Since their introduction, CBD Gummies have taken the industry by storm. CBD Gummies have several benefits when compared to other products available on the market today thanks to their convenience and discreet nature.
However, due to the lack of regulation, there are still several questions that arise. One of the most common questions is whether CBD Gummies can cause diarrhea.
When most people use CBD Gummies, they report low to moderate side effects including diarrhea. The reason is due to the ingredient load and serving size and effects CBD Gummies have on an individual's digestion.
The studies conducted so far offer little to no explanation as to how and why digestive discomfort occurs.
We've put together this guide to show what the studies show so far, and how to minimize the side effects of digestive discomfort.
How Do CBD Gummies Affect Digestion?
Since CBD Gummies must digest before they can enter the bloodstream, they absorb much like any other edible. This is unlike CBD oils which are often absorbed by some of the tissues of the mouth.
Once it reaches the stomach and passes through the intestines, a gummy begins to break down and its contents, including CBD, begin to dissolve for absorption by the liver. This means that the gummy can cause some gastrointestinal problems, which may be the case for some of the alternative delivery methods.
The digestive system has the endocannabinoid system. This system helps regulate the body's systems including gut motility, inflammation, and digestion. As CBD engages with this system, some people report changes in their digestive habits, including the frequency of bowel movements, when higher amounts of CBD are consumed.
Why Does CBD Cause Diarrhea?
Many scientific studies have reported diarrhea as a possible side effect of oral CBD.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration states that CBD may cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems.
A major systematic review of clinical trials reported that as the doses of CBD increased, the digestive issues and the number of people reporting diarrhea increased while those in the placebo group remained the same.
Another review reported that the most common side effects that were the result of using oral CBD were gastrointestinal issues.
It is important to note that most of these studies and trials used significantly higher doses than what is used in wellness products and gummies designed for consumer use.
Some Reasons Why People Experience Digestive Issues
There are many reasons why CBD gummies may cause diarrhea.
The first reason may be high doses of CBD. Most of the studies that reported digestive issues used doses that were much higher than the wellness products and gummies. Higher doses of CBD also increased the likelihood of digestive issues.
Sugar Alcohols and Sweeteners
Gummy ingredients containing ingredients like sorbitol, maltitol, erythritol, or xylitol can cause digestive discomfort in some people, and this discomfort can become more pronounced as the amount of the ingredient consumed increases.
In many cases, the gummy ingredients may be contributing more to diarrhea than the CBD itself.
Carrier Oils
Certain CBD products use MCT oil, or other carrier oils. Large amounts of certain carrier oils may cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals.
Individual Sensitivity
Everyone responds differently to cannabinoids. Some people have sensitive digestive systems and may experience mild stomach discomfort at relatively low doses.
Medications
CBD may interact and influence the effectiveness of certain medications. In some circumstances, CBD and other medications may cause GI side effects.
Other Gastrointestinal Issues
Although diarrhea gets the most attention, other issues may occur as well.
These may include:
- Mild stomach discomfort
- Nausea
- Abdominal cramping
- Temporary changes in appetite
- Bloating
- Loose stools
- Digestive upset after larger servings
Research on oral CBD products shows that digestive side effects are the most common symptoms reported.
Who Is More Likely To Experience Diarrhea From CBD Gummies?
Certain groups may be sensitive to digestive issues.
New To CBD
New users often use CBD at higher than recommended levels. It sometimes is helpful for new users to start as low as possible to gradually built tolerance to CBD to minimize stomach discomfort.
With Digestive Issues
People with digestive issues, gastrointestinal conditions, sensitivities, etc. will likely notice digestive changes the most.
Users Experiencing Side Effects
High daily doses of CBD leads to more instances of diarrhea and other side effects.
Users Combining Multiple CBD Products
Using multiple supplements, including CBD gummies, may increase your dose and lead to side effects.
How to Reduce Digestive Side Effects
Digestive side effects known to be mild can be remedied easily.
Start with the Smallest Effective Serving
Take the safe amount of gummies. Just one at a time!
Consider the Ingredients
Look for products designed with the least amount of ingredients. Ease your digestive side effects further by avoiding sugary alcohols in CBD products that will likely exacerbate them.
Consume with Food
CBD gummy consumers notice an improvement in their digestive side effects when they eat with their gummies!
Stay Hydrated
This most especially true of CBD users when you are experiencing temporary digestive discomfort!
Monitor Effects
Your digestive side effects can track your best and worst when you tune into your serving size, timing of intake, and your symptoms.
Are CBD Gummies Safe for Long-Term Use?
When used responsibly, there have been no long term negative side effects of CBD. Still, research is actively being conducted.
For most healthy individuals, digestive side effects from CBD gummy use are temporary and easily remedied.
Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, individuals with liver issues, and those on prescription medications must consult medical professionals before using CBD products.
Final Thoughts
While CBD gummies can cause diarrhea in some users mildly, it’s usually dose, form, and sensitivity related. Scientific research has consistently found diarrhea as a side effect of oral CBD, especially when higher doses are used.
Most users will experience minimal gastro issues when they start with a low dose, buy higher quality gummies, and monitor their individual response. For users that experience severe or persistent symptoms from gastro issues, it is best to discontinue using CBD gummies and seek medical care.
CBD gummies are a user-friendly way of experiencing the world of cannabinoid based wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can CBD gummies cause diarrhea right away?
Symptoms from CBD gummies are usually reported several hours after consumption, but symptoms can take longer to appear for some users.
Why do CBD gummies give me stomach discomfort?
CBD gummies can actually include a variety of ingredients that can cause digestive issues. Users can have a sensitivity to CBD, high serving sizes, carrier oils, and even the artificial sweeteners used in the gummies.
How bad are diarrhea related CBD gummy side effects?
In scientific research, diarrhea is reported to be an extremely common side effect of oral CBD gummies.
Should I stop CBD gummy consumption if I start getting diarrhea from them?
If symptoms are minor, reduce your serving size. Severe symptoms from a serving size should prompt a consultation with your doctor.
Can taking CBD with food prevent the diarrhea from CBD gummies?
Some people say CBD gummies may decrease stomach discomfort if taken with food.
Are CBD Gummies without Sugar more likely to cause diarrhea?
Some sugar free gummies may have sugar alcohols which may cause diarrhea like sorbitol or maltitol.
Can CBD Oil cause diarrhea as well?
CBD Oil can definitely cause diarrhea. One study found that some oral CBD products may cause GI problems with the gummies, oil, and capsules.
How long do CBD-related diarrhea symptoms last?
For most people the symptoms improve within a few days and resolve once the serving size is reduced of if the product is stopped completely.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. CBD products may affect individuals differently. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new wellness product, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition. Blunt Essential does not make any medical claims regarding the use of CBD products.
