Can You Take Too Much CBD?

CBD is relatively mild in effects, and is considered a very safe supplement to experiment with dosing. However this doesn’t mean it is impossible to overdose. A CBD overdose looks different from other substances, never inducing panic or other life threatening effects. 

Regardless of how severe a CBD overdose might feel, it is important to be aware of the symptoms that could occur. In this article we will cover all the essential tips for identifying and remedying a cannabidiol (CBD) overdose so you can stay calm and use cannabidiol with ease. 

What is a high dose of CBD like?

There may be a number of reasons why you may want to try taking a higher dose of cannabidiol. It can be useful to take a high dose when:

• You are experiencing intense physical discomfort or inflammation
• You metabolize CBD less effectively or perhaps have a higher tolerance
• You are being prescribed a high dose by a medical professional for a specific treatment

When it comes to standard dosing, we are still in need of further clinical examination to determine precise usage and dosing techniques for specialized use of cannabidiol. For now, the basic guidelines for CBD dosing are as follows:

On average, adults should dose CBD 0.5-1.7 mg per kg of body weight. For example, a person who weighs 68 kg would aim to take between 34-115 mg. 

On the higher end of cannabidiol doses (100-500 mg), you can expect to experience some side effects. 

Side effects may include: 

• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Upset stomach
• Drowsiness
• Lightheadedness
• Disorientation 

Based on a 2017 study review, it is advised that humans can safely tolerate up to 1500 mg of CBD per day – but may still induce these uncomfortable effects. 

What to do if you overdose on CBD

Luckily there are ways to manage or even avoid these unpleasant effects of too much CBD. If you ever have experienced overwhelm from taking cannabidiol, here are a few easy and effective ways to reduce the effects faster:

Stay hydrated. This will help your body process and filter CBD out of your digestive system faster, and may even reduce effects like dizziness, headaches, or dry mouth. 

Read and follow product directions. Closely inspect the products dosing instructions and be mindful of trying new products. It is important to understand the serving size, dose potency, and how those two things relate to your own body weight.

Seek emergency help. If you or someone else thinks they have ingested too much cannabidiol, you may need to call your local poison control or emergency services for further support. Though rare, this is necessary if someone is unconscious, having trouble breathing, or experiencing a seizure. 

How to properly dose CBD

Preventative strategies are always the safest way to avoid experiencing any of these unpleasant effects of a CBD overdose. 

Ideally, you should always start on the lower end of dosing when sampling a new product, and only increase in increments of 5-10 mg cannabidiol until you’ve reached a desired effect. 

Taking the occasional tolerance break from CBD can help keep your same dose amounts effective and give you a clearer understanding of how it affects you overall. 

Though cannabidiol is relatively low-risk, it is still critical to understand the potential hazards of high dosing. Utilizing these tips on dosing can ensure a safe and fun journey to wellness with CBD.