Oil-based CBD products are used by some people for chronic illness and various symptoms, such as sleep problems, anxiety attacks, epilepsy, chronic pain and psychosis. Sometimes also for thyroid problems.
If you use or want to use these drugs be careful. The scientific evidence is not yet conclusive for all applications. Be sure to read the warnings and further explanation from Jellinek, the Trimbos Institute and the National Poisoning Information Center below.
CBD can be processed (among other things) into two types of oil:
CBD oil containing the psychoactive substance THC.
- This CBD oil is illegal. It is ingested because of its psychoactive effect, and is also used – on doctor’s prescription – for its analgesic effect, among other things.
CBD (cannabidiol) oil
- This is CBD oil without (or with a negligible amount of) THC, which is available legally and without a prescription in drugstores, health food stores or via the Internet. This oil is referred to as CBD (cannabidiol) oil. Among other things, this oil is attributed with an analgesic, calming effect and CBD oil for sleep problems.
Some aspects mentioned on the website of Jellinek:
CBD and THC have interactions with some medications. Sometimes CBD oil reduces the effect of medication and sometimes it enhances some side effects. For example, CBD oil also enhances the effect of depressants such as alcohol, benzodiazepines (sleep and tranquilizers) and opiates (painkillers). This listing is not exhaustive.
Side effects and interactions
Hemp oil with only CBD seems to have very few side effects or interactions at the moment. However, you should always be careful when using different drugs interchangeably. The most common side effects of hemp oil with THC are increased heart rate, dry mouth, dizziness and red eyes. These side effects can occur even at very low concentrations of THC. Some groups of people are at increased risk of side effects from CBD oil:
- People with schizophrenia
- People with cardiovascular diseases
- People with autoimmune diseases
- Young people (<20)
- Pregnant women
It is important to always consult with your doctor before using CBD oil. This is because there may be risks involved for you.
Trimbos Institute
Although CBD use always carries certain health risks, the method of use of CBD influences the effects and risks. The fact sheet published by the Trimbos Institute gives an overview of the different methods of using CBD and their different effects and health risks, based on the scientific data available to date.
Regarding the oil products the Trimbos institute states:
The composition and strength of CBD (THC/CBD concentrations) and the absence of pesticides and fungi in CBD are not reliably and consistently analyzed. In addition to the mode of use of CBD, these are potential factors that may be important for public health.
More research is needed to understand the role of CBD composition, dosage, and mode of use in the effects that CBD causes in different types of consumers.
National Poisoning Information Center (NVIC).
In Medical Contact (magazine by and for doctors), you can read the findings on oil-based CBD products in the article “Rising number of poisonings from CBD oil” by the National Poisons Information Center (NVIC). The information center warns users against oil products whose production process has not been checked.
