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Is there a downside to taking CBD gummies?

3 min read

According to the Mayo Clinic, while often well-tolerated, CBD can cause side effects like dry mouth, diarrhea, reduced appetite, and drowsiness. For many consumers, the question remains: is there a downside to taking CBD gummies, or are the risks minimal?

Quick Summary

Taking CBD gummies carries risks including potential side effects, negative interactions with other medications, and the danger of an unregulated market. Users may also fail a drug test and face issues with product quality due to a lack of FDA oversight. The delayed onset of edibles makes dosage more challenging.

Key Points

  • Common Side Effects: CBD gummies can cause dry mouth, drowsiness, diarrhea, or appetite changes, especially when taken in high doses.

  • Significant Drug Interactions: CBD affects liver enzymes and can alter the effectiveness or increase the side effects of medications like blood thinners, antidepressants, and anti-epileptics.

  • Risk of Failing a Drug Test: Even federally legal CBD products with trace amounts of THC can cause a positive drug test result, particularly with frequent use or if the product is mislabeled.

  • Unregulated Market Dangers: Due to a lack of FDA oversight, many CBD products are mislabeled regarding cannabinoid content and may be contaminated with heavy metals or pesticides.

  • Quality Varies by Manufacturer: The onus is on the consumer to verify product quality. Reputable brands provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA) from third-party labs to ensure purity and potency.

  • Delayed and Inconsistent Effects: The effects of gummies can be delayed by 30 minutes to 2 hours, making precise dosing difficult and increasing the risk of taking too much.

In This Article

The popularity of CBD gummies has soared in recent years, with many people using them for wellness purposes. However, it is crucial to understand that they are not without potential risks and downsides. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved most CBD products sold on the market, meaning consumers should be aware of a range of issues from side effects to regulatory uncertainties.

Common Side Effects of CBD Gummies

While generally considered safe for many people, CBD can cause some noticeable side effects, particularly at higher doses. These can be mild but may affect daily life or lead to discomfort.

  • Dry Mouth: Often called “cottonmouth,” this side effect is caused by cannabinoids affecting salivary glands.
  • Drowsiness and Fatigue: CBD's calming effect can cause drowsiness, which is a risk before activities like driving or operating machinery.
  • Gastrointestinal Issues: Some users, especially those new to CBD or taking high doses, may experience diarrhea, nausea, or decreased appetite. Starting with a low dose can help.
  • Mood Changes: While many seek CBD for its calming effects, it can sometimes lead to irritability or agitation in some individuals.

Medication Interactions and Liver Concerns

CBD can interact with various medications by affecting liver enzymes responsible for drug metabolism, similar to grapefruit. This interference can lead to altered drug concentrations in the bloodstream, potentially increasing levels to toxic amounts or decreasing them, making the medication less effective. Consulting a doctor before combining CBD with any medication is vital.

Common medication classes known to interact with CBD include blood thinners, anti-epileptic drugs, immunosuppressants, antidepressants, opioids, benzodiazepines, NSAIDs (at high doses), and antihistamines.

The Risks of an Unregulated Market

Most CBD products, including gummies, lack federal regulation for safety, purity, or effectiveness, as the FDA has not approved them. This poses significant risks to consumers.

Studies indicate widespread mislabeling of CBD content in products sold online, with some containing less or more CBD than advertised. Some products have also been found to contain unlabeled THC. To protect yourself, choose reputable companies that provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA) from a third-party laboratory. Hemp plants can absorb contaminants like heavy metals and pesticides from the soil, which can end up in the final product if not tested. A COA helps confirm the absence of these contaminants.

Failing a Drug Test

Even legal hemp-derived CBD products containing up to 0.3% THC can potentially cause a positive drug test result, especially with frequent, high-dose use. Mislabeling or cross-contamination during manufacturing can also lead to detectable THC in products marketed as “THC-free”.

Overconsumption and Allergic Reactions

While a fatal overdose from CBD is highly unlikely, consuming excessive amounts of gummies can intensify side effects such as drowsiness, nausea, and stomach upset. Allergic reactions are typically not to CBD itself but to other ingredients like flavorings or gelatin.

Delayed Onset of Effects

The effects of CBD gummies are delayed due to digestion, taking 30 minutes to 2 hours to appear. This can lead users to take more out of impatience before the initial dose takes effect, resulting in intensified side effects.

CBD Gummies vs. Regulated Medication: A Comparison

To highlight the key differences, here is a comparison between unregulated CBD gummies and FDA-approved pharmaceutical medications.

Feature Unregulated CBD Gummies FDA-Approved Medication (e.g., Epidiolex)
Regulation No federal oversight for safety, dosage, and manufacturing consistency. Rigorously tested and monitored by the FDA.
Dosage Accuracy Inconsistent; mislabeling is common. Highly controlled and verified for accuracy.
Contaminant Testing Depends on the manufacturer; reputable brands provide COAs. Mandated and consistently verified.
Side Effect Monitoring User-reported and anecdotal evidence. Clinical trials provide a comprehensive list of known side effects.
Drug Interaction Data Incomplete data based on general CBD properties. Extensively studied with known, documented interactions.
Efficacy Not clinically proven for generalized use. Proven effective for specific conditions (e.g., certain seizure disorders).

Conclusion

CBD gummies offer a convenient way to consume cannabidiol but come with potential risks, including side effects like drowsiness and digestive issues, significant drug interactions, and concerns related to the lack of regulation and the possibility of a positive drug test. The unregulated market means product quality and dosage accuracy are not guaranteed. Always consult a healthcare professional before using CBD, especially if you are taking other medications.

For more information on the FDA's position on CBD products, visit the FDA website.

Frequently Asked Questions

While a fatal overdose is not known to occur with CBD, taking too many gummies can lead to uncomfortable side effects like intense lethargy, nausea, diarrhea, and dizziness, which should subside as your body processes the excess CBD.

Yes, it is possible for CBD gummies to cause a positive drug test. The test detects THC, and due to market irregularities, even hemp-derived products can contain enough THC to trigger a positive result, especially with prolonged use or inaccurate labeling.

Yes, CBD can interact with numerous medications, including blood thinners, antidepressants, and anti-epileptics, by interfering with liver enzymes. This can increase or decrease the medication's effectiveness or side effects, making it crucial to speak with a healthcare provider.

The FDA has determined that existing regulatory frameworks for food and supplements are not appropriate for CBD and has not approved most CBD products. This has created a patchwork of state-level laws with no consistent federal oversight for quality and safety.

To minimize the risk of contamination, buy from reputable companies that use organic hemp and provide a publicly available Certificate of Analysis (COA) from an independent third-party lab. The COA proves the product has been tested for heavy metals, pesticides, and potency.

While severe allergic reactions to CBD itself are rare, it is possible to be allergic to other ingredients in the gummies, such as gelatin, food dyes, flavorings, or carrier oils. If you suspect an allergy, discontinue use and consult a doctor.

A significant downside is the delayed onset of effects, which can take 30 minutes to 2 hours. This can complicate dosing, as impatience may lead users to consume more than needed before the initial dose takes effect.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.