Last updated: September 2026.
The short answer
CBD gummies are well tolerated by most healthy adults. When side effects happen, they are usually mild: tiredness, a dry mouth, an upset stomach or loose stools, and changes in appetite. They are more likely at higher amounts. The more important risks are interactions with medication, and gummies that contain THC or far more (or less) CBD than the label says, which is why a lab report matters.
Possible side effects of CBD gummies
- Tiredness or drowsiness. The most common one. If a gummy makes you sleepy during the day, take it in the evening instead.
- Dry mouth. Keep water nearby.
- Upset stomach, loose stools or nausea. More common at higher amounts. Taking gummies with food usually helps.
- Changes in appetite. Some people feel a little more or less hungry.
- Light-headedness. CBD can slightly lower blood pressure in some people. Stand up slowly if you notice it.
In clinical trials, these effects were mostly seen at doses far higher than you would get from gummies (hundreds of milligrams a day, compared with 15 to 30mg from one or two of our gummies) (Huestis et al., 2019). If you notice any side effect, reduce the amount or stop.
Side effects that come from the gummy, not the CBD
- Sugar. Most gummies contain some sugar, so check the label and keep this in mind if you are watching your sugar intake or have diabetes.
- Gelatine. Our gummies contain gelatine, so they are not suitable for vegans or vegetarians.
- Sore throat or mouth irritation. Occasionally reported with sour or citric-acid coatings. Try a different flavour or brand, or switch to oil or capsules.
- Allergies. Always check the ingredients list for anything you react to.
Who should be careful with CBD gummies?
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking CBD gummies if you:
- Take any regular medication, especially blood thinners such as warfarin, epilepsy medicines, antidepressants, sedatives or sleeping tablets. CBD is processed by the same liver enzymes (CYP450) as many medicines. See does CBD oil affect blood clotting?
- Have a liver condition
- Are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding
- Are under 18
Keep gummies out of reach of children and pets: they look and taste like sweets.
Can CBD gummies get you high?
No. CBD does not cause a high. Gummies that do are THC gummies, which are illegal in Ireland and are not what we sell. Our gummies are THC-free, confirmed by an independent lab report on the product page.
Can you take too many CBD gummies?
Taking more than the label suggests makes side effects like drowsiness and stomach upset more likely. Stick to the suggested amount; most people take 1 or 2 a day. Our CBD gummies dosage guide explains how to find yours.
How CBD can interact with medication
The most important thing to know about CBD safety has nothing to do with the gummy itself. It is about the other things you take. Your liver breaks down many medicines using a family of enzymes called cytochrome P450 (often shortened to CYP450). CBD can slow down some of these enzymes. When that happens, another medicine can stay in your body for longer or at a higher level than your doctor intended.
This is the same reason some medicines carry a warning not to take them with grapefruit juice. If any of your medicines has that warning, treat it as a signal to ask before adding CBD. Medicines where extra care is needed include:
- blood thinners such as warfarin
- some medicines for epilepsy
- some antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines
- sedatives and sleeping tablets
- some heart and blood pressure medicines
- immunosuppressants taken after a transplant
This list is not complete. The simple rule is: if you take any prescription medicine, bring the gummy tub to your GP or pharmacist and ask before you start. They can check your exact medicines in a couple of minutes.
What the big safety reviews say
In 2018 the World Health Organization’s Expert Committee on Drug Dependence reviewed the evidence on CBD. It concluded that CBD is generally well tolerated with a good safety profile, and that it shows no signs of abuse or dependence potential in humans. That is why CBD is not treated as a controlled drug in Ireland, the UK or the EU.
It is also worth knowing where most of the reported side effects come from. Much of the published data comes from clinical trials of a prescription CBD medicine, in which people took very large amounts every day for serious conditions. Those amounts are many times higher than the CBD in a single gummy, and the people taking part were often on several other medicines at the same time.
CBD and the liver
In those high-dose clinical trials, some people had raised liver enzymes on blood tests, which is a sign the liver is working harder. This was seen mostly at the highest doses and especially in people also taking a medicine called valproate. It is the reason doctors monitor liver tests when prescribing CBD as a medicine.
At the amounts found in a food supplement this is much less of a concern, but if you have a liver condition, drink heavily, or take other medicines that affect the liver, speak to your doctor before using CBD.
CBD gummies and driving
THC-free CBD does not make you high, and most people feel clear-headed on it. However, a small number of people feel drowsy, particularly when they first start or if they take gummies with alcohol. Before you drive or operate machinery, take a gummy on a day when you do not need to, and see how it affects you.
Garda roadside drug testing in Ireland checks for cannabis (THC), along with other drugs. CBD is not what the test looks for, but a product contaminated with THC could cause a problem. This is one more reason to choose a THC-free gummy with a lab report for the batch.
Signs of a poor-quality CBD gummy
Many reported side effects come from badly made or mislabelled products rather than from CBD itself. Independent testing of CBD products sold in Europe has repeatedly found items with less CBD than the label says, and some with THC that should not be there. Watch out for:
- no lab report, or a report that does not match the batch number on the tub
- no CBD amount per gummy, only a total for “hemp extract”
- very low prices compared with the amount of CBD claimed
- claims to cure, treat or prevent any illness
- names such as “cannabis gummies”, “THC”, “HHC” or “Delta-8”
- no company address or contact details
How to lower the chance of side effects
- Start with one gummy a day for the first week.
- Take it with food.
- Increase slowly, one change at a time.
- Take it in the evening if it makes you drowsy.
- Avoid alcohol around the time you take it. See CBD and alcohol.
- Buy only lab-tested gummies with a clear CBD amount per gummy.
CBD gummies vs CBD oil: pros and cons
Gummies: tasty, a set dose, easy on the go; slower to work (30 to 90 minutes), and usually contain sugar and gelatine. Oil: faster (15 to 45 minutes), easy to adjust drop by drop, no sugar; earthy taste. If sugar or gelatine is the issue, our CBD capsules or 10% CBD oil are good alternatives. Read more in are CBD gummies safe to take?
Where to buy CBD gummies in Ireland
Our CBD gummies contain 15mg of CBD each, 60 per tub, and are THC-free and independently lab tested. Orders placed before 2pm are dispatched the same working day for next-day delivery in Ireland.
Disclaimer: CBD is sold as a food supplement. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting a new supplement, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions
Can CBD gummies cause headaches?
A small number of people report a mild headache when they start. It is more often linked to taking more than you need, not drinking enough water, or other ingredients than to CBD itself. Go back to one gummy a day and see if it settles. If it does not, stop and speak to your GP or pharmacist.
Can CBD gummies upset your stomach?
Occasionally, yes. Mild stomach upset or loose stools are among the most reported side effects, usually at higher amounts. Taking your gummy with or after food and not doubling up usually helps.
Do CBD gummies make you tired?
Some people feel more relaxed or a little drowsy, especially in the first few days. If you notice this, take your gummy in the evening rather than in the morning, and do not drive until you know how it affects you.
Can I drink alcohol with CBD gummies?
It is best not to combine them. Both can make you feel drowsy, and together the effect can be stronger. If you do have a drink, keep it light and do not drive.
Can CBD gummies cause weight gain?
There is no good evidence that CBD itself causes weight gain. Each gummy does contain a small amount of sugar, so it is worth counting it as part of your diet, like any other sweet.
Is it safe to take CBD gummies every day?
Many of our customers take one or two gummies every day as part of their routine. Stick to the amount on the label, take a short break now and then if you like, and check with your GP or pharmacist first if you take any medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding.
What should I do if I get side effects?
Stop taking the gummies and let any effects settle. Most mild side effects pass within a few hours. If you feel unwell or have any concerns, contact your GP or pharmacist, and bring the product with you.
References
- Huestis, M.A. et al. (2019) “Cannabidiol adverse effects and toxicity.” Current Neuropharmacology
- Iffland, K. and Grotenhermen, F. (2017) “An update on safety and side effects of cannabidiol: a review of clinical data and relevant animal studies.” Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research