Posted On:
August 23, 2023
Can CBD Cause Chest Pain? Things You Need to Know!
Cannabidiol (CBD) products are becoming more and more popular every day. This has led to discussions about their possible effects and safety. One question many people often ask is whether CBD can cause chest pain.
CBD is a cannabinoid found in cannabis sativa plants. It doesn’t get anyone ‘high’ or produce any euphoric feelings. However, cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is a dominant compound in recreational marijuana, can produce psychoactive effects. Since both CBD and THC are derived from the same cannabis plants, some of you may confuse CBD with THC.
Today, in this article, we will answer whether CBD can cause chest pain or not, look at the possible scientific explanation, and clear up common misunderstandings about the link between CBD and chest pain. By the end of this article, you will understand the answer more clearly.
Possible Relationship Between CBD and Chest Pain
Chest pain, medically referred to as angina, is a distressing sensation that often arises due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. This reduction in blood flow can be attributed to various factors, each influencing the overall cardiovascular health.
Atherosclerosis, a disease in which plaque builds up in the arteries, is one of the main causes of chest pain. These plaques narrow the arterial passages, impeding the smooth blood flow and causing discomfort.
There is no direct relationship between cannabidiol and chest pain. However, some studies suggest that cannabidiol may have an indirect effect on chest pain. Since cannabidiol has anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic properties, it may help reduce inflammation and anxiety.
According to News Medical, if you experience repeated episodes of anxiety coupled with worry, it may lead to symptoms like chest pain. Besides, they also revealed that 20 to 70 percent panic attacks might occur along with chest pain. This clearly indicates that CBD’s ability to reduce anxiety symptoms can indirectly help you with chest pain issues. Nevertheless, chest pain can occur for many reasons.
Some Reasons for Chest Pain
- Cardiovascular Issues: Angina (caused by reduced blood flow to the heart) or a heart attack (resulting from a blocked artery).
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Including acid reflux, gastritis, or esophageal spasms may cause chest pain.
- Pulmonary Conditions: Such as Pneumonia, Pleurisy, or Pulmonary Embolism.
- Musculoskeletal Problems: Like muscle strain, rib injuries, or costochondritis (inflammation of the cartilage in the chest wall).
- Psychological Factors: Stress, anxiety, or panic attacks can also manifest as chest pain.
Can CBD Cause Chest Pain? Simple Answer
There is no substantial evidence to suggest that cannabidiol (CBD) directly causes chest pain. In contrast, many studies and anecdotal reports indicate that cannabidiol may have potential benefits for managing certain conditions that could contribute to chest pain, such as anxiety and inflammation.
However, CBD should not be taken if you’re diagnosed with certain conditions or are taking certain medications. For instance, people who are diagnosed with heart disease should avoid taking CBD. Also, they should take medical advice from a health professional before incorporating cannabidiol or any cannabis-related products into their daily routine.
Besides, there is another possible risk factor for taking CBD with certain medications. These are:
- Antidepressants
- Heartburn medications
- Antihistamines
- Antipsychotics
- Benzodiazepines
- Opioids
Apart from these issues, CBD is considered fully safe. 33% of Americans have used CBD at least once. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), CBD is well-tolerated with a good safety profile. Therefore, to put it plainly, you can take CBD without worrying about CBD and chest pain.
CBD and Chest Pain: The Myth Vs. Fact
CBD and THC both are derived from the same plants. One of the common myths is the confusion between CBD and THC. THC, unlike CBD, can increase heart rate and potentially trigger anxiety, which might contribute to chest discomfort in sensitive individuals.
For instance, smoking cannabis can increase the risk of chest pain since it negatively affects your heart. According to the Banyan Treatment Center, chest pain results from the complex way marijuana affects the heart, including raising your resting heart rate, dilating blood vessels, and making the heart pump harder.
On the other hand, CBD isn’t supposed to affect you like THC-dominating marijuana. Still, it’s not surprising that people sometimes might get puzzled and believe in myths about CBD.
Myth: CBD causes chest pain.
Fact: CBD is not the culprit.
Let’s see why:
- CBD, unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) does not have psychoactive properties and is not typically associated with adverse effects like chest pain. The majority of the studies have not reported chest pain as a common side effect of CBD use.
- Chest pain is often attributed to smoking marijuana, which contains THC along with CBD. It’s noteworthy that smoking any substance can irritate the respiratory system and potentially lead to chest discomfort. But a good thing about CBD products like CBD oil, CBD gummies, or topical creams is that they don’t involve smoking and are unlikely to cause chest pain.
CBD Safety: Things to Remember
To maintain CBD’s safety and efficacy, make sure to keep in mind the following tips:
- Check the quality and the source of CBD. Choose reputable CBD brands that provide third-party lab testing results to verify the potency and purity. Search for products derived from organically grown hemp.
- Always start with low doses of CBD and slowly increase as needed. This will help you find the effective doses for your needs. You can understand how your body responds to CBD as well.
- Although CBD is safe and well-tolerated, some people may experience side effects such as dry mouth, drowsiness, diarrhea, and appetite changes. Therefore, you should monitor for these possible side effects and if they occur, discontinue use and consult your doctor.
- CBD products are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). So, you should be cautious of mislabeled products, and unsupported claims regarding the efficacy of CBD.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some relevant questions and answers related to “CBD and chest pain”.
Can CBD Gummies Cause Chest Pain?
No, CBD gummies are not supposed to cause chest pain. Gummies are made from hemp plants that usually don’t contain more than 0.3 percent THC. In fact, people use it to get relief from pain, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. To avoid any potential adverse effects of CBD gummies, purchase gummies from trustworthy brands and start with low doses. If you have any medical issues, talk to your doctor.
Can CBD Oil Cause Chest Pain?
Just like gummies, CBD oil is also safe and doesn’t cause any side effects like chest pain. Nevertheless, you should always be cautious while taking CBD oil, especially about the dosage, potency, purity, and individual health conditions to avoid any potential negative effects of CBD oil.
Can Vaping CBD Cause Chest Pain?
Though vaping CBD is safer than vaping cannabis or nicotine, it’s not considered healthy. Plus, long-term use can result in chest pain due to respiratory irritation, an allergic reaction to vape liquid components, or lung issues associated with vaping. If you experience chest pain while vaping CBD, stop using it immediately and seek medical attention.
The Bottom Line
CBD typically does not cause chest pain, but vaping or inhaling CBD may occasionally lead to respiratory irritation or allergic reactions. Still, to avoid any potential risks, it’s important to use high-quality CBD products and consult a healthcare professional. Always start with a low dose and keep an eye on how your body responds to CBD. If anything related to chest discomfort occurs, seek medical help instantly to determine the underlying cause.
