Cannabidiol, or CBD as it’s more commonly called, is getting plenty of attention these days. It is being researched extensively and seems to offer a lot of potential in treating everything from chronic pain to PTSD and severe anxiety. Is it safe, though?

Considerations When It Comes to CBD Safety

While most people exhibit no adverse reactions to taking CBD, it should be noted that this is not the case for everyone. An estimated 10% of people taking CBD experienced elevated liver enzymes. Roughly 3% saw spikes high enough to quit taking the supplement.

Other symptoms reported by a small percentage of those taking CBD include:

• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea
• Reduced appetite
• Drowsiness

These symptoms only occur in a small percentage of those who take CBD. However, if you are at risk for liver damage, it is worth working with a doctor to monitor liver enzyme levels if you decide to use CBD.

Finally, CBD has been shown to have adverse reactions with some medications, most notably blood thinners. If you are currently taking any prescription medications, consult your doctor before taking CBD.

Additional Considerations

While CBD is considered generally well-tolerated, the fact that it is unregulated by the FDA does pose additional problems. Manufacturers are not held to the same standards as are pharmaceutical companies, which can mean concerns when it comes to purity and ingredients. It is critical to work with a company that focuses on quality and potency.

Some of the problems that have been found with CBD products include the following:

• Too little CBD content to be effective in a therapeutic dose
• Less CBD than what was indicated on the label
• More CBD than what was indicated on the label
• Limited spectrum CBD
• No additional cannabidiols or terpenes
• Some products have been shown to also include THC, which can increase anxiety
• Some products have included unwanted ingredients

So, is CBD safe for everyone? While most people will be able to use it and benefit from the oil without adverse reactions, there is a small percentage of people who may experience unwanted symptoms. Always consult your physician before taking a new supplement.