Adults only (18+)

This article examines whether cannabidiol (CBD) oil can help relieve nausea, offering a UK-centred, balanced overview of the science, regulation and practicalities. It is written for adults living in the UK who are experiencing nausea related to various causes, as well as for healthcare professionals seeking a clear summary of current evidence. The aim is to present accurate, up-to-date information so that readers can make informed decisions rather than simply rely on marketing claims.

Understanding nausea and what causes it

Nausea is a common and distressing symptom that can arise in many situations. It may occur in the context of chemotherapy, motion sickness, gastrointestinal disorders, pregnancy, migraine, or as a side effect of medications. The sensation of nausea often precedes vomiting and involves a complex interplay between the brain, gut and nervous system.

Physiological triggers include activation of the vomiting centre in the brainstem, stimulation of the vagus nerve, release of pro-inflammatory mediators, changes in gut motility, and neurotransmitter signalling such as serotonin. In conditions like chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), standard antiemetic drugs are used but they are not always fully effective, leading some people to explore complementary or adjunctive options including CBD oil.

What is CBD and how might it impact nausea

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound derived from the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce a “high”. CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS) which has roles in regulating appetite, nausea and vomiting, among other physiological processes. In addition to the ECS, CBD may influence serotonin receptors (such as 5-HT1A), transient receptor potential channels (TRPV1) and other neuronal circuits implicated in nausea signalling. Pre-clinical studies suggest that CBD may reduce neuronal excitability in the brainstem regions responsible for vomiting and may dampen inflammatory signalling in the gut. For example, a review from 2011 noted that cannabinoids, including CBD in animal models, showed potential in the regulation of nausea and vomiting.  These mechanistic links provide a rationale for investigating CBD oil for nausea relief, but it is important to emphasise that plausibility does not equate to established therapeutic effect in humans.

The evidence base: where we stand today

When reviewing the available research on CBD for nausea relief it is clear that the evidence is still early and limited in humans. Many of the studies focus on mixed cannabinoids (CBD combined with THC) or animal models rather than isolated CBD in controlled trials.

For example, guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) on cannabis-based medicinal products notes research gaps in treatment of intractable nausea and vomiting, including chemotherapy-induced nausea, for products containing CBD only or in combination. More recently, a 2024 clinical study reported that an oral extract containing THC and CBD improved nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy patients when used alongside standard antiemetics, although that product was not CBD alone.

 In practice this means that while there is some clinical data supporting cannabis-based products for nausea, the specific role of CBD alone is much less defined.

Observational and anecdotal reports suggest that some individuals using over-the-counter CBD products believe they experience relief from nausea, but these reports lack rigorous control and often do not isolate the variable of CBD. For instance, one UK wellness article pointed to recent studies indicating CBD may help regulate serotonin receptors and spasms in the gut as means to potentially reduce nausea.

Whilst these observations are interesting, they do not replace well-designed human trials.

Interpretation of results: effect size and variability

Given the current state of research, what can a person realistically expect if using CBD oil for nausea? The key points are that if benefit occurs it is likely to be modest, highly individual, and most credible when used as an adjunct rather than primary treatment. In chemotherapy settings and other severe nausea causes the strongest evidence is for products combining THC and CBD or other cannabinoids, which complicates attribution to CBD alone. In more routine scenarios of nausea (for example motion sickness or post-viral nausea) controlled human data is scarce. Users who experience any benefit may report reduced frequency or severity of nausea episodes, improved tolerance of triggers and possibly fewer vomiting events, but these effects will vary and cannot be predicted with confidence.

It is also worth noting that because nausea arises from diverse mechanisms (gut irritation, vestibular dysfunction, chemotherapy toxicity, medication side-effects), the effectiveness of CBD may differ depending on the underlying cause. In causes where serotonin or inflammation pathways dominate, CBD’s theoretical mechanisms may be more relevant; in other causes the impact may be minimal.

Regulation, safety and quality in the UK context

From a UK regulatory standpoint CBD oils sold over the counter are classed as food supplements (provided they comply with novel foods legislation) rather than licensed medicines for nausea relief or antiemetic use. This means they are not approved for the treatment of nausea, and any product making such claims would fall outside regulatory approval. Quality variation among retail CBD products is significant, with some analyses revealing inaccurate CBD content, undeclared THC levels, or contaminants. Choosing a high-quality product with third-party testing and clear labelling is critical.

Safety is generally favourable but not risk-free. Side-effects of CBD may include fatigue, gastrointestinal upset, changes in appetite, and in some cases changes in liver enzyme levels (notably in high-dose medicinal contexts). Drug-interactions are also possible, especially with medications metabolised by liver enzymes. If nausea is medication-induced (for example chemotherapy, anti-viral drugs, or strong analgesics) then interaction risks must be managed with clinical oversight.

It is also important to consider that if nausea is persistent, unexplained or severe, medical evaluation is essential. Using CBD oil as a sole strategy without professional oversight may delay appropriate treatment of underlying causes.

Potential use cases and typical administration

While the evidence remains limited, there are scenarios in which individuals may consider CBD oil for nausea relief, under cautious and informed conditions. These include ancillary use in chemotherapy protocols (where authorised medicinal cannabis is available), or in wellness contexts where nausea is mild, transient and related to factors such as stress, travel or diet. Administration may take the form of oral CBD oil drops taken sublingually (which allows faster absorption) or capsules. It is advisable to start with a low dose, monitor response over several days, and adjust gradual upward only if needed and tolerated.

Because nausea often involves gut and brain signalling, the timing of dosing may matter. Some users may take CBD shortly before or as nausea triggers arise (such as travel or chemotherapy session) but there is no robust dosing guideline for CBD in nausea relief. It is also worth noting that other lifestyle, dietary and pharmacological measures remain primary: ensuring hydration, avoiding known triggers, adopting anti-emetic medications where appropriate, and addressing underlying health issues remain central.

Pros and cons: weighing benefits and limitations

Among the potential benefits of CBD oil for nausea are its non-intoxicating nature, accessibility in UK wellness markets, relatively good tolerability and plausible mechanistic links to nausea pathways (e.g. serotonin, endocannabinoid system). For individuals seeking adjunctive relief and comfortable with realistic expectations, CBD may offer support.

However the limitations are substantial. The human evidence for CBD alone in nausea relief is weak and inconsistent. The effect size is likely to be modest. Using a non-licensed product for nausea may involve reliance on variable-quality oils, potential drug interactions, and costs without guarantee of benefit. There is also the risk of substituting or delaying proven nausea treatments. Overreliance on CBD may lead to missed underlying pathology.

Comparison with conventional anti-nausea treatments and alternatives

Standard anti-nausea (antiemetic) treatments include medications such as ondansetron, metoclopramide, prochlorperazine, and if needed, cannabinol or THC-containing medicinal cannabis under specialist supervision. In those settings evidence is strong and dosing guides are established. In contrast, CBD oil sits outside the core evidence base, and should be treated as a supplementary rather than replacement option.

For mild nausea associated with diet, travel, anxiety or minor side-effects, other non-pharmacological strategies (hydration, ginger, small frequent meals, avoidance of strong smells, controlled breathing, anti-motion sickness wristbands) may be tried first. CBD oil may be introduced once foundational measures are in place, recognising that it is complementary rather than primary.

Questions and misconceptions addressed

One common question is whether CBD oil will “stop nausea immediately.” The realistic answer is that for most people the effect if present will be gradual and subtle rather than instant. Another misconception is that all CBD oils are equivalent. In fact, concentration, carrier oil, absorption method and third-party testing vary widely, affecting effect and reliability. Some people assume that since CBD is “natural,” it must be safe for any type of nausea. That is not correct: nausea arising from serious causes (such as cancer, internal bleeding, severe medication side-effects) requires medical diagnosis and treatment.

A further misunderstanding is that CBD is proven to treat nausea at present the evidence is insufficient for broad claims and should be viewed cautiously.

Practical guidance for those considering CBD oil for nausea

If you are considering CBD oil for nausea relief in the UK, start by speaking with your doctor or specialist, especially if you are undergoing treatments (such as chemotherapy) or taking medication. Use a high-quality CBD oil product with third-party testing, minimal THC, and clear dosing instructions. Begin with a low dose, record your nausea frequency and severity, monitor any side-effects or interactions, and review after a few weeks whether any meaningful improvement has occurred.

Continue to prioritise conventional anti-nausea strategies including medical oversight, triggers avoidance, hydration and lifestyle support. Be alert to any deterioration in symptoms and seek medical review. Maintain realistic expectations: CBD may help for some individuals in certain contexts, but it is not a universal remedy.

Conclusion

In summary, the science around CBD oil and nausea relief presents a picture of promise tempered by caution. Mechanistic studies show that CBD has plausible effects on the endocannabinoid system, serotonin receptors and inflammation, all of which are implicated in nausea.

Yet human clinical evidence for CBD alone in nausea relief is limited, and the most robust evidence covers cannabinoid mixtures or THC-containing preparations. For UK users, CBD oil remains a non-licensed wellness product rather than a medical anti-nausea therapy. If considered, it should be used thoughtfully, integrated into larger nausea management strategies, and under professional advice when relevant.

Further high-quality research is needed to clarify optimal dosing, formulation, and target populations. For now, CBD may offer some people adjunctive support for nausea relief, but with clear awareness of its limitations and the importance of conventional care.