Can CBD Gummies Make You Sick? – Potential Side Effects

Women in her late 20's leaning over the toilet holding her stomach like she's about to vomit.

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CBD gummies are handy, easy to consume, and even tasty. But what happens when the CBD in them becomes the source of discomfort rather than the solution? 

CBD gummies do have the potential to make you sick; they could cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Though disruptive and unpleasant, these side effects are generally uncommon and almost always mild. They often remedy themselves once the product is out of your system.

CBD gummies that are expired or contain higher amounts of CBD than you’re used to are more likely to cause side effects than other options. Most CBD users and patients experience very little to no adverse effects when using their products, though; those who do experience side effects can also take steps to avoid them in the future.

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Can CBD edibles make you sick?

Yes, CBD gummies can potentially make you sick, although severe adverse reactions are rare. The most common side effects of CBD gummies include:

  • Gastrointestinal issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite
  • Drowsiness and fatigue
  • Changes in mood: Irritability and agitation
  • Dry mouth
  • Light-headedness and low blood pressure

In more severe cases, CBD can cause:

It’s important to note that the safety and quality of CBD products can vary due to lack of regulation. Some adverse reactions may be caused by contaminants or mislabeled ingredients rather than CBD itself. To minimize risks:

  • Purchase CBD gummies from reputable brands that use third-party laboratory testing
  • Start with a low dose and increase gradually if needed
  • Be aware that CBD can interact with medications that carry a grapefruit warning

If you experience severe symptoms after consuming CBD gummies, such as significant drowsiness, vomiting, or changes in heart rate or blood pressure, seek medical attention immediately.

Can CBD gummies cause stomach problems?

CBD gummies can indeed cause feelings of nausea, bloating, and diarrhea, especially if you’ve taken more than you normally do.

Gastrointestinal symptoms like those listed above are unfortunately common side effects of CBD, and because gummies are ingested orally and break down in the stomach, they may be more likely than other products to cause this sort of irritation.

If you take CBD gummies and experience vomiting and nausea, it’s likely a good idea to lower your dose or switch to a different product. If your gummies are too strong, for instance, you might consider a less potent option.

Aside from the CBD in the gummies itself, other ingredients can also cause discomfort. Lots of artificial ingredients, sugar, and potential allergens may exist within your gummies can cause you to feel less than great, so it never hurts to familiarize yourself with the ingredients of your gummies before you begin using them.

If you have a stomach ache or otherwise feel unwell after consuming CBD gummies, ask yourself some questions to help determine the best course of action:

  • Is this a new product? If so, consider switching to something else or to a different brand.
  • Is this a new dosage? If so, consider lowering it back to what you’re most accustomed to.
  • Is there anything in this product that I know tends to bother me? If certain dyes tend to be irritating or cause an allergic reaction, for instance, it helps to be aware of their presence in your gummies.
  • How long have I had this product opened? If it’s been over a year or two, it may be time to invest in something new.
  • Do I take other medications that might influence my experience with CBD? Talking with your doctor can help answer this question.

Overall, the best first step to take is to stop ingesting whatever product you suspect may be causing your stomach aches. If after multiple attempts to use your product you still notice adverse effects, you may want to consider another product option (oils, tinctures, topicals, or even CBD flower).

White guy standing up holding his stomach with both hands wearing a charcoal long-sleeve shirt, blue jeans, and a black belt.

Can CBD gummies make you nauseated?

Yes, CBD gummies can cause nausea in some individuals, as it is a potential side effect of CBD consumption, particularly at higher doses or due to individual sensitivity.

However, CBD is also known for its anti-nausea properties, and its effects can vary depending on the person and the dosage.

Can CBD gummies cause diarrhea and vomiting?

Yes, CBD gummies can cause diarrhea and vomiting, especially at higher doses or due to individual sensitivity.

These gastrointestinal side effects are commonly reported and may also be influenced by additives or the carrier oils used in the product.

Will CBD gummies make you constipated?

CBD gummies are unlikely to cause constipation, as CBD generally supports digestive health by promoting gut motility and reducing inflammation. However, certain additives in gummies, such as sugar or artificial sweeteners, may contribute to constipation in sensitive individuals.

Can CBD gummies cause liver damage?

Yes, CBD gummies can potentially cause liver damage, particularly at high doses or when combined with certain medications. While rare, studies have shown that high doses of CBD can lead to elevated liver enzymes and drug-induced liver injury, though the risk is considered low at doses under 300 mg per day.

Can CBD gummies give you a headache?

While CBD gummies are generally well-tolerated, they can potentially cause headaches in some individuals, although this side effect is rare. However, several factors related to CBD gummies could potentially lead to headaches:

Quality of the product: Low-quality CBD gummies or those containing impurities may increase the risk of side effects, including headaches.

Dosage: Taking too high a dose of CBD may lead to adverse effects, which could include headaches for some users.

Individual sensitivity: Some people may be more sensitive to CBD or other ingredients in the gummies, potentially resulting in headaches.

Interactions with medications: CBD can interact with certain medications, which might indirectly cause headaches.

If you experience headaches after consuming CBD gummies, it’s advisable to stop use immediately.

Are CBD gummies safe to take every day?

CBD gummies are generally safe to take daily for most adults, provided they are consumed in appropriate doses and sourced from reputable brands.

Final Thoughts

While it is possible for CBD gummies to make you feel lousy, these side effects are relatively unlikely to happen so long as you take an appropriate dose. 

Taking higher-than-normal doses of any sort of CBD increases the risk of experiencing the side effects we’ve discussed, including nausea and vomiting. Gummies may be especially irritating to the gut simply because they don’t begin to break down until they enter the stomach and intestines.

As with any new CBD product, following the dosage recommendations on your product’s packaging (if there are any) is a safe way to introduce it into your routine. Even experienced users should exercise caution when switching from one product type to another; some products produce stronger, longer-lasting effects than others.

While most shouldn’t run into any side effects when using CBD safely and correctly, each CBD user is different. If a product, including gummies, seems to be consistently causing adverse effects at any dosage, it’s likely best to discontinue use and seek out another option.

No matter what CBD product you end up choosing to use regularly, being aware of what sort of side effects to look out for can help save you a lot of headaches and money.

Choosing high-quality products, like those listed over at our free directory, that you know you can trust can help, too. Your health and comfort should never be sacrificed for any product, CBD or not.

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Yes, CBD gummies can cause stomach problems in some individuals. Common gastrointestinal side effects include:

  • Diarrhea: CBD may cause diarrhea, especially when consumed in large doses or if the product contains additives or carrier oils that act as laxatives.
  • Nausea and Vomiting: Some people experience nausea and vomiting after consuming CBD, which may be linked to individual sensitivity or the interaction of CBD with serotonin receptors.
  • Gut Microbiome Disruption: High doses of CBD have been shown to disrupt the gut microbiome and damage the intestinal lining in animal studies, potentially leading to conditions like leaky gut syndrome.
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    Josh Murdoch

    I was born with Cystic Fibrosis, and although it is incurable, cannabinoids have been allowing me to live my life as a healthy adult now for years. For that reason, I’ve dedicated my career to spreading the good news about cannabinoids. Currently, I work for a cannabis distribution company called Humble Cannabis Solutions which operates in California. Previously, I worked on two cannabis farms in northern California, one of which was located in the famous Humboldt County. I’ve also managed a medical cannabis delivery service in Marin County, California. I created CBD Facilitator to share what I’ve learned, and to recommend the best products that I have found in this chaotic market.

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    Our Mission

    Our goal is to educate you on all things CBD, enabling you to navigate this vast unregulated industry like a pro. We know all too well how overwhelming it can be to find trustworthy brands in this crowded market, so we’re here to help!

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