs. As you might remember from biology class, each type of enzyme catalyses a reaction with a specific type of substrate. A specific CYP enzyme known as CYP3A4 breaks down around 60% of all prescribed drugs. The substrates include:

  • Seizure medication
  • Immunosuppressants
  • Antidepressants
  • Antipsychotics
  • Calcium channel blockers
  • Opioids

However, CYP3A4 also works to break down CBD. During this metabolic process, CBD interferes with the enzyme and begins to inhibit it. If there are other drugs in the system, decreased levels of the enzyme mean they linger in the bloodstream for longer than intended.

The reverse also stands true. If a person already takes drugs that require CYP3A4 metabolism, CBD might not get its fair share of processing, resulting in excess levels in the blood.

Doctors and pharmacists prescribe medications in very specific amounts, set to work over a certain amount of time. By interrupting this process, CBD might put some patients in danger. For example, drugs that require avoiding driving or operating heavy machinery may have negative impacts on reaction time past the intended timeframe.

Researched published in Epilepsia analised the effects of CBD[8] when co-administered with the epilepsy medication clobazam. In a trial of 25 children, 13 were receiving clobazam as a prescribed treatment. The researchers found an average increase in clobazam drug levels of 60–80% in participants.

Although this enabled the researchers to decrease the amount of medication prescribed alongside CBD, reducing clobazam’s side effects in turn, users should never try to co-administer any medications with CBD away from their doctor's supervision.

Does CBD Have Side Effects With Other Medications?

Will CBD Side Effects Go Away?

If you experience any side effects from CBD, you can expect them to dissipate quickly. All drugs feature a half-life—the amount of time it takes for their levels in the body to reduce by half through processing and elimination.

The half-life of CBD remains unconfirmed, as different studies yield different results. But it looks as though the cannabinoid has a half-life of 18–35 hours, with faster methods of application such as smoking causing levels to reduce quicker. Although it takes a while for CBD to completely leave the system, the effects of the molecule begin to wane after around 4–6 hours.

How to Limit Side Effects From CBD

Whether you’ve experienced side effects from CBD before, or simply want to avoid the possibility in the future, there are a few variables you can control to reduce your chances of encountering them.

  • Buy High-Quality CBD Oils

Following CBD’s surge in popularity, the market for the cannabinoid quickly became saturated. Suddenly, every man and his dog offered their own brand of CBD products. Although numerous companies offer high-quality oils, many others out there are sub-par, to say the least. To reduce your chances of experiencing CBD oil side effects, opt for high-quality products from reputable companies that contain exactly what they state on the bottle—nothing more, nothing less.

  • Purchase Independently Tested CBD Products

Trusted companies are confident in their CBD products—so much so that they increase customer confidence by batch-testing their CBD oil. Only purchase products that are sent off to undergo third-party testing before sale. This guarantees a high-quality oil free from contaminants such as heavy metals and adverse levels of THC.

  • Start Low and Slow

CBD affects everyone differently. If you’re new to the cannabinoid, we suggest starting with a low, single dose. Allow your body to get used to it. Slowly increase your dose and frequency over time to minimise any adverse effects. Once you find your sweet spot, you’ll know exactly how much to take before you start experiencing any unpleasant effects.

  • Seek Natural Ingredients

Unfortunately, some hemp plants aren’t grown in the most responsible or safe manner. Pesticides can end up in the end product, which can cause their own detrimental effects. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use only naturally cultivated hemp plants featuring THC levels below the EU limit.

CBD Oil Safety — The Bottom Line

CBD is regarded as a safe molecule with a low risk of abuse. Most people won’t encounter any side effects at all, and will experience only clear-headed and enjoyable effects. However, if you do start to experience any side effects, or are taking any form of medication, you must consult your doctor as to whether CBD is the right choice for you.

External Resources:
  1. CANNABIDIOL (CBD) Critical Review Report https://www.who.int
  2. Perceived efficacy of cannabidiol-enriched cannabis extracts for treatment of pediatric epilepsy: A potential role for infantile spasms and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. Oromucosal Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol/cannabidiol for neuropathic pain associated with multiple sclerosis: An uncontrolled, open-label, 2-year extension trial - ScienceDirect https://www.sciencedirect.com
  5. Long‐term cannabidiol treatment in patients with Dravet syndrome: An open‐label extension trial https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com
  6. A single dose of cannabidiol reduces blood pressure in healthy volunteers in a randomized crossover study https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  7. Does cannabidiol (CBD) oil decrease the frequency and severity of chronic headaches? https://journals.lww.com
  8. Drug-drug interaction between clobazam and cannabidiol in children with refractory epilepsy - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.

Cookies settings

We are requesting your permission to use your data for the reasons stated below:

Functional cookies

Functional cookies help our website to function optimally and allow us to personalise certain features.

Preference cookies

Preference cookies allow us to remember information that influences the way our website looks, including your preferred language based on your region.

Analytical cookies

Analytical cookies give us insights into website traffic and customer behaviour, including how many people visit our site, how long they browse for, and which parts of our site they visit.

What are cookies?

Cookies are small pieces of data from a particular website that get stored on a user’s computer while they’re surfing the internet. Cookies have several different functions. Some of them track browser activity that enables businesses to deliver targeted advertisements. Other cookies serve to remember user login details to different websites to make jumping on social media, or other sites, a more fluid process. Because each cookie has its own unique ID, these pieces of data allow website owners to measure the unique traffic coming into their site.

Why do we use cookies?

Cookies come in handy when you visit our website. They ensure you stay logged in, that you can shop safely, and that the items you add to your cart stay there before you make a purchase. But cookies also help us. The data they provide allow us to improve our website and enable us to present you with targeted advertisements that are compatible with your interests.

What kind of cookies do we use?

Functional cookies

Functional cookies help our website to function optimally and allow us to personalise certain features.

Preference cookies

Preference cookies allow us to remember information that influences the way our website looks, including your preferred language based on your region.

Analytical cookies

Analytical cookies give us insights into website traffic and customer behaviour, including how many people visit our site, how long they browse for, and which parts of our site they visit.

How can I disable or delete cookies?

Not a fan of cookies? No worries. You can disable them (with the exception of necessary cookies) in your browser settings. However, blocking cookies may impact your browsing experience and prevent you from enjoying all of the technical features of our site.

Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: