Key takeaways
- The WHO has classified CBD as generally safe and well-tolerated (2018 report); it is not addictive.
- The most common side effects — fatigue, dry mouth, digestive issues — are mild, temporary, and dose-dependent.
- CBD can interact with medications via liver CYP450 enzymes: if under treatment, seek a doctor's advice.
- CBD is not a medicine and this page does not replace medical advice; pregnancy, breastfeeding, and liver diseases require particular caution.
- Cannabuben exclusively offers lab-tested CBD products with less than 0.3% THC, legal in France.
Important Notice: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Our CBD products are not medicines and are not intended for the diagnosis, treatment, or cure of diseases.
CBD Side Effects
Honest, scientifically based, and transparent: everything about CBD side effects, risks, drug interactions, and what research says.
WHO 2018
Safety Report
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CBD Safety Profile According to WHO
Cannabidiol (CBD) has gained popularity worldwide in recent years. In the form of oil, capsules, or flowers, more and more people are using CBD for various purposes. But as with any substance, a legitimate question arises: what are the side effects of CBD? And how safe is its consumption really?
The World Health Organization (WHO) examined the safety profile of CBD in detail in its comprehensive 2018 report ("Critical Review Report – Cannabidiol"). The result: CBD is considered generally safe and well-tolerated. It has no potential for dependence, no psychoactive effects in the sense of intoxication, and is not associated with significant health risks in general use.
But: "generally safe" does not mean "without side effects." Like any biologically active substance, CBD can cause adverse effects – and there are situations that call for particular caution. Transparency and honesty are very important to us at Cannabuben. Therefore, on this page, you will find a comprehensive and scientifically based presentation of all known side effects, risks, and interactions of CBD.
We want to emphasize: this page does not replace medical advice. If you are taking medication, are pregnant, or have a pre-existing condition, always consult your doctor before using CBD products. Our goal is to provide you with the facts so that you can make an informed decision.
Common Side Effects
The following side effects are the most frequently documented in clinical studies and user feedback. They are generally mild, transient, and dose-dependent. For most people, they disappear after a few days or can be avoided by adjusting the dose.
Fatigue & drowsiness
commonThe most frequently reported side effect with CBD is fatigue or drowsiness. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system and can have a relaxing effect, which can lead to a feeling of numbness at higher doses. In clinical studies, up to 25% of participants reported fatigue. This effect is dose-dependent and occurs mainly when taken early in the day or in combination with other sedative substances. Tip: start with a low dose in the evening to assess your individual reaction.
Dry mouth
commonDry mouth (also called 'cottonmouth') occurs because cannabinoids influence the salivary glands. CB1 and CB2 receptors are found in the submandibular salivary glands, and their activation can temporarily reduce saliva production. This effect is generally mild and can be easily managed by sufficient fluid intake. Sugar-free gum can also help stimulate saliva production.
Appetite changes
commonCBD can both increase and decrease appetite – the effect varies from person to person. Unlike THC, which typically increases appetite (the famous 'munchies' effect), CBD tends to reduce it. In the clinical study on Epidiolex, about 16% of patients reported a decrease in appetite. Weight changes have also been documented, with both weight gain and loss observed.
Digestive issues
commonDiarrhea and nausea are among the most frequently reported side effects, especially at higher doses. In the approval studies of Epidiolex, diarrhea occurred in about 9 to 20% of patients. These issues are often not due to CBD itself, but also to carrier oils (such as MCT oil) or other ingredients. Taking with a meal can help reduce digestive issues.
Rare Side Effects
The following side effects occur more rarely, but it is important to be aware of them. They have mainly been observed at high doses or in specific patient groups. Transparency about risks, even rare ones, is part of responsible information.
Low blood pressure
rareAt higher doses, CBD can cause a slight drop in blood pressure. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation showed that a single dose of 600 mg of CBD significantly lowered resting blood pressure. This can be problematic for people already taking antihypertensive medications and lead to dizziness or lightheadedness.
Elevated liver values
rareAt very high doses (especially with the drug Epidiolex at 10–20 mg/kg/day), an elevation of liver enzymes (ALT/AST) has been observed in clinical studies. This risk is significantly lower with over-the-counter CBD products at low doses but should be considered in people with liver diseases or when taking hepatotoxic medications (e.g., valproic acid).
Mood changes
rareIn rare cases, users report irritability, agitation, or mood changes. In studies on Epidiolex, irritability was documented as a side effect in about 5 to 10% of patients. It is not always possible to clearly determine whether these effects are directly due to CBD or the underlying condition.
CBD and Medications – Interactions
One of the most important pieces of information for CBD users concerns possible interactions with medications. CBD is metabolized in the liver by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system (CYP450) – the same system that also breaks down many prescription medications.
The CYP450 Enzyme System
CBD particularly inhibits the enzymes CYP3A4 and CYP2C19. When these enzymes are inhibited, certain medications may be broken down more slowly than usual. Consequence: the concentration of the active ingredient in the blood increases, which can enhance the effect and also the side effects of the medication.
This phenomenon is not unique to CBD – grapefruit juice also inhibits CYP3A4. General rule: if your medication's leaflet mentions an interaction with grapefruit, CBD could cause a similar interaction.
The clinical relevance depends heavily on the dose of CBD. At low doses (less than 40 mg/day), the effects on drug metabolism are generally minimal. At higher doses, the risk increases significantly.
Affected Drug Groups:
Important Notice
If you are taking prescription medications, always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using CBD products. Never stop a medication on your own initiative and never change its dosage. Your doctor can individually assess possible interactions and, if necessary, adjust your treatment.
Who Should Not Take CBD?
Although CBD is generally considered safe, certain categories of people should not take it, or only under medical supervision.
Pregnant & Breastfeeding Women
There are not enough studies on the safety of CBD during pregnancy and breastfeeding. CBD can cross the placental barrier and pass into breast milk. The FDA explicitly warns against using CBD products during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The potential risk to the child's development is not sufficiently studied.
Children & Adolescents
CBD intake by children and adolescents should only occur under medical supervision and only in cases of clear medical indication (e.g., severe forms of epilepsy such as Dravet or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome). The still-developing endocannabinoid system could be influenced by regular CBD intake. Over-the-counter CBD products are not intended for minors.
Liver Diseases
People with existing liver diseases (hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver) should only take CBD after consulting their doctor. Since CBD is metabolized in the liver and can, at high doses, increase liver values, the risk is higher with an already weakened liver. Regular monitoring of liver values is recommended.
Certain Medications
People taking anticoagulants (warfarin), antiepileptics (clobazam, valproic acid), immunosuppressants, or certain cardiac medications should not use CBD without medical consultation. Inhibition of CYP450 enzymes by CBD can lead to dangerously high drug levels.
Low Blood Pressure
People with chronic hypotension or those taking antihypertensive medications should be cautious. CBD can further lower blood pressure, which can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or, in extreme cases, loss of consciousness. Medical supervision is advised.
Before Surgery
CBD should be stopped at least 1 to 2 weeks before a scheduled operation. Its anticoagulant effect and influence on anesthetic agents via the CYP450 system could increase surgical risk. Always inform your anesthetist and surgeon about CBD product use.
Dosage and Side Effects
The relationship between CBD dose and side effects is well documented: higher doses more frequently and strongly lead to adverse effects. Understanding this dose-effect relationship is essential for safe CBD use.
10–25 mg/day
Generally no or minimal side effects. Suitable for beginners and as a maintenance dose.
25–100 mg/day
Possible mild side effects like fatigue or dry mouth. Interactions with medications become more relevant.
100–1500 mg/day
Increased likelihood of side effects. Only under medical supervision (e.g., Epidiolex for epilepsy). Liver values should be monitored.
The Golden Rule: "Start Low, Go Slow"
Start with the lowest recommended dose (e.g., 5–10 mg of CBD) and increase it slowly over several days or weeks until the desired effect is achieved. Keep a journal of the dose, the feeling, and any side effects. This way, you will find your individual optimal dose with minimal risk of side effects. Each person reacts differently to CBD depending on their genetics, weight, metabolism, and diet.
CBD vs THC Side Effects
CBD and THC are the two most well-known cannabinoids, but they fundamentally differ in their side effect profiles. While THC is psychoactive and alters consciousness, CBD has no intoxicating effect. The following comparison highlights the differences.
Conclusion: CBD has a significantly lighter side effect profile than THC. It does not cause intoxication, does not create dependence, and does not impair cognitive performance. However, CBD is not free of side effects, and both substances can interact with medications. Full-spectrum CBD products contain traces of THC (less than 0.3%), which may be relevant for sensitive individuals.
Quality and Side Effects
Many of the "CBD side effects" reported are actually due to insufficient product quality. A safe CBD product starts with the raw material and ends only with independent laboratory testing. Here you discover why quality is crucial for your safety.
Risks of Poor Quality Products
Pesticides, heavy metals (lead, mercury), solvent residues, or molds can be harmful to health and cause side effects wrongly attributed to CBD.
Studies show that up to 70% of CBD products sold online are mislabeled – with significantly more or less CBD than indicated. An excessively high dose can enhance undesirable side effects.
Some products contain more THC than legally allowed (>0.3%). This can cause unwanted psychoactive effects, anxiety, and positive drug tests.
In rare cases, CBD products have been cut with dangerous synthetic cannabinoids. These can cause severe health damage and are illegal.
Quality Criteria for Safe Products
Third-party lab certificates (Certificate of Analysis, CoA) indicating the exact CBD and THC content, terpene profile, as well as tests for pesticides, heavy metals, and microbial contaminations.
Raw material from controlled EU cultivation, with certified hemp varieties from the European variety catalog. Organic certification is an additional quality criterion.
Supercritical CO₂ extraction is considered the absolute standard. It leaves no solvent residues and preserves the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes.
Complete list of ingredients, exact CBD content per serving, batch number for traceability, best before date, and clear dosage recommendation.
Cannabuben Quality Commitment
All CBD products in our shop are lab-tested, made from EU-certified industrial hemp, and obtained through gentle extraction processes. We provide analysis certificates for all products. Only with high-quality products can you be sure that any side effects are actually from CBD – and not from contaminations.
Frequently Asked Questions
about CBD Risks.
The main questions about CBD side effects, safety, interactions, and dosage – with scientifically based answers.
The WHO has classified CBD as generally safe and well-tolerated in its 2018 report. CBD is not addictive and has no abuse potential. However, side effects can occur, especially at high doses or in combination with certain medications. Most side effects, such as fatigue or dry mouth, are mild and temporary.
Lab-Tested CBD Products
At Cannabuben, you will find exclusively lab-tested CBD products made from EU-certified industrial hemp. Transparent analysis certificates, clear dosage indications, and uncompromising quality – for your safety.