special subjects
Cannabidiol (CBD)
What are the possible side effects of CBD?
CBD is probably safe to take by mouth or sprayed under the tongue. In studies, up to 1,500 mg of CBD taken by mouth for up to 4 weeks seemed reasonably safe. But CBD can have side effects, such as dry mouth, low blood pressure, diarrhea, decreased appetite, mood changes, light-headedness, and sleepiness. CBD can injure the liver, especially if it is not used under medical supervision. The contaminants in some CBD products could harm fetuses or infants, so CBD might not be safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. People with liver disease who use CBD might need to take lower doses than healthy people. High doses of CBD might make tremors and other unwanted movements worse in people with Parkinson disease. In studies in animals, CBD decreased sperm growth and development and reduced testicle size, so it might affect fertility in men. Some CBD products are contaminated with solvents, including some that can cause cancer, as well as pesticides, heavy metals, bacteria, and fungi. Some of these contaminants could be harmful to a fetus. A synthetic product sold in Utah has caused some acute poisonings. 