CBD has become extremely popular these days due to its many positive effects on health: relaxation, pain relief, sleep improvement, weight loss, and many others. But are there any side effects? And can CBD oil cause headaches? Let's find out.
Briefly: What Is CBD?
CBD or Cannabidiol is a compound present in the cannabis plant which is non-psychoactive, doesn't cause addiction and is federally legal in the US — unlike another compound, THC, which is responsible for making people feel 'high'.
Multiple benefits of CBD oil include:
- Pain and inflammation management.
- Anxiety and depression control.
- Alleviation of cancer-related symptoms.
- Sleep improvement.
- Helping with weight loss.
- Improvement of skin condition.
- Relieving the symptoms connected to diabetes.
- Alleviating the symptoms of IBS.
The performance of CBD is mainly dependent on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) present in the human body. ECS is the network of neurotransmitters and receptors spread across the entire organism and regulate mood, pain, and immune reflexes. To interact with this net, our body needs to release the chemicals and endocannabinoids.
Phyto-cannabinoids, which are cannabinoids extracted from plants, are very similar to endocannabinoids produced inside our bodies. So, when you consume CBD products, it reacts with the ECS receptors improving many conditions.
Side Effects of CBD
CBD is generally very well-tolerated without any physical effects. Normally, all that you feel is calmness and relief of the symptoms described above.
But as with any other chemical, sometimes unwanted effects happen, caused by specific features of a person's organism. These effects include:
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Euphoria
- Hunger
- Red eyes
- Sleepiness
- Tiredness
- Diarrhea
- Low blood pressure
Most often, these effects are mild and fleeting and all you need to do is to wait a little bit and decrease the dose for the next time.
The majority of people use CBD for pain relief, anxiety, depression, and epilepsy. According to the research, CBD has a better side effect profile compared to other methods of relieving these states and is considered as a safe and natural way of health improvement.
Can CBD cause headaches? Normally, it doesn't cause such an effect. But headaches may be connected with so many reasons (and not all of them are still investigated) that it may happen. If so, it's better to stop consuming the substance and consult with a doctor.
Can truck drivers use CBD oil — and other people whose professions need high concentration? Yes, if well-tolerated. There is no evidence or recommendations with restrictions.
How to Avoid CBD-Related Side Effects?
Following these simple rules will help you get the most out of your CBD consuming experience without risks:
Start with the smallest possible dose and then gradually increase it until you get the desired effect. Except for tolerance issues (there's just no need to use more than required), any substance may cause allergy. Allergic reaction to CBD oil is very rare, but it's always better to watch out when consuming anything for the first time.
If taking any medications, especially on a regular basis, it is important to consult with a therapist to avoid unwanted interactions, especially when it comes to such serious conditions as cancer, epilepsy, or severe pains.
Avoid using CBD during pregnancy. There are not enough findings to say whether it's safe for pregnant women or not. So, it’s better to avoid its intake if you are either pregnant or breastfeeding.
Use CBD with caution if you have low blood pressure because it is known to decrease it.
Read the label. Although the government is trying its best to regulate the supply of CBD products, you can come across many fake sellers. Actually, things go wrong when you consume CBD mixed with THC. Read the label before you buy the product to make sure it's absolutely THC-free and try to purchase only from the trusted vendors.
Know your dosage. How CBD affects your body highly depends on your anatomy and the severeness of the state. To get the desired effect, follow the recommendations and again, always start with a smaller dose.
The Bottom Line
CBD is a well-tolerated substance, and possible side effects are mild and not long-lasting. To make sure you'll have a good experience, just start with a smaller dose and check how it goes.
CBD doesn't normally cause headaches and absolutely doesn't cause 'highness' (if it is a high-quality pure CBD with 0% THC), so truck drivers can use it without risk.