Suppose you are one of those millions of people out there who desperately want to try out this new cannabis compound called CBD or cannabidiol. Then you may want to pause for a while. We understand all this rage among people of all demographics about CBD but do you know you could be allergic to it. Yes, you read that right. As CBD consumption surges around the globe, so are the cases of people reporting adverse effects, or should we say certain types of reactions. Now we know our bodies can be allergic to anything, usually certain types of plant pollen or mold. Likewise, CBD is derived from a cannabis plant and can cause an allergic reaction in some people.
Research has proven that a cannabis plant contains histamine and pollen, and these can cause breathing problems. This article will discuss the ‘what, when and how’ of allergic reactions due to CBD-based products. But let’s first understand what the cannabidiols are:
What is cannabidiol?
If you are planning to try it out, you must have already done homework by now. Nonetheless, if we have to explain CBD or cannabidiol in simple words, it’ll be called a cannabis-based ‘magic’ compound that not only enhances your power to fight a plethora of illnesses but also gives you ‘feel good’ vibes. CBD is a natural, non-psychoactive compound that’s extracted from seeds and stalks of hemp or plants, a member of the cannabis family.
CBD possesses properties that allow it to interact with the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) present in our body. The ECS is a complex signaling network that works as a regulator to manage several functions like hunger, relaxation, sleep, metabolism, mood, and appetite. By combining with the Endocannabinoid system, CBD works as a booster dose for the body. It keeps our body system in balance. Those experiencing stress in life or facing chronic pain or seizure problems have immensely benefited from using CBD products.
Allergic reactions to CBD
Firstly, anyone can experience an allergic reaction due to CBD, in more than one way. It’s also not necessary that if two persons – let’s say a couple – are trying it out, both of them will feel allergic to the compound. Plus you may also feel instant side-effects such as dry mouth, dizziness, laziness, nausea and diarrhoea and a feeling of being sleepy. Usually, they are not considered as serious as you encounter these feelings only if CBD intake is more than the prescribed limit. You may also experience this if you are sensitive to cannabis. Allergies occur when our body overreacts to the CBD intake as it deems it a threat. Certain signs show your body has overreacted to the cannabidiol and there’s a set procedure to follow in case you encounter these problems.
What are the signs of allergic reactions?
If you are allergic to CBD, your eyes will turn red. You may also experience dryness or sometimes itchiness, depending upon how your body reacts to it. Mostly, those into THC experience redness in their eyes. But excessive consumption of CBD can result in watering in eyes and sometimes itchiness. If it’s the first time you are trying it out, you could experience a mild headache. This could happen for a couple of days before the body settles to the cannabidiol experience. CBD creams or balms can, sometimes, cause skin irritation like hives or rashes. Poor-quality products can also cause temporary breathing problems among newcomers. Mould or pollen present in non-purified CBD products can cause respiratory problems. So it’s advisable to always buy a genuine CBD-based product from a reputed company, which reveals the complete product method as well as third-party certification.
What do studies say on CBD-induced allergic reactions?
The CBD chemical compound contains cannabidiol in high quantities and THC but at a very low level. The research on both these cannabinoids is at a nascent stage currently, and it needs more clarity on the policy and research front to understand how they react with the human body. In 2011, a review revealed on all studies done on CBD oil so far. The review report said people consuming CBD for long are capable of tolerating it with time. The long-term use of cannabidiol can lead to low blood pressure problems, lightheadedness, laziness, and dry mouth.
To avoid a severe reaction, it is recommended that one start with small doses and continue increasing them if they feel okay. The US Food and Drug Administration has also approved a CBD-based drug called Epidiolex, which can treat severe forms of epilepsy. It has approved three THC-based drugs — Marinol, Syndros, and Cesamet — used during AIDS and chemotherapy-related treatments.
How to consume CBD to avoid allergy?
You can consume CBD even if you fear you may be allergic to it, though you may have to follow a strict regimen. Firstly, start with a small dose. Thereafter, notice how your body responds to it and keep on increasing the dose till you reach the optimum limit. You can also get your medical health check-up done in advance to confirm if your body is allergic to CBD or not. If you don’t want to go for a medical examination, avoid adding anything new — like vitamins or any other supplements — to your intake during the CBD trial. Always read the recommended dose before consuming CBD. You can be extra cautious about your CBD intake and start with half the recommended dose. As your body settles into cannabidiol, increase the dosage gradually.
If it’s your first time, notice changes in your body after two hours of consumption. If it does not show any of the above-discussed symptoms, you may not be allergic to CBD. However, if it shows any adverse reaction, it’s time to consult your health expert and get a medication examination done. Moreover, choose a good quality product, which not only reduces any chances of allergy but also ensures you experience the ‘original’ CBD effect.
