Contraindications to CBD

In the spotlight now more than ever in the form of oils or cosmetics, CBD is a beneficial product for many conditions. Medical science is increasingly looking into the therapeutic benefits of CBD to relieve a variety of symptoms, from mild to acute. But no matter how beneficial it is, can everyone safely consume CBD? Are there any risks or concerns regarding the use of legal cannabis to improve health and well-being? In this article, find out if you have a contraindication to CBD and discover all our advice on how best to take it!

What is cannabidiol?

Cannabidiol, known by the acronym CBD, is a member of the cannabinoid family. Like cannabis, CBD is derived from the hemp plant, hence the common confusion between these two active ingredients. However, the difference lies in the THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) content: CBD is not a narcotic, is not addictive, and does not cause psychotropic effects. Far from being a narcotic or an illegal substance like cannabis, it is a 100% natural compound which is safe for the human body. In France, CBD products can be legally sold and consumed provided that the THC concentration does not exceed 0.3%. In the form of cannabidiol, it has many beneficial properties like other medicinal plants, both physical and psychological.

What are the contraindications to CBD?

Arterial conditions

The first contraindication to CBD: low blood pressure. Although cannabidiol may be beneficial in relieving high blood pressure, it may also cause side effects such as dizziness in some patients. You can use CBD, but you must be careful and use a relatively low dosage of CBD. If you have an arterial condition and want to take advantage of the benefits of cannabidiol, you should first seek advice from your doctor.

Pregnant women

Pregnant women are not advised to use CBD. Even if cannabidiol is a safe, natural compound, there are still not enough studies and research to be totally sure that CBD in pregnant women does not affect the pregnancy and the health of the unborn child. THC is harmful to the development of the foetus, and even though legal cannabis contains less than 0.3% THC, we can’t be too careful! This contraindication to CBD also extends to breastfeeding women: the nutrients absorbed by the mother pass into the milk and can therefore be ingested by the unborn child.

Heart conditions

Cannabidiol can alter blood pressure, and it can also increase heart rate. CBD may also decrease peripheral vascular resistance and resistance to physical exertion. Although these consequences are harmless for young people, they can have more serious consequences for users over 50, especially if they have a cardiovascular condition. Therefore, Heart conditions are a contraindication to CBD.

Parkinson’s disease

Currently, many studies are trying to prove the therapeutic effect of CBD on degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s. However, the use of CBD is still contraindicated for Parkinson’s disease: if the individual ingests too high a dose, CBD may cause tremors or muscle movement. So, cannabidiol is not prohibited, but you must exercise great caution to ensure that CBD is not counterproductive for patients.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions are another contraindication to CBD. Although these are still relatively rare, there are 57 drugs that can be affected by CBD (including antidepressants, painkillers, sedatives, anticoagulants, and thyroid drugs). Taking CBD may reduce the speed at which the liver breaks down certain active ingredients. The main risks include confusion, drowsiness, cardiovascular complications, and treatment efficacy. No matter what medication you are taking, always check with your doctor before using CBD.

Respiratory conditions

CBD is also contraindicated for people with respiratory conditions. However, this concern is mainly related smoking and, therefore, CBD consumed in this way: the harmful effects are similar to those of tobacco on the respiratory tract, leading to an increased risk of cystic emphysema.

Allergies

Finally, our last contraindication to CBD stems from an allergy to hemp plants, particularly the botanical species called "Cannabis Sativa L.". People who are allergic to this plant’s pollen may experience side effects after consuming cannabidiol and should therefore exercise caution.

Contraindication to CBD: what do studies and scientific reports say?

Single doses

The results of scientific reports are unanimous on one point: CBD consumption cannot and should not be the same for all individuals. The optimal dose for one person will not be the same for another, as many factors influence dosage: tolerance, age, weight, symptoms to be treated, etc. In the event of contraindication to CBD, using a single dose can be a source of relief for some, but a danger for others. Therefore, professional medical advice on prescribing CBD for medical purposes is essential.

A low but possible risk of overdose

Even if there are no contraindications to CBD, overdosing can cause certain risks and side effects. However, cannabidiol overdoses are very rare as studies estimate that this level is over 20,000 mg per day, and the average person consumes between 20 mg and 60 mg. Apart from these, there are currently few contraindications. Be careful, be safe, and above all, listen to your body. The use of CBD to improve well-being is intended to complement a healthy daily routine, either incorporating CBD or by taking it spontaneously.

Are there any associated side effects or adverse reactions?

In addition to the contraindications to CBD, we should also mention some side effects or adverse reactions that may occur as the result of an overdose. Indeed, cultivated hemp improves people’s well-being and acts as a source of relaxation. But high doses of CBD can cause drowsiness, as it is often used to combat insomnia and sleep disorders. This is why taking CBD in the evening is usually recommended. Above all, don’t get behind the wheel! In terms of side effects, people may experience dry mouth, digestive problems, dizziness, nausea, etc. The cause is usually not a contraindication to CBD, but rather a dosage error. Always start with low doses of cannabidiol and increase over the course of several weeks. This way, you will avoid most side effects and just enjoy the benefits!

Therapeutic uses of CBD

Combating stress and anxiety

CBD acts as a natural anxiolytic: it helps your brain to fight anxiety and stress to help you feel more relaxed. If you are susceptible to chronic stress, anxiety, and panic attacks, it can be a great help. Some professionals prescribe cannabidiol-based medicines to treat nervous breakdowns! This compound can also be used to calm obsessive behaviour, compulsive disorders, and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Certain persistent conditions such as chronic fatigue can also be relieved.

Relieving pain

Another benefit of CBD is its natural anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving action. Thanks to its analgesic properties, cannabidiol helps to relieve certain pains. After sport or physical activity, consuming CBD in the form of herbal tea helps to relieve muscle tension and joint pain. For chronic inflammatory pain such as osteoarthritis, cannabidiol helps to reduce and prevent pain. Combined with the benefits of food supplements (provided there are no contraindications to CBD with these same supplements), it accentuates the soothing effect.

Preserving the skin

CBD is also beneficial for the skin: it can be found in cosmetics (oils or creams) to prevent the sebaceous glands from producing too much sebum and to reduce lipid synthesis. Cannabidiol is a great resource.for treating acne or atopic or acne-prone skin conditions. CBD treatments make the skin more supple and less dull. Pores are tightened, pimples and blackheads disappear. There are also no contraindications to CBD for eczema, psoriasis, sensitive skin, or rashes. However, if you want to use these treatments in children or adolescents, always seek the advice of a healthcare professional beforehand.

Preventing degeneration

Finally, despite the contraindication of CBD in Parkinson’s disease, cannabidiol could delay the effects of time by preventing degenerative diseases. By acting on the brain, CBD is believed to be able to protect brain cells from the negative effects of stress. It is a natural treatment to help combat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and epilepsy. Additionally, it has been scientifically proven that CBD protects the brain against certain neurodegenerative diseases!

How can CBD be consumed safely?

Start with small doses

Whether you have a contraindication to CBD or not, it is always beneficial to discuss taking cannabidiol with your doctor before doing so. Always start with low doses and gradually adjust the dosage depending on how you react. Depending on your weight, tolerance, the CBD concentration of the product, and the condition to be treated, doses can vary considerably! On average, an individual consumes between 20 mg and 60 mg spread over 2 to 3 doses per day (morning, noon, and evening). After gradually finding the perfect CBD dose for your use and your symptoms, all that’s left to do is enjoy the benefits!

Choosing the right method of consumption

If you are not yet accustomed to taking CBD, we advise that you use CBD sweets or oils to be consumed orally. The former can be eaten like a typical sweet, while the latter are easy to use and administer the correct the dose. CBD oils are vegetable oils blended with a CBD flower extract. Simply place a few drops (dosage varies) under your tongue for quick relief. Smoking CBD is still not recommended as the carcinogenic and cardiovascular risks associated with burning the substance are equal to those associated with tobacco. For herbalists, CBD infusions mixed with a fatty substance (such as an oil or milk) are an ideal option.

Check the quality of the CBD consumed

The efficacy of cannabinoids is highly dependent on the quality of the raw materials used: even without contraindications to CBD, it can be dangerous to consume poor quality oils as they may have been contaminated by chemicals during processing. At The CBD Farm, we use the highest quality hemp, grown according to the principles of organic farming, all without fertilisers or pesticides. Our oils are Full Spectrum and the extraction process used retains all the active ingredients of legal cannabis to enhance the benefits of the entourage effect. Thanks to our clear labels and pipette system, you’ll have no problem administering the correct dose of your CBD!