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Does CBD Cause Diarrhea? Causes, Prevention, and Safety Tips
Does CBD Cause Diarrhea?
CBD is often described as “gentle,” but digestive side effects are one of the most common complaints people report, especially when they raise their dose quickly or switch product types. So the question is fair and common: Does CBD cause diarrhea?
For some people, yes. Diarrhea has been reported as a side effect in clinical research on pharmaceutical CBD and in real-world use of over-the-counter products. The bigger story is that diarrhea is often related to dose, formulation, and additives, rather than just to CBD itself.
This article breaks down the most likely reasons CBD can trigger diarrhea, how to reduce the chances it happens to you, and when symptoms should be taken seriously.
Quick answer
- CBD can cause diarrhea, particularly at higher doses.
- Many cases are triggered or worsened by carrier oils (like MCT), sugar alcohols, flavoring additives, or dose changes.
- People with sensitive digestion or IBS may notice effects more quickly, and results can vary widely person to person.
Why CBD can cause diarrhea
There are a few standard mechanisms. Sometimes more than one is happening at once.
1) The dose is too high for your system
Dose is one of the most significant predictors of side effects. In clinical settings using prescription CBD, digestive issues, including diarrhea, show up more often at higher doses.
In everyday terms, if you jump from a small amount to a large amount, your gut may respond with urgency, loose stools, or cramping.
2) The carrier oil is the real culprit (especially MCT oil)
Many CBD oils are not “pure CBD.” They are CBD plus a carrier oil. Some people tolerate olive oil or hemp seed oil well, while MCT oil (often derived from coconut) can cause loose stools in people who are sensitive to it, especially when new to it or using larger amounts.
If your CBD oil uses MCT and you notice diarrhea soon after starting, switching to a different carrier oil can make a big difference.
3) Gummies can include sugar alcohols or sweeteners that cause GI upset
CBD gummies often contain ingredients that can trigger diarrhea in sensitive people, such as:
- sugar alcohols (like sorbitol or maltitol)
- certain fibers or sugar substitutes
- high levels of acids or flavoring compounds
Even if CBD is not the leading cause, the gummy base can be.
4) You started taking CBD on an empty stomach
Some people do better when CBD is taken with a small meal or snack. Taking it on an empty stomach can increase the chance of nausea or loose stools, depending on the product and your sensitivity.
5) You changed products or brands (same “mg,” different formula)
Two products that both say “25 mg” can still affect you differently because of:
- different carrier oils
- different minor cannabinoids or terpenes
- different sweeteners and flavor systems
- Inconsistent labeling in the supplement market
If you switch brands and suddenly get diarrhea, the formula change is a strong suspect.
6) You already have a sensitive gut (IBS, food intolerance, stress)
IBS and stress-related gut symptoms can flare for many reasons. Some people try CBD hoping it will help gut discomfort, but research is still limited, and outcomes vary. If you already have IBS, CBD might feel neutral, helpful, or irritating depending on your baseline symptoms and product choice.
Signs your diarrhea is likely CBD-related
While only a clinician can diagnose causes, these patterns are common when CBD is involved:
- Symptoms start within a day or two of beginning CBD, increasing dose, or switching products.
- Diarrhea improves when you reduce the dose or stop.
- Symptoms return when you restart at the same dose.
- You notice a direct pattern with MCT-based oils or sure gummies.
How to prevent CBD diarrhea (practical steps that usually help)
1) Lower your dose and increase slowly
If you think CBD is triggering diarrhea, the most straightforward fix is often reducing the dose. Many people do better with a smaller amount, then gradually increasing only if needed.
2) Take CBD with food
A light meal or snack can help reduce digestive upset for some people, especially when taking oils or capsules.
3) Check the label for MCT oil and consider switching carriers
If your oil lists MCT, try a product that uses:
- hemp seed oil
- olive oil
-
avocado oil
People often tolerate these differently.
If MCT oil is your preferred carrier, choose a higher-potency CBD oil so you can take a smaller serving and consume less MCT.
See our recommendations below:
- 10,000 mg CBD Oil (300 mg per ml, 75 mg per 1/4 ml)
- 10,000mg CBG Oil (300mg per ml, 75mg per 1/4 ml)
4) Look for cleaner gummies
If gummies are the trigger, try options that avoid:
- sugar alcohols
- very high sweetener loads
-
heavy artificial flavor systems
A simple ingredient list is often easier on the gut.
5) Split the dose
Instead of one large serving, split it into smaller portions throughout the day. This can reduce GI intensity for some people.
6) Avoid stacking CBD with other gut irritants
On days you are testing CBD tolerance, consider limiting:
- alcohol
- very spicy food
- large fatty meals
-
high caffeine
This helps you identify what is really causing the problem.
When diarrhea is a sign to stop and talk to a clinician
Stop using the product and get medical advice if you have:
- diarrhea lasting more than 2 to 3 days without improvement
- blood in stool, black stools, or severe abdominal pain
- fever, signs of dehydration, or dizziness
- a history of liver disease, or you take medications that could interact
- severe symptoms after adding CBD to an existing medication routine
Medication interactions matter
CBD can interact with medications, and some interactions can increase side effects. If you take prescriptions regularly, it is worth asking a pharmacist or clinician before using CBD consistently, especially at higher doses.
Bottom line
Yes, CBD can cause diarrhea, and it is more common at higher doses. But many cases come down to formulation details, such as MCT oil, sweeteners, and rapid dose increases. If CBD upsets your stomach, a lower dose, taking it with food, or switching to a cleaner formula often resolves the issue. If symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by red-flag signs, stop use and get medical guidance.
References
- U.S. FDA consumer update: products containing cannabis/CBD, including GI distress like diarrhea
- NCCIH: cannabis and cannabinoids overview, CBD side effects, and drug interactions
- FDA prescribing information (Epidiolex): diarrhea listed among common adverse reactions
- Systematic review of RCTs (2020–2022): diarrhea and GI symptoms reported with oral CBD
- Systematic review (2020): adverse effects of cannabidiol, including diarrhea
- Frontiers in Pharmacology (2020): clinical trial adverse effects with CBD, including diarrhea
- SAMHSA advisory: potential harms and interactions with CBD products
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