August 27, 2022 5 min read

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU ARE SENSITIVE TO CBD OIL

CBD products have flooded the market, and their hype is increasingly becoming popular among people of all ages, gender, and nationality. There has also been a surge in the cases of people reporting negative side effects of CBD or rather sensitivity to CBD oil.

Some of the symptoms of negative reactions to CBD oil are regarded as side effects or sensitivity to CBD, while other symptoms might be allergic reactions to CBD. Humans often experience allergic reactions to particular types of plant pollen. Because CBD stems from the cannabis plant, it’s common to wonder whether you could be allergic to CBD and, most importantly, whether you should be concerned about it. Therefore, what happens when a person is sensitive to CBD oil, and what are its risks? This article will help.

What is CBD?

Burstein (2015) reviewed CBD and their effects on the human body. CBD (cannabidiol) is a chemical compound that naturally occurs in the hemp and marijuana plants of the cannabis sativa species. It took the world by storm when it was legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill in recent years. Anecdotal evidence states that CBD has potential therapeutic benefits. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the other most abundant compound in the cannabis sativa species. Even though both THC and CBD are extracted from the same plant, they are different from each other. According to Orenstein & Glantz (2018), CBD is a non-intoxicating substance, while THC is a psychoactive substance that can make you feel high.

CBD extracted from hemp is classified as legal under federal law in the United States since it contains less than 0.3% THC. Contrary, the marijuana plant is regarded as having higher levels of THC and thus illegal according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), although individual state laws vary.

Developing Sensitivity to CBD Oil

Most people consume CBD oils as per instructions provided by the manufacturer or in the articles found online with no consideration for their body chemistry. Like with everything that we put in our bodies, we are all unique and can respond differently to different things. An individual can be more sensitive to CBD oil than another individual they know. That’s because of the structure of the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), the part of the body that interacts with CBD. Aizpurua-Olaizola et al. (2017) stated that every human produces natural cannabinoids, which interact with the endocannabinoid system to produce different effects. When you take CBD or other plant-based cannabinoids, they mimic the effects of cannabinoids in your body.

Sensitivity may appear because people have different natural responses to cannabinoids. Some people need fewer cannabinoids to create similar effects that a larger amount would create in others. Also, there’s the issue of CBD allergy, which has been noticed in recent years, with effects ranging from drowsiness to interactions with other medications.

What Are the Effects of Sensitivity to CBD Oil?

If you are sensitive to CBD oil, you might be affected by it faster than expected. Unlike other drugs, CBD’s effects are gentler, making it hard for someone to notice the increased sensitivity. The major thing that can happen is the increased intensity of some of CBD oil’s adverse effects. A person with increased sensitivity to CBD oil might feel more tired in the evening or notice a drastic shift in appetite. Two people can have completely different symptoms, so it’s tricky to differentiate between CBD allergies from mild side effects of CBD. Possible side effects include dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, lethargy, and drowsiness. Generally, these effects mostly result in using too much CBD at ago or just developing sensitivity to it.

CBD allergies have different effects. An allergic reaction happens when the immune system overreacts to any substance the body deems a threat. Examples of allergic reactions to CBD include;

Migraines

Although some CBD users may experience slight headaches at higher doses, migraines are a severe symptom that can suggest an allergy to some of the compounds in CBD oil.

Breathing Complications

If you experience breathing difficulties, seek immediate medical attention. These side effects may result from poor quality products that contain dangerous additives or mold with CBD products.

Skin Irritations

CBD topicals can result in hives or a rash in some users. The CBD could cause this, but it may also result from one of the many other ingredients found in balms and creams. Read the list of ingredients carefully.

Dry, Itchy, or Red Eyes

While this side effect is associated with THC due to its ability to dilate blood vessels in the eyes, some users might experience it after taking CBD oil. The eyes might appear watery. These reactions could be allergic rather than side effects.

Ways to Avoid Problems with Potential Sensitivity to CBD Oil.

Leen-Feldner et al. (2021) gave a preview of some practical considerations for testing the effects of CBD on humans. Try using a small amount of CBD and progressively noting individual effects. When shopping for CBD oil for sale, identify reputable brands with high-quality stock products. For example, high-quality CBD oil comes with small droppers, making it easy to take only the precise amount desired at any time. Shop for CBD products that offer third-party lab test results. The lab reports allow the user to precisely determine the amount of CBD oil taken with every drop. Knowledge of the exact amount of CBD taken is critical in determining a person's sensitivity. Gradual increase of CBD amount over time enables new CBD users to learn individual sensitivity and tolerance and find the perfect amount to treat specific conditions.

Conclusion

Research into CBD is still in its early stages, so CBD is an unregulated substance in the United States and thus ought to be used with caution. This is especially critical for those taking extra medications or are undergoing treatment. However, it’s at least comforting to know that the major problems associated with having heightened sensitivity to CBD oil aren’t very unpleasant. Be assured that sensitivity to CBD oil isn’t that of a challenge as long as you get high-quality CBD oil. There’s less to be concerned about when it comes to the potential side effects of CBD. However, there’s a cause of concern for those who have allergic reactions to CBD, such as difficulties in breathing. Begin with small doses of CBD and note any adverse side effects. Consult a medical doctor for medical advice if you experience any allergic reactions. Lastly, remember that research into CBD is fairly limited, and its effects on users are yet to be determined.

References

Aizpurua-Olaizola, O., Elezgarai, I., Rico-Barrio, I., Zarandona, I., Etxebarria, N., & Usobiaga, A. (2017). Targeting The Endocannabinoid System: Future Therapeutic Strategies. Drug Discovery Today, 22(1), 105-110.

Burstein, S. (2015). Cannabidiol (CBD) And Its Analogs: A Review Of Their Effects On Inflammation. Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, 23(7), 1377-1385.

Leen-Feldner, E. W., Bynion, T. M., Gournay, R., Bonn-Miller, M. O., & Feldner, M. T. (2021). Practical Considerations For Testing The Effects Of Cannabidiol On Human Anxiety. Journal Of Anxiety Disorders, 82, 102429.

Orenstein, D. G., & Glantz, S. A. (2018). Regulating Cannabis Manufacturing: Applying Public Health Best Practices From Tobacco Control. Journal Of Psychoactive Drugs, 50(1), 19-32.