Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHealth BenefitsPossible Side EffectsDosage and PreparationFinding CBD Oil
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Health Benefits
Possible Side Effects
Dosage and Preparation
Finding CBD Oil
Cannabidiol (CBD) has soared in popularity in recent years thanks to its numerous health benefits. Derived from theCannabis sativaplant,CBD oilis a powerful therapeutic remedy used to regulate body functions and alleviate symptoms of various health conditions.
CBD oil maysupport thyroid health, play a role in thyroid hormone regulation, and help manage symptoms associated withthyroid disorders.
This article will review the potential benefits of CBD oil for thyroid health, side effects, how to use CBD oil, and what to look for when choosing CBD products.
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Health Benefits of CBD for Thyroid
CBD boasts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may be beneficial for thyroid health.Evidence suggests that CBD oil may help regulatethyroid hormone levelsin the body and reduce symptoms associated with certain thyroid disorders.
CBD interacts with the body’sendocannabinoid system (ECS)—a vast network of specialized receptors located throughout the body that helps the body maintain homeostasis (balance). The ECS plays a role in regulating important body functions, including appetite, mood, memory, fertility, body temperature, immune response, and pain perception.
TSH Levels Test: What Do High and Low Levels Mean?
The ECS has receptors—known as endocannabinoid receptors—throughout the body, including thethyroid gland.These receptors are also found in brain regions responsible for sending signals to the thyroid gland that controls thyroid hormone production. Research shows that the ECS plays a role in regulating hormones and thyroid health.
Though the exact mechanisms of how CBD interacts with the body’s ECS are not yet fully understood, CBD binds to endocannabinoid receptors in the thyroid gland to help support thyroid functions. CBD is known to alleviate certain symptoms associated with thyroid disorders, such as:
Though there is little research exploring the effect of CBD on specific thyroid disorders, CBD’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may offer therapeutic benefits for people with thyroid conditions.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism(overactive thyroid) occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Excess amounts of thyroid hormones cause your body’s metabolism to speed up, leading to symptoms such as weight loss, insomnia, rapid heart rate, hand tremors, and anxiety.
CBD oil may help relieve anxiety, irritability, hand tremors, and shakiness and improve sleep. Some evidence suggests CBD may benefit heart health and reduce irregular heartbeats (arrhythmia).
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism(underactive thyroid) occurs when the thyroid gland produces insufficient thyroid hormone. Common symptoms include weight gain, fatigue, dry skin and hair, joint and muscle pain, and depression.Research shows that CBD may effectively reduce pain, help hydrate dry skin, and play a role in weight loss.
The leading cause of hypothyroidism isHashimoto’s thyroiditis—an autoimmune disorder associated with chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland.CBD’s powerful anti-inflammatory properties may benefit people with thyroid inflammation.
Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid canceroccurs when cancer cells form in the tissues of the thyroid gland. Some research suggests that CBD may have anti-cancer properties and prevent cancer cells from multiplying, suppressing tumor growth.
One study found that the thyroid gland has a rich concentration of endocannabinoid receptors that may play a role in reducing the size of thyroid tumors.This suggests that CBD may be a potential therapeutic option to prevent the growth and spread of thyroid tumors.
CBD is generally well-tolerated and is considered safe. CBD does not have psychoactive properties, which means it will not create the “high” sensation associated with delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another cannabinoid abundant in theCannabis sativaplant.Some people who take CBD may experienceminor side effects, including:
The Difference Between CBD and THC
Interactions With Thyroid Medications
Levothyroxineis a medication used to treat hypothyroidism and thyroid cancer. Research suggests that CBD may interact with levothyroxine and cause the thyroid gland to secrete more thyroid hormone than the body can metabolize.When this occurs, too much thyroid hormone may accumulate in the body and lead to hyperthyroidism.
Talk with your healthcare provider before taking CBD, especially if you currently take prescription medication to manage a thyroid condition. CBD may interact with other medications you’re taking, and your healthcare provider should be able to provide guidance on whether or not CBD is safe for you.
There is no recommendedCBD dosageto manage thyroid disorders. Everybody responds to CBD differently, so it may take trial and error before finding the best dose for your needs. The general advice for those new to CBD is to start low and go slow. Certain factors play a role in how much CBD a person needs for symptom relief, including:
You may need to experiment with different doses before you find the right amount to manage your symptoms.
CBD oil is available in various forms:
The form you choose depends on your preference and how quickly you hope to feel the effects. Putting a few drops of the oil under your tongue generally produces effects more quickly than chewing a gummy, for example. Carefully read the directions for use on the packaging of the CBD product you intend to use before trying CBD.
If you’d like to try CBD to support your thyroid health or manage thyroid disorder symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider. They should be able to offer dosage and product recommendations and provide information about potential interactions with medications you are taking.
What to Look for in CBD Oil
Avoid CBD products that make health claims on the packaging, such as a promise to cure a particular disease. You may want to read through customer reviews for products you are considering. Testaments from people who have used a specific CBD product can tell you a lot about its effectiveness and potential side effects.
24 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Cannabis (marijuana) and cannabinoids: what you need to know.Trivedi MK, Mondal S, Jana S.Cannabidiol improves thyroid function via modulating vitamin D3 receptor in vitamin D3 deficiency diet-induced rat model.J Food Sci Technol. 2022;59(8):3237-3244. doi:10.1007/s13197-022-05492-3Atalay S, Jarocka-Karpowicz I, Skrzydlewska E.Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol.Antioxidants (Basel). 2019;9(1):21. doi:10.3390/antiox9010021Bryant LM, Daniels KE, Cognetti DM, et al.Therapeutic cannabis and endocannabinoid signaling system modulator use in otolaryngology patients.Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. 2018;3(3):169-177. doi:10.1002/lio2.154Lu HC, Mackie K.An introduction to the endogenous cannabinoid system.Biol Psychiatry. 2016;79(7):516-525. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.07.028Hillard CJ.Endocannabinoids and the endocrine system in health and disease.Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2015;231:317-339. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-20825-1_11Ben-Cnaan E, Permyakova A, Azar S, et al.The metabolic efficacy of a cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) derivative in treating diet- and genetic-induced obesity.Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(10):5610. doi:10.3390/ijms23105610Boyaji S, Merkow J, Elman RNM, et al.The role of cannabidiol (CBD) in chronic pain management: an assessment of current evidence.Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2020;24(2):4. doi:10.1007/s11916-020-0835-4Baswan SM, Klosner AE, Glynn K, et al.Therapeutic potential of cannabidiol (CBD) for skin health and disorders.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020;13:927-942. doi:10.2147/CCID.S286411Rapin L, Gamaoun R, El Hage C, et al.Cannabidiol use and effectiveness: real-world evidence from a canadian medical cannabis clinic.J Cannabis Res. 2021;3(1):19. doi:10.1186/s42238-021-00078-wMurillo-Rodríguez E, Sarro-Ramírez A, Sánchez D, et al.Potential effects of cannabidiol as a wake-promoting agent.Curr Neuropharmacol. 2014;12(3):269-272. doi:10.2174/1570159X11666131204235805Atalay S, Jarocka-Karpowicz I, Skrzydlewska E.Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol.Antioxidants (Basel). 2019;9(1):21. doi:10.3390/antiox9010021MedlinePlus.Hyperthyroidism.Garza-Cervantes JA, Ramos-González M, Lozano O, et al.Therapeutic applications of cannabinoids in cardiomyopathy and heart failure.Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2020;2020:4587024. doi:10.1155/2020/4587024MedlinePlus.Hypothyroidism.Mlost J, Bryk M, Starowicz K.Cannabidiol for pain treatment: focus on pharmacology and mechanism of action.Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(22):8870. doi:10.3390/ijms21228870American Thyroid Association.Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.Seltzer ES, Watters AK, MacKenzie D Jr, et al.Cannabidiol (CBD) as a promising anti-cancer drug.Cancers (Basel). 2020;12(11):3203. doi:10.3390/cancers12113203Lakiotaki E, Giaginis C, Tolia M, et al.Clinical significance of cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 expression in human malignant and benign thyroid lesions.Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:839403. doi:10.1155/2015/839403O’Brien K.Cannabidiol (CBD) in cancer management.Cancers. 2022;4(4):885. doi:10.3390/cancers14040885MedlinePlus.Cannabidiol (CBD).Kocis PT, Vrana KE.Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol drug-drug interactions.Med Cannabis Cannabinoids. 2020;3(1):61-73. doi:10.1159/000507998Larsen C, Shahinas J.Dosage, efficacy and safety of cannabidiol administration in adults: a systematic review of human trials.J Clin Med Res. 2020;12(3):129-141. doi:10.14740/jocmr4090U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA regulation of cannabis and cannabis-derived products, including cannabidiol (CBD).
24 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Cannabis (marijuana) and cannabinoids: what you need to know.Trivedi MK, Mondal S, Jana S.Cannabidiol improves thyroid function via modulating vitamin D3 receptor in vitamin D3 deficiency diet-induced rat model.J Food Sci Technol. 2022;59(8):3237-3244. doi:10.1007/s13197-022-05492-3Atalay S, Jarocka-Karpowicz I, Skrzydlewska E.Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol.Antioxidants (Basel). 2019;9(1):21. doi:10.3390/antiox9010021Bryant LM, Daniels KE, Cognetti DM, et al.Therapeutic cannabis and endocannabinoid signaling system modulator use in otolaryngology patients.Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. 2018;3(3):169-177. doi:10.1002/lio2.154Lu HC, Mackie K.An introduction to the endogenous cannabinoid system.Biol Psychiatry. 2016;79(7):516-525. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.07.028Hillard CJ.Endocannabinoids and the endocrine system in health and disease.Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2015;231:317-339. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-20825-1_11Ben-Cnaan E, Permyakova A, Azar S, et al.The metabolic efficacy of a cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) derivative in treating diet- and genetic-induced obesity.Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(10):5610. doi:10.3390/ijms23105610Boyaji S, Merkow J, Elman RNM, et al.The role of cannabidiol (CBD) in chronic pain management: an assessment of current evidence.Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2020;24(2):4. doi:10.1007/s11916-020-0835-4Baswan SM, Klosner AE, Glynn K, et al.Therapeutic potential of cannabidiol (CBD) for skin health and disorders.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020;13:927-942. doi:10.2147/CCID.S286411Rapin L, Gamaoun R, El Hage C, et al.Cannabidiol use and effectiveness: real-world evidence from a canadian medical cannabis clinic.J Cannabis Res. 2021;3(1):19. doi:10.1186/s42238-021-00078-wMurillo-Rodríguez E, Sarro-Ramírez A, Sánchez D, et al.Potential effects of cannabidiol as a wake-promoting agent.Curr Neuropharmacol. 2014;12(3):269-272. doi:10.2174/1570159X11666131204235805Atalay S, Jarocka-Karpowicz I, Skrzydlewska E.Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol.Antioxidants (Basel). 2019;9(1):21. doi:10.3390/antiox9010021MedlinePlus.Hyperthyroidism.Garza-Cervantes JA, Ramos-González M, Lozano O, et al.Therapeutic applications of cannabinoids in cardiomyopathy and heart failure.Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2020;2020:4587024. doi:10.1155/2020/4587024MedlinePlus.Hypothyroidism.Mlost J, Bryk M, Starowicz K.Cannabidiol for pain treatment: focus on pharmacology and mechanism of action.Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(22):8870. doi:10.3390/ijms21228870American Thyroid Association.Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.Seltzer ES, Watters AK, MacKenzie D Jr, et al.Cannabidiol (CBD) as a promising anti-cancer drug.Cancers (Basel). 2020;12(11):3203. doi:10.3390/cancers12113203Lakiotaki E, Giaginis C, Tolia M, et al.Clinical significance of cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 expression in human malignant and benign thyroid lesions.Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:839403. doi:10.1155/2015/839403O’Brien K.Cannabidiol (CBD) in cancer management.Cancers. 2022;4(4):885. doi:10.3390/cancers14040885MedlinePlus.Cannabidiol (CBD).Kocis PT, Vrana KE.Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol drug-drug interactions.Med Cannabis Cannabinoids. 2020;3(1):61-73. doi:10.1159/000507998Larsen C, Shahinas J.Dosage, efficacy and safety of cannabidiol administration in adults: a systematic review of human trials.J Clin Med Res. 2020;12(3):129-141. doi:10.14740/jocmr4090U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA regulation of cannabis and cannabis-derived products, including cannabidiol (CBD).
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Cannabis (marijuana) and cannabinoids: what you need to know.Trivedi MK, Mondal S, Jana S.Cannabidiol improves thyroid function via modulating vitamin D3 receptor in vitamin D3 deficiency diet-induced rat model.J Food Sci Technol. 2022;59(8):3237-3244. doi:10.1007/s13197-022-05492-3Atalay S, Jarocka-Karpowicz I, Skrzydlewska E.Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol.Antioxidants (Basel). 2019;9(1):21. doi:10.3390/antiox9010021Bryant LM, Daniels KE, Cognetti DM, et al.Therapeutic cannabis and endocannabinoid signaling system modulator use in otolaryngology patients.Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. 2018;3(3):169-177. doi:10.1002/lio2.154Lu HC, Mackie K.An introduction to the endogenous cannabinoid system.Biol Psychiatry. 2016;79(7):516-525. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.07.028Hillard CJ.Endocannabinoids and the endocrine system in health and disease.Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2015;231:317-339. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-20825-1_11Ben-Cnaan E, Permyakova A, Azar S, et al.The metabolic efficacy of a cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) derivative in treating diet- and genetic-induced obesity.Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(10):5610. doi:10.3390/ijms23105610Boyaji S, Merkow J, Elman RNM, et al.The role of cannabidiol (CBD) in chronic pain management: an assessment of current evidence.Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2020;24(2):4. doi:10.1007/s11916-020-0835-4Baswan SM, Klosner AE, Glynn K, et al.Therapeutic potential of cannabidiol (CBD) for skin health and disorders.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020;13:927-942. doi:10.2147/CCID.S286411Rapin L, Gamaoun R, El Hage C, et al.Cannabidiol use and effectiveness: real-world evidence from a canadian medical cannabis clinic.J Cannabis Res. 2021;3(1):19. doi:10.1186/s42238-021-00078-wMurillo-Rodríguez E, Sarro-Ramírez A, Sánchez D, et al.Potential effects of cannabidiol as a wake-promoting agent.Curr Neuropharmacol. 2014;12(3):269-272. doi:10.2174/1570159X11666131204235805Atalay S, Jarocka-Karpowicz I, Skrzydlewska E.Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol.Antioxidants (Basel). 2019;9(1):21. doi:10.3390/antiox9010021MedlinePlus.Hyperthyroidism.Garza-Cervantes JA, Ramos-González M, Lozano O, et al.Therapeutic applications of cannabinoids in cardiomyopathy and heart failure.Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2020;2020:4587024. doi:10.1155/2020/4587024MedlinePlus.Hypothyroidism.Mlost J, Bryk M, Starowicz K.Cannabidiol for pain treatment: focus on pharmacology and mechanism of action.Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(22):8870. doi:10.3390/ijms21228870American Thyroid Association.Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.Seltzer ES, Watters AK, MacKenzie D Jr, et al.Cannabidiol (CBD) as a promising anti-cancer drug.Cancers (Basel). 2020;12(11):3203. doi:10.3390/cancers12113203Lakiotaki E, Giaginis C, Tolia M, et al.Clinical significance of cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 expression in human malignant and benign thyroid lesions.Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:839403. doi:10.1155/2015/839403O’Brien K.Cannabidiol (CBD) in cancer management.Cancers. 2022;4(4):885. doi:10.3390/cancers14040885MedlinePlus.Cannabidiol (CBD).Kocis PT, Vrana KE.Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol drug-drug interactions.Med Cannabis Cannabinoids. 2020;3(1):61-73. doi:10.1159/000507998Larsen C, Shahinas J.Dosage, efficacy and safety of cannabidiol administration in adults: a systematic review of human trials.J Clin Med Res. 2020;12(3):129-141. doi:10.14740/jocmr4090U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA regulation of cannabis and cannabis-derived products, including cannabidiol (CBD).
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Cannabis (marijuana) and cannabinoids: what you need to know.
Trivedi MK, Mondal S, Jana S.Cannabidiol improves thyroid function via modulating vitamin D3 receptor in vitamin D3 deficiency diet-induced rat model.J Food Sci Technol. 2022;59(8):3237-3244. doi:10.1007/s13197-022-05492-3
Atalay S, Jarocka-Karpowicz I, Skrzydlewska E.Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol.Antioxidants (Basel). 2019;9(1):21. doi:10.3390/antiox9010021
Bryant LM, Daniels KE, Cognetti DM, et al.Therapeutic cannabis and endocannabinoid signaling system modulator use in otolaryngology patients.Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. 2018;3(3):169-177. doi:10.1002/lio2.154
Lu HC, Mackie K.An introduction to the endogenous cannabinoid system.Biol Psychiatry. 2016;79(7):516-525. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2015.07.028
Hillard CJ.Endocannabinoids and the endocrine system in health and disease.Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2015;231:317-339. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-20825-1_11
Ben-Cnaan E, Permyakova A, Azar S, et al.The metabolic efficacy of a cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) derivative in treating diet- and genetic-induced obesity.Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(10):5610. doi:10.3390/ijms23105610
Boyaji S, Merkow J, Elman RNM, et al.The role of cannabidiol (CBD) in chronic pain management: an assessment of current evidence.Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2020;24(2):4. doi:10.1007/s11916-020-0835-4
Baswan SM, Klosner AE, Glynn K, et al.Therapeutic potential of cannabidiol (CBD) for skin health and disorders.Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020;13:927-942. doi:10.2147/CCID.S286411
Rapin L, Gamaoun R, El Hage C, et al.Cannabidiol use and effectiveness: real-world evidence from a canadian medical cannabis clinic.J Cannabis Res. 2021;3(1):19. doi:10.1186/s42238-021-00078-w
Murillo-Rodríguez E, Sarro-Ramírez A, Sánchez D, et al.Potential effects of cannabidiol as a wake-promoting agent.Curr Neuropharmacol. 2014;12(3):269-272. doi:10.2174/1570159X11666131204235805
MedlinePlus.Hyperthyroidism.
Garza-Cervantes JA, Ramos-González M, Lozano O, et al.Therapeutic applications of cannabinoids in cardiomyopathy and heart failure.Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2020;2020:4587024. doi:10.1155/2020/4587024
MedlinePlus.Hypothyroidism.
Mlost J, Bryk M, Starowicz K.Cannabidiol for pain treatment: focus on pharmacology and mechanism of action.Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(22):8870. doi:10.3390/ijms21228870
American Thyroid Association.Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Seltzer ES, Watters AK, MacKenzie D Jr, et al.Cannabidiol (CBD) as a promising anti-cancer drug.Cancers (Basel). 2020;12(11):3203. doi:10.3390/cancers12113203
Lakiotaki E, Giaginis C, Tolia M, et al.Clinical significance of cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 expression in human malignant and benign thyroid lesions.Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:839403. doi:10.1155/2015/839403
O’Brien K.Cannabidiol (CBD) in cancer management.Cancers. 2022;4(4):885. doi:10.3390/cancers14040885
MedlinePlus.Cannabidiol (CBD).
Kocis PT, Vrana KE.Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol drug-drug interactions.Med Cannabis Cannabinoids. 2020;3(1):61-73. doi:10.1159/000507998
Larsen C, Shahinas J.Dosage, efficacy and safety of cannabidiol administration in adults: a systematic review of human trials.J Clin Med Res. 2020;12(3):129-141. doi:10.14740/jocmr4090
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