Does CBD oil have side effects?

Does CBD oil have side effects? CBD is becoming increasingly popular and well-known. More and more people are experiencing the power of CBD, and this is being noticed by the market. There are more and more providers selling CBD products. This has both advantages and disadvantages.

But how are you as a user supposed to know if the CBD oil is of good quality and if the provider is trustworthy? We often only hear positive stories, but are there also downsides?

And what are the side effects of CBD? Is it possible to overdose, and is CBD oil really as good as claimed? In this blog article, ProHemp looks at the advantages and disadvantages of CBD and especially the side effects of CBD.

What is CBD?

Before we go deeper into the side effects of CBD, it is important to know what CBD is. CBD, or cannabidiol, has become increasingly popular in recent years. CBD is available in various forms, such as oil, ointment, capsules, or tablets.

Besides the different options, there are also different strengths. For example, the lightest form of CBD oil contains 2.5% CBD, while the strongest form contains 40% CBD. Depending on your complaint or your goal, you choose the right CBD product. You can use CBD both internally and externally.

CBD is extracted from the cannabis hemp plant. This plant contains hundreds of organic compounds, including CBD. The cannabis plant is also the source of THC, the substance that gives you a high feeling. CBD products in the Netherlands may not contain more than 0.05% THC. This makes CBD legal in the Netherlands.

Besides CBD and THC, the cannabis plant contains other cannabinoids and terpenes. Often, a CBD oil is made that still contains all cannabinoids and terpenes. This is called Full Spectrum CBD oil. The terpenes and cannabinoids enhance each other's effects.

This is why Full Spectrum oil is the most popular. The plants used to make CBD are only for CBD products. The cannabis plant grown to make marijuana, also known as the weed plant, is not comparable to the cannabis plant used to make CBD.

The weed plant contains a lot of THC and is therefore illegal in the Netherlands, while the cannabis plant grown for CBD products contains a small percentage of CBD, making it legal in the Netherlands.

What happens after using CBD?

CBD is known for its pain-relieving and calming effects. It is often used for sleep problems or stress, but also for chronic pain and skin irritation. We previously wrote a blog about which CBD product suits which complaint.

As CBD is used more and more, the internet is filled with positive experiences from CBD users. Users report better sleep, less stress, or relief from severe complaints. The story of a five-year-old girl from America who suffered from more than 200 epileptic seizures per week stands out the most. After using CBD oil, this was reduced to a few seizures per month.

The most well-known form of CBD is CBD oil. CBD oil comes in multiple strengths. You drop the CBD oil under your tongue and hold it there for 90 to 120 seconds. The CBD then has enough time to be absorbed through the glands.

Afterwards, you rinse the remainder away with water. Whatever form of CBD you use, your body ultimately absorbs only about 35% of the CBD. CBD is not naturally liquid, so it is almost impossible to make a CBD oil with more than 30% CBD.

Does CBD oil have side effects?

Besides CBD oil, there are other ways to take CBD. CBD has a naturally herbal taste. It is a natural product, so the taste can vary with each batch. Ten years ago, there was only CBD oil, and the oil was often mixed with drinks or food if people could not tolerate the herbal taste of CBD. Nowadays, there are CBD capsules. CBD capsules are tasteless and very easy to take. Besides capsules, there are also other options to take CBD. CBD edibles are very popular among children and athletes. It is a sweet way to take CBD.

After using CBD, your body absorbs the CBD into the endocannabinoid system in your body. For many people, this system is out of balance and they may experience complaints. Using CBD can help bring this system back into balance. This is why many people experience the use of CBD as positive. But are there also negative side effects?

Side effects of CBD

CBD buildup phase

CBD is not a substance you feel immediately. The buildup phase is very important. Depending on your weight, lifestyle, personal biochemistry, and CBD use, it can work faster or slower. Most people who use CBD hope it works immediately.

This is not the case; it can take 8 to 12 weeks before people start to feel something. This has to do with the endocannabinoid system, a natural body system that is often out of balance. Using CBD can help restore this balance, but it takes time.

Many people starting CBD hope and expect immediate effects. The process can be very slow at first, and many give up during this phase.

You may experience a dry mouth after using CBD

CBD has a herbal taste. It is a natural product, so the taste is not always the same. You drop the CBD oil under your tongue. It is advisable to hold it there for 90 to 120 seconds for optimal effect.

After 120 seconds, swallow the CBD oil. It is best to swallow it with water. CBD can cause dry mouth. Besides drinking plenty of water, this is also recommended when using CBD oil.

Solution? Keep a bottle of water handy or use CBD capsules. The dry mouth caused by CBD oil is resolved with capsules. You swallow the capsules with water and do not have to hold them in your mouth.

CBD can cause drowsiness

Some CBD users feel drowsy after using CBD oil. There are also reports of people becoming more active and alert. Both can be experienced as positive or negative.

The first (side) effect many users experience is that they feel more relaxed, sleep better, or experience less stress. This often occurs after using CBD oil for two weeks. Most experience this at the end of the day.

They become naturally tired and have no trouble falling asleep.

We see many of our customers order CBD oil because they are stressed or have trouble sleeping. This lowers energy levels and causes more complaints. If you have sleep problems and a lot of stress and want better rest, CBD oil + melatonin might be something for you.

Melatonin can improve sleep quality and help you enter REM sleep. REM sleep is the most important phase of your sleep. Someone who sleeps well enters REM sleep three to five times per night. During REM sleep, your body is 'paralyzed' while your eyes move from side to side. In this phase, you dream but also rest the most.

A good night's sleep provides a rested feeling and can give you more energy during the day. You feel fitter, sharper, and more motivated to move. It is a positive snowball effect.

New users may experience some headaches during the first week. It is not known if this is caused by CBD, but it is a remark we receive from CBD users. What is important, and what we always advise, is to drink plenty of water. Whether you use CBD or not, it is wise to drink 2 liters of water per day.

The headache is usually short-lived. Afterwards, we often receive positive feedback that the effects of CBD are amazing. Therefore, always keep a bottle of water handy and drink enough throughout the day. If you take CBD oil, rinse it down with a glass of water to ensure you drink at least three glasses a day.

CBD and medications

If you use medications, it is important to contact your general practitioner or doctor before starting CBD. CBD can slow down the effect of medications. This can cause the medication to work longer and better. This may lead to taking the medication again too soon. If you have complaints or need medical advice, always consult a doctor.

Loose stools caused by CBD oil

Using CBD oil can cause loose stools or diarrhea. This is often because you are taking too much CBD. It is impossible to overdose on CBD, but it can affect your stool.

What happens if I take too much CBD oil?

At the beginning of the article, we explained the difference between weed oil and CBD oil. CBD oil contains a small amount of THC, always less than 0.05%, making it legal in the Netherlands. CBD is not psychoactive, so you cannot get a high feeling from it. This means you can drive while using CBD oil and also pass a drug test. The THC is not detectable. Therefore, you cannot overdose on CBD.

It is wise to always take the correct dosage. CBD is quite expensive. It is difficult to produce CBD, and the process is very time-consuming. Therefore, do not take more CBD oil than necessary.

Most side effects of CBD are positive side effects. If you have questions about using CBD, our team is ready to provide you with personal advice.