Cannabidiol, popularly abbreviated as CBD, is the second major compound of the cannabis plant. CBD oil is prepared by diluting the extracts from the cannabis plant with a solvent oil. CBD oil has been used for many medicinal purposes.
There is one concern that always persists with medicines and herbs, i.e., how does it affect the internal body organs. The same concern persists for CBD oil. The effects of CBD oil on kidneys are a concern for many who use CBD oil either for medical or non-medical reasons.
In this brief read, we have outlined all that you should know about the CBD oil side effects on kidneys so you can know what you are getting into and how safe or unsafe CBD oil is for your body.
Effects of CBD Oil on Kidneys
Not everybody reads about how the organs of our bodywork. A majority of us may know that the urinary output is dependant upon the functionality of the kidneys. But a vast majority may not know that is more to it!
So let us reflect light upon the following facts:
Functions of the Kidney
Kidneys not only maintain urinary out but also filter the waste products of our bodies. Kidneys regulate the optimal serum electrolyte levels, including sodium, chloride, potassium, etc. This subsequently maintains blood pressure.
Moreover, kidneys are also responsible for secreting certain hormones, including renin and erythropoietin, each having different effects on the hemoglobin levels and the blood pressure of the body.
A known fact that not all of us are aware of is that vitamin D is activated by the kidney before it can impart its effects.
All in all, kidneys have a wide array of functions. Any drug or herb that may affect any function of the kidney may be debilitating.
Therefore, if you are concerned about the effects of CBD oil in kidneys, then you are absolutely on the right path. We will help you deduce a conclusion. By the end, you will know not only the importance of the kidneys but also the effects and the adverse effects of the CBD oil on this main organ of the body.
Healthy kidney- quality life!
CBD Oil
Cannabidiol is extracted from species Cannabis sativa, which includes cannabis and hemp. Depending upon this, the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content of CBD is determined.
If CBD is extracted from cannabis/marijuana, the THC content is as high as 17%, whereas if extracted from hemp, the THC content is as low as 0.3%.
Hemp seeds have 0% THC, so CBD extracted from hemp seed will have no THC at all, making it the safest type.
Why Is It Important To Know?
The main reason behind elaborating this is to make you aware of what you are buying. CBD oil from hemp and CBD oil from cannabis are not the same. The former is completely legal and safe, while the latter may not be as safe.
Another piece of information that you must be aware of before knowing the effects and side effects of CBD oil on kidneys is to know the three types of CBD oils:
1) Full Spectrum CBD Oil
Right after the extraction, the product that is extracted s considered Full Spectrum CBD Oil because it doesn’t only contain CBD, but also the other cannabinoids, and useful plant extracts, such as terpenes and amino acids.
2) CBD Isolate
When only CBD is present, and there is no amount of THC in it, it is called the isolate.
3) Broad Spectrum CBD Oil
This name is given to that CBD oil, which has other cannabinoids along with CBD, but no THC is present.
What Are the Side Effects of CBD Oil on Kidneys?
Kidney diseases are fairly common, affecting up to 800 million people across the globe, with a daily increase in the number of patients suffering from the complications of chronic kidney disease. The effects of CBD on kidney health has been a recent topic of interest.
However, the research in this domain is largely inconclusive to date.
CBD oil containing CBD from hemp appears to be safer due to the absence of THC, the active cannabis compound. In other words, the main concern is to evaluate the effects of cannabis on kidneys or the effects of CBD oil from marijuana.
Cannabis and Kidneys
The receptors of cannabinoids are found on almost all the organs of the body, including the kidney. There are two types of receptors, labeled as CB1 and CB2.
Some organs have one type of endocannabinoid receptors, while others have the other type, whereas the kidneys have both CB1 and CB2 receptors. Any imbalances in receptor activity can lead to unwanted effects.
The effects of CBD on kidneys can be either harmful or beneficial, depending upon the source of CBD, the type of kidney disease, the dosage of other drugs, and the overall prognosis of the patient.
Some researches have outlined the harmful effects of cannabis in patients with chronic kidney disease, while others showed no such correlation between CBD oil and kidney, and yet others proved a beneficial role of CBD oil in kidney patients.
The harmful effects of CBD oil on kidney include:
1) Protein Excretion
Normally, protein is filtered in the kidney and not excreted in the urine. Increased activity of CB1 receptors has been seen with protein excretion in the urine, which is also called proteinuria.
2) Diabetes and CBD
High blood sugar levels, also called diabetes mellitus, has been associated with the use of cannabis and CBD. Since diabetes has adverse effects on the kidneys, it can be deduced that CBD can indirectly play a role in diabetic nephropathy (diabetes-related kidney disease).
3) Drug Reactions
CBD and cannabis have the potential to interact with the medications taken by patients with kidney disease. This is imperative to know this as the use of CBD, even for medicinal purposes n patients with kidney disease, should be thoroughly evaluated first.
4) Acute Kidney Injury
There have been reports of patients suffering from acute kidney injury secondary to the use of synthetic CBD. However, further studies are required to link CBD oil with acute kidney injury conclusively.
5) Transplant and CBD Oil
It is quite possible that a patient with CKD waiting for the dialysis is using CBD oil for alleviating pain but that CBD gives a positive drug test, delaying the renal transplantation. There are ongoing debates in this criteria. Moreover, THC is not present in all types of CBD.
FAQs
Is there any role of CBD oil in the treatment of chronic kidney disease?
The usefulness of cannabic in treating kidney disease is an evolving topic. The researches on the role of CBD in alleviating pain in patients with CKD are promising. Currently, opioids are given to control chronic pain in patients with CKD; but with the help of the researches, the path to legalizing CBD for medicinal uses in kidney patients seems to have shortened now.
Especially with the first FDA approved CBD based drug, Epidiolex, for the treatment of seizures in epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and Dravet syndrome in patients >2 years of age, shows the evolution of thought process.
Does CBD adversely affect kidney function in healthy individuals?
To date, the researches that have been conducted show no or negligible effect of cannabis or CBD on healthy kidneys.
Can CBD oil cure kidney disease?
Although the harmful effects of cannabis and CBD oil are negligible on the renal system, that does not mean CBD oil can cure kidney disease. CBD and CBD oil has a role in managing patients with chronic kidney disease, improving the quality of life, but these cannot cure kidney disease per se.
Does it mean that CBD or CBD oil has no adverse effects?
CBD or CBD oil has do not harm the kidneys because cannabis is metabolized largely by the liver, with the little role of the renal system. Therefore the adverse effects of CBD may be minimal on the renal system, but this does not mean it has no side effects. The common adverse effects seen at higher doses include:
Drowsiness
Anxiety/Panic attacks
Liver injury
Diarrhea
Interaction with other drugs
Fatigue
Changes in weight and appetite
What are the benefits of CBD oil?
CBD oil has been known to relieve pain and anxiety in patients with chronic kidney disease. It plays a role in managing seizures, hypertension, acne, depression, Parkinson’s disease, insomnia, etc. It is imperative to get professional advice before self-medicating with CBD oil.
What doses of CBD oil are safe in patients with kidney disease?
It is recommended to use the lowest possible dose of CBD oil in patients with kidney disease, along with careful monitoring of the renal function.
If I have chronic kidney disease, can I take CBD/CBD oil?
There is a paucity of research to support any claims, but few studies have shown that in patients with decreased renal function, i.e., a GFR of less than 60 ml/min/1.73 m2, use of chronic cannabis led to a more rapid decline in the renal function. Another concern is the interaction of CBD with drugs used in patients with kidney disease, for example:
Blood pressure medicines
Steroids
Blood thinners
Immunosuppressants
Cholesterol medications
Mediations for prostate, etc.
Conclusion
To conclude, CBD oil has been shown to play a beneficial role in managing kidney disease and the complications of kidney disease, for example, high blood pressure. But there is insufficient data available to prove its efficacy and potential efficiency in treating kidney disease.
On the other hand, few adverse effects of cannabis and CBD oil are also seen to affect patients with kidney disease and those with other comorbid like diabetes.
It is indispensable to seek professional help and advice on whether CBD oil is harmful or beneficial for you as every individual has a different medical history and body reactions.