The quick answer is yes it’s very safe but let’s explore this in a little more detail.
Does CBD get you high?
No. Its cousin THC is the cannabinoid that gives you the high. In fact, CBD counteracts the high of THC. Remember that Hempwell’s over-the-counter CBD products contains very little to no THC in any case and all their products are regularly third-party tested to ensure the THC levels are undectable.
Is CBD addictive?
No it isn’t.
Does CBD have any side-effects?
Like any food supplement (and some foods) CBD can have side-effects. These are usually very mild and often non-existent. One study showed that at recommended doses only about 3% of people taking CBD had any side effects at all. The commonest side-effects are drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth and, in large doses (usually in children taking CBD for epilepsy) stomach pains and/or diarrhoea.
Is CBD Well Tolerated?
Yes. Like any food supplement (or medicine) CBD does not suit everyone but the vast majority of people tolerate CBD very well. If you increase the dose slowly, as advised by Hempwell, any potential side effects are minimal and the positive benefit should become clear over the first few days or week or so of usage. The dose needed for a good effect does vary quite a lot from as low as 10mgs daily in some people to over 100mgs daily in others. Children using it for epilepsy (as a medicine) can need over 1000mgs daily, illustrating the safety of even big doses in most people.
Can I take other medicine at the same time?
Usually the answer is yes but CBD is metabolised through the liver and many prescription drugs are also metabolised by the same liver enzymes. Thus there are many potential interactions. However, increasing the dose slowly usually gets round any problem and clinically problematic interactions are rare. If you are on a prescription medicine or other supplement and have concerns, best to ask your doctor before you start taking CBD.
Is it safe in pregnancy or when breast feeding?
There is no known problem but like any food supplement or medicine it is best avoided in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Is it safe for children?
One prescribable CBD medicine for children (Epidyolex) helps children with epilepsy. Thus CBD is approved for use in children in those circumstances but in general, like any supplement or medicine, it is best avoided in children. If you think it may be helpful for a child then best to ask your doctor.
What does the World Health Organisation say?
It may be of interest to note what the WHO says about CBD. In November 2017, the WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence (ECDD) came to the decision that CBD “does not appear to have abuse potential or cause harm”. Also the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) does not prohibit CBD in sports.
Overall, CBD is very safe if used sensibly and in accordance with the instructions and guidance on the product.
Professor Mike Barnes MD FRCP
Hon Professor of Neurological Rehabilitation, University of Newcastle
Chair, Medical Cannabis Clinicians Society