What are the Side Effects of CBD Cream?

CBD is an exceptional chemical compound. It relieves pain, reduces anxiety, and can treat epileptic conditions. However, researchers have suggested that it may also cause mild side effects. This article explores CBD creams, possible side effects, benefits, and how to buy CBD cream.

CBD creams are legal under federal law and most states that legalize the recreational use of cannabis, including CBD. Studies show that CBD does not cause any intoxicating effects since it contains lower amounts of the requisite chemical compound that causes a 'high' sensation. It is well tolerated among most individuals and can be administered in several ways, including gummies, capsules, tinctures, and topicals like creams and lotions. CBD creams have moisturizing properties enhancing skin hydration, although it is necessary to learn more about the possible side effects of CBD cream.

What Is CBD Cream?

CBD cream is a topical product infused with cannabidiol (CBD) and other essential oils and chemical compounds, including lavender oil, eucalyptus oil, or jojoba oil. It is applied externally on the skin and relieves inflammation while improving skin hydration.

Cannabidiol is an organic chemical compound obtained from hemp, a plant strain of the cannabis plant. There are many cannabis-related myths, but one of the most prevalent is the idea that CBD and THC both have the same effects. Although they have various functions, they are produced from the same plant. Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is a psychoactive compound that causes sensations of euphoria and paranoia. Millar et al. (2019) claimed that  CBD (Cannabidiol) could treat epilepsy, anxiety disorders, and chronic pain in medical settings. As it helps control serotonin levels in the brain, CBD  can also benefit people who struggle with depression, a neurotransmitter that can regulate mood changes.

What are the Side Effects of CBD Cream?

CBD is considered safe since the body tolerates it. Cannabidiol does not adversely alter biological functions in the body, such as cardiovascular function, respiration, and blood pressure.

However, CBD is not without side effects. Although most side effects subside within a few hours or days, it is important to seek medical help if they persist. The following are side effects that you should look out for:

Dizziness

Richard & Paul (2017) showed that CBD could improve cardiovascular health, although it may also cause a drop in blood pressure if infused with inorganic chemical compounds. Reduced blood pressure may cause dizziness since the body tissues are not supplied with enough blood to facilitate various biological functions.

Changes in Appetite

Hormones often influence our appetite. Therefore, people crave a particular nutrient lacking in the body. Appetite may be stimulated in other ways besides hormonal stimulation. Anxiety and stress may influence appetite levels as a response to alleviating the conditions.

Fairaq et al. (2021) stated that CBD might act as a mild appetite stimulant, or suppressant, depending on the user's metabolism. Therefore, CBD may cause a reduction in appetite, and although this helps in weight loss, it may deny the vital body nutrients that aid in its function.

Reducing Blood Pressure

Hindelang et al. (2022) stated that CBD might cause a temporary drop in blood pressure since it causes vasodilation of the blood vessels. Therefore, the blood vessels are more relaxed, and blood flows freely.

Sleepiness

This side effect is often misconstrued since it is also considered a benefit.

Cooray et al. (2020) stated that CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system and binds indirectly with endocannabinoid receptors. Therefore, it enhances the activity of anandamide, an endocannabinoid regulating the sleep cycle. It increases levels of melatonin in the brain. Melatonin is a hormone that alerts the brain to fall asleep at night.

Higher doses of CBD may cause sleepiness if you're consuming CBD to increase concentration levels. This may adversely affect your efficacy while doing tasks.

Affects the Liver

Although studies have shown inconclusive results about CBD's long-term side effects, it may adversely affect the liver due to its interactions with certain medications such as blood thinners and heart rhythm medications.

Migraines

Peng et al. (2022) claimed that CBD might cause migraines due to the negative interaction between CBD's ingredients and the body's endocannabinoid system. Some CBD creams may be infused with heavy metals, pesticides, and molds that may adversely affect CBD's functionality.

How to Purchase CBD Creams

Low-quality CBD products cause side effects since they are infused with inorganic compounds such as heavy metals, pesticides, and molds. The following are guidelines to help you purchase the right CBD products, minimizing side effects

• Read the customer reviews since they'll give you more insight into the product's quality and efficacy.
• Confirm the extraction method used to obtain the CBD extract. CO2 extraction is highly preferred since it maintains CBD's purity and potency. Butane Hash Oil extraction is less popular since butane is toxic, and the process might leave behind solvent residues that may affect the purity and potency of CBD.
• Confirm whether the product has undergone intensive independent third-party testing. You can request the company's Certificate of Analysis (CoA) because it indicates the product's ingredients and purity levels.
• Ensure the CBD extract s obtained from organically grown hemp.
• Purchase CBD creams from reputable brands since they offer a money-back guarantee if the product is ineffective.

Frequently Asked Questions about CBD Cream

What Are the Benefits of CBD Creams?
Jastrząb et al. (2021) stated that CBD creams have anti-inflammatory properties reducing inflammation in the muscles and tissues.

Dawidowicz et al. (2021) suggested that CBD creams have anti-oxidant properties reducing oxidative stress in the tissues.

CBD creams also have moisturizing properties that enhance skin hydration and heal microscopic cracks.

Can I Use CBD While I'm Pregnant?

Avoid using CBD products while pregnant. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system. Furthermore, pregnancy is influenced by various fluctuating hormones, which may not react well with cannabidiol.

Can CBD Cream Make Me Fail a Drug Test?

It depends on the type of CBD cream you use. Full-spectrum CBD cream has various cannabinoids and chemical compounds, including CBD, CBG (cannabigerol), terpenes, and THC. However, THC levels are low to prevent any possible intoxicating effects.

Broad-spectrum CBD cream is similar to full-spectrum CBD cream, although it lacks THC. CBD isolate, on the other hand, only contains cannabidiol as the primary chemical compound.

Full-spectrum CBD creams may test positive in a drug test due to traces of THC. However, it does not cause side effects since topical CBD products do not interact with the bloodstream.

Summary

CBD is an organic chemical compound obtained from hemp plants. It has various therapeutic properties, including reducing pain and inflammation, preventing oxidative stress, enhancing skin moisturization, and reducing higher stress levels. Although it is a tolerable chemical compound, it has a few side effects, including drowsiness, fatigue, and changes in appetite, and in extreme cases, it may affect liver function.

While purchasing CBD creams, ensure you confirm the hemp source, extraction method, and whether the product has undergone intensive independent third-party testing. In addition, read customer reviews and purchase products from reputable brands. The side effects often subside within a few days, although you must seek medical advice if they persist.

References

Cooray, R., Gupta, V., & Suphioglu, C. (2020). Current Aspects Of The Endocannabinoid System And Targeted THC And CBD Phytocannabinoids As Potential Therapeutics For Parkinson's And Alzheimer's Diseases: A Review. Molecular Neurobiology, 57(11), 4878-4890.

Dawidowicz, A. L., Olszowy-Tomczyk, M., & Typek, R. (2021). CBG, CBD, Δ9-THC, CBN, CBGA, CBDA, And Δ9-THCA As Anti-Oxidant Agents And Their Intervention Abilities In Anti-Oxidant Action. Fitoterapia, 152, 104915.

Fairaq, A., El-Ashmony, S., & AL-Hindi, Y. (2021). A Review Of Studies Assessing Cannabidiol's (CBD) Therapeutic Action And Potentials In Respiratory Diseases. Medico-Legal Update, 21(1).

Hindelang, P., Scharinger, A., Richling, E., Walch, S. G., & Lachenmeier, D. W. (2022). Using The BMD Approach To Derive Acceptable Daily Intakes Of Cannabidiol (CBD) And Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Relevant To Electronic Cigarette Liquids. Frontiers In Bioscience-Landmark, 27(8), 228.

Jastrząb, A., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., Markowska, A., Wroński, A., Gęgotek, A., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2021). Anti-Oxidant And Anti-Inflammatory Effect Of Cannabidiol Contributes To The Decreased Lipid Peroxidation Of Keratinocytes Of Rat Skin Exposed To UV Radiation. Oxidative Medicine And Cellular Longevity, 2021.