While CBD tends to be well-tolerated by most people, it can cause the following side effects:
- Fatigue
- Tiredness
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite and/or weight
For people who turn to CBD for migraine relief, Dr. Cho cautions that it may not be a long-term solution—at least not at the same dose. “Some studies show a tolerance issue with decreased efficacy at the same dose over time,” she says. Dr. Strachan adds that taking CBD over the long term may lead to other symptoms, such as mood fluctuations and memory loss.
With those side effects in mind, it’s important to note that while long-term use of conventional migraine treatments is linked to medication overuse headaches in approximately 15% of people with migraines, research has yet to suggest CBD does the same .
Legality
The 2018 Farm Bill made hemp-derived CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC by dry weight legal. Currently, access to CBD varies depending on the state and their adoption of the Farm Bill. In some states, CBD is easily available to purchase and possess, while others make it less accessible or largely available online.
The World Anti-Doping Agency advises against the use of over-the-counter CBD products for athletes due to manufacturing and regulation risks that could lead to THC contamination.
Regulation
Over-the-counter CBD products are neither FDA-approved nor under any medical regulatory compliance, meaning there’s no way to 100% guarantee their safety and legality, says Dr. Cho. There’s also concern when it comes to the reliability and accuracy of a product’s dosage and purity listed on its label, she says.
While not required, many CBD products come with a certificate of analysis (COA). This certificate guarantees third-party testing, meaning a third-party laboratory tested the product to ensure accurate potency and that the product is free of harmful contaminants, including pesticides, molds and heavy metals. Some COAs can be viewed by scanning a QR code on a product while others are available online through the specific company’s website. If you can’t find a product’s COA, you may request it by contacting the company before making a purchase.
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