Many experts consider CBD to be an effective and safe way to promote your overall well-being. However, there are a few possible CBD oil side effects that you should know about before using it for the first time.
In this article, we discuss the side effects of CBD oil and what you can do to avoid them. Read on to find out everything you need to know.

Does CBD Oil Have Side Effects?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the myriad compounds that cannabis and hemp plants naturally produce. More specifically, CBD is what’s known as a phytocannabinoid – the same class of chemicals as THC, CBG, CBC, CBN, and more.
THC is probably the most “famous” cannabinoid as it produces the high that people associate marijuana with. It is also the cannabinoid that can cause side effects such as dry mouth, dizziness, confusion, anxiety, and paranoia.
In contrast, CBD does not have intoxicating effects. It does not make users high, and it does not (for the most part) cause the unpleasant side effects that THC does. However, like anything that you put into your body, there are some potential side effects of CBD oil.
However, many of the side effects of CBD can be positive. For example, feeling calmer, more relaxed, and even more energized. But there are a few potentially negative side effects of CBD oil too. Here are some of the most common problems that we associate with our favorite compound:

Drug Interactions

You may have seen or read about information online that discusses the potential for CBD to interact with prescription or over-the-counter medicines. Like any compound that you ingest into your body, the presence of CBD may impact various other internal systems and metabolic pathways.
If you are unsure of whether or not you should be consuming CBD products, it would probably be a good idea to speak with a physician. While we still have a long way to go in terms of fully understanding the effects of CBD in the human body, a doctor or qualified healthcare professional will be able to provide you with the best, most accurate information.

How CBD is Metabolized

As we have mentioned, when you consume CBD, it breaks down internally via the body’s digestive system. Therefore, some folks have suggested that continuous daily CBD use could have an impact on digestive processes, processes of the liver. However, there is not enough substantial evidence to say for sure how much of a risk this poses.
The fact is, we know little about the long-term side effects of taking CBD oil. Until conclusive research emerges, this is something that regular CBD users may wish to remember. Like all things, it is always best to exercise caution when consuming CBD oil or other CBD products.

Unknown Effects During Pregnancy

There is little existing research regarding whether or not CBD is safe to use during pregnancy. For this reason, women who are pregnant or trying to conceive may be better off steering clear until experts know more.

Drowsiness

Many people use CBD to help them get a great night’s sleep. Therefore, the compound could make you feel drowsier than usual. Not all CBD users experience this side effect, and it may, in part, depend on how much you use.
If you are taking CBD for the first time, wait and see how it affects you. Also, do not take CBD products before driving, as there is a potential for excessive tiredness and drowsiness.

Dry Mouth

We know that CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This is how it exerts its various effects on human biology. The endocannabinoid system exists throughout the body’s tissues, including the salivary glands. Therefore, one potential side effect of CBD is dry mouth.
Fortunately, this side effect is usually short-lived and only a minor annoyance. You can reduce its impact by regularly sipping water or another hydrating beverage.

Is CBD Oil Safe?

Despite the above list of potential side effects, many experts consider CBD oil very safe. The biggest concern is probably the current lack of knowledge regarding its long-term effects.
However, if you are buying CBD oil for the first time, there are several things to consider. By taking the following factors into account, you can ensure that you’re purchasing a good, quality, reliable CBD oil.

Third-Party Lab Testing

There are still CBD companies out there that are still selling substandard products in terms of safety and quality. Some products may contain less CBD (or more THC) than advertised. Others could contain harmful chemicals like pesticides.
To ensure that you buy a CBD oil that is as safe as can be, look for a company that offers third-party lab reports. Even if these reports are difficult to understand, they show that a brand has confidence in its products and nothing to hide.

Extraction Method

There are different ways to get CBD out of the plant and into your bottle of oil. Some suggest that the best technique is solventless CO2 extraction. This method uses carbon dioxide to extract cannabinoids from hemp plants, and is generally very safe.
In contrast, there are companies that use solvents like butane and hexane to extract their CBD. This method works well, but could leave solvent residues in the end product if not done correctly.

Consumption Method

There are almost as many ways to use CBD as there are companies that sell it. CBD oils are of course one of the best-loved forms, as well as CBD edibles and CBD vapes.
Edibles for the most part are safe, but some products do contain a lot of sugar. Others could contain artificial sweeteners or flavorings, which might negatively impact your health. Always read the label and opt for those that are free from these ingredients.
Vaping also has a question mark over its safety. This is mainly due to the chemicals that some companies use to thin their vape juice. Thinners such as polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG-400) can potentially produce aldehydes if heated to excessive temperatures.
For this reason, some consider the best vape options to include those products that are PEG-free. Always read the label when buying CBD vape products so that you know what you are breathing in.

CBD Oil Benefits and Side Effects

It is essential to consider these common CBD oil effects on body processes before using any CBD products. This goes without saying, even if most people use CBD oil with no adverse effects.
One of the primary reasons people enjoy using CBD is its ability to optimize well-being and promote a positive lifestyle. Others say it helps them to feel more relaxed and get a great night’s sleep.
To maximize the potential benefits of CBD (and minimize CBD side effects), start by using a small milligram amount. If you are using an oil, for example, start with just a few drops and increase gradually over several days or weeks if needed.
With edibles, try and select a low milligram amount to start with. You may even wish to cut something like a CBD gummy in half to see how it affects you.
Once you have an idea of how CBD interacts with your body, you can increase your daily intake until you achieve desirable effects. Doing this will also help you to save money, as you will be using the smallest amount of CBD necessary.
The bottom line is that everyone is different; some people may experience CBD oil side effects, while others will not. The only way to find out how CBD affects you is to try it yourself and see.
We hope that this article has answered your questions on the side effects of CBD oil. For more information, or if you have any additional questions, feel free to leave a comment below.