CBD (cannabidiol) is known for its therapeutic effects and is usually considered safe.
But can you take too much CBD?
While CBD is not lethal at a high dose, consuming large amounts may cause an adverse reaction.
So how much is too much CBD?
Let’s find out.
We’ll also discuss what to do if you overdose on CBD, three best practices when taking CBD, and five FAQs on CBD dosage.
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Can You Overdose on CBD?
Yes, you can overdose on CBD — but not in the sense you may be thinking.
What do we mean?
The effects of taking too much CBD are not life-threatening or severely harmful.
According to the World Health Organization, CBD has low toxicity.
So it’s generally safe to consume.
Still, taking a large dose may produce adverse side effects. (More on the side effects later.)
How Much CBD Is Too Much?
The UK’s FSA recommends taking no more than 70mg CBD daily.
You can exceed this CBD dose if recommended by a medical professional.
And while your body may be able to handle a CBD dose of up to 1500mg daily, it’s best to stick to the recommended CBD dosage.
We know what you’re thinking…
What Is the Recommended CBD Dosage?
Look:
There is no fixed CBD dosage that works for everyone.
How much CBD you need depends on your body weight, metabolism, and other factors.
GreenBox recommends:
Start with around 20-25mg daily if you’re taking CBD for the first time. Then, slowly increase to a higher dose as needed.
Psst… Check out our CBD dosage chart for a suitable starting dose based on your body weight.
What Happens if You Take Too Much CBD?
As we mentioned earlier, taking too much CBD (for instance, a high dose of 100mg/daily) may cause negative side effects like:
- Drowsiness
- Gastrointestinal issues (diarrhoea)
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Mood changes
Don’t worry!
As long as you stay within the recommended dose of CBD, it’s unlikely that you will experience any adverse reaction.
Can Too Much CBD Be Lethal?
According to the US FDA, there is no documented lethal dose of CBD.
So even if taken in a very large dose, CBD may not cause a fatal overdose.
Took Too Much CBD? Here is What You Need to Know
Here’s how you could alleviate the adverse effects of a CBD overdose:
- Dry mouth: Drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated.
- Drowsiness: Resting or taking a nap are the best options. Be cautious of consuming caffeine to combat drowsiness, as this may worsen any potential stomach issues.
- Gastrointestinal issues: This is not a common side effect of a CBD overdose. But if you experience it, try over-the-counter medications such as Imodium or Pepto-Bismol.
- Nausea: To control nausea, drink cold beverages, eat light foods, and avoid activity after eating.
- Mood changes: CBD may reduce anxiety in normal doses. But high doses of CBD may have the opposite effect. Try deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and exercise to reduce anxiety.
How Long Does It Take for the Effects of CBD to Wear Off?
CBD’s effects may last for some days up to a few weeks.
Various factors determine the exact duration:
- Amount of CBD consumed: A higher dose of CBD usually results in longer-lasting effects.
- Your metabolism: The faster the metabolism of the CBD user, the shorter the effects of CBD may last.
- Type of CBD product (CBD edibles, CBD oil, CBD cream): Here’s how long CBD’s effects may last depending on the product you use:
- CBD edibles (gummies, cookies, etc.): 6-8 hours
- CBD capsules: 6-8 hours
- Vaping CBD: 30 mins-1 hour
- CBD oil (sublingually): 2-4 hours
- CBD topicals (CBD cream): more than 1 hr, but CBD doesn’t enter the bloodstream
When to Seek Help
Taking too much CBD may not result in a fatal overdose.
However, seek medical assistance if a CBD user is:
- Unconscious
- Having a seizure
- Having difficulty breathing
Don’t have these symptoms but still worried about a potential CBD OD?
Consult a medical professional for further advice.
3 Best Practices When Taking CBD
Remember these three tips to avoid any adverse effects when taking CBD:
1. Understand the Different Types of CBD
There are three types of CBD:
- CBD isolate: CBD isolate contains only pure CBD. It has no THC or other cannabis plant compounds. THC is the cannabis plant compound that results in the “high” effect associated with marijuana.
- Broad spectrum CBD: Broad spectrum CBD products contain CBD and other cannabis compounds (cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids) but no THC. The additional compounds may enhance the effects of CBD (the entourage effect).
- Full-spectrum CBD: Full-spectrum CBD products contain CBD and other cannabis compounds, including small amounts of THC.
Since full-spectrum CBD products contain trace amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), they are illegal in the UK.
| Read more: While CBD oil and hemp oil are made from the hemp plant, they’re not the same. Find out all you need to know in our recent post about Hemp oil vs CBD oil. |
2. Determine the Right CBD Dose
Always start with a lower CBD dose (20-25mg per day) and slowly increase the amount until you feel the desired effect.
Some factors to consider here are:
- Body weight
- Desired effect
- Tolerance
- CBD type
- CBD product
3. Choose a Reputable CBD Brand
When looking for a high-quality CBD product, research the manufacturer’s brand.
Trustworthy companies offer a third-party lab report or Certificate of Analysis (CoA). These provide a transparent disclaimer about the product’s contents, including any contaminants.
Wondering which CBD products you should go for?
Here are some of the best CBD products to try:
CBD Dosage FAQ: 5 Common Questions
Here are the answers to five common questions about CBD dosage:
1. Is CBD Addictive?
CBD is not addictive as it has no intoxicating properties.
Provided the CBD product has no THC (like CBD isolate or broad spectrum CBD), you won’t experience any “high” feelings.
2. Can You Build a Tolerance to CBD?
It’s unclear whether you can build a tolerance to CBD.
While more research is needed, one study found that CBD protected nerve cells without the participants developing a tolerance.
The World Health Organization notes that CBD has no potential for drug abuse. This includes the ability to develop tolerance.
3. Can You Take CBD with Other Medication?
Avoid taking CBD with prescription medication as it may cause a drug interaction.
CBD can interact with several prescription medication types, increasing or decreasing their effects.
So if you’re on any medication, consult a healthcare professional before taking CBD to avoid an unwanted drug interaction.
4. Can You Overdose on THC?
Yes, you can overdose on THC.
A THC overdose is much more dangerous than a CBD overdose and may lead to THC toxicity.
The negative side effects related to a THC overdose include:
- Increased risk of heart attack
- Hypotension
- Panic/anxiety
- Muscle spasms
- Respiratory issues
- Poor memory function
- Delirium
| Important: Avoid any full-spectrum products as they contain THC and can result in failing a drug test. THC toxicity also poses several risks, including the potential for drug abuse. |
5. Can Pets Overdose on CBD?
Not many relevant animal studies focus on how CBD affects pets, including safe CBD dosages.
Plus, there aren’t any authorised CBD pet products in the UK.
We recommend these articles for further reading:
Stay Safe with CBD
To avoid a CBD overdose, determine your recommended dosage and stay within that.
Also, go for THC-free CBD products to avoid THC toxicity.
Want to get high-quality, THC-free CBD products?
Head to GreenBox for the best CBD gummies, capsules, oils, topicals, and sprays from trusted health and wellness brands in the UK.
