Many of the CBD-curious want answers to this burning question: Does CBD have side effects? Today, we’re clearing the air and unpacking the slightly complex answer. Research shows that CBD is well tolerated for most people. However, there are important safety considerations for those who take daily prescribed medications.
Mercury News readers have rated Cloud City Supply Silicon Valley’s best CBD store for four consecutive years, in part because of our commitment to CBD education. Knowledge is power, and our staff is here to equip you with the tools you need to craft a wellness routine that truly serves you. When done right, CBD can be a holy grail for managing pain and stress, improving circadian rhythm, increasing focus and productivity, and boosting energy and overall mood. But before you start browsing our best-sellers, here’s everything you should know.
General CBD side effects
Many CBD users report experiencing zero side effects, and clinical trials show it has a good safety and tolerability profile. That said, some systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials note a few adverse reactions.
Indigestion: The most frequently reported side effects are gastrointestinal symptoms. This can include nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort. Though they’re unpleasant, these side effects usually resolve quickly and lessen as your body adjusts with regular use.
Drowsiness & fatigue: Some reports note CBD users feeling lethargic or relaxed after taking CBD. This is more common with larger doses and is one reason why some prefer CBD as an evening supplement.
Loss of appetite: Decreased appetite is a well-documented CBD side effect.
Headaches: Some CBD users report mild headaches or dizziness when first taking CBD. In most cases, these symptoms are temporary and typically uncommon.
Liver concerns: One FDA-led clinical trial published in 2025 found that 5.6% of healthy CBD users experienced liver enzyme elevations greater than the normal limit. The affected users documented in the trial remained asymptomatic, and their enzyme levels returned to normal 1-2 weeks after stopping CBD.
Importantly, this means if you have pre-existing liver issues or take medications that affect your liver, clearing the decision to start taking CBD with your doctor first is essential.
Important safety precaution: Drug interactions
While the side effects are generally mild, CBD can interfere with your body’s ability to metabolize other medications, similar to grapefruit juice. In addition to potentially affecting these medications, CBD can also impact their side effects. While there is no clear “cut-off” dose, studies show that lower doses of CBD do produce minimal drug interactions.
When to talk to your doctor
First: It’s never a bad idea to consult your doctor before trying any new substance. Secondly, you definitely want to get their blessing first if you take any of the following:
- Blood pressure medications
- Blood-thinning medications
- Anti-seizure medications
- Any medication with a grapefruit warning
- Any medication metabolized via CYP3A4, CYP2C19, or CYP2D6 enzymes
How to minimize the side effects of CBD
Cloud City has created the gold standard for safely shopping for and selecting CBD products:
- Start low and go slow: Start with small doses and increase gradually (by ~5 mg per week) to allow your body to recalibrate its response.
- Use top-quality products: Shop only from reputable stores that carry reputable brands. And by “reputable,” we mean your CBD store should be able to provide a Certificate of Analysis from a third-party lab for any and every CBD product you pick up.
- Log your body’s responses: The side effects of CBD are often mild and temporary. Naturally, they can be easy to overlook. We recommend keeping a log of how your body responds when you’re first starting out with CBD, until your body adjusts. Notably, the delivery method also matters. For good measure, also log whether the CBD was administered via edible, inhalation, capsule, or sublingually.
The evidence confirms CBD has a good safety and tolerability profile with relatively few serious side effects. The vast majority of CBD users report either mild, temporary side effects or none at all. Historically, far more people have benefited significantly from the extract than have experienced serious adverse reactions.
What’s more, CBD is an all-natural alternative to pharmaceutical drugs prescribed for common ailments such as joint pain, arthritis, stress and anxiety, inability to focus, sleep disturbances, and more. For these reasons, more and more wellness enthusiasts are making CBD their top choice for comprehensive wellness staples. Visit our downtown Campbell store to talk to the Cloud City staff about how CBD can upgrade your daily routine.
Can’t make it in-store? Check out our FAQs page and give us a call if you have specific questions!
