CBD oil or cannabidiol, the chemical compound found in the cannabis sativa plant family, is one of the very popular terms in the world of wellness today. More and more companies are extracting the most natural forms of CBD oil from hemp plants grown in high-quality and protected environmental conditions. 

However, there are many questions pertaining to the health benefits and side effects of CBD among people today. Here, we have tried to highlight some of the most important health benefits that CBD gives its users. We have also alerted you about the common side effects that you should be aware of, when you use or consume CBD in any form.

Health benefits of CBD

#1 Known to reduce pain

The endocannabinoid system of the human body is the one responsible for the overall immunity system and sleep routines and pain tolerance areas of a person. CBD is a powerful cannabinoid, which activates the human endocannabinoid system and reacts with the neurotransmitters when it is absorbed by the human body. Basic clinical studies have proved that CBD does a good job of reducing pain related to arthritis and multiple sclerosis. It also played a vital role in improving the sleep-patterns of persons diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

#2 May reduce your risk to neurological disorders

Thanks to its effective interaction with the endocannabinoid system, CBD plays an important role in reducing your risk of neurological disorders. Many recent studies have proved that CBD is effective in treating seizures in kids with epilepsy. In the year 2018, a CBD-containing drug was approved by the Federal Government of the USA, because it created a positive impact on rare epileptic disorders as well.

#3 Reduces stress

One of the main health benefits of CBD is that it helps to reduce symptoms related to stress, anxiety, and depression. CBD interacts with the neurotransmitters in the endocannabinoid system and is known to provide a sense of calmness to the users. Studies have proved that consuming about 300mg of CBD 1 to 2 hours before a public speaking test, helped the speakers to overcome symptoms of anxiety and give their best performance during the test. Also, in certain cases, CBD has been given to kids experiencing post-trauma disorders, to reduce their stress levels & regulate their sleeping patterns.

Apart from these, CBD is also believed to make you less prone to certain cancers, improve the overall health of your heart and reduce problems related to acne. However, we do not want to endorse these benefits here, because there are no science-based studies to validate these claims.

Side effects of CBD that you should be aware of

More often than not, CBD is considered to be quite safe for adults, kids and pets, if you follow the instructions of your doctor carefully. No fatal incidents or serious cases of CBD overdose have been reported so far. However, that doesn’t mean that CBD doesn’t come with side effects.

Some of the common side effects that you have to be aware of when you are using CBD are the following:

• Diarrhea
• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite
• Sudden fluctuations in weight

Severe cases

• Skin rashes
• Problems in passing urine
• Respiratory infections

The severe side effects mentioned above are mostly experienced by people who consume the recently-approved drug, Epidiolex for rare epilepsy disorders.

Though the side effects aren’t quite serious, you should always consult with your doctor before you start your dosage of CBD. If you are currently consuming any medication that comes with a warning for grapefruit consumption, you should refrain from consuming CBD. When CBD interacts with any of your current medications, it can cause toxicity in your liver, leading to severe gastrointestinal problems.