CBD, or cannabidiol, is a chemical substance extracted from the leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant. Cannabis itself is an illegal class B drug, as is the THC compound (tetrahydrocannabinol) it contains. But pure CBD isn't illegal, since it doesn't cause the intoxicating effects of cannabis. Researchers have concluded that, while individual responses to CBD may vary, products that only contain CBD do not cause changes in the cardiovascular system, including blood pressure and heart rate.
That said, initial animal research suggests that CBD may benefit people suffering from cardiac arrhythmias. Other studies have come to similar conclusions, leading CBD advocates to conclude that CBD can protect against or treat cardiac arrhythmias. However, the growing body of research we have tells us that CBD, in all its forms, has the power to help, not harm, the heart. And the researchers in the study discovered that, under those circumstances, CBD molecules broke down to THC.
But solving the mystery of having heart palpitations after taking CBD products may require some detective work. CBD can interact with several medications, and people should consult a doctor before adding it to a treatment regimen. So why would someone have heart flutters after taking CBD? A much discussed study hypothesized that the reason people taking CBD may have symptoms similar to THC is that gastric fluids found in the stomach could convert CBD to THC. The researchers found that administering CBD to rats before cutting off the blood supply reduced the number of arrhythmias and cardiovascular blockages.
For most people, CBD is relatively safe and has few side effects, so it may be safe to use as an adjunct to proven treatments. The placebo effect may be powerful, but Professor Sumnall warns that if people try CBD oil instead of talking to their doctor, it could cause a problem. CBD available in stores without a prescription may not have the same potency as the CBD used in studies and may include other ingredients that could affect the potential health effects of CBD. However, there is an important distinction between the CBD used in studies and the one that is available to consumers.
People use CBD oil for many reasons, such as pain, depression, and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
