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Can you overdose on CBD? Taking too much CBD

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Can you overdose on CBD? Taking too much CBD
Too much of anything can sometimes be a bad thing. But in the case of natural wellness supplements like CBD, is there a possibility that you could take too much?
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CBD overdose is a topic of concern for many people interested in using cannabidiol products but are worried about the potential risks. While the benefits of CBD offer a wide range of potential therapeutic effects, it's important to remember that everyone's body is different and will react in its own way to CBD.
This guide will examine the effects of CBD on the body and its potential for side effects from taking too much.

What is CBD?

CBD is a cannabinoid found in the hemp plant. Unlike its more famous counterpart, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD does not produce any psychoactive effects. This means that it will not make you feel "high" or intoxicated.
CBD is a popular supplement due to its ability to promote feelings of calmness and well-being without the risk of addiction or dependency. There is also an overwhelming amount of anecdotal evidence and some early scientific research that supports CBD’s ability to provide therapeutic effects for conditions like anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, epilepsy, depression, inflammation, and more.
Sourced from plants in the Cannabis sativa family, commonly known as hemp, CBD (cannabidiol) is best made using the plant's flowers, stalks, and leaves. The compounds in these parts of the hemp plant interact with the body's endocannabinoid receptors to provide wellness relief in the form of CBD oil tinctures, edibles, capsules, vape liquids, and topical creams.

CBD dosing

Most often, CBD is dosed by milligrams (mg). A typical starting dose for beginners is typically between 5-10mg per day. Those seeking more potent effects for extreme chronic or acute conditions may consider doses as high as 50mg - 100mg per day or more.
CBD dosage varies depending on the form it is taken in. For example, CBD oil tinctures are typically more concentrated than CBD gummies or CBD capsules, so a lower dose is required to achieve the desired effects.
However, CBD edibles such as gummies and capsules provide a premeasured dose in each serving, so there is no need to worry about calculating the correct amount. Additionally, these CBD forms provide longer-lasting effects compared to CBD oil tinctures.

Can you take too much CBD?

It is possible to overdo it depending on the amount of CBD you take, but the side effects are far from life-threatening. Various regulatory agencies, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA), all agree that CBD is safe for human consumption with no known risk of overdose.
CBD is non-toxic and well-tolerated by the human body, even in large doses. In fact, some studies have found that doses of up to 1500 mg of CBD per day are well-tolerated by humans with no adverse effects.

What are the side effects of CBD?

When it comes to the side effects of CBD, it is possible to experience some minor side effects, including:
  • Dry mouth (cottonmouth)
  • Low blood pressure and light-headedness
  • Sleepiness or drowsiness
  • Digestive issues such as nausea, diarrhea, and appetite changes
These side effects are most common for first-time CBD users or those taking high doses of CBD. They are typically mild and temporary, disappearing once the body adjusts to the supplement.

How do I avoid side effects from CBD oil products?

The best way to ensure a positive experience with CBD products that don't come with unwanted side effects is to follow the recommended dose. Start by taking small amounts and slowly increasing your dosage as you become more familiar with how CBD affects your body.
Due to UK regulations surrounding CBD, it may be challenging to determine the exact amount of CBD you should be taking for a particular condition. This is because UK regulations forbid CBD vendors from making any specific medical claims about their products. However, they can provide general guidance on how much CBD to take for various situations.
For example, a vendor may recommend a starting dose of 5-10mg per day for general wellness purposes. They may also suggest a higher dose of 15-20mg for more severe conditions like chronic pain or anxiety.
If you are worried about the side effects of CBD, it's best to take CBD products that already have a premeasured dosage of CBD. Cannabidiol supplements such as CBD gummies and capsules are the most reliable in this respect. Many of these products are available in concentrations ranging from 5-30mg of CBD per gummy or capsule, making it easy to find a formula that works for you.
CBD oil tinctures are a little bit more tricky to dose. Although many tincture manufacturers offer CBD strength recommendations, it is not always clear what dose of the tincture a person needs to take in order to achieve the desired results. Therefore, if you opt for a tincture over another type of CBD product, start with a lower dose (1/4-1/2 dropper) and work your way up as needed.

Is there a best type of CBD to avoid side effects?

Not all CBD oil is made the same, and each formula may contain additional ingredients that can contribute to side effects. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the type of CBD oil you purchase to avoid any unwanted complications.
Full-spectrum CBD oil contains all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds found in the hemp plant - including trace amounts of THC. While a full-spectrum formula may not cause side effects due to its concentration of CBD, those sensitive to other cannabinoid compounds may feel differently when taking a full-spectrum supplement.
Broad-spectrum CBD oil is similar to full-spectrum in that it contains all the compounds found in the hemp plant - except for THC. Broad-spectrum CBD oil is a good option for those who want to avoid THC but still want to benefit from other cannabinoids and terpenes. If you find that full-spectrum products are too strong for you, broad-spectrum may be a better option.
CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD oil and contains only cannabidiol - with no other cannabinoids, terpenes, or compounds. CBD isolate is a good choice for those who want to avoid all other hemp plant compounds - including THC. CBD isolate products usually come in higher concentrations than full or broad-spectrum formulas and may be more likely to cause minor temporary side effects for first-time users. But, again, these side effects are normal and dissipate after a few days or with a lower dosage.
CBD brands such as Blessed CBD are highly recommended for their lab tested products, which you can shop by clicking here.

Why do I feel weird when I take potent CBD products?

There are numerous reasons why you may feel different or weird after taking certain types of CBD products. These strange feelings aren't necessarily a result of taking too much CBD but rather a result of the entourage effect and CBD working with your body to bring about optimal balance. Some common feelings people may experience when taking CBD include
Relaxation and calmness
While CBD won't get you high, the cannabinoid compounds in the formula you are taking may react with CB2 receptors in the body to produce a sense of relaxation. This feeling is perfectly normal and is one of the most desired effects of CBD.
If you are taking a higher concentration or dose of CBD than usual and find that you feel incredibly relaxed to the point where it interferes with your daily activities, simply lower your dosage or take the supplement less frequently until you find a level that works for you.
Sleeplessness or drowsiness
Some people feel sleepy or drowsy after taking CBD oil, especially if their product contains terpenes such as linalool or myrcene, which are naturally found in cannabis plants. Since these compounds can also be found in other herbs and plants, CBD users with sensitivity to terpenes could feel this way when taking a strong dose of CBD.
Fortunately, you can avoid this feeling by purchasing pure CBD isolate or broad-spectrum formulas free of other hemp plant compounds - including terpenes.
Hunger and appetite increase
CBD oil may cause you to feel hungrier than usual and could increase your appetite. This is another common side effect of CBD, especially if your product contains other cannabinoids such as CBDa, CBG, or CBGa. Lowering your dosage can help balance this effect.

Can I overdose on CBD if the product is low-quality?

Even lower-quality products using poor extraction techniques or containing additives and other chemical compounds won't cause you to overdose on CBD. They may, however, cause unwanted side effects that are counterintuitive to your desired wellness goals. To avoid any risks associated with low-quality CBD products, look for CBD brands that:
  • Use natural ingredients
  • Source CBD from organic hemp plants
  • Offer a Certificate of Analysis from third-party lab testing
  • Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
  • Use CO2 extraction methods
By looking for CBD brands that take quality and safety seriously, you can drastically reduce the chances of experiencing negative side effects. These brands put your health first while also ensuring that they provide effective CBD products free from harmful chemicals or additives.

Can I overdose on CBD if I am taking other medications?

Many clinical studies have shown that CBD is a safe and well-tolerated compound with few to no side effects - even in high doses. This is good news for those wondering if they can overdose on CBD while taking other medications.
While there is a possibility that CBD could interact with other medications you are taking, the chances of this happening are relatively low. And, even if an interaction does occur, it will likely be minor and cause only a small change in the metabolism of your drugs.
If you are worried about any potential drug interactions with CBD products, talk to a healthcare professional before taking CBD. They can help recommend a formula or dosage that works best for your health conditions, age, and body weight.

What about pets? Can they overdose on CBD?

Studies have shown that household pets such as cats and dogs also have an endocannabinoid system that CBD products can influence.
In the UK, CBD products specifically made for pets are not legal, and CBD doses for humans are very different from those that might be given to pets. That's why it's so important to talk to your veterinarian before giving your pet any type of CBD product. They can help you determine if CBD is right for your pet and recommend the best dosage.
Ultimately, CBD has not been shown to be toxic to pets, but they may experience side effects in greater extremes if given human-sized dosages. That is why it is especially important to start with low doses and increase gradually over time as needed.

Can I overdose if I use CBD and THC together?

Again, even with the introduction of other cannabinoids such as THC, the possibility of overdosing on CBD is zero. These compounds work together synergistically to help balance your endocannabinoid system and enhance your overall health.
Therefore, using CBD products along with some form of THC will most likely not lead to an overdose or adverse reactions at all. However, it's important to note that taking high concentrations of both could exacerbate some of the known side effects of THC, such as fatigue, slowed reaction times, or impaired memory.
If you are concerned about any potential interactions between CBD and THC products, it's best to take them separately until you better understand how they interact with your body when combined.

CBD: Safe, non-toxic, & non-addictive

CBD is a safe, non-toxic, and non-addictive compound that has shown to be potentially helpful for a variety of health conditions. So whether you're looking for relief from pain, anxiety, or insomnia - CBD may be able to help.
Compared to prescription medication that has a considerable risk of unwanted side effects and the possibility of overdose, CBD is a great way to meet health and wellness goals without the fear of negative consequences. Since CBD is non-addictive and has no known side effects, you can feel great about using it daily without worrying about risking your health and well-being.
Remember that if you do experience side effects when taking CBD - they are temporary. By altering your dosage, switching to a different type of CBD, or just giving it some time, you'll find that your body quickly adapts and adjusts to the cannabinoid compound.
References:
3. An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies. Link here.
4. Blessed CBD: Available in UK (https://blessedcbd.co.uk),Germany (https://blessedcbd.de), USA (https://blessedcbd.com)
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