5 Must-Know Tips for Taking CBD Safely

CBD has become one of the most discussed wellness tools. From calming stress and supporting sleep to reducing inflammation and pain, it’s truly a versatile cannabinoid. But just like any other supplement, it must be consumed properly to avoid unwanted side effects. Below, Baked Goods walks you through some key tips to help you stay confident, informed, and empowered in your CBD routine.

1. Don’t mix CBD with certain medications: Always check with your family doctor, nurse practitioner, naturopathic doctor or pharmacist before combining CBD with your medications. Like many prescription drugs, CBD is metabolized by the cytochrome P450 enzyme in the liver. This means it could potentially increase/decrease the effectiveness of some medications, including blood thinners and SSRIs. You can read more about CBD and avoiding medication interactions here.
2. “More” is not always “better”: Ingesting a high dose does not guarantee optimal results. High doses – especially when you’ve never had CBD before – can lead to fatigue and digestive upsets (i.e. diarrhea, nausea). This is why we recommend a low dose when for new users; ingest a small amount (i.e. 10-20mg per day), then gradually increase the dose if need be.
3. Alcohol and/or other sedating ingredients mixed with CBD is not advised: Combining CBD and alcohol can increase sedative effects, such as drowsiness, impaired coordination and reduced alertness. (If you’re looking to reduce your alcohol intake, click here to read about this.)
4. Remember, you may not experience results right away: Patience is key when using CBD products. For some people, it works gradually and subtly and needs to be ‘built up’ in the body. It is not a quick fix to sleep, pain relief, etc. – effects can take days or weeks to kick in.
5. Do not give CBD to children: Evidence is lacking on CBD’s impact on brain development in children – that said, we recommend locking away CBD and cannabis products from kids at home. If you were to consider medicinal cannabis or CBD for your child, please speak to your family doctor; you can also read this position statement from the Canadian Paediatric Society.

Overall, when used correctly, CBD can contribute to wellness improvements! It is not a stand-alone therapy though, so please continue to practice healthy lifestyle and regularly consult with your healthcare providers.

Using CBD is highly individualistic, as everyone’s biology is unique. But if you want to meet other CBD users, read about our customers here to get a glimpse of how they use Baked Goods!

NOTE: This article is not an alternative to formal medical advice and should not be relied on for diagnosing or treating your health condition or concerns. This post is published solely for the purpose of education. Please see your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your wellness or visit a nearby hospital if you require emergency help. 

Sources

https://cps.ca/en/documents/position/medical-cannabis-for-children-evidence-and-recommendations