Is CBD Safe to Use?

CBD, a compound found in hemp, is quickly gaining popularity in the world of medicine due to the many potential benefits it could bring.

It produces desirable results by stimulating the receptors from our ECS system, which promotes homeostasis in our body.

And while it has gained massive adoption recently, many people are still skeptical of its safety.

In this article, we’ll try to answer some of your safety concerns surrounding CBD consumption.

How Do People Usually Use CBD?

CBD is available in multiple forms in the market, mainly oils, capsules, extracts, vapes, patches, and topical preparations to use on the skin. 

For example, if you are looking to ease discomfort, it is recommended to use a topical CBD-infused oil, cream, lotion, or bath bomb. 

Similarly, if you don’t want to use oral CBD, you can use CBD patches as a safe alternative. 

On the other hand, you can also go for tinctures or sprays specifically designed to place under your tongue that enable CBD to enter the bloodstream directly.

In addition, the drug prescription Sativex is used outside the U.S., which includes CBD as one of the active ingredients.

To treat cancer pain, this drug has been approved for muscle spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis. 

So, how to use these products safely?

It’s better to opt for one of the following ways to treat your condition without observing any side effects:

• Mixing them into your favorite food items or drinks
• Taking them with the help of a pipette or a dropper
• Swallowing capsules 
• Massaging CBD-infused paste into your skin
• Spraying it under your tongue

What Does the FDA Say About CBD Consumption?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published more advanced and detailed research on the medical uses and applications of CBD.

In addition, it must continually be tested to ensure effectiveness and safety for multiple conditions and diseases.

The drug has successfully captured the interests of various potential therapeutic benefits.

However, the most evident and substantial proof of its effectiveness is its ability to treat one of the most severe childhood epilepsy syndromes, mainly Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) and Dravet syndrome. 

These diseases commonly do not react to most antiseizure medications.

As confirmed by numerous studies, CBD can reduce the number of seizures while, in some specific cases could, stop them entirely.

One significant safety issue with CBD is that it is fundamentally promoted and sold in a supplement rather than medication. 

In light of this, the FDA currently does not regulate the purity and safety of any dietary supplements. 

Therefore, you can never be sure if the product you are considering buying contains the exact dosage of active ingredients listed on its label. 

Moreover, there is no guarantee that the product contains other unspecified elements.

In addition, we as well do not know the most effective and beneficial therapeutic dose of CBD for any specified medical condition or issue.

Are CBD Topicals Safe?

Clinical research shows that CBD topicals such as gels, creams, and balms are helpful to ease discomfort.

CBD is well tolerated by many people and is safe. According to the World Health Organization, CBD has no risks of abuse or dependence.

Robert Milanes, the M.D. and founder of Holistic on Call, suggests that CBD topicals have more minor side effects associated with them.

This means that you will be safe from drowsiness, diarrhea and fatigue.

However, Milanes warns that there is a slight chance that you may be sensitive or allergic to any ingredient in a CBD topical, which can result in some adverse effects.

Before using them, you should read the ingredient lists thoroughly to avoid such happenings. 

CBD topicals may help with the following:

Helps You Get Better Sleep

According to some studies, CBD may be able to help you fall asleep and enjoy a good night’s sleep.

Helps With Symptoms of Anxiety

CBD evidently shows signs of reducing symptoms of anxiety. However, clinical trials and studies are still exploring and discovering whether it can help reduce anxiety.

Helps Alleviate Tobacco Cravings

Under specific conditions, CBD can assist in lowering cravings for heroin and tobacco. The research was based on human testing.

In addition, some animal models also suggest that CBD may help reduce cravings for cannabis, alcohol, and other stimulants.

Helps Ease Discomfort

An animal study published in the European Journal of Pain proposes that CBD topicals can help lower inflammation and pain if applied to the skin. 

Moreover, CBD may also suppress neuropathic and inflammatory pain. On the contrary, their treatment is generally tricky. However, more human studies are required to prove if CBD can help control pain.

Risks and Side Effects of Using CBD

CBD is not just about only good things. It also has some side effects, such as fatigue, nausea, irritability, and diarrhea. 

Not only that, but CBD may also increase thinning blood levels. Moreover, it can also potentially decrease the level of other medications in your blood as it competes for liver enzymes responsible for breaking down these drugs.

People consuming a high dosage of CBD may depict abnormalities in blood tests related to the liver. Therefore, we advise you to inform your doctor if you take CBD regularly.

Other possible adverse effects of using CBD include:

• Interactions with alcohol 
• Reduced alertness, which is highly dangerous for you if you’re driving.
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Mood swings
• Reduced male fertility rate

However, more detailed future research is still required to prove whether CBD is effective for treating multiple health conditions.

Remember that the FDA currently suggests people not rely on CBD as a substitute for conventional medical care.

Yet, a study indicated that a controlled amount of CBD wouldn’t cause you much harm.

Is CBD Safe During Pregnancy?

More women are now considering using CBD topicals to ease their pain and anxiety during pregnancy. 

Since CBD creams do not reach the bloodstream, it is safe to say that pregnant women can benefit from using CBD.

In addition, some brave women have also started to use CBD oils, whereas experts believe ingestible forms of CBD can penetrate the placenta. 

However, pregnancy and breastfeeding are sensitive topics for supplementations, and CBD is no different. 

Professionals and experts believe that CBD consumption during pregnancy can potentially affect neuron development in the fetus.

On the other hand, regular usage of CBD may give rise to memory issues, behavior issues, and low intelligence levels.

Given this risk, the FDA advises individuals not to consume any CBD products during pregnancy or breastfeeding. 

What Is the Safe CBD Dosage?

The recommended dosage of CBD varies among individuals and may depend on multiple factors. For instance:

• Bodyweight
• Purpose of using CBD
• Product concentration

However, keep in mind to not exceed your average dosage of CBD per day from 200 mg to stay on the safe side.

We can not advise the recommended CBD dose without sufficient good-quality evidence in human studies.

But, you can start using it with a low amount and then increase it gradually.

Final Thoughts

Multiple studies have proved CBD to be effective and relatively non-toxic.

However, ensure you get it from a trustworthy source before using CBD.

You must also talk to your doctor for assurance if CBD consumption affects any other medications you take.

Lastly, to prove CBD is a great aid in health issues, we need a lot of further research in the future to be sure.

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