Cannabidiol (CBD) oil has grown in popularity over the years, with the media considering it as an add-in booster. CBD has been legalized in all states, except three, making it readily obtainable. And, whether you want to use CBD oil for the first time or are looking for more information on the precautions, you can get in-depth knowledge from this article.
CBD is an active ingredient in marijuana/cannabis and is extracted directly from the hemp plant using different methods. These methods include carbon dioxide extraction, as well as solvent extraction, which usually uses butane and ethanol, the reason why some CBD oil products have ethanol in them. You can find a great post to read on the said topic from company sites like Buena Vida Botanicals.
Unlike marijuana, CBD doesn’t make a user high, but promises several health benefits. It’s used to control and lessen pain, in addition to inhibiting inflammatory pain. It’s believed to help manage specific ailments, such as Lennox-Gestaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome, which don’t respond to standard medications.
Here are some health precautions you have to know before taking CBD oil:
- Interactions Of CBD With Other Medications
Although considered safe, CBD may have side effects, such as nausea, lightheadedness, drowsiness, dry mouth, and diarrhea. CBD can mix with certain medications, which may intensify the side effects.
These side effects happen according to the medications that interact with CBD. For instance, taking CBD with prescription drugs meant for sleeping may increase fatigue, which may cause accidents when driving.
As for stimulants mixing with CBD oil, it may lead to decreased appetite. Additionally, when a diabetes drug interferes with CBD, it may cause diarrhea in a patient.
Moreover, once you take a medication and it’s broken down in the liver by enzymes, such enzymes may combine with CBD, making alterations in the drug. As a result of the altered concentration, the medicine may cease to work.
Therefore, before using CBD oil, you should consult your physician. Your doctor may alter some medications to prevent serious health issues and side effects. But, if you have a medical condition, such as heart issues, kidney disease, epilepsy, or a weakened immune system due to cancer, avoid taking CBD oil without a doctor’s consultation.
- May Cause Injury To The Liver
When taken in the proper dosage, CBD won’t affect your liver. But, taking large dosages of CBD in hopes of it working faster may be harmful to you. Therefore, it’ll be wise to stick to the correct dosage of CBD.
The liver contains enzymes that break down drugs into smaller bits for easy absorption. Therefore, when you take high amounts of CBD, it’ll increase the amount of blood thinning due to the competition for liver enzymes. In addition, a high amount of CBD inhibits enzymes in the liver that are necessary for the digestion of medicines. Your liver may swell up and sustain injury due to the inhibition of enzymes.
Therefore, consult your doctor on the amount of CBD oil you need to use before using it. Your doctor will give you a dosage that won’t be below the required amount since it won’t work as intended, or one that’s too high to avoid damaging your liver.
- May Cause Fertility Damage
Unfortunately, there’s not enough research into CBD’s role in infertility. But, the little research conducted found that male mammals are likely to develop smaller testicles due to the use of CBD.
Smaller testicles in male mammals may eventually result in fewer sperm-producing cells, causing infertility issues. In addition, men may have lower reproductive hormone levels and a lower rate of fertilization.
When it comes to pregnancy, a study showed evidence of CBD harming animal embryos and fetuses, thus, a breastfeeding mother should consider potential risks to the infant. Also, with no solid evidence on CBD and fertility, a user should proceed with caution.
Bottom Line
CBD has sparked controversy and been under government watch for justifiable claims, such as it may cure cancer. But, CBD may be an option for managing chronic pain, insomnia, and anxiety with the proper doses.
CBD products available in the form of oils, gummies, edibles, creams, lotions, balms, and ointments. They’re also available in different shapes, flavors, and potencies. However, if you’re going to start with any CBD product, you should start with lower doses.
So, before choosing to use any CBD oil product, go through everything it has to offer and how it may affect your health. Or, to be extra sure, it’d be best to consult your trusted doctor.
