There’s been a lot of talk about CBD in recent years. Now used by everyone from hip Millennials to old grandmothers, CBD is generally treated like it’s as safe to take as Aspirin. Is it true that CBD is safe, though, and are there any potential downsides of this cannabinoid that people might not be considering? Find the answers in this guide.
What Is CBD?
CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that’s naturally found in Cannabis sativa. In recent decades, cannabis breeders have developed strains that are high in CBD and low in THC, leading to the rise of the online hemp industry. As long as it contains less than 0.3% THC, the federal government generally considers CBD to be industrial hemp, making it possible to ship CBD products all around the country.
What Does CBD Do?
Researchers have mainly focused on determining CBD’s potential that may help with inflammation, pain, sleep, and anxiety. Users report that CBD provides a mildly relaxing feeling that sometimes helps them calm down or think things through more clearly. While taking CBD can make you feel slightly sleepy, it doesn’t cause any sense of euphoria or intoxication.
What Are the Benefits of CBD?
Whether they’re using CBD gummies for pain relief or CBD tinctures for anxiety, people rely on CBD because they believe it to be safe, natural, and effective. Many CBD products, including gummies, tinctures, and capsules, are very convenient and easy to use, and CBD can even be applied in topical form to provide area-specific benefits. CBD products are much higher-quality than they used to be, and prices have also dropped considerably within the CBD industry.
Does CBD Have Any Side Effects?
CBD is not known to have any considerable side effects, and it has remarkably low toxicity. While CBD can certainly cause adverse effects under certain circumstances, research indicates that doses of CBD higher than 1,000mg can be tolerated on a daily basis, and most CBD users never report any negative effects.
If you do experience any adverse effects after taking CBD, they will most likely be limited to sleepiness or mild digestive discomfort. If you experience severe nausea after using a CBD product, it’s possible you have a rare condition called cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), and you should seek medical attention promptly.
How Much CBD Can You Take?
While you might be able to take a full gram of CBD at a time without experiencing any adverse effects, you certainly don’t need that much CBD to experience its benefits. Most users take between 10mg and 50mg of CBD at a time with doses higher than 100mg being rare but not unheard of. Taken orally, CBD provides effects that last around 3-4 hours, so users often take CBD 2-3 times per day to experience this non-intoxicating cannabinoid’s benefits consistently.
Will CBD Get You High?
No, CBD will not get you high. No matter how much CBD you take, you will never feel intoxicated since this cannabinoid simply does not have intoxicating properties. Even in the case of full-spectrum CBD products, 0.3% THC isn’t enough to cause intoxication.
Instead of making you high, CBD will make you feel lightly relaxed or even serene. Due to the way it makes you feel, lots of people like taking CBD before bed.
The Bottom Line: Is CBD Safe?
In the end, it’s hard to declare any substance truly “safe.” Some individuals are allergic to even water, and no matter who you are, drinking enough water will eventually become fatal.
Put in context, CBD appears to be considerably safer than many alternatives but probably not quite as safe as water. Prominent experts have concluded that CBD isn’t entirely risk-free, but that’s only to countermand the prevalent suggestion that this cannabinoid might be 100% benign.
CBD is so safe that people have to be reminded that it might actually have some risks. If you’re still concerned about the safety of CBD, consult with your doctor, and start slow when you decide to give CBD a shot.
Even when taken in low doses, CBD is known to have remarkably profound effects. Many users find as little as 10mg of CBD per day to be sufficient, so feel free to set your own pace as you explore everything CBD can do to improve your life.