Though CBD is generally well-tolerated and is considered safe, it may cause adverse reactions in some people.

Side effects noted in studies include (33Trusted Source, 34Trusted Source):

  • diarrhea
  • changes in appetite and weight
  • fatigue

Other side effects, including abnormal liver function test results, drowsiness, sedation, and pneumonia, have been reported in childhood epilepsy studies. But these effects could stem from CBD interacting with other medications, such as clobazam (34Trusted Source).

In fact, CBD interacts with several medications, including pain medications, antidepressants, seizure medications, and diabetes medications. Before you try CBD oil, discuss it with a healthcare professional to assess safety and avoid potentially harmful interactions (35Trusted Source, 36Trusted Source).

Additionally, it’s important to note that the market is currently saturated with CBD products, many of which are low quality.

CBD is added to foods, beverages, dietary supplements, and body care products, and these items are often marketed as a way to improve stress, pain, and sleep issues.

However, this does not mean you should include any of these items in your diet or wellness routine.

Although some evidence suggests that CBD may be helpful for certain aspects of health, dosing varies widely in research studies. It’s difficult to determine what dose is most appropriate for treating specific health needs.

What’s more, many products contain a blend of ingredients, not just CBD. For example, dietary supplements that contain CBD plus a blend of herbal ingredients may not be safe for everyone, as many herbs have the potential to interact with commonly prescribed medications.

Before you use a CBD product, talk with a healthcare professional to discuss appropriate dosing and any other questions you may have.

If you do decide to use a CBD product, choose one that has been third-party tested for quality and purity.

NuLeaf Naturals and Bluebird Botanicals sell CBD products that undergo testing by accredited third-party laboratories and offer batch reports on their websites.

SUMMARYAlthough CBD is generally considered safe, it can cause adverse effects such as diarrhea and fatigue in some people. It may also interact with certain medications, causing side effects that may be harmful.

The bottom line

CBD oil has been studied for its potential role in easing the symptoms of many common health conditions, including anxiety and neurological disorders. Plus, it may benefit heart health and help relieve certain types of pain.

Keep in mind that some of these health benefits are related to the use of CBD combined with THC, not CBD alone.

Research investigating the effects of CBD on certain conditions is ongoing, and there is still much to be learned about the potential uses of CBD.

If you’re interested in trying CBD to manage a health condition or to support overall health, check with a healthcare professional first. They can help you decide whether adding a CBD product to your routine is appropriate and help you choose the best product.

Just one thing

Try this today: Be wary of CBD products that are marketed as cures or treatments for health conditions. Although CBD may benefit people with certain conditions, this depends on factors such as dosing, quality, and the presence of THC in the product.

Even though CBD is considered quite safe for most people, it’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before adding any CBD products to your routine, especially if you’re taking any medications.