Norman Kremer
Norman Kremer
Norman Kremer

Norman Kremer is co-founder of Little Rick, an international hemp drinks brand focused on making it easier to relax in a fast-paced world through the use of cannabinoids.

Norman has a background in financial markets, but in recent years turned to entrepreneurship in cannabis & hemp. He writes about complexities of hemp regulation and formulations of food & drink in EU, UK & US.

Outside of work he has a strong sense of wanderlust. He loves to spend his free time travelling, scuba diving and experiencing other cultures. He has a love of entrepreneurship and admires people who put real time, thought and effort into their craft.

10 CBD Drink Side Effects

CBD drinks are meant to make life feel easier, not weird. Still, the first time you try one, your body can surprise you. Your mouth might go dry. You might feel a little too chilled. Or you might realise you had a coffee, no lunch, and then slammed a can like it was sparkling water.

Most CBD drink side effects are mild, short, and avoidable. They usually come down to dose, timing, and product quality. We will walk you through the 10 most common ones and how to “fix” them.

Quick Answer - Are CBD Drinks Safe?

Yes, CBD drinks are safe. Most healthy adults tolerate CBD beverages well when the dose is sensible and, of course, the drink is made well.

If the Food Standards Agency has approved the CBD as a Novel Food, you know it has passed safety review for use in food and drinks.

So, CBD drink side effects usually happen for three reasons:

  • You took more CBD than your body wants

  • You mixed it with other medications or alcohol

  • The CBD content on the label was not trustworthy

Our Little Rick CBD drinks are non-psychoactive, UK legal status compliant, and made to be consistent, with 32mg of full-spectrum CBD per can.

We are not your doctor, though. If you take other medications or have a health condition, have a quick chat with your GP or pharmacist first.

6 Most Common CBD Drink Side Effects

CBD drinks side effects infographic

The more you rush consuming CBD, the more your body complains. These are the most common CBD drink side effects:

Dry Mouth or Thirst

Close up portrait woman with hydrated skin

It feels like cotton mouth and constant thirst. It often shows up within an hour and fades in 1 to 3 hours.

  • Quick fix: Drink water, chew sugar-free gum, and ease off caffeine for the rest of the day.

Drowsiness or “Too Chilled”

CBD can calm your system. For some CBD users, that calm turns into sleepiness, especially after food. It can last a few hours.

  • Quick fix: sip earlier, lower your dose next time, and do not drive if you feel drowsy.

Light Headedness

Some people feel a brief floaty moment, often after standing up fast. This can link to relaxation and a small change in blood pressure. It usually passes within 15 to 60 minutes.

  • Quick fix: sit down, sip water, and have a small snack.

Upset Stomach or Nausea

Young female standing thinking pose casual shirt looking pensive front view

Upset stomach is not really that common, but it happens with higher doses or on an empty stomach. It often settles in 30 to 90 minutes.

  • Quick fix: take CBD with food, keep flavours simple, and avoid mixing with strong coffee.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is more dose-related. Sweeteners and flavourings can also play a part in cannabis beverages. It can last a few hours to a day.

  • Quick fix: lower the dose, hydrate, and avoid stacking other CBD products for 24 hours.

Changes in Appetite

CBD can shift appetite both ways. Some people snack more because they feel calmer. Others feel less hungry for a while. This tends to be mild and short.

  • Quick fix: keep meals steady and do not skip dinner.

4 Less Common or Rare Side Effects

Headache

Low angle view distraught man holding his head pain while sitting living room

Headaches often come from dehydration, caffeine, or flavourings. Still, some people report a mild headache after CBD beverages. It usually fades within 1 to 3 hours.

  • Quick fix: water first, then food, then rest.

Next Morning Grogginess

If you sip late, you might wake up foggy. This is more likely if you mixed CBD with alcoholic beverages or used other cannabis products the same day. It can linger into late morning.

  • Quick fix: move CBD earlier and keep nights simple.

Skin Flushing

A warm face or flushing is really, really rare. It can be a sensitivity to an ingredient, not CBD itself. It should pass within an hour.

  • Quick fix: stop, drink water, and wait. If you see hives, swelling, or breathing issues, seek urgent help.

Anxiety or Unease

Some take CBD to relieve anxiety, but human bodies are weird. A small group may feel jittery, often after too much CBD or after mixing with caffeine. It usually fades in 1 to 2 hours.

  • Quick fix: lower the dose, avoid stimulants, and slow your breathing.

Who Should Be Careful with CBD Drinks?

If you fall under at least one group here, stop!

  • Pregnant or breastfeeding people

  • Anyone under 18

  • Liver disease or liver issues

  • Taking prescription medications

  • Using sedating medicines

Medication Interactions (Important UK Safety Section)

CBD can affect liver enzymes that process medicines. The FDA approves a purified CBD medicine called Epidiolex for certain seizures, and its label warns about interactions and higher liver enzymes at higher doses.

Be cautious with:

  • Blood thinners

  • Anti-seizure medicines

  • Antidepressants

  • Heart medicines

Speak to your GP or pharmacist before taking CBD drinks daily.

How to Reduce Side Effects (Best Practices)

Little Rick CBD drinks vs others

Most side effects are avoidable with a few habits.

  • Start low, 5 to 10mg.

  • Do not stack products early.

  • Take CBD with food if sensitive.

  • Hydrate before and after.

  • Avoid mixing alcohol and CBD.

  • Choose lab tested cannabis infused beverages.

How Long Do CBD Drink Side Effects Last?

Most side effects last 30 minutes to a few hours. Drowsiness can last longer with higher doses, late timing, or mixing with alcohol. Food, caffeine, tolerance, and your digestive system all change the timing.

If symptoms are severe, unusual, or persistent, seek medical advice.

When to Stop and Get Medical Advice

General practitioner communicating with woman appointment doctor s office

Stop and get help if you notice:

  • Swelling, hives, or breathing trouble

  • Severe dizziness or fainting

  • Repeated vomiting or diarrhoea

  • Chest pain or collapse

  • Worrying medication reactions

FAQ

Are CBD drinks safe every day?

Often yes, at sensible doses. If you take medicines, speak to a healthcare professional first.

Can you drive after a CBD drink?

If you feel sleepy or lightheaded, do not drive. But, we have a full guide you can check about driving on CBD.

Are CBD drinks healthier than alcohol?

They can be a calmer swap than alcohol. You skip the hangover, but dose still matters.

What does CBD actually do to your body?

CBD mainly works through your endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate stress, sleep, and pain signals. Most people feel it as “calmer,” not “high”.

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