The dangers of CBD: fact or fiction?

Extracted from hemp, CBD (cannabidiol) is often confused with THC, the psychotropic compound in cannabis. In fact, both substances come from the same plant. Many people confuse them, also associating CBD with terms such as "narcotic" and "risk". And the fact that CBD is sometimes referred to as legal cannabis does not help separate the two substances. However, their effects on the body are diametrically different! Cannabidiol has many health benefits and few risks. Addiction, side effects, toxicity: let’s take a look at the preconceived ideas behind the dangers of CBD.

The dangers of CBD: what are the misconceptions?

Psychoactivity

When talking about the dangers of CBD, many people think of its psychoactive properties. A psychoactive drug is a chemical substance that affects mental activity (consciousness, mood, perception). However, this does not mean that this drug is dangerous. CBD does act on molecules in the brain. However, its effects should not be confused with those of its cousin THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Cannabidiol does not alter your perception or your state of consciousness. Unlike THC, CBD does not induce a euphoric state or high. The psychoactive substances in CBD are positive, as they influence serotonin, or the so-called “happy hormone”, receptors. They simply regulate mood and tension, and alleviate some pain. So, there are no dangers associated with CBD, except if you are driving as it can induce a mid drowsiness.

Toxicity

Toxicity refers to all substances that are harmful to the human body. Oils, creams, flower infusions, vaping: are there any dangers associated with CBD in terms of adverse effects on the body? The answer is no: for cannabidiol to be dangerous or toxic, a combination of a significant overdose and abuse is required. For the average consumer, the risk of overdose is almost non-existent as the threshold is established at more than 20,000 mg per day. The average dose is between 20 mg and 60 mg. So, you should check the CBD dosage advice before use and follow it. With regards to drug interactions, CBD may modify the effects of some drugs, without causing toxic effects. So, ask your doctor if it is safe to take CBD with your medication. Burning cannabidiol flowers can also have a negative effect on the lungs, but it is not the CBD that is at fault here: it is simply the act of smoking.

Dependency

Addiction occurs when a person who uses psychoactive substances cannot live without them. CBD does not pose a risk: the hemp molecule does not induce dependence or addiction. You won’t feel the need to take it every day or increase the dose. Cannabidiol simply causes a controlled and manageable feeling of well-being. Additionally, the benefits of CBD include limiting the consumption of addictive substances such as tobacco and alcohol.

Side effects

As you can see, CBD is safe in most cases. But what about the side effects? You may experience some side effects, but this depends on each individual and their level of tolerance. The good news is that the symptoms are short-term and quite rare. They disappear as soon as the CBD has been naturally eliminated by the body. The potential side effects of CBD include:

• drowsiness and fatigue;
• a change in appetite (feeling full or less hungry);
• dry mouth and a feeling of dehydration;
• nausea and vomiting with high doses;
• diarrhoea (mainly due to poor-quality products);
• dizziness and numbness with high-concentration CBD.

Taking CBD safely: a matter of quality

You can safely consume CBD, provided that the products ingested are good quality and have not had any chemicals added. If you choose a poor quality CBD product, then you will be at greater risk: we advise that you only purchase products sold by leading professionals, with true product traceability. At The CBD Farm, you will only find products made from organic hemp, which have been grown in rich, uncontaminated soil. It is harvested in an environmentally-friendly way and are not mixed with raw materials of dubious origin. We use manufacturing and extraction processes that preserve the natural properties of hemp and guarantee the purity of our cannabidiol. After extraction, all potential chemical residues and preservatives are removed. We also respect the legal THC limit of less than 0.2%.

Is CBD dangerous?

There are no dangers associated with CBD use when it is taken sensibly and in moderation. It is not a narcotic or a dangerous substance. On the contrary, cannabidiol is praised for its anxiolytic, neuroleptic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. All toxic elements, such as THC, are eliminated from CBD. This is one of the reasons why the sale and consumption of CBD have been authorised in France. Enjoy all its benefits without losing self-control. You can choose from a variety of administration methods to suit your preferences and the symptoms you wish to treat: oils, creams, infusions, CBD flowers, etc.

Enjoying the benefits of cannabidiol: which form should you choose?

Avoid smoking CBD

The risk posed by CBD may also depend on how the cannabidiol is consumed. In fact, no form of CBD to be smoked (CBD-rich cannabis flowers with low THC content) with or without tobacco is recommended by doctors. This involves burning the CBD, and therefore produces fumes rich in substances that are harmful to the body. When cannabis is smoked, it produces more tar than tobacco. It is also more difficult to achieve the right CBD dosage with this technique.

Safe consumption methods

Safe consumption methods include:

• Inhalation: use vaporisers to inhale the products.
• Ingestion: CBD sweets, chocolates, herbal teas, capsules, flowers, etc. We recommend combining them with a fatty substance for better absorption.
• Sublingual administration: this is the most highly recommended method, which consists of placing a few drops ofCBD oil under the tongue. Keep them there for 30 to 90 seconds before swallowing. CBD acts quickly because it passes through the blood vessels under the tongue. In addition, this method prevents the breakdown of CBD by the liver.

Is it safe for everyone to take CBD?

A precautionary approach...

So far we have talked about the dangers of CBD in general terms. In a 2017 report, the WHO (World Health Organization) did acknowledge that the profile of CBD does not appear to be harmful in its pure form. They came to the following conclusion: "The WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence concluded that, in its pure form, cannabidiol (CBD) does not appear to have abuse potential or cause harm." However, the organisation clarified that in the absence of sufficient scientific data and studies, a precautionary approach should still be applied.

... with some contraindications

With CBD, you have to be aware of certain contraindications:

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women: although more research is needed, there is some evidence to suggest that CBD may reduce the protective function of the placenta and affect the development of the growing foetus. We only have information from trials on animals at the moment, and they demonstrate a decrease in fertility in the foetuses exposed to CBD.
• People with cardiovascular conditions: avoiding CBD is recommended as a precaution. The products may cause low blood pressure or bradycardia (a slow heartbeat).
• Individuals taking medication: as CBD has a complex pharmacological profile, it may interact with 57 drugs (anticoagulants, oral contraceptives, antidepressants, painkillers, etc.). Cannabidiol could reduce their efficacy and trigger some conditions such as confusion, drowsiness, and other mild side effects. Ask your doctor for advice before taking CBD.

Risks and CBD: be aware certain factors

In summary, you don’t need to be afraid of the risks associated with CBD as long as the following recommendations are followed:

• if you have any concerns, always seek the advice of a healthcare professional;
• systematically check the origin of the CBD and the reliability of the seller;
• do not combine CBD and medication without seeking medical advice beforehand;
• take the correct dose of your CBD product to avoid side effects;
• be careful with imported products as regulations are not the same in all countries;
• choose quality products that are as natural as possible.