Can CBD Give You Diarrhea? Here’s What to Keep in Mind

Have you been feeling queasy or experienced the runs after taking CBD? Can CBD give you diarrhea? It is fairly common for people to complain about some stomach issues after taking CBD oil. And, while it might be linked to CBD, there could be more to this occurrence. 

The popularity of CBD (cannabidiol) has skyrocketed over the past few years. After hearing of its many potential health benefits, many people are choosing to add this natural supplement to their daily routine in one way or another. However, some end up being victims of different undesired side effects. Oftentimes it is simply because they don’t know how to use CBD properly. 

Before buying any CBD products, you should first identify the therapeutic benefits you want to enjoy. Then find a suitable CBD product depending on your needs. More importantly, you must follow the recommended dosage and method of usage.

To find out more about CBD, including its possible therapeutic benefits and side effects, keep reading. This article will provide a more comprehensive answer to the question- can CBD give you diarrhea?

What Is CBD?

CBD is a natural compound that is demonstrating a variety of exciting health benefits. This compound is naturally present in cannabis plants. Unlike THC, another compound in cannabis plants, CBD will not make you “high” upon use. 

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and CBD at the federal level, provided that the product has a THC content of no more than 0.3 percent. However, there are some confusing specific laws in some states. With that in mind, you should first check your state’s specific laws before ordering any CBD products.   

Where Does CBD Come From?

CBD is one of the many cannabinoids in cannabis plants, along with hundreds of other compounds. It is true that both hemp and marijuana plants contain CBD. However, most of the CBD available out there comes from hemp for good reasons.

For starters, hemp contains higher concentrations of CBD than marijuana plants. This means that extracting CBD from hemp plants just makes more sense to manufacturers. 

Furthermore, hemp plants contain less THC than marijuana plants. This factor becomes relevant when it comes to the legality of CBD. According to the 2018 Farm Bill, CBD from legal hemp plants is legal at the federal level. However, CBD from marijuana plants is not federally legal. The reason for this difference is that the government still considers marijuana (THC) to be a dangerous drug.

Therapeutic CBD Effects?

Many studies have observed various therapeutic effects of CBD. Some of the main potentially therapeutic effects of CBD include: 

-pain relief

-reducing anxiety and depression

–managing nausea from cancer medication/treatment

–treating seizures

-targeting acne

While a number of studies have observed these effects, we still need more research on CBD.

Any effects that CBD has on the body happen because of the endocannabinoid system. According to experts, the main role of the ECS in the body is to maintain homeostasis (balance in the body’s biological processes). To maintain optimum biological conditions, the ECS normally kicks in whenever something disrupts something in the body.

A few things the ECS regulates are sleep, memory, appetite, and reproduction. CBD interacts with receptors in the ECS to affect changes within the body. It is a complex process that is still somewhat mysterious to researchers. 

CBD Side Effects 

CBD has a variety of side effects including fatigue, appetite changes, dry mouth, drowsiness, and sometimes diarrhea. 

Some doctors believe CBD is also capable of interacting with a number of medications. To avoid negative interactions with medications, consult your doctor before you start taking CBD.

As a rule of thumb, you should consider avoiding CBD if you are taking any medication that comes with a “Grapefruit Warning”. The main reason for this is that CBD may interfere with a group of enzymes (Cytochromes P450) that play an essential role in the metabolism of various drugs/medications.   

Can CBD Give You Diarrhea?

It is true that taking CBD can give you diarrhea. According to various studies, the human body tolerates cannabidiol very well. However, since everyone is different, our CBD tolerance levels are also not the same. If you experience any side effects like diarrhea after taking CBD, it might be a sign that CBD just isn’t for you.

With that in mind, the main reason why CBD gives some people diarrhea is because of an incorrect dosage. Taking excessively high amounts of CBD can be a direct cause of diarrhea. At worst, you are likely to suffer from a mild case of diarrhea whenever you exceed a typical CBD dosage.  

Avoiding Diarrhea From CBD 

Excessive CBD might give you diarrhea. Fortunately, this does not mean that you have to forego its many benefits. The best way to avoid diarrhea is to ensure that you always take the right dosage. Exceeding your recommended dosage is the main reason why CBD may be giving you diarrhea. Every product has a different potency and dosing recommendations. For example, to the right is Tanasi’s dose chart that comes with every Tanasi product.

Generally, most people agree that taking more than 500mg of CBD in one go is excessive.

Potency Matters 

Different products have varying levels of potency. Before you start taking any CBD product, take the time to ascertain its potency first. If you can get your hands on CBD capsules, these make dosing very easy. The package should indicate the amount of CBD in each capsule and you can dose accordingly. 

Check the Ingredients 

In some cases, your diarrhea may actually be due to other ingredients in the product you are using. It is not uncommon for certain carrier oils to cause adverse reactions. Tanasi’s tinctures use MCT oil, which may upset some people’s stomachs in large amounts. Take the time to find out all of the ingredients in the product you are using. Some products contain almond oil or other nut oils that may cause allergic reactions.  If you find that this is the case and have identified the main culprit, consider switching CBD products!

Method of Administration 

Last but not least, CBD is more likely to give you diarrhea when taken orally. You can avoid this risk by using CBD in other ways, such as vaping or topical application. Remember to weigh the pros and cons of each method before making a final decision. 

Conclusion: Can CBD Give You Diarrhea? 

Like any other supplement or product, CBD has its benefits and side effects. The question, “can CBD give you diarrhea?” is quite common. The simple and honest answer is yes, when taken in excessive amounts. Fortunately though, with the right knowledge, you can avoid this effect. If you take the precautions we have discussed, you can enjoy the benefits you seek without any worries. 

Be sure to stick to the dosage instructions – anything under 400mg is usually ok. However, everyone is different, so start with a low dose. See how your body responds, and then gradually increase the dose.