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can you overdose on cbd? how much cbd is enough? blog - image of a hemp oil tincture on a table

Can You Overdose on CBD? How Much CBD Is Enough? & When To Worry

CBD is generally considered safe for human consumption and has a low risk of overdose. Unlike its psychoactive counterpart, THC, CBD does not produce any intoxicating effects. 

CBD is a substance that does not produce any psychoactive effects. Unlike THC, using CBD will not induce a "high".

Here's the recommended dosage of CBD based on weight (lbs) and mg/day:

110 - 115 lbs: 15 - 25 mg

115 - 130 lbs: 25 - 35 mg

130 - 180 lbs: 30 - 40 mg

180 - 230 lbs: 40 - 50 mg

230 - 330 lbs: 50 - 70 mg

330+ lbs: 75+ mg

  • Dry mouth
  • Drowsiness
  • Decreased appetite

A study found that a 'toxic' dose of CBD would be around 20,000 mg in one sitting (Bergamaschi et al.).

Yes, CBD can potentially interact with other medications. It is important to speak with a healthcare professional before adding CBD into your wellness routine, especially when taking other medications. 

Cannabidiol (CBD) has become increasingly popular in recent years as a natural remedy for wellness, including stress and discomfort. However, despite its growing popularity, there is still much confusion surrounding its usage, including the questions of how much is enough, and if it is possible to overdose on CBD. In this blog, we aim to address these common questions and provide informative and serious guidance on safe and effective usage of CBD.

With the aim of providing a comprehensive understanding of CBD, we will cover its definition and how it works in the body, the safety profile and potential side effects, appropriate dosage guidelines, and when to seek medical attention. Our goal is to equip you with the information you need to make informed decisions about incorporating CBD into your wellness routine.

Can You Overdose on CBD?

CBD is considered to be generally safe for human consumption and has a low risk of overdose. Unlike its psychoactive counterpart, THC, CBD does not produce any intoxicating effects, making it an attractive option for individuals who are seeking the potential wellness benefits of cannabis without the “high.”

Studies and research on CBD have shown that it is well-tolerated, even at high doses. In fact, a study found that a daily dose of up to 1500 mg of CBD is well-tolerated in humans and does not produce any adverse effects. (2)

One study that was conducted in 2011 found that a ‘toxic’ dose of CBD would be around 20,000 mg in one sitting. (1) This is an extreme scenario, as most tincture bottles only contain 1000-4000 mg per bottle. You would have to consume 5-20 entire bottles in one sitting.

However, taking excessive amounts (1,500 mg max per day) of CBD can lead to some mild side effects, such as dry mouth, drowsiness, and decreased appetite. It is also important to note that taking large amounts of CBD can interfere with the metabolism of certain drugs, potentially increasing or decreasing their effectiveness.

If you take too much of a full spectrum CBD oil, it is highly likely that you may have consumed too much THC. Large amounts of THC will make you feel inebriated and can even make it feel like you can’t move. Although THC is not necessarily deadly, if a child or pet gets a hold of it, they need to be brought to emergency services immediately.

It is still important to use caution and consult a healthcare professional before incorporating it into your wellness routine, especially if you are taking prescription medications. By following appropriate dosage guidelines and being mindful of any potential drug interactions, you can enjoy the potential wellness benefits of CBD while minimizing the risk of adverse effects.

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How Much CBD is Enough?

Determining the appropriate amount of CBD to take can be a complex process, as several factors can affect individual needs, including body weight, tolerance, and the desired effect. To achieve optimal results, it is important to understand these factors and how they can influence the appropriate dosage.

One of the most important considerations is body weight, as larger individuals may require higher dosages to experience the same effects as smaller individuals. However, other factors, such as tolerance and the desired effect, can also play a role in determining the appropriate dosage. For example, those who have used CBD before may require a higher dose due to increased tolerance, while those who are seeking to manage stress may require a lower dose than those who are looking for relief from discomfort.

In general, it is recommended to start with a low dosage of CBD and gradually increase until the desired effect is achieved. A common starting dose is 25 – 30 mg per day, increasing by 5 – 10 mg per week as needed. Some individuals may require doses as high as 100 – 150 mg per day, while others may only need 10 – 20 mg per day.

It’s important to note that these are only general guidelines, and that individual needs may vary. The key is to start with a low dose and gradually increase until the desired effect is achieved, while monitoring for any adverse effects. Additionally, it’s crucial to purchase high-quality, third-party tested CBD products to ensure consistent potency and minimize the risk of adverse effects.

Here’s the recommended dosage of CBD based on weight (lbs) and mg/day:

  • 110 – 115 lbs | 15 – 25 mg
  • 115 – 130 lbs | 25 – 35 mg
  • 130 – 180 lbs | 30 – 40 mg
  • 180 – 230 lbs | 40 – 50 mg
  • 230 – 330 lbs | 50 – 70 mg
  • 330+ lbs | 75+ mg
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When to Worry About CBD Usage

It is important to be mindful of potential drug interactions, especially when taking prescription medications, with CBD. Some medications, such as blood thinners, can interact with CBD, potentially increasing or decreasing their effectiveness. Additionally, taking high doses of CBD can interfere with the metabolism of certain drugs, increasing the risk of adverse effects.

It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any adverse effects or suspect a drug interaction after taking CBD. Some signs of adverse effects include changes in mood or behavior, difficulty breathing, changes in heart rate, or hives. In severe cases, seek medical attention immediately.

To minimize the risk of adverse effects and potential drug interactions, it is important to follow these precautions:

  1. Consult a healthcare professional before taking CBD, especially if you are taking prescription medications.
  2. Start with a low dose of CBD and gradually increase as needed, while monitoring for any adverse effects.
  3. Purchase high-quality, third-party tested CBD products to ensure consistent potency and minimize the risk of adverse effects.
  4. Be aware of any potential drug interactions and be sure to inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.

What to Do in an Emergency

If you suspect that you or someone else has taken too much CBD, it’s important to act quickly. In emergency situations such as unconsciousness, trouble breathing, or seizures, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

If the situation is not an emergency, you can reach out to your local poison control center by calling 800-222-1222 in the United States. You can also use the National Capital Poison Center’s webPOISONCONTROL tool to receive feedback via email about the product ingested.

You can also contact your healthcare provider for guidance. When reaching out, be sure to provide as much information as possible, including the product involved, when it was taken, the amount ingested, and the person’s weight and height.

If the person is experiencing symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea, it’s important to keep them hydrated while seeking medical guidance.

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So, Can You Overdose on CBD?

In conclusion, CBD is generally considered safe and non-toxic, with a low risk of lethal overdose. However, taking excessive amounts of CBD can lead to side effects such as drowsiness, changes in appetite, and diarrhea. The amount of CBD that is appropriate for an individual can vary depending on factors such as body weight, tolerance, and desired effect.

Common dosages range from 10 – 100 mg per day, but it is always best to start with a lower dose and gradually increase until the desired effect is achieved. It is also important to be aware of potential drug interactions when taking CBD, especially if you are taking prescription medications.

If you suspect that you or someone else has taken too much CBD, it is important to seek medical attention. You can reach out to your local poison control center, healthcare provider, or emergency services in serious cases.

In conclusion, CBD can be a safe and effective supplement when used appropriately. It is always best to speak with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you are taking prescription medications or have a medical condition. By taking these precautions, you can ensure a safe and effective experience with CBD.

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Does CBD expire? Yes, CBD products do have a shelf-life. The average shelf life of CBD products is about 1 to 2 years.  What happens if you take expired CBD? Thankfully, taking a little expired CBD won’t make you feel unwell or cause any reactions. However, CBD loses its potency ...
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Works Cited
1. Bergamaschi, Mateus M., et al. “Safety and side effects of cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent.” PubMed, 2011, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22129319/. Accessed 6 February 2023.
2. Iffland, Kerstin, and Franjo Grotenhermen. “An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies.” NCBI, 1 June 2017, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569602/. Accessed 6 February 2023.

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CEO | Craig Henderson

Extract Labs CEO Craig Henderson is one of the country’s top experts in cannabis CO2 extraction. After serving in the U.S. Army, Henderson received his master’s in mechanical engineering from the University of Louisville before becoming a sales engineer at one of the nation’s leading extraction technology companies. Sensing an opportunity, Henderson began extracting CBD in his garage in 2016, putting him at the forefront of the hemp movement. He’s been featured in Rolling StoneMilitary TimesThe Today Show, High Times, the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies, and many more. 

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