These days, cannabidiol (CBD) seems to be in everything from beauty lotions and sports balms to capsules, e-liquids and gummies.

Increasingly more people are opting to use CBD oil, as it’s believed to alleviate pain, reduce anxiety, aid sleep, and improve heart and brain function.

Although it shows promise to be a natural remedy for a host of health conditions, it’s important to be aware of the potential downsides, so you can make an informed decision as to whether or not you should use it.

Here are just some of the questions we get asked by our customers at Peak Organics.

Does CBD oil have any side effects?

CBD is the second most prevalent cannabinoid (chemical compound) to be derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, following tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD doesn’t get you “high” like THC. Instead, it has anti-inflammatory and therapeutic properties.

CBD oil is often well-tolerated by users. But depending on the potency of the product and the dosage, some people may experience side effects after using it.

These include, but are not limited to:

  • dry mouth
  • diarrhoea
  • drowsiness
  • fatigue
  • changes in appetite
  • changes in weight

How does CBD oil affect your weight?

Though more human evidence is required, preliminary research suggests that CBD could help to promote weight loss by reducing appetite, boosting metabolism and encouraging the browning of fat cells.

However, CBD oil also has the potential to cause weight gain by making users increase their appetite to curb pangs of hunger.

Rather than using CBD oil as a supplement for weight loss or weight gain, dieticians recommend that you maintain a healthy and balanced diet, alongside regular exercise.

What happens if CBD oil is combined with other drugs?

Several studies on CBD have raised concerns about the possible interactions with common prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines. This is mostly because the human body metabolises CBD through a pathway in your liver, where enzymes break up potentially harmful compounds. The same pathway is used for other medications which, over time, could result in liver damage.

Luckily, you’ll probably not be taking a high enough dose of CBD oil to have an adverse reaction with other prescribed medications. However, a great way to reduce your risk is to opt for a full-spectrum product, as opposed to an isolate oil. This will allow you to get the same therapeutic benefits at a lower dose.

For those of you thinking about using CBD oil while on medication already, our best advice is to speak with your doctor. They’ll be able to advise you whether or not your medication will interact with CBD.

Is it safe to take CBD oil every day?

In some cases, drugs may lead to adverse effects if they’re overused.

However, CBD is not as addictive as other medications, and it can have a number of benefits when taken daily. For example, it could provide effective pain relief and reduce stress, anxiety and depression.

Bear in mind, everyone is different and what works for you might not work for someone else.

It’s also worth noting that CBD oil may not be suitable if you’re pregnant, as it could cause harm to your baby. Similarly, people with liver disease are typically advised to use lower doses of CBD and to always consult a medical expert before using it.

What should you do when buying CBD oil?

First and foremost, you want to make sure that you’re purchasing from a reputable stockist.

Unfortunately, many unscrupulous dealers are selling CBD products that are not safe (or legal) to use – so it pays to do your research and ask friends and family for recommendations.

Here at Peak Organics, we provide only the best CBD oils in the UK, including full-spectrum and broad-spectrum products in 1500mg, 3000mg and 6000mg strengths.

All our CBD oils are made from natural ingredients, are gluten-free and vegan-friendly. What’s more, we make sure they are lab-tested twice, so you can trust that the product you receive will be safe, legal and effective.

For more information about our CBD oil, or any of the other products we sell, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team would love to hear from you.