5 Health Benefits of CBD Oil and Side Effects

CBD oil comes from the cannabis plant. It’s a popular natural product people use to help with many health problems. CBD (short for cannabidiol) is known to help with pain, stress, and other issues—without making you feel high.

Unlike THC, the part of cannabis that gives a high feeling, CBD does not affect your mind. It’s found in many forms, such as oils, creams, bath soaks, and food.

Let’s look at some of the top benefits of CBD oil, as well as possible side effects.

Let’s look at 5 health Benefits of CBD Oil and some possible side effects.

1. May Help Reduce Pain

People have used cannabis to treat pain for thousands of years. Today, we know that the body has a system called the endocannabinoid system, which helps control pain. CBD may help by working with this system.

Some studies show that CBD can reduce long-term pain and inflammation. It may also help people with conditions like fibromyalgia.

Summary: CBD might help reduce certain types of pain, but more studies are needed.

2. May Help with Mental Health Problems

CBD oil may help reduce signs of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. A few small studies found that CBD can help people sleep better and feel calmer. One study even showed that it helped reduce nightmares in people with PTSD.

However, doctors still need more research to fully understand how CBD works for mental health.

Summary: CBD may help with stress, anxiety, and other mood problems, but more research is needed.

3. May Help with Cancer-Related Symptoms

Some people with cancer use CBD to help with pain, nausea, or vomiting caused by treatments like chemotherapy. A few studies suggest CBD may ease these symptoms, but the results are mixed.

Summary: CBD might help people with cancer feel better, but more human studies are needed.

4. May Help Protect the Brain

CBD might help people with brain and nerve problems. One medicine called Epidiolex is already approved by the FDA to treat seizures from conditions like Dravet syndrome and tuberous sclerosis.

CBD may also help with conditions like:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS)

• Parkinson’s disease

• Autism

• Cerebral palsy

Some people report fewer seizures and less muscle stiffness when using CBD.

Summary: CBD can help treat seizures in rare diseases. It may also help with other brain disorders.

5. May Be Good for Heart Health

High blood pressure increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. CBD might help by relaxing blood vessels and lowering stress on the heart.

One small study found that healthy men who took CBD for 7 days had lower blood pressure. But the effects wore off after a week.

Summary: CBD may help lower blood pressure and support heart health. More studies are needed to know for sure.

Other Possible Benefits

CBD is also being studied for other health uses:

• Addiction recovery: May reduce anxiety and depression in people with drug problems.

• Cancer (glioblastoma): May help people live longer when used with THC.

• Better sleep: Might help with sleep in people who have trouble resting.

Summary: CBD might help with sleep, addiction recovery, and certain cancers, but research is still limited.

Are There Any Side Effects?

CBD is usually safe, but some people may have side effects. These may include:

• Diarrhea

• Tiredness

• Weight or appetite changes

In some cases, CBD may affect liver function or cause drowsiness, especially in children or people taking certain drugs.

CBD can also interact with other medicines, such as clobazam. So, it's best to talk to a doctor before using CBD, especially if you take other medications.

Low-quality CBD products may also cause problems. Look for brands that offer third-party lab testing. Good examples include:

• NuLeaf Naturals

• Bluebird Botanicals

Summary: CBD is mostly safe, but it may cause side effects or interact with other drugs. Always buy high-quality, tested products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CBD good for joint pain?

Some early studies say CBD may help with arthritis pain and swelling, but more human studies are needed.

What’s the best CBD oil?

It depends on your needs. You can check expert lists, like Healthline’s best CBD oils, for tested and trusted options.

Is CBD Legal?

CBD from hemp (with less than 0.3% THC) is legal at the federal level in the U.S. But some states still ban it.

CBD from marijuana is illegal federally but may be legal in some states.

Always check the laws where you live or travel. Also, remember that nonprescription CBD products are not FDA approved and may be labeled wrong.

Final Thoughts

CBD oil may help with pain, anxiety, sleep problems, seizures, and more. But research is still going on.

If you’re thinking about trying CBD, talk to your doctor first to make sure it’s safe for you.

We’ll also mention a few helpful CBD products like Relax Himalayan CBD Supreme Bath Salts, Sweet Dreams CBD Supreme Body Cream, and Healing Leaves CBD Supreme Body Cream.