Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
- What is CBD Oil?
- Cannabidiol
- Hash (Cannabis) Oil vs CBD Oil vs Hemp Seed Oil
- Cannabidiol (CBD) Oil
- Hemp Seed Oil
- Hemp Oil (Hash or Cannabis Oil)
- CBD Oil Risks
- Drug Contraindications
- Side Effects
- Psychoactive Effects of Cannabinoids
- Conversion of CBD to THC
- Getting High on CBD?
- Effects of THC Derived from CBD
- Human Studies
- Is CBD Oil Safe for Children?
- CBD During Pregnancy
- CBD from Hops and Other Non-Cannabis Plants
- Is CBD Safe for Anyone?
CBD oil is rapidly emerging as one of the most popular natural remedies on the market today. It seems to be literally everywhere, with both alternative and conventional businesses scrambling to cash in on the craze by boldly advertising its health benefits.
I was shocked to see recently that some cafes in my community are advertising CBD on menus as a healthy ingredient in lattes and smoothies! Some “health-oriented” bars are adding it to cocktails.
In some places like New York City, cannabis food trucks sell an assortment of candy and other goodies containing CBD to passersby.
With no age restrictions on its use, some people – even children – are likely consuming CBD on a very frequent basis.
While a growing chorus of voices recommends CBD oil for all manner of ailments with glowing reviews and assurances of its safety, consumers would be wise to think very carefully before jumping on the bandwagon.
This article seeks to pull back the curtain on the CBD story and reveal the very real potential dangers of use by otherwise healthy people so that you can make a truly informed decision for your family.
Please note that I am not disputing the benefits of cannabis in this article. I know it helps a lot of very sick people manage their illness in a comfortable way without the need for pharmaceuticals. What I am presenting is the other side of the story that is usually not discussed – even glossed over in favor of aggressive marketing to otherwise healthy people.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD oil is an alternative remedy for inflammation, pain, seizures and many other conditions. It is gaining widespread popularity over pharmaceutical drugs to treat the same ailments.
Manufacturers make CBD oil by diluting the active ingredient cannabidiol with a carrier fat such as coconut oil. Depending on what carrier oil is used (i.e., saturated fats or vegetable oils), the remedy then appeals to a wider variety of people. In other words, CBD fans can find an oil that fits their particular food philosophy on fats.
Cannabidiol
You might be surprised to learn that cannabidiol is one of over a hundred compounds known as cannabinoids. The buds, flowers, leaves, and stalks (not seeds) of the hemp plant contain them. Other common names for this plant are marijuana or cannabis.
Tetrahydrocannabinol, better known as THC, is another well-known cannabinoid in hemp plant matter. It is best known for its mind-altering effects, which pot smokers experience firsthand. (1)
Fans of CBD oil claim that cannabidiol is safe because it has zero inherent psychoactive properties like THC. However, this is disputable, if not downright false, in light of research on both animals and humans. More on this later.
Hash (Cannabis) Oil vs CBD Oil vs Hemp Seed Oil
It is important to understand the key differences between the three primary oils derived from the hemp or marijuana plant. These characteristics determine whether the oil is used as food or medicine and, in turn, whether it is even legal or not.
CBD oil falls in the gray area, which is why it is so confusing and potentially dangerous for anyone except those who are gravely ill with few other treatment options. Hopefully, the discussion below will help clear things up for you!
Cannabidiol (CBD) Oil
As described above, manufacturers create medicinal CBD oil by blending cannabidiol with a carrier oil. This active ingredient is either isolated or alcohol extracted from whole cannabis plant matter.
CBD was legalized in all 50 states by the 2014 Farm Bill, which served as the springboard for its explosive growth. However, this approval came with an important caveat. The legislation required the extraction of CBD for academic research or under a state pilot program. Since then, a number of states broadened this narrow definition, which legalized other CBD manufacturing processes. (2)
Hemp Seed Oil
CBD oil is vastly different from hemp seed oil, which is a food and not medicine. It is made by cold pressing the seeds on the cannabis plant. The resulting oil is high in inflammatory omega-6 fats. Hemp seeds contain no THC and hence the oil should technically not contain any either.
Some countries require testing for THC in hemp seed oil to verify purity. Typical requirements are that there are no more than 5-10 or even zero parts per million (ppm) detected in the final product.
Hemp Oil (Hash or Cannabis Oil)
In comparison, hash or cannabis oil does contain high inducing THC. It is also misleadingly known as honey oil.
It comes from aerial parts of the marijuana plant except for the seeds. This medicinal or recreational oil can be made from any of the three sub-species of the cannabis plant – Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and more rarely Cannabis ruderalis.
Hash oil is illegal for recreational use in most states but is approved for medicinal use by a growing list of others. It is usually consumed by eating or smoking. It is also sold in cartridges for use in vaping pens.
In summary, while hemp seed oil is widely recognized as safe and available on health food store shelves all across the country, hemp oil is still regulated as a medicinal only drug in some states and completely outlawed in others. CBD oil falls in the gray area somewhere between the two.
The question that remains to be answered is its safety. Does the narrow legalization of CBD in the 2014 Farm Bill guarantee its safety? Or is it actually more risky than consumers have been led to believe?
CBD Oil Risks
The side effects of consuming cannabidiol are very real though commonly glossed over by those selling it.
Drug Contraindications
CBD oil may potentially interact in a negative way with anti-epilepsy drugs. As of now, only in vitro (test tube) observations exist with no living organism testing proving safety. Drugs that may interact include: (3)
- carbamazepine (Tegretol)
- phenytoin (Dilantin)
- phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton, Tedral)
- primidone (anti-seizure)
Side Effects
According to a review of existing research by the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, the most common side effects of consuming CBD or CBD oil include:
- fatigue
- nausea or vomiting
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- anxiety or depression
- changes in appetite/weight
- Psychosis
While there is a well-known link between psychotic disorders and pot, CBD is generally regarded as anti-psychotic. (4)
How can this be if a CBD side effect is psychosis? (5)
Perhaps this common belief is simply not true!
Psychoactive Effects of Cannabinoids
Perhaps cannabinoid oil purveyors tend to ignore the well-established reactions because the side effect profile of CBD is better than pharmaceutical drugs used to treat similar conditions.
In addition, proponents of CBD oil use insist on its safety because cannabidiol is not mind-altering like its cousin cannabinoid THC.
Research from the 1970s seems to confirm that CBD is well tolerated up to 600 mg without psychotic episodes. (6)
However, more recent research disputes this assumption.
Conversion of CBD to THC
Researcher Kazuhito Watanabe, PhD and his team at Daiichi College of Pharmaceuticals, Japan discovered a disturbing problem with cannabidiol. (7)
They found that CBD converts into THC, the same psychosis-inducing substance found in weed. In addition, CBD converted into two other THC-like cannabinoids known as HHCs (hexahydroxycannabinols). All three produced high inducing symptoms in mice.
This research indicates that THC is not the only mind-altering cannabinoid in hemp. It also suggests the possibility that a person can be exposed to brain-altering, high inducing substances by simply consuming CBD.
Getting High on CBD?
Acidity is necessary for the conversion of CBD to THC and the two psychoactive HHCs. Researchers performed this conversion using artificial digestive juices. The change accelerated in the presence of some kind of sugar (or alcohol).
In people consuming CBD oil, this would parallel as acidity in the stomach. Since people commonly consume CBD oil in sugary lattes, candy, goodies, smoothies or alcoholic beverages, this situation mimics the reality of many people who use it.
Effects of THC Derived from CBD
To test the effects of these components, the researchers then injected mice with small quantities of the THC and HHCs converted from CBD. The researchers tested for the four most common symptoms of THC exposure including:
- Catalepsy – loss of sensation or consciousness
- Hypothermia – drop in body temperature
- Prolonged sleep
- Reduced pain perception
Mice injected with small amounts of THC and HHCs converted in artificial gastric juices from CBD tested positively for all 4 pot exposure symptoms.
Human Studies
Follow-up research in 2016 published in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research gives additional pause.
More than 40% of epileptic children orally administered CBD exhibited adverse events, with THC like symptoms the most common. In their conclusion, researchers challenged the accepted premise that CBD is not high-inducing.
Gastric fluid without enzymes converts CBD into the psychoactive components Δ9-THC and Δ8-THC, which suggests that the oral route of administration may increase the potential for psychomimetic adverse effects from CBD. (8)
Is CBD Oil Safe for Children?
The takeaway of existing research as of this writing seems to indicate extreme caution when it comes to the ingestion of CBD oil especially by children.
Research definitively shows that THC exposure affects their developing brains in a negative way – perhaps permanently. The important point here is that consuming CBD or CBD infused oil can initiate this THC exposure – not just smoking or vaping pot. The Journal of Current Pharmaceutical Design warns:
The literature not only suggests neurocognitive disadvantages to using marijuana in the domains of attention and memory that persist beyond abstinence, but suggest possible macrostructural brain alterations (e.g., morphometry changes in gray matter tissue), changes in white matter tract integrity (e.g., poorer coherence in white matter fibers), and abnormalities of neural functioning (e.g., increased brain activation, changes in neurovascular functioning). (9)
CBD During Pregnancy
The Journal Future Neurology warns that cannabis exposure crosses the placenta. “Human epidemiological and animal studies have found that prenatal cannabis exposure influences brain development and can have long-lasting impacts on cognitive functions.” (10)
Since CBD partially converts to THC under acidic conditions, women who consume CBD oil for morning sickness or other discomforts of pregnancy should understand that use may mimic using pot directly. Just because CBD oil is natural and works effectively to alleviate symptoms does not mean it is safe for your baby.
Always discuss any supplemental foods with a practitioner before use!
CBD from Hops and Other Non-Cannabis Plants
Some CBD products and oil come from plants other than cannabis. Hops is one that is popular currently. (11)
People that use non-cannabis CBD mistakenly believe that they are safe from THC. The false marketing of these products encourages this line of thinking.
Be warned that no matter where CBD comes from, the potential for conversion of CBD to THC in the digestive tract exists. CBD is ultimately a cannabinoid no matter what plant it comes from. Thus, unless the CBD is applied transdermally or intravenously to avoid the acidic conditions within the digestive tract, the risk for THC exposure and brain-altering effects still exists.
To give you a example of how this works, consider how beta carotene converts to Vitamin A in the digestive tract. It doesn’t matter if the beta carotene comes from carrots, peppers or squash. This nutrient will still potentially convert to Vitamin A. The same principle applies to CBD that is consumed orally. The digestive process can result in conversion to THC no matter what plant is the source of the CBD.
Is CBD Safe for Anyone?
Consumers desperately need more research about the high-inducing effects of CBD-to-THC that could manifest as a result of the digestive process.
The half-life of oral CBD in the body is about 2 days. Thus, depending on how much a person consumes and how often, the potential risk of psychosis could increase over time depending on individual metabolism.
It seems that, as of this writing, the prudent course of action for the cautious consumer is to adopt a wait and see attitude toward CBD and CBD oil products pending further research on the very real potential for mind-altering, pot-like effects.
Some companies are already working to develop synthetic transdermal CBD. This would bypass the gastrointestinal tract and avoid bioconversion to psychoactive THC and/or HHCs. For example, CBD cream is an effective headache remedy and because it is externally applied, can be considered safe even for children.
While the risks of THC exposure from internal use of CBD oil and other products are likely of little concern for gravely ill people who desperately need it, for otherwise healthy people and children, beware! It seems wise until further research is concluded to treat CBD oil, candy, and other products just like any other high inducing drug. Just. Say. No.
Anna
Dear Sarah,
while it’s generally good to question things and review the scientific evidence, unfortunately in this world even the scientific studies cannot be unconditionally trusted, and it’s always a good idea to check if the authors have a potential conflict of interest before taking their research at face value, especially if it goes against the results of other research and many people’s experience. A quick look at the authors of the Merrick et al study reveals that three of them work for Zynerba Pharmaceuticals, which happens to be developing a gel for transdermal delivery of CBD. The author disclosure statement even says it clearly: “J.M. and B.L. were paid consultants, and T.S., C.O., and S.L.B. are employees, of Zynerba Pharmaceuticals. T.Y. has no competing financial interests.” Could they have a potential interest in discrediting the oral route of CBD administration? Is that maybe why the study concludes that “Delivery methods that decrease the potential for formation of psychoactive cannabinoids should be explored.”? You say in some comments that it seems companies are aware of the conversion problem and that is why they are developing the transdermal patches. Are you really that naive or is it just that you want to believe them because it fits in with your own anti-drug mentality?
In the study by Watanabe et al, the amount of CBD converted to THC was very small, much smaller than that supposedly happening in Merrick’s study. And there have been studies done examining the metabolites and blood levels of THC after ingestion of CBD, which found only tiny amounts. Maybe they are all wrong? Or maybe Merrick et al got paid well by Zynerba for his “research”, because they know that nobody really needs their transdermal patches?
I know from experience the effect of THC, CBD and hemp, and I can tell you that the latter two simply do not feel like the former. THC provides the stimulating, enjoyable, but also unsettling effect and slows down your thought processes. CBD mainly makes you relaxed and sleepy. Hemp, on the other hand, and I genuinely mean industrial hemp, not the varieties bred for high THC content that people use to get high, is very gentle and pleasant. It can be ground to a powder and baked into cookies. It is psychoactive, putting you into a higher state of consciousness from which you can think about things and have insights from. It lacks the euphoric high that THC provides, but is still quite nice. It also does not slow your thought processes down much and does not cause any anxiety or paranoia. I honestly cannot imagine anyone developing psychosis from something like CBD or hemp. So, being quite surprised to find you listing this as a side effect of CBD, I checked the article you referenced but could not find any mention of CBD causing either anxiety or psychosis, nor dizziness or vomiting. In case I missed the relevant section, please point it out to me as the article is quite long. And as for the healthline article you reference that lists those side effects, they reference the exact same scientific article as you do, so it seems they got it wrong as well.
Sarah
If you check my references, they do list psychosis as a side effect of CBD.
rah
CBD oil has been helpful to treat my excema. I decided to try this based off research being done at the Univ of Colorado. When i have the choice of steroids or topical cbd from a good trusted source… i feel safer with cbd oil.
JR Fitzgerald
Sounds just like big pharma speaking. Nature provides a natural cure, no money for big pharma. How many people die taking the “certified big pharma drugs”
Geri Quintero, LAc.
Good article. It is always good to question these panacea treatments. Where I live, and a lot of mom and pop growers used to be able to grow for personal use, the “laws” are being changed to benefit huge industrial growers who are using mega amounts of herbicides and pesticides in growing the pot, building huge grow houses and relying on toxic solvents for drawing out the cbd into oil. Also, what kind of oils are being used for the products…also a potential problem as we know.
I did give some cbd oil to our dog who had gone paralyzed and it did really calm his anxiety down so it was worth the risk as he was on his way to the happy hunting ground anyway. I would not, personally, ever take anything that was industrially grown and/or made. Only organic and locally made, or made by a reputable and honest company.
De
Do you consume alcohol? There should be MUCH more concern over alcohol consumption than CBD oil. Alcohol KILLS innocent people every day!! 41 people DIE EVERY DAY from alcohol related accidents!! This is not counting those who are injured by drunk drivers. There are alcoholics across the world that can’t STOP drinking!!! So why are we so hyper-concerned with CBD oil ??? I don’t get it! We need to WAKE UP and stand on our soap box against ALCOHOL consumption!!!! I don’t know about you but I have family members who have lost loved ones from drunk and or under the influence drivers and not only that but struggle with alcohol addiction!! It not only kills but WRECKS homes, marriages and destroys families!! Please post about that and I will stand with you!!
Sarah
Yes, alcohol addiction is a devastating thing. However, it really can’t be compared to CBD oil which is LEGAL for children to use. Alcohol also has a warning label. CBD oil has nothing.
I was in our local healthfood store recently, and there was a bottle of CBD oil RIGHT THERE ON THE COUNTER for customers to freely add to their smoothies, veggie juice etc. Any kid could use it without most parents giving it a second thought because they are in a healthfood store. It’s got to be healthy, right? Wrong!
Maureen
I have Celiac/Hashimoto’s and I am a CBD oil and Cannabis oil user. I am on my 16th doctor. I tried all diets, probiotics, autoimmune protocols, supplements, pharmaceuticals…you name it, I tried it. This past year my chronic insomnia for over 6 months led me to my newest MD who suggested I try cannabis to avoid taking hormone replacement therapy and other pharmaceuticals that would hurt my already sick liver. I went to dispensary and got high THC product in capsules. I have taken CBD oil and it is a good product but I needed something stronger. I can tell you that it is the best thing that ever happened to me. I am sleeping, eating and even returning to light exercise (have 2 herniated disks in my back). I am not sitting on the couch dazed and confused, but I also don’t abuse it. CBD and cannabis oil are medicine for a sick body. If your body is not sick, you do not need it. With that said, however, I can shout out people who have used it their entire life..Willie Nelson (80ish) and many others. And I have been to many cannabis conferences where people including children with life altering diseases have benefitted from these plants. CBD/Cannabis are medicinal plants to be used as medicine. And I do believe the parents that are given this medicine to their children have weighed out all their options…as I have. The benefit outweighs the risk. One child at the conference suffered hundreds of seizures a day until she laid there listless for days recovering from the trauma. Her parents made a tough choice..pharmaceuticals or CBD. I think it was a no-brainer.
Anna
Hi Jayana,
actually THC is an appetite stimulant, it’s known to give you “the munchies”. The other three side effects you describe are typical of CBD. Trust me, if there really was a significant conversion to THC happening in your stomach, then you would have noticed it right away!
Anna
Actually, if you look at these “negative reactions”, you’ll find that the 40% figure seems to refer to one study where “The reported side effects were 21% experienced tiredness, 17% diarrhea, and 16% reduced appetite.” Still sounds better to me than having seizures or the side effects of the pharmaceutical drugs! I wouldn’t let someone like this who is cherry-picking what negative statements they can find about CBD put you off trying a potentially helpful treatment for your daughter! Besides, this study was done with Epidiolex. You can go totally natural instead by buying hemp leaves and baking them into cookies, that way there will probably be much less side effects. Although it seems not to be so easy to buy hemp in the US as it is in Europe.
M
Thank you Sarah for this very important article! I wasn’t at all aware of the serious problems associated with CBD oil. I was, however, intuitively highly skeptical of this drug that is sweeping the nation (and the world). I have very recently learned something huge myself about CBD oil that explains why it’s both taken off in a huge way, and why this drug is really ersatz…a fake. It all has to do with pesticides and solvents…and how they bind with l-serine…leaving our bodies and brains looking for something to take it’s place. So because our bodies are very intelligent, there is sometimes a Plan B. In this case, because l-serine is needed in so many functions, there are many “pinch hitters”. These are sugar, alcohol, CBD, nicotine, heroin,,,and even things like yoga and massages. Because of this, these things can be highly addictive. This is a finding that my nutrition partner has recently made. I am sharing information on this on my FB page “New Paradigm Nutrition “. The outcome of l-serine deficiency is no less than tragic, for both all the disease and addictions it’s causing. There are 4 other amino acids that get bound, but in lesser degrees. These are histadine, lysine, threonine, and tyrosine. I’m sharing your article on my page, and hope you join to learn much more. Thank you again! My partner (who also happens to be my sister!) and I (who teach a traditional Northern European Diet) have great respect for your work and have learned alot from you. ????
Kelly
I take CBD oil and have received many benefits including elimated anxiety, restful sleep and no more joint pain. It’s also helped with perimenopausal symptoms. The tone of this article doesn’t correlate with the tone of the research articles linked. Thankfully it works for me and is worth any potential risk.