CBD (cannabidiol) is a now very popular natural remedy with few side effects. Its use is associated with numerous health benefits. In 2018, the World Health Organization clarified that CBD has a good safety profile and no health risk is expected. However, from person to person, it is possible for side effects to emerge when CBD has been used. What is the reason for this? Are they classic side effects or can an overdose be to blame here?
What is CBD overdose and why is it important to avoid it?
Each person’s reaction to CBD is unique. The effects are commonly described as positive, but some people experience nausea and other unwanted symptoms. However, the classic overdose is not possible with CBD; for example, there is no information about lethal doses. The decisive factor here is that CBD has no psychoactive effect and thus does not affect the ability to react.
The consequences of an unusually high dosage are therefore almost always of a mild nature and not a serious health hazard. If you use CBD, it is still advisable not to use a large amount of CBD drops right away. The cannabinoid is very effective, due to the entourage effect, especially full-spectrum oils are very potent.
Science does not yet have sufficient information on what dosage seems reasonable for CBD products. There are initial studies that say that a dose of 1,000 to 1,500 mg of CBD can lead to an increase in well-being. For an absolute beginner, however, such an amount is already an overdose of CBD. Although there is no threat of classic poisoning symptoms, unpleasant symptoms are. These include:
- Severe drop in blood pressure below 110/80
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Severe fatigue with an urgent need to sleep
- Diarrhea and intestinal cramps
- Nausea to the point of vomiting and stomach pain
How much CBD is too much? Understand the daily dose recommendations
Average dosages for most users range from 1.0 mg to 25 mg of CBD daily. It has been shown that beyond a certain point, the effects cannot be increased. With classic cannabis, the high depends on how high the THC content is in the product. High dosages lead to a stronger high. This is not the case with CBD.
With a medicine, you generally get dosage instructions from your doctor. CBD is not a drug, so you won’t find a package insert with instructions on how to take it. You have to find out the perfect effectiveness on your own. You should give your body time to get used to the new substances. Using CBD activates the endocannabinoid system, which can have various effects.
If you take too much at once, it can cause unpleasant reactions. To avoid this, start with a low initial dose and then slowly increase.
Example of a dosage scheme when using CBD products:
To avoid CBD overdose, start with an appropriate product when using CBD. For example, you can find CBD oil in different concentrations. For beginners, 5% or 10% are very suitable. The cannabidiol can be dosed drop by drop with the pipette, so that a very exact dosage is possible. Here’s what the first 14 days with CBD oil might look like for you:
Day 1: Use 2 to 3 drops of CBD, continue until day 5.
Day 6: Increase the dosage by 2 drops, continue until day 10
Day 11: Increase the dosage by 2 drops again, continue until day 14.
You can keep increasing your CBD oil dosage until you feel an effect. Once you have reached the feel-good effect, the active ingredient has reached its full potential. Do not increase the dose any further, otherwise you may overdose on CBD oil.
Tip: If your body has become accustomed to the use of CBD and you use larger amounts of drops daily, you will find more potent products. For example, you can switch to a CBD oil with 15% or 25% concentration. Your advantage is that you have to use less oil and still get the full effect.
Possible symptoms of CBD overdose: what to look for
We already know that a classic CBD overdose is fortunately not possible. However, the use of larger amounts of CBD still leads to undesirable side effects in some cases. In principle, interactions with medications are also possible. Before buying CBD, make sure that any medication you may be taking is not a contraindication.
We have already mentioned the most important symptoms of CBD overdose above, but they are more commonly referred to as side effects. How CBD affects your body depends in part on the way you use it:
CBD overdose - is it possible through the skin?
The topical application of CBD is mainly used for skin and muscle complaints. CBD oil is well suited for making creams and ointments with the active ingredient. However, there are also ready-made CBD items that are applied directly to the skin. Since the effect on the bloodstream is less, side effects are very rare with topical application of CBD. At high doses, itching, redness and dry skin may occur.
Inhaling CBD - how does cannabidiol affect the lungs?
Theoretically, the ingestion of CBD is also possible via the lungs. E-liquids for vaporizers and flowers for joint construction are available on the market. Generally, inhalation of substances is always associated with the potential of side effects. Even classic “vaping” without CBD can have consequences such as coughing, scratchy throat and hoarseness. We sell our CBD flowers as flavorings, for example, to avoid exactly such interactions. There is a strain on the lungs when smoking, which is then falsely attributed to the ingestion of cannabidiol.
CBD capsules - is it possible to overdose?
CBD capsules are an alternative for those who do not like the slightly pungent aroma of cannabidiol oil. Here, the CBD has been dissolved and made available in a capsule shell. Since this must first dissolve in the stomach, there is a delayed onset of action. Capsules are just as well tolerated as oil, a typical overdose is also not possible here.
Pay attention to CBD quality - bad effect sometimes testifies to inferior quality
Something that often takes a back seat when it comes to the risk of CBD is the quality of the product. The EU has created very clear regulations when it comes to the use of CBD. In particular, the amount of THC plays a role here. CBD is not psychoactive, does not affect responsiveness, and does not get you high. Serious and legal CBD products have been proven to contain THC, but there are all forms of fraud in this market as well.
For example, if the CBD is bought from a rogue street dealer, the risk of increased THC content is high. This is then not only illegal, but has many other consequences on the body. A psychoactive intoxication ensures that you can no longer drive a car, you may feel dizzy and your cardiovascular system reacts. You don’t have these effects with CBD!
Also inform yourself about other data of your CBD products. Many manufacturers want to make money as quickly as possible, to the detriment of quality standards. With us, for example, you will only receive CBD products from European cultivation. No herbicides or pesticides are used, so the best conditions are guaranteed.
Origin of the hemp plant - why CBD must always be controlled
Before a CBD product lands in your shopping cart, you must check everything relevant to the item! Is the THC content of a maximum of 0.2% indicated and can this also be proven on demand? If you mistakenly buy a dubious product, it will have consequences for you and your body.
On the one hand, you might ingest too much THC, and on the other hand, you could get into big trouble on the road. THC is illegal, also the possession of CBD oil with more than 0.2% THC is not allowed!
As a reputable supplier, we have a duty to answer our customers’ questions and help them in case of difficulties.
Conclusion: Why it is important to pay attention to the recommended dose of CBD
Although research on the best CBD dosages is still ongoing, there are a few guidelines. People react very differently to CBD; you may find that a smaller dose is enough for you than your partner or best friend. Therefore, don’t go by other people’s dosages, go by your own reaction. If you have used CBD for the first time, write down the effect. This way you can compare which doses gave you the most benefit and when you started to feel unwell.
Bonus: How to treat a CBD overdose quickly if it does occur
You now know that there is no such thing as a classic CBD overdose. Still, it’s unpleasant if the optimal amount for you has been exceeded. By the way, the risk increases if you combine too many CBD products. It’s better to focus on just one product, so you reduce the likelihood of annoying side effects. Here are 7 indispensable tips on how to provide first aid in case of an accidental overdose:
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- Do not use the drug again until all the unwanted effects have subsided.
- If you feel dizzy, lie down and elevate your legs. Dizziness often comes from a rapid drop in blood pressure.
- Reduce the dose from the next use.
- Saliva lozenges such as lemon drops help with a dry mouth.
- Drink plenty of water to maintain circulation.
- Eat a larger meal to reduce the effect.
- Do not drive a car until the CBD effect has completely worn off.
