Hemp oil is gaining popularity day by day due to its potential benefits. Many people use hemp oil to manage symptoms related to different health issues. Hemp oil has a myriad of different cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and omega fatty acids. Many people like to use hemp oil to reap the benefits of all compounds instead of using an isolate, that is limited to only a certain quantity of these elements. Hemp oil is derived from the cannabis Sativa plant and has less than 0.3 percent THC.
THC is a psychoactive compound known for its head-high effects. Hemp oil is mostly used sublingually, but many people like to massage it to the affected area. Those who are suffering from chronic joint pain might choose to massage swollen joints with hemp oil. Similarly, a large number of hemp oil users share positive reviews regarding its effectiveness. It has been noted that most experience better sleep when using hemp oil. There is much talk about its benefits, but it can have side effects too. Let’s see what the side effects of hemp oil are.
Side Effects of Hemp Oil
Hemp oil might help in treating and managing many health issues such as sleep, pain, and inflammation, but can it be harmful? Usually, no, but rarely, some might experience side effects. Most of the side effects are mild and temporary. Some of the possible side effects are the following:
1. It Can Interact with Medicines
Hemp oil has different cannabinoids such as CBD, CBN, and CBG. These cannabinoids can interact with different over the counter, and prescription medicines.
- If you are taking blood-thinning medicines, then you should consult your doctor before taking any hemp oil-based supplement. It may enhance the effects of blood-thinning medicines.
- Hemp oil also affects the heart rate. Taking hemp oil with cardiac glycosides, it could slow your heart rate too much, and cause complications. It is necessary to ask your doctor or health care practitioner before taking hemp oil with such medicines.
- It can also interfere with sedatives. You may feel more sleepy and tired instead of feeling energetic.
- Diuretics are medicines that are used to reduce bloating in the body and increase urination. Taking such medicines along with hemp oil may lower the potassium level in the body.
- Don’t use hemp oil while taking any other kind of medicine to stay on the safer side. Hemp oil has different compounds, and still, there is less research on how these compounds interact with medicines.
2. It May Cause Diarrhea and Stomach Cramps
Usually, hemp oil is well tolerated and doesn’t show any side effects. People who take hemp oil in small doses according to their body weight, don’t experience any severe side effects. Consumption of hemp oil in large doses is usually associated with diarrhea and abdominal cramps. The symptoms are brief and should subside after one day, but if these cramps and loose stool continue, then consult your doctor. If left unmanaged, it may lead to dehydration and other complications. Large or excessive dosage of help oil may cause vomiting. Always take hemp oil according to your body weight and don’t exceed the recommended dose.
3. Dry Mouth and Irritation
Hemp oil has all the compounds present in the cannabis plant, so it may cause dry mouth and throat irritation for some. If you are already suffering from dry mouth, hemp oil and its compounds may worsen the situation. You may feel irritation in the throat due to the dryness. CBD is an important cannabinoid in hemp oil, and according to some studies, it affects the endocannabinoid system and can reduce saliva production, and causes dry mouth. Dry mouth is also known as cottonmouth due to less saliva production. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid caffeine to avoid dry mouth. Sometimes chewing gum and sucking on mint candy stimulates saliva production, which may help to reduce the feeling of dry mouth.
4. Drowsiness and Fatigue
Hemp oil has various cannabinoids, which affect your endocannabinoid system differently. They can cause drowsiness and sedation in some people. Some people consider it a benefit, while some consider it a side effect. If you are already taking any sedative, then hemp oil can enhance the effects, and these effects are too strong to handle for some people. Many people feel drained and lethargic after taking hemp oil. Everybody is different, and their body reacts differently to hemp oil.
Tips to Avoid the Hemp Oil Side Effects
The following are some useful tips to avoid any potential side effects of hemp oil.
- Always consult your doctor or health care practitioner before taking any hemp oil supplement.
- If you are already on any medication, then don’t play with your health. Take advice from your health care practitioner before using hemp or CBD oil. Sometimes your health supplements also have hemp or CBD as an ingredient, so be vigilant.
- Don’t change the dose by yourself. Consume hemp oil according to the recommended dose. If you want to increase the dose, then take advice from a doctor.
- Don’t use expired hemp oil so read the label carefully. Always store hemp oil in a cool and dry place to keep its goodness intact. Improper storage can contaminate the oil and affects its potency.
- Try to find the root cause of your health issue, and don’t use any hemp oil supplement or hemp oil as a home remedy to treat that particular health issue.
- Usually, hemp oil side effects are temporary, but immediately seek medical assistance if you feel serious side effects.
Wrapping up the Things
Hemp oil is well tolerated and safe for use in moderate doses. Most of the side effects are associated with overdose or varying tolerance levels. These side effects are temporary and are gone within one or two days. Another thing that should be kept in mind is that most people don’t feel any side effects even if they take hemp oil in large doses due to a better tolerance level.
