CBD isn’t known for having too many negative side effects, but there are a few commonly reported adverse effects to consider as a possibility when consuming CBD gummies, like fatigue, dry mouth, dizziness, and gastrointestinal discomfort.
Like with many dietary supplements and medications, potential side effects may not affect everyone. However, they’re still something you should consider in case you start to experience any of these effects after consuming CBD gummies.
Side Effects of CBD Gummies
Everyone’s experience with CBD is different. Some people require high dosages to feel the effects of CBD, while some people are very sensitive and experience adverse effects that may dampen the experience.
Let’s go over some of the commonly reported side effects of CBD products.
Fatigue
Fatigue can be a double-edged sword. Many people take CBD for its relaxing, calming effects, so feeling a bit tired is sometimes the desire for many CBD users. However, taking a high dose may cause a stronger sense of fatigue or lethargy for sensitive users.
If you want CBD during the day, take lower doses and save higher doses for nighttime.
Dry Mouth
CBD’s interaction with the endocannabinoid system has many benefits, but one of the downfalls is that this particular system also regulates saliva production.
While not everyone will experience dry mouth, especially with CBD gummies, keeping water nearby and staying hydrated is a good idea. If dry mouth is a persistent side effect, you should consider lowering your dosage in the future.
Dizziness
Dizziness is a less common side effect of CBD. However, it’s still a potential side effect we should talk about — interactions with other medications, lower blood pressure, high dosage, or sensitivity to CBD can put you at a higher risk of feeling dizzy when taking CBD gummies.
If dizziness is persistent or severe, contact a healthcare professional immediately.
Gastrointestinal Discomfort
Gastrointestinal discomfort may manifest as nausea, diarrhea, or changes in appetite.
With CBD gummies in particular, you may even be sensitive to specific ingredients in the gummies.
Higher doses of CBD can increase the likelihood of gastrointestinal discomfort. To minimize the chances of stomach upset, take your CBD gummies with a light meal over an empty stomach, and read the ingredient list thoroughly before purchasing to ensure you’re not allergic to anything in the formula.
Medication Interaction
CBD can interact with some medications, including blood thinners, antidepressants, and beta-blockers.
CBD can inhibit the CYP450 enzyme system in the liver, which is responsible for metabolizing many drugs. This means that CBD can slow down or speed up the processing of medications, potentially leading to higher or lower levels of the drug in your system.
As we said, if you’re currently on medication, discuss how to safely integrate a CBD routine into your current medication rotation with your healthcare professional.
Your weight, tolerance to cannabinoids, and metabolism are all crucial factors that affect how CBD interacts with your body and the effects you may experience from this interaction.
Are CBD Gummies Safe?
Even though there are potential side effects, CBD gummies are generally considered safe.
The Mayo Clinic considers CBD generally well tolerated [1]. That said, there are some potential side effects to consider, as there are so many variables that can play into how CBD makes you feel.
If you’re a beginner, starting with a low dose is recommended. Taking more at once doesn’t necessarily mean it will work better. When trying CBD gummies for the first time, monitor how your body responds and only increase the dosage as you build tolerance.
There are a few things we recommend consumers to look out for before purchasing CBD gummies to ensure the safety of the product:
Check Third-Party Lab Testing
Look for products tested by an independent, third-party lab, with lab results available (also called a Certificate of Analysis or COA). This ensures the product contains the labeled CBD and is free from contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, and molds.
CBD Source
Choose gummies made from sustainably grown, non-GMO hemp, ideally sourced from the U.S., where hemp production is strictly regulated.
Brand Transparency
Reputable brands will have good reviews, clear sourcing information, and accessible customer service. Look for brands with a good history and positive customer feedback.
CBD Gummies Side Effects
Our advice is to always err on the side of caution, especially if you’re new to CBD.
The effects of CBD may be unfamiliar to you, which can be a strange experience for some. However, the negative side effects that could be of concern are not reported at an alarming rate.
While these side effects may occur, we don’t think they should scare away those interested in CBD.
Starting with a small dose and gradually increasing the dosage over time is a wise way to ensure a gentle and safe experience with CBD. The potential benefits of CBD gummies seem to outweigh the risks of the possible side effects.
References:
- Brent A. Bauer, M. D. (2022, December 6). CBD: Safe and effective?. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700
