Why Does CBD Make Me Cold? (4 Things To Consider)
Taking CBD has been a very helpful to many for various different problems such as mood, inflammation, anxiety and chronic pain etc
There are a number of side effects people have experienced, with one of them being that CBD has made them feel cold after taking it.
Why is this the case?
Why Does CBD Make Me Cold?
Higher doses of CBD oil may cause a small drop in blood pressure with some individuals. This will usually occur a few minutes after the CBD oil enters your system. This doesn’t happen to everyone and the worst you should expect is a few minutes of feeling lightheaded. However, if you have any problems with low or high blood pressure, or are taking any medications for blood pressure, talk to your doctor before trying CBD oil, because it may not agree with you. CBD can also affect vasodilation, which is the widening of blood vessels. It results from relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls, in particular in the large veins, large arteries, and smaller arterioles. The process is the opposite of vasoconstriction, which is the narrowing of blood vessels. When blood vessels dilate, the flow of blood is increased due to a decrease in vascular resistance and increase in cardiac output. Therefore, dilation of arterial blood vessels decreases blood pressure.
1. Check The Dosage
Strength, dosage and potency of CBD varies massively from product to product.
For example, strength of CBD can go from 300mg – 5000mg per bottle, with varying dosages from a whole dropper full to only a few drops. This is why potency needs researching.
I have had CBD where you need to take the entire dropper to get the recommended dose, while another one I have used only took four single drops to get 50mg of CBD.
When it comes to CBD the dosage structure can get a little confusing, you should keep in mind that the correct dosage might also differ for different people, but always read the label of the product in question.
For most people, the recommended dose is sufficient, but Increasing or decreasing the dosage yourself could be potentially harmful.
If you feel any negative side effects, either revert back to the manufacturers recommendation or stop using the item and seek advice from your doctor.
CBD in higher doses may cause an individuals blood pressure to drop, which will make you feel colder for a short period of time depending on the person.
Interestingly, the THC in marijuana can cause a feeling sometimes referred to as “weed chills” or “high chills” but the technical term is called “THC-induced hypothermia”.
No need to be afraid of the word “hyperthermia” as its not anything to do with a medical emergency, rather just that THC can slightly lower your body temperature.
Marijuana also affects thermoregulation, or the body’s ability to control its internal temperature. This makes the parallels between marijuana and CBD evident to see.
If you consume a large dose of cannabinoids (like the amount of THC needed to feel high) then it will likely lower your body temperature causing THC-induced hypothermia.
Always check the CBD product you are using to make sure there is only trace amounts of THC (up to 0.2%) and make sure you only purchase CBD products with certificates of analysis (COA) to reinforce the brands ethical and quality standards.
2. The Endocannabinoid System
The full extent of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is still unknown, however it is believed to regulate a range of functions such as sleep, mood, appetite, memory, reproduction and fertility.
The ECS has three core components: endocannabinoids, receptors, and enzymes.
Endocannabinoids are molecules made by your body.
While the receptors are found throughout your body. Endocannabinoids bind to them in order to signal that the ECS needs to get involved.
There are two main endocannabinoid receptors:
- CB1 receptors, which are mostly found in the central nervous system
- CB2 receptors, which are mostly found in your peripheral nervous system, especially immune cells
Endocannabinoids can bind to either receptor. The effects that result depend on where the receptor is located and which endocannabinoid it binds to.
Enzymes are responsible for breaking down endocannabinoids once they’ve carried out their function.
The ECS is linked to the following processes:
- appetite and digestion
- metabolism
- chronic pain
- inflammation and other immune system responses
- mood
- learning and memory
- motor control
- sleep
- cardiovascular system function
- muscle formation
- bone remodeling and growth
- liver function
- reproductive system function
- stress
- skin and nerve function
The effects of CBD are still not fully understood. More research needs to be completed to really understand the complex relationship between the endocannabinoid system and CBD, although many users have reported feeling cold.
These functions all contribute to the stability of your internal environment. If an outside force, such as pain from an injury or a fever, throws off your body out of whack, your ECS kicks in to help your body return to its ideal operation.
Experts believe that maintaining this balance is the primary role of the ECS.
3. Feeling The Chill?
CBD may cause vasoconstriction, which is why to reverse its effects you can take a hot shower or look up anyone who does breathing exercises, such as Wim Hof, this includes cold showers to get cold induced vasodilation. However, this really isn’t for everybody and can be quite a challenge. So don’t be under any illusions about cold shower therapy. Wim is known for withstanding extreme cold temperatures as he is able control this vasodilation effect. This will also help reduce the anxiety as well as allowing you more control of your heart rate.
I have done a 30 day cold shower challenge, to see its results check out the video below…
Sometimes your hands and feet may get cold after CBD, as if you had poor blood circulation.
If you naturally do have low blood pressure or poor circulation, this effect will be more noticeable for sure. Don’t worry though, as it’s a perfectly normal side-effect and isn’t dangerous.
Some things to consider are, have you encountered shivers or your hands have started to shake? Maybe your blood pressure has dropped? Or is it really a sudden feeling of cold, like the blood goes out of your face, hands and feet?
If this is the case, you should see a doctor and test for diabetes and blood pressure problems (just to be on the safe side). If your hands start to shake or you get shivers in waves even in hot weather, you might have a neurological or blood allergy to CBD.
If you experience a cold sensation when taking CBD, don’t forget to drink plenty of fluids (boiled water, tea or coffee to warm up) or have a heated gel pack in your pocket or dig out that old hot water bottle, maybe even something to eat if it affects your blood pressure or sugar levels. Always try to stay warm and dry and also wrap up in your most comfortable and snuggly clothes if you are relaxing after taking CBD.
4. Is It The Product?
CBD is one of many chemical compounds found in the marijuana plant. Unlike Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not produce that high feeling after use.
Companies that manufacture CBD products use different methods to extract the compound from the plant. The varying diffusions result in a range of CBD types.
There are three types of CBD, that contain different concentrations and compounds:
- Full-spectrum: Includes all parts of the cannabis plant. Full-spectrum products contain less than 0.2% THC.
- Broad-spectrum: This contains most of the cannabis plant compounds. Unlike full-spectrum, broad-spectrum products contain trace amounts of THC.
- Isolates: Only contain CBD, with no other cannabinoids or THC. Products that contain isolate CBD may not produce any notable effects.
It has been widely reported that several CBD products make misleading claims about the use of their products. People should use caution before ordering any type of CBD.
A person should look for independently tested products. Some companies provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA), which shows what is in the supplements.
Some safety elements a lab can test for and report on a COA include:
- Exactly amount of each cannabinoid (The majority of labs only test for up to 11 of the 113 known cannabinoids).
- Terpene and flavonoid profile.
- Pesticides.
- Herbicides.
- Heavy metals.
Certain particular attributes of the CBD formula that you ingest, including: additives, brand, contaminants, potency, purity, sourcing, etc – may determine whether you experience side effects.
Administering a CBD formula containing additives (THC) or contaminants (pesticides) may increase risk of severe side effects and/or adverse reactions.
Furthermore, using CBD from one brand might be of different purity and/or potency than CBD from another – even if dosages are listed as being the same (listings aren’t always accurate).
If you’re using pure CBD with little additives, you’ll probably experience fewer side effects than if you’re using a CBD formula with added substances.
Final Thoughts…
It’s curious how the similarities between CBD and marijuana are present with this side effect.
Although there isn’t any clinical research to back up a lot of the anecdotal accounts here, you can’t help but notice the symmetry of marijuanas side effects (like feeling cold) with certain CBD products.
Whether it’s down to the individual or the product itself? It would be worth trying a different product to see if it has the same effect on you.
Remember to always to your research before purchasing any CBD to make sure you get the highest quality product available.
Always seek the professional opinion from your doctor before trying CBD or any changes to your diet.
If you enjoy sport and use CBD to help with your recovery in between gruelling workouts, then your are in the right place. Here at Sport CBDs, we train hard and recover the best way possible…
We have regular workouts (check out the YouTube channel), CBD news and CBD products to help you gain that edge!
If you wanted to check out the reputable CBD we have on offer here at the site, then please head to the Sport CBDs Store. We also do fitness clothing and yoga accessories too.
Until next time, all the best…
