CBD Oils - Benefits, Side Effects and Precautions

Please note that I am not a doctor and the information contained in this article should not be considered medical advice. I am including a list of articles and studies at the end of this article that include sources of the information contained in this article. Please consult with your doctor or pharmacist with any medical questions and concerns that you may have.

I have tried to find information both for and against the use of CBD to provide a balanced view of the topic.

What is the difference between CBD and Essential Oils?

CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant, then diluting it with a carrier oil like MCT, coconut, hemp seed, avocado, olive, grape seed, and palm oils. People use CBD for many reasons such as: for seizures, depression, insomnia, to reduce pain or inflammation, or to manage stress and anxiety. There are many ways to use CBD oil: oral ingestion, vaping, topical application, lip balms, lotions, shampoos and more. CBD balms can offer targeted relief. Use edibles and tinctures for sustained anxiety relief. Vaping typically provides the most immediate results.

Essential oils are highly concentrated oils extracted from flowers, leaves, roots, and other parts of plants, usually by steam distillation (a process that involves applying steam until the oil vaporizes). People use Essential Oils for many reasons including: insomnia, acne treatment, stress and pain management and congestion. There are many ways to use Essential Oils including: inhalation (through a diffuser, steam inhalation or applying a drop or two of the oil to a cotton ball, tissue, or handkerchief and placing it nearby, or even in an room plug in air freshener) or topical use (massage/spa treatment, compress, soap, lotion, shampoo, bath salts, and candles). There are many different types of oils, each with their own benefits.

In addition to the extraction differences above, there are a few other key differences between CBD and essential oils. CBD is frequently taken sublingually (under the tongue). However, essential oils typically should not be taken internally. CBD bottles are sold with a dosage dropper, but essential oils typically are added to a carrier oil for topical use through massage or used in a diffuser.

Benefits of CBD Oils

Things That CBD Oil Is Commonly Used to Help With:

Pain management
Reduction of anxiety and depression
Acne
Anorexia
Drug addiction and withdrawal
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
High blood pressure
Sleeping problems
Muscle spasms
Parkinson’s disease

My Survey

While researching this article I came across many other surveys/trials/papers on benefits/side effects of using these oils, so I decided to conduct my own research from people I know who have used CBD oil. From the responses I received, most had been using CBD for several months up to five years (most in the six to 12 months range) with success in treating anxiety, insomnia, pain management, muscle aches/inflammation, depression, hot flashes, PMS and nausea.

Most included no side effects, however a few reported that the oils had no effect. One reported intense itchiness due to an allergic reaction from using CBD.

Many of my respondents used various methods of using the CBD oil, but most reported the best success with vaping or orally under the tongue.

Kat H, one of my survey respondents, replied “I feel that like all homeopathic type forms of care it’s different for everyone; and you have to have a legit source. As this is becoming a big fad I believe there are likely many products marketed as CBD that are not or are not at the potency or dosage they are claiming. Only purchase from vetted retailers and brands is my advice.”

With several friends that had success with CBD oils, I decided to dig deeper after the results of my survey and determine if the benefits outweighed the risks, as one of my respondents spent over $1000 trying different products only to find that none helped her.

One parent has been using it with her son who is on the spectrum. She, and his teachers, had both noticed that he was calmer when using the oil, and less likely to stem.

Side Effects of CBD Oils

I had always been told that CBD oils are perfectly safe and had no side effects. Upon research I discovered that in most cases this is true, but like with any medication there is always a risk of side effects.

Some side effects that have been noted during studies include:

Increased liver enzymes
Changes in the liver’s ability to process drugs
Chemical burns
allergic reactions
respiratory issues
Worsening of HIV symptoms
Diarrhea
Changes in appetite and weight
Changes in behavior
Fatigue
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Nausea
Vomiting

According to the Department of Health, “CBD is a potent inhibitor of CYP3A4 and CYP2D6. As CYP3A4 metabolizes about a quarter of all drugs, CBD may increase serum concentrations of macrolides, calcium channel blockers, benzodiazepines, cyclosporine, sildenafil (and other PDE5 inhibitors), antihistamines, haloperidol, antiretrovirals, and some statins (atorvastatin and simvastatin, but not pravastatin or rosuvastatin). CYP2D6 metabolizes many antidepressants, so CBD may increase serum concentrations of SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics, beta blockers and opioids (codeine and oxycodone).” According to drugs.com, a total of 333 drugs are known to interact with cannabis. Check with your doctor about possible interactions prior to CBD use. Some combinations can result in serious side effects.

If CBD is found in a skin or hair care product, use it according to label directions. Stop using it immediately if a rash or other skin reaction occurs and gently wash it off. A patch test should always be done when using a new oil or product to see if you are allergic to it. Individuals can have allergic reactions to CBD, just like any other medicines and products. One person can be allergic to something even if others don’t have an allergic reaction.

Precautions for Purchasing and Using CBD

Since CBD oils are generally are not regulated, it can be hard to know exactly what is in the bottle – what concentration of active ingredient, what has been added to the product or whether there are any contaminants.

Because CBD oils are largely unregulated, there is no guarantee that a product is either safe or effective. According to a 2017 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, out of 84 CBD products purchased, 42.85% of the products were underlabeled, 26.19% were overlabeled, and only 30.95% were accurately labeled.

Here are a few tips to help you find the best CBD oil:

Buy from a known and reliable company.
Read the product label. Don’t assume that every ingredient on the product label is natural. There may be preservatives, flavorings, or thinning agents that you don’t want or need. If you don’t recognize an ingredient, ask the dispenser what it is or check online. The label will say how much of each cannabinoid is present, as well as evidence that it is pesticide and contaminant free.
Use third-party lab results to confirm the components of the oil. Oils should display their lab testing seal of approval on their packaging.
DabConnection.com posts lab results (both passing and failing) of many companies and their database is always growing.

In 2014, the FDA sent warning letters to a handful of companies for making unsubstantiated claims that their oils could treat everything from Herpes to Ebola. The FDA says only manufacturers of drugs that have passed the agency’s rigorous approval process may make such claims.

In late 2017, the FDA issued warning letters to Greenroads Health, Natural Alchemist, That’s Natural! Marketing and Consulting, and Stanley Brothers Social Enterprises (doing business as CW Hemp), citing issues with claims and testimonials related to more than 25 CBD products.

Much progress is being made every day in the testing and development of new products. Things are constantly changing. While currently there is not much government regulation on CBD Oils in the United States there may come a time when this may change. June 25, 2018 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Epidiolex oral solution, which contains CBD, for the treatment of seizures associated with two rare and severe forms of epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome and Dravet Syndrome, in patients two years of age and older.

Reading labels and using the product as directed on the label, getting your products from a reliable source, and patch testing are recommended for safety in the use of CBD Oils. Always read up on your state’s current regulations and notices to keep up to date and before purchasing new products as these are always changing and the rules are not all the same state to state.