We recently conducted a survey where we asked CBDistillery™ customers, “what is the primary benefit you received from CBDistillery™ products?” Not to our surprise, we received a variety of answers, no two entirely alike. What immediately sparked my attention, were the comments from customers stating something similar to, “I didn’t get any relief” and “it helped a little but not as much as I’d hoped.” The majority of the feedback we receive from CBDistillery™ customers on a day-to-day basis is how CBD has changed their lives for the better. So why does CBD impact some and not others? Why does cannabis affect people differently?

Rafael Mechoulam. Photo Credit

To get some answers, I took to the Internet and found several studies about why cannabis products affect users differently. Apparently, I am not the first person to ask this question. Even the ‘father of THC,’ Rafael Mechoulam was curious about how this newly discovered molecule would affect different people. Thus, one evening he invited over a few of his friends for some cake, which little did they know, was laced with 10mg of pure THC. A few of his friends felt ‘strange, in a different world,’ while some couldn’t stop talking or giggling. While the scientist now understood the cannabis compound, THC does, in fact, cause different reactions, it wasn’t until years later that we would figure out why. Here is a look as to why all cannabis (marijuana or hemp derived) products affect people differently.

Genetics

About 20% of the population has good endocannabinoid genetics. These people were born with a genetic mutation that increases the level of endocannabinoids and levels of anandamide (the so-called bliss molecule) naturally occurring in their system. As a whole, the endocannabinoid system is partially responsible for regulating sleep, appetite, mood, motor control, immune function, pleasure, pain, reproduction and fertility, memory and temperature regulation. When someone consumes cannabis, the cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, replace the naturally occurring endocannabinoids in your body. Thus, if you are among the lucky few that have this genetic mutation, you are most likely less inclined to feel the effects of CBD because your body already naturally produces a similar result.

Men vs. Women

Cannabidiol products affect men and women differently. Research shows that estrogen makes females more sensitive to cannabis. That time of the month? Washington State University found that women are impacted more by THC a day or two before ovulation, because of the peak in estrogen levels.

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Unique Biochemistry

Biochemistry, the study of chemical substances and vital processes occurring in living organisms is yet another explanation as to why people react differently to CBD products. No two individuals have the exact biochemistry make up, which affects the way substances metabolize throughout our system. The health of one’s endocannabinoid system plays a significant role in this. As previously mentioned, the human body naturally produces endocannabinoids. Things like diet, stress, and overall lifestyle influences endocannabinoid levels. When consuming cannabis products, you are increasing endocannabinoid levels. For individuals who have deprived levels, cannabis consumption will most likely produce a favorable experience, whereas someone with healthy endocannabinoid levels might not “feel” the effects of CBD or other marijuana products.

Overall Health

Someone who is using cannabis products to treat symptoms for a disease or disorder is going to have a very different experience than someone using cannabis recreationally. When someone is fighting off an ailment or illness, that individual’s biochemistry and endocannabinoid levels are altered. Thus, when someone with Parkinson’s disease uses a product like CBD oil, the outcome may be feeling “normal” because endocannabinoid levels are replenished. The average person, on the other hand, may use the same product and feel nothing at all or very different effects.

Tolerance

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the 60 naturally occurring cannabinoids found in a cannabis plant. Unlike Tethrahydocannabdiol (THC), known for its psychoactive elements, CBD is non-intoxicating and can offer relief and benefits without the disconcerting feelings of lethargy or dysphoria. The majority of information on the Internet today, highlights the potential benefits of CBD, but are there known side effects that users should be aware of and is there a limit to how much CBD one person can safely consume?

The Potential Side Effects of CBD

Multiple studies, published as early as 1980, suggest that CBD has minimal side effects and is overall safe for consumption. Nonetheless, consumers should be made aware of any known, potential drawbacks of something you are putting in your body. Below, we discuss the findings from each recorded study and review on the safety and known side effects of CBD.

1980 Study in Pharmacology

On January 3, 1980, Pharmacology published their findings conducted during a study in which they tested eight healthy volunteers and 15 patients with epilepsy, looking at the side effects of CBD when consumed daily for a month. Their reported conclusions were, ‘All patients and volunteers tolerated CBD very well and no signs of toxicity or serious side effects were detected on examination.’

International Journal of Neuroscience

In 1986, oral doses, ranging from 100 to 600 mg per day of cannabidiol were given to 5 patients with dystonic movement disorders. In addition to recording specific benefits, this study also uncovered mild side effects of CBD such as hypotension, dry mouth, psychomotor slowing, lightheadedness, and sedation. It is also noteworthy, that during this study 2 patients given CBD in doses over 300 mg per day seemed to aggravate their Parkinson’s symptoms. Yet in 2014 a separate paper described how CBD significantly improves the lives of those with Parkinson’s disease.

Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol

Most recently in 2011, a review on the safety and side effects of cannabidiol, found that CBD might interfere with the hepatic drug metabolism, alteration of in vitro cell viability, decreased fertilization capacity or the reduced activity of p-glycoprotein. Has a pharmacist or doctor ever told you not to drink or eat grapefruit while taking a prescription medication? Grapefruit and CBD have a similar effect on P450, an enzyme found in the liver, which metabolizes different kinds of drugs in the human body. If taken in large doses, CBD can inhibit the metabolizing properties of P450, temporarily neutralizing the effects of other medicinal products in the body’s system. This side effect is also responsible for why cannabidiol counteracts the effects of THC.

2006 Study Argentinian Study

In 2006 a group of scientist hypothesized that there are cannabinoid receptors in human’s salivary glands. In fact, their hypothesis was correct, which is most likely the reason that one of the previously discovered side effects of CBD is what’s commonly known as cotton-mouth. When CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, it inhibits the secretion of saliva, thus leaving some users with a dry sensation in their mouth.

Can you overdose on CBD?

Cannabidiol and other cannabinoids are known to be non-toxic, with no known fatal overdose levels ever reported. The previously mentioned study from 2011 indicated that chronic use and high doses up to 1,500 mg/day of CBD are reportedly well tolerated in humans. The Department of Health and Human Services states, ‘no signs of toxicity or serious side effects have been observed following chronic administration of cannabidiol to healthy volunteers (Cunha et al., Pharmacology 21:127-185, 1980), even in large acute doses of 700 mg/day (Consroe et al., Pharmacol, Biochem, Behav. 40:701-708, 1991).’

As you can see, there is evidence that supports CBD being a safe substance with minor side effects. We want to hear from you. Have you ever experienced side effects from using CBD? Please leave comments below.

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