As the popularity of CBD skyrockets, so does the amount of consumers interested in this wellness supplement. However, as the adage goes, "Everything in moderation."
So, can you take too much CBD? The quick answer is yes. While you cannot take a lethal dose, it is possible to take too much and experience negative side effects.
In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at how much CBD is too much, the effects of CBD on your body, and how to determine the proper dosage.
How Much CBD is Too Much?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is an active ingredient in cannabis or hemp that has been reported to have certain benefits. Unlike another popular cannabinoid, THC, CBD does not cause a high, which is why CBD from hemp is legal in most states.
One study from 2017 found that humans can tolerate CBD doses of up to 1,500mg a day[1]. Given that a typical dosage of CBD falls around 30mg, it's safe to say that the probability of someone ingesting that much CBD accidentally is almost none.
Another factor to consider when you're taking CBD is its drug interactions. Researchers found that CBD can potentially interact with blood thinners, heart rhythm medications, thyroid medications, and seizure medications.
It's important to consult a healthcare professional before taking CBD if you have any medical conditions.
Effects and Risks of Too Much CBD
Although CBD is not lethal, it can still cause adverse effects in high doses. These effects can include drowsiness, dry mouth, diarrhea, decreased appetite, irritability, and agitation.
CBD reacts differently to different people; it depends on your body's tolerance. That means it can still cause side effects even if you're ingesting small amounts when you're not used to it. However, side effects from normal to even larger doses of CBD are rare and generally mild.
How Do You Calculate CBD Dosage?
Many factors affect your response to CBD, including body weight and the state of your endocannabinoid system. One way to avoid CBD overdosing is by knowing exactly how to calculate your optimal amount of CBD.
With capsules or gummies, read the expressed mg content on the packaging. Oils or tincture packaging usually specifies how many "drops" constitute a normal dose. Fab CBD oils come in 4 different strengths. A 600mg bottle of our CBD oil contains 20mg of CBD per ½ dropper-full, around 0.5mL.
For topical products, you can also apply the same principle as oils. Usually, the manufacturer will give you the value of potency per container.
For instance, there's 200 mg per 400 mL bottle of ointment. If you use 1 mL of the ointment, the dosage will be (200/400) x 1 = 0.5 mg of CBD per mL.
Performing these calculations yourself can be difficult, so the best way to use topical CBD or oil is to follow the manufacturer's direction.
What is the Best CBD Dose to Start With?
When it comes to using CBD, the best way to start is by using as small a dose as possible. At Fab CBD, we recommend around 33 mg/day for the optimal dose. Most people have an ideal dose of 10 mg to 40 mg daily.
One more tip: when experimenting to figure out your ideal dose, do it at bedtime since CBD's most common side effect is drowsiness.
How Long CBD Stays in Your Body
Many factors will affect how long CBD stays inside your body:
- Body weight
- Metabolism
- Dosage
- Frequency of Use
- Consumption Method
With so many contributing factors, the question of how long CBD stays in your body is difficult to answer, but generally speaking, CBD likely lasts about 3.5 days.
Can You Build Tolerance to CBD?
Just like any other substance, using large doses of CBD can result in a tolerance increase. Tolerance can be classified into two different categories: metabolic and functional tolerance. CBD leans more toward functional tolerance, which is when our body becomes less responsive to the effects of a substance.
Some signs of increased tolerance toward CBD are:
- You need to use more CBD products to get the desired effects
- The effects are not as strong as it used to be
- The effects take longer to feel
One way to counteract increased CBD tolerance is by switching up how you use it. If you usually consume gummies, you can try topical products or oil tinctures instead.
You can also try to stop your usage and give your body a chance to reset. If you're using medically prescribed CBD, you should consult your doctor and figure out how to make CBD more effective for you.
References
[1] An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies
Iffland and Grotenhermen.
