THE FAQS ABOUT CBD
Still have questions? Here you’ll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about CBD that aren’t covered elsewhere in the book.
CAN I TAKE CBD WITH OTHER MEDICATIONS?
Overall, CBD is relatively safe, well tolerated, and carries fewer risks of adverse drug interactions than many other commonly prescribed drugs.
However, it’s important to know that CBD can make some prescription medications more effective, thereby helping to reduce the need for that drug. CBD can also make some drugs less effective, thereby necessitating changes in how the drug is administered.
If you’re taking prescription medications, the best way to learn about specific drug interactions is by working with a knowledgeable and experienced physician. He or she can take a look at the specific medications you’re taking and tell you what you should and shouldn’t be worried about when it comes to taking CBD with your medications.
DOES CBD OIL HAVE SIDE EFFECTS?
Side effects are a big concern for many people. The great news is that CBD has not been shown to cause many of the negative side effects common to prescription medications. In 2017, a group of researchers sifted through medical study upon medical study and determined that CBD has not been found to cause changes in heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, or body temperature. It has no effect on psychomotor function (skills related to movement and coordination), and it doesn’t affect learning (like the ability to recall words). It doesn’t cause changes in appetite or weight, and it doesn’t cause depression or psychosis. CBD also doesn’t cause any of the negative side effects commonly associated with marijuana.
So, what side effects does CBD cause? The most commonly reported side effects are fatigue, tiredness, and sleepiness. The severity of these is dose-dependent. When used correctly, it’s unlikely that you’ll experience any adverse effects from CBD. In the case that you do, adjusting how much, when, or how often you use the CBD oil will likely help.
WILL I FAIL A DRUG TEST IF I TAKE A CBD PRODUCT?
It depends on the composition of cannabinoids in the product you’ve used. If the product does not contain any THC, then you would not test positive for marijuana or marijuana metabolite.
However, if the product does contain THC—no matter the amount—then you could test positive for marijuana or marijuana metabolite. The only CBD product in which no THC should be detected is a CBD isolate. Any other CBD product will have some amount of THC in it.
IS CBD ADDICTIVE?
Nope! It comes straight from the horse’s mouth: according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “CBD appears to be a safe drug with no addictive effects.”
CAN I BRING A CBD PRODUCT ON A PLANE?
It’s probably not a good idea. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), “Possession of marijuana and cannabis-infused products, such as cannabidiol (CBD) oil, is illegal under federal law. TSA officers are required to report any suspected violations of law, including possession of marijuana- and cannabis-infused products. TSA’s screening procedures are focused on security and are designed to detect potential threats to aviation and passengers. Accordingly, TSA security officers do not search for marijuana or other illegal drugs, but in the event a substance that appears to be marijuana or a cannabis-infused product is observed during security screening, TSA will refer the matter to a law enforcement officer.”
In other words, TSA agents aren’t specifically looking for CBD, but they will report it to authorities if they find it. So, fly with CBD at your own risk.
CAN MY PET USE CBD PRODUCTS?
There are a certainly veterinarians out there who treat pets with CBD products. Your veterinarian can advise you on which CBD product to use and how much and how often to administer it based on your pet’s condition.