Woman in the Dark - CBDecoded

Can CBD oil make you paranoid?

Paranoia comes with anxiety, and around 20% of the population suffers with anxiety in one form or another. Many patients with anxiety have been looking to CBD oil in recent years as a potential treatment. But, the question is: can CBD oil make you paranoid?

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is a plant-based supplement that contains cannabinoids, which are ‘feel-good’ molecules the body creates to make us feel happy and relaxed. They bind to receptors in our bodies linked to the endocannabinoid system (ECS) for a variety of different effects, the most well-known of which is the ‘high’ associated with the THC in recreational cannabis.

A different prospect

CBD oil does not produce that high. When purchased from a reputable retailer that ensures the product meets certain requirements, CBD oil is completely legal and has next to none of the THC that gets you high. This also means that it doesn’t interact with the brain’s receptors in the way that THC does to cause unwanted side effects like paranoia. In fact, the belief is that it may actually help reduce such things by calming the brain and supporting the growth of the hippocampus, which is an important part of having healthy emotion and memory functions. One study indicated that CBD may reduce social anxiety similarly to diazepam, while another clinical trial looked at its benefits for conditions like psychosis. There are many other reported health benefits associated with CBD, including pain relief, weight loss, hormonal regulation and even childhood epilepsy.

CBD is known to be safe for consumption, and has been approved for use as a food supplement, while work is still ongoing to assess its potential for medicinal classification. It doesn’t have any of the effects of psychedelic or opioid drugs, and there have been very few negative side effects reported even with regular high doses of the compound. This is not to say that it is safe to use irresponsibly, however, and you should always adhere to the recommended dosage of the product you purchase.

Using CBD responsibly

If you are considering using CBD oil for its potential health benefits, you shouldn’t need to worry about paranoia as a side effect. Nevertheless, it is recommended that you consult your GP before starting, just so they know what you are taking and can warn you of any known interactions with medications you might take. The mainstream popularity of CBD products is continuing to grow, and as research progresses it is hoped that there will be an irrefutable body of scientific evidence to back up the purported health benefits.