Can you overdose on CBD? Understanding Safety & Dosage

CBD’s popularity as a natural remedy has probably left you wondering can you overdose on CBD? The short answer to this is no – you can’t overdose on CBD in the traditional sense. CBD by nature is extremely well tolerated.

With that said, it is imperative to understand the effects of taking CBD at high doses and what happens when you consume more than recommended. In this article we’ll look at the difference between CBD and traditional pharmeceuticals and whether you can overdose on CBD. Additionally we’ll discuss what happens when you take too much and how to discover the optimal CBD dose for you.

Safety Profile of CBD

Overall CBD is extremely well tolerated. Even the World Health Organisation have famously stated “CBD is generally well tolerated, with a good safety profile.” In fact there have been no fatal overdoses of CBD ever recorded to date. Moreover studies and many practices in the US have shown very high doses appear not to be toxic to humans.

However that doesn’t mean you won’t experience side effects at higher doses. Nor should you consume large amounts without considering your individual health factors.

CBD vs Pharmaceuticals

When you think of taking medications and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals you typically think of the risk of overdose. In fact a standardised dosage is usually discovered for these drugs, through clinical trials. CBD is slightly different from this however as it is not approved as a medicine here in the UK but rather as a food supplement.

The CBD found in most products across Europe is made from the hemp plant using natural extraction techniques. The resulting extract is then suspended in a carrier oil to create CBD oil or added to other products such as CBD skincare products or CBD vaping products and their various iterations.

Prescription medication, on the other hand, is typically made from synthetic petroleum-based ingredients. They are specifically designed to target receptors in the body to create a desired effect. These medications usually come as a tablet or some kind of syrup for oral use.

As CBD products are sold over the counter as food supplements, you do not require a prescription to use them. They are not considered medications and are regulated by the FSA as opposed to the MHRA.

Additionally the main difference between CBD and pharmaceuticals lies in how much you can take. With many pharmaceuticals, such as opioids for example, an overdose can be fatal whereas with CBD overdosing is not fatal. However it may cause minor side effects.

What happens if you take too much CBD?

While it’s unlikely that you’ll experience an overdose on CBD, taking too much may still lead to some unpleasant side effects. Therefore if you’re a novice, it’s a good idea to figure out the right does for your CBD needs.

It is also important to note that each form of CBD has a different bioavailability and with most CBD products it is unlikely that you will ever take too much. With potent products for experienced users, such as CBD concentrates, however it is a little easier to take too much. In the unlikely event that you do overdose on CBD you may experience some of the below symptoms:

• Drowiness or Fatigue: Large doses of CBD may cause you to feel excessively tired or lethargic
• Diarrhea: Digestive issues may also arise at high doses
• Changes in Appetite: Depending on your individual needs, CBD may increase or decrese your appetite
• Dry Mouth: Additionally some people report dry mouth as a minor side effect
• Low Blood Pressure: Finally, in rare cases, high doses of CBD can cause a temporary drop in blood pressure.

In the case of diarrhea, this is more likely to come from eating too many CBD edibles and can be avoided by lowering the dose or trying a different CBD product.

Finding the right CBD dosage

CBD interacts with your endocannabinoid system which is different for each of us. Due to this it’s important to consider a number of factors to discover the right dose of CBD for you.

• Start Low and Go Slow: Begin with a small dose of 10mg – 20mg and gradually increase the dose, as required, until you achieve desired effects.
• Consider your Body Composition: Heavier individuals are likely to require higher doses, while those with a lower body mass may find smaller doses more effective.
• Legislate for your Form of CBD: Full spectrum, broad spectrum and CBD isolate products contain a vastly different amount of active constituents and can therefore affect you differently. Choose a form of CBD best suited for your needs
• Route of Administration: Finally how you consume CBD, whether as an oil, capsule, drink or topical will affect how much your body absorbs and how its processed.
• Check the label: Most CBD products come with the manufacturer’s recommendations on the label, follow these for best results.

Consider the above factors when dosing CBD and you’ll discover your optimal dose in no time!

What should you do if you take too much CBD?

Should you happen to suffer any of the above side effects after taking a large dose of CBD, don’t panic. These side effects are typically mid and temporary. To ease symptoms consider:

• Drinking water
• Resting
• Waiting it out

Can CBD interact with other medications

Additionally, while there have been no reports of any fatal overdoses from CBD you can experience drug interactions if you are taking other medication. This is the case particularly if the medication is metabolised by the liver’s cytochrome P450 enzyme system.

Moreover if you’re taking blood thinners, heart medication or another prescription medication that you have concerns please speak to your health practicioner before using CBD, especially in high doses.

Can you overdose on CBD? The Bottom Line

All told, you can not overdose on CBD in the traditional sense. However taking too much may lead to some temporary side effects. The key to safe consumption lies in patient dosing and consulting a healthcare professional if you are using other medications. Ultimately by understanding how your body reacts to CBD and finding the right dosage, you can enjoy its many benefits without worry.

Want to know more about CBD?

If you’ve enjoyed this article on ‘can you overdose on CBD’ you may like to read more about CBD usage. Here are some of our most popular posts on Using CBD.

• 5 Life-Changing Benefits of CBD for Seniors
• Can You Take CBD on a Plane in the UK? Our Travel Guide
• Can You Drive on CBD in the UK?
• How to Vape CBD: The Ultimate Guide

Alternatively check out our other blog categories to learn all about – Buying CBD | Learning CBD

Any questions?

We would love to help if you have any questions around this topic. Let us know by dropping us an email or comment on one of our social channels. We will endeavour to get back to you asap but while you wait the answer to your query may lie in our CBD FAQs.

Don’t miss a thing

Stay up to date with everything CBD by following us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or YouTube. Or why not subscribe to our newsletter to receive monthly CBD tips and offers?