Since its rise in popularity, CBD enthusiasts have reported a selection of side effects. While these issues have been few and far between, some people can experience itching after use. However, is this just a coincidence, or can CBD oil cause itching? If you've experienced something similar, or just want to understand the ins and outs of CBD use, then you've come to the right place.
At the Extract, we want to understand this phenomenon. While we've heard of common CBD side-effects – sleepiness, dry mouth, and nausea, itching is a fairly new one. Therefore, today we'll delve into the idea of CBD oil – and whether or not it can cause itching.
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What are the common side effects of CBD?
Whether you're a CBD enthusiast, or a brand-new connoisseur, you might have heard of the common CBD side effects. However, it's equally likely that you might not have experienced these effects yourself. After all, these side effects are few and far between. Plus, they're usually easily managed. Common side effects associated with CBD use can include:
- Digestive issues, like nausea and diarrhoea
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth or feelings of dehydration
- Sleepiness
- Shifts in appetite
You can read more about these side effects and how to manage them here. However, you might not have heard about whether CBD oil can cause itching or not. According to a paper from the Committee on Toxicity in the UK, reports of CBD oil causing itching first cropped up in 2019. The paper detailed at least two cases of rashes and itching that occurred after using CBD oil.
In the first, the individual consumed oral CBD oil, and experienced welts, swelling, and intense itching. In the second, the individual used CBD oil both orally and topically, before experiencing itching. Based on these two experiences, can we conclude that CBD oil can cause itching? Well, not exactly. We can, however, assume that this is an allergic reaction to CBD oil.
CBD oil can cause itching… if you're allergic to it
Generally, there's no need to fear. Even if you have sensitive skin, it's unlikely that you'll experience itching after using CBD oil. With that said, we should also establish that we need many more studies before we can understand CBD-related allergies. What we do know, however, is that people have experienced anaphylaxis and hypersensitivity after marijuana consumption.
These aren't the only symptoms of a cannabis allergy. Other symptoms can include:
- Nasal congestion or inflammation
- Shortness of breath and wheezing
- Sore or painful throat
- Swelling – this can include hives, itchiness, or rashes
- Watery eyes
As the CBD industry is a developing one, we'll need more information regarding cannabis allergies, and how they can affect an individual. Based on what we do know, however, we can affirm that a cannabis allergy could also mean an intolerance to CBD. In this way, if you have a cannabis allergy, then CBD oil could cause itching, should you choose to use it.
Can CBD oil affect my skin negatively and cause itching?
CBD cosmetics are a brand-new addition to the skincare industry. But if CBD oil can cause itching, then is CBD skincare safe for you to use? And if you have sensitive skin, then can CBD irritate your skin further? Well, as previously mentioned, it all comes down to whether or not you're allergic to cannabis. If you do have a cannabis allergy, then CBD might not be the safest compound for you to ingest.
Thankfully, there are several ways around this. Instead of delving head-first into the world of CBD cosmetics, consider taking it slow. Make small changes to your skincare routine, swapping one skincare product with a CBD-rich alternative at a time. Furthermore, you should always spot-test on a neutral area – the inside of your wrist, for example, of the back of your ear.
Monitor the area for 24 hours. If there are no signs of itching, redness, or inflammation, then you can avail of CBD skincare – and all the benefits that come with it!
Can you react badly to CBD oil, even if you aren't allergic?
By now, we've established that CBD oil can cause itching if you're allergic to cannabis. But can you have a bad reaction to CBD oil even if you aren't allergic to the plant? Well, yes – but this isn't at all down to the plant, or to your system. Instead, we have to look at the bigger picture, at the CBD industry itself. While most CBD manufacturers are pushing for transparency, many products remain unregulated.
Therefore, when it comes to CBD oil, it's important to know what you're buying. This is because some CBD oil options can cause itching – especially when formulated with harmful additives. For the best possible experience, opt for a reputable brand. Ideally, this should be a brand that you've purchased for before, that manufactures products you can trust. However, if you're new to the world of CBD, then take some time and do your research.
Look up COA's, ingredient lists, and reviews. This will help establish that you aren't just purchasing the best, but that you're also buying an option that works for you. By doing this, you'll also avoid the risk of a reaction – whether physical or mental.
So, can CBD oil cause a skin rash?
By now, we know that CBD oil can cause itching – especially if you're allergic to cannabis. But can CBD oil cause a skin rash on its own? This is highly unlikely, although rashes can crop up after taking a form of CBD medication. Epidiolex, the only form of CBD approved by the FDA, is a treatment option for people with epilepsy.
While Epidiolex comes with a lengthy list of side effects, it's also important to note that the treatment could cause liver problems. Therefore, itching could merely be a sign of liver-related concerns. Other side effects include nausea, jaundice, abdominal pain, and dark urine. Generally, these symptoms indicate potential liver-related concerns. This means that the itching behind it isn't a result of consuming CBD oil, but rather, an indication of potential liver-related issues.
Overall, on its own (or when consumed orally) CBD oil is unlikely to cause rashes, itching, or skin irritation. Once you do your research, you can safely partake in CBD, without worrying about breaking out in hives. It all comes down to availing of good-quality CBD, made by a reputable manufacturer.
Key takeaways: CBD and itching
The idea of CBD oil causing itching can be a difficult one to stomach. After all, many people avail of CBD to help address skin-related concerns like eczema and psoriasis. Therefore, the question of whether CBD oil can cause itching can certainly cause some anxiety.
Thankfully, as we mentioned earlier, this is an incredibly rare occurrence. While we don't know how many individuals experience sensitivity to cannabis, we do know that they are few and far between.
To avoid this altogether, we'd recommend looking up CBD oil made by reputable manufacturers, where you have easy access to their COA's. For topicals, consider natural options – ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe vera all work to hydrate the skin, and make an excellent base for a CBD topical. We recommend Poko Skincare, as it provides a premium range of cruelty free and vegan friendly CBD topicals. By utilising these tips, and researching a product before making a purchase, you're setting yourself up for the best possible CBD experience.
You may also like to read: CBD Oil for Acne – Everything You Need to Know
