Who should avoid CBD oil? Research and safety considerations
- We review several CBD studies, including safety considerations and possible medication interactions.
- We look at CBD’s possible effects and side effects.
- We identify groups that may need to use CBD with extra caution
- This section covers possible interactions between CBD and certain medications.
- You can find general guidance on using CBD.
Considering CBD oil? Learn who should use extra caution, especially if they take medications that may interact with CBD.
Learn when to use extra caution with CBD products and when CBD oil may not be a good choice.
Who should avoid CBD oil?
CBD and liver concerns
Some research suggests CBD may affect the liver. People with liver disease or who take medications metabolized by the liver should use extra caution and talk with a healthcare professional before using CBD. Very high doses may affect liver enzymes in some studies.
CBD During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Because research on CBD use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is still limited, it’s generally not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
CBD and blood-thinning medications
CBD oil may interact with blood-thinning medications. If you take a blood thinner, talk with your doctor before using CBD oil.
CBD Use in Children and Teens
The effects of CBD oil in children and adolescents are not fully understood, so use in this age group should only be guided by a healthcare professional.
Summary of CBD contraindications and risk groups
|
Higher-Risk Group |
CBD Use Recommendations |
|
People who take blood thinners |
Talk to a healthcare professional before using CBD. |
|
People with liver conditions |
Use extra caution and consult a healthcare professional. |
|
Children and teens |
Use only under medical supervision |
|
Pregnancy and breastfeeding |
Not right for everyone |
These are general guidelines. Before trying CBD oil, ask a healthcare professional for advice—especially if you have a health condition or take any medication.
Potential CBD Oil Side Effects
CBD is usually well tolerated, but some people do notice side effects. Product quality matters: some CBD products can be inconsistent, and the amount of CBD may not always match the label.
CBD products can sometimes cause side effects or interact with other medicines. Risk can vary by product, the dose, and any medicines a person takes. The table below summarizes commonly reported side effects of CBD oil and how often they may occur:
|
Possible side effects |
Frequency |
Severity |
|
Dry mouth |
Very common |
Mild |
|
Drowsiness |
Common side effects |
Mild to moderate symptoms |
|
Appetite changes |
Common side effects |
Mild |
|
Diarrhea |
Less common |
Mild to moderate symptoms |
|
Nausea |
Less common |
Mild to moderate symptoms |
If side effects occur, they are often mild and short-lived. If you notice unusual, severe, or persistent symptoms, talk with a doctor right away.
Tip: Read more about CBD dosing in our article CBD Oil Dosage. Our page What Is CBD Oil Good For? also shares helpful information about CBD products.
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CBD oil effects and how it may work — research is ongoing
Research on CBD is ongoing. The topics below summarize some of the studies discussed in this article:
Stress and sleep
- A 2011 study looked at CBD in a simulated public-speaking task and compared the results with placebo.
- A 2015 review looked at early CBD research.
- A 2019 case series followed 72 patients over the first month.
Discomfort
- A 2016 animal study applied transdermal CBD to rats with arthritis and examined inflammation and behavior.
Future research directions and outlook
CBD research is still expanding. Future areas of focus may include:
- Long-Term CBD Use
- Understanding dosage considerations for CBD use
- How CBD interacts with other cannabinoids
- How genetic differences may influence CBD response
CBD and the endocannabinoid system
CBD is thought to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate several normal bodily functions, including the following:
|
Function |
Role of the endocannabinoid system |
|
Mood |
Regulates emotions and mood |
|
Discomfort |
Pain perception |
|
Appetite |
May affect appetite and metabolism |
|
Sleep |
May affect the sleep-wake cycle |
How does CBD affect the human body?
CBD oil is thought to work through several pathways in the body. Here’s the short version:
- May interact with receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system
- May affect how other neurotransmitters work
- Researchers have studied its potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Tip: If you’d like to learn more, read our article on CBD and the endocannabinoid system.
Be sure to read this before buying CBD
- Still have questions about CBD oil? Learn how it works.
Learn more about CBD oil effects.
- Not sure where to start? We can help you compare options and find the CBD oil that best matches what you’re looking for.
And when you’re ready, browse our complete CBD oil range of carefully selected, lab-tested products.
What Research Says About CBD Oil
CBD is a hemp-derived cannabinoid. Safety can vary by product, dose, and individual health factors, and research is still evolving.
Researchers continue to study cannabinoids from the hemp plant, including CBD, for a range of health-related uses. CBD-based medicines have been approved in some countries. Here are a few examples:
|
Drug Name |
Active Ingredient |
How to use |
|
Epidiolex |
CBD |
Forms of childhood epilepsy such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome |
|
Sativex |
THC and CBD (1:1 ratio) |
Spasticity and neuropathic pain due to multiple sclerosis |
|
Cesamet |
Nabilone synthetic cannabinoid |
Nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy |
CBD rules vary by country. In some places, you may need a prescription or special approval to access it.
It may be considered when other available options haven’t worked for:
- Certain rare forms of epilepsy
- Discuss with a healthcare professional.
- Professional guidance recommended.
CBD Oil: What to Know
CBD products are widely used, and many studies are looking at how phytocannabinoids—including CBD—interact with the endocannabinoid system in people and animals.
CBD oil is not a substitute for medical treatment. Talk with a healthcare professional before starting any new product, and follow the directions carefully. Individual responses can vary, so check product quality before use.
Research on CBD and CBD oil is still ongoing. More study is needed before stronger conclusions can be made.

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How to choose the right CBD oil
CBD is in demand, but it can still be hard to find high-quality, reliable products from trusted sources.
What are the most important things to look for in a product?
- For clarity, CBD content should be listed in milligrams so customers can easily compare the active ingredient amount.
- The manufacturing process should be transparent, and the ingredient sources and manufacturer should be clearly identified.
- Broad-spectrum CBD oils are formulated without THC, so they are not intended to produce THC-related psychoactive effects.
- Products should be tested regularly to help maintain quality and purity.
CBD and medication interactions
A common question is whether CBD can interact with medications. Yes, it may affect how some medications are processed or work in the body. The table below highlights key points to consider when using CBD with certain medications.
|
Medication type |
Possible Drug Interactions with CBD |
|
Pain relievers |
CBD may interact with some medications, so a doctor may need to review your medication list first. It may also increase the risk of side effects, which can include: Ibuprofen: talk with a healthcare professional before combining Acetaminophen: talk with a healthcare professional before combining Opioids: talk with a healthcare professional before combining |
|
Blood thinners |
May increase bleeding risk |
|
Blood pressure medications |
Excessive blood pressure drop |
|
Anti-seizure medications |
Results may vary |
|
Antidepressants |
CBD may interact with some antidepressants. If you take prescription medications, ask a healthcare professional before using CBD. |
If you take medication regularly, talk with your doctor before starting CBD oil. Individual reactions and interactions can vary, so medical guidance is a good idea.
CBD Oil Use: General Recommendations
Now that we’ve covered the potential effects, risks, and side effects of CBD oil, let’s look at some general guidance for use.
|
Recommendation |
Reason |
|
Talk to your doctor |
Talk to a healthcare professional about your personal risk |
|
Start with a small amount |
Start with a low amount and increase slowly if needed |
|
Choose reputable products |
Use pure, independently lab-tested CBD oil |
|
Pay attention to how you feel |
Regular self-monitoring and journaling |
CBD oil customer reviews
CBD oil can affect people differently. Explore our site to learn more about CBD products and common questions.
→ Read hundreds of CBD user reviews by clicking here.
Summary
Using CBD can have many positive effects, yet it may be contraindicated in certain cases. Before starting CBD oil, thorough research is essential. Consulting a doctor is highly recommended for anyone belonging to the risk groups mentioned in this article. Remember, CBD oil is not a miracle cure and should never replace medical treatment. Always prioritize your health and safety by using only high-quality products from trusted sources!
Research on CBD is still evolving, so it helps to stay current with the latest findings. Visit our CBD Research section for new articles and updates.
The studies cited in this article are linked in the References section below.
Scientific Background | References-
Mateus M Bergamaschi, Regina Helena Costa Queiroz, Marcos Hortes Nisihara Chagas, Danielle Chaves Gomes de Oliveira, Bruno Spinosa De Martinis, Flávio Kapczinski, João Quevedo, Rafael Roesler, Nadja Schröder, Antonio E Nardi, Rocio Martín-Santos, Jaime Eduardo Cecílio Hallak, Antonio Waldo Zuardi, José Alexandre S Crippa (2011): Cannabidiol Reduces the Anxiety Induced by Simulated Public Speaking in Treatment-Naïve Social Phobia Patients
-
Esther M. Blessing, Maria M. Steenkamp, Jorge Manzanares, and Charles R. Marmar (2015): Cannabidiol and anxiety research
-
Scott Shannon, Nicole Lewis, Heather Lee, and Shannon Hughes (2019): Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series
-
D.C. Hammell, L.P. Zhang, F. Ma, S.M. Abshire, S.L. McIlwrath, A.L. Stinchcomb, K.N. Westlund (2016): Transdermal cannabidiol in a rat model of arthritis
-
Sharma, Tarun Virmani, Girish Kumar, Abdullah Al Noman (2023): Emerging Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) in Neurological Disorders: A Comprehensive Review
-
Kerstin Iffland and Franjo Grotenhermen (2017): An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies
-
Shenglong Zou and Ujendra Kumar (2018): Cannabinoid Receptors and the Endocannabinoid System: Signaling and Function in the Central Nervous System
