The dangers of CBD: 6 things to know

Is CBD really safe? Given the proliferation of products and the lack of regulation in France, it’s reasonable to ask whether cannabidiol—or products containing it—are truly risk-free and harmless, whether they pose any health risks, or whether simply, a little education and prevention are enough to avert all risks associated with the use of a psychoactive but non-psychotropic cannabinoid.

When is CBD dangerous?

No need to keep you in suspense. CBD is not a dangerous compound. The strongest argument in its favor—aside from the hundreds of clinical studies that have found no harmful effects of CBD—is the position of the World Health Organization (WHO), whose Expert Committee concluded in 2017 that «pure cannabidiol (CBD) does not appear to have abuse potential or pose a health risk.».

This does not mean that CBD use cannot be harmful to health, but rather that, in such cases, the method of consumption is often to blame: for example, when smoking CBD, the release of carcinogenic particles comes from the combustion process and not from the CBD itself.

In summary, CBD is therefore:

• non-psychotropic: it does not cause a "high," unlike certain other cannabinoids such as THC or the THCV
• non-addictive: consuming regularly CBD is not addictive to this substance
• free of major side effects: these CBD side effects do exist but are mild

Side Effects of CBD

CBD use carries a few risks that are easy to prevent. Although it is often well tolerated, CBD can cause side effects such as dry mouth, diarrhea, loss of appetite, drowsiness, or fatigue. These effects usually occur when a dose of CBD is too high—a sign that you’ve taken too much—and disappear once the CBD is cleared from the body after a few hours.

CBD can also interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, and either counteract or enhance their effects. If you are taking medication and also using CBD—whether in oil or flower form— it is essential to consult your doctor to ensure that CBD will not cause any dangerous side effects or to establish a schedule for taking your medication and CBD at different times, without the risk of adverse effects.

Another cause for concern is the lack of reliability regarding the purity and dosage of CBD in certain products. Several studies around the world have shown that CBD products purchased online sometimes contain less CBD than what is listed on the label. In addition, THC has been found in other products even though they were advertised as «broad-spectrum,» meaning they were supposed to be THC-free. To be sure, ask for the certificates of analysis for the product in question.

If you have any doubts—such as an incorrect product reference on the certificate or a blurry logo from the testing laboratory, for example—it’s likely that the certificate has been tampered with and you cannot trust your seller.

Is it risky to drive after using CBD?

At high doses, the CBD can cause drowsiness. In that case, obviously don't get behind the wheel if you're experiencing these effects. And if they occur while you're driving, the safest thing to do is to pull over and rest for as long as you need. A cup of coffee can help, too!

The other Risks of CBD and Driving is the presence of THC in CBD flowers and in certain ingestible products. Since roadside THC screening does not test your ability to drive but simply checks for the presence of THC in your body, you could test positive for drugs even though you have consumed a legal product. As long as the french cannabis law will not change; this incongruity will persist.

CBD and Drug Interactions

CBD, like grapefruit, interferes with the normal functioning of cytochrome P450 enzymes, a group of proteins that break down medications in the liver and small intestine. It is this process that allows a medication’s benefits to reach their intended target.

The CBD therefore interacts with certain medications by disrupting the activity of CYPs and slowing down the rate at which these proteins normally break down medications. Cannabidiol also increases side effects and the length of time the medication remains in the system.

While this blockage may allow patients to take lower doses of their medications, it can also lead to a toxic buildup of chemicals in the body.

The simplest test for people taking medication is to see if they can consume grapefruit. Even simpler: ask your doctor if your medication is compatible with taking CBD at the same time.

The Human Body's Tolerance to CBD

Several studies have attempted to determine the maximum dose at which the CBD was safe. The best-known study administered up to 1,500 mg of CBD per day without noting any major or unexpected adverse effects. Of course, everyone is different, and government health recommendations range from 70 mg of CBD per day in France to 200 mg of CBD per day in Canada.

Once again, taking too much CBD can cause unpleasant side effects, but these subside once you stop taking CBD.

What We Don't Know About the Dangers of CBD

Is CBD bad for you? The latest research shows that there are no studies demonstrating that CBD is harmful to health. In recent years, several high-quality clinical trials have been conducted in the United States and other countries to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CBD. The World Health Organization recognizes that CBD is safe.

The assessment of CBD safety takes many factors into account. The most important of these is the level of safety for the consumer.

Of course, just because a substance is natural doesn’t mean it’s safe. The purity of the product and its source must also be taken into account. Since the CBD industry is largely unregulated, there are unfortunately a number of companies that produce low-quality—and, at worst, dangerous—CBD products that can harm your health.

That is why it is crucial that you purchase your CBD products from a reputable source to ensure you get the best possible quality.