Predictably, new CBD shoppers are seeking facts on the safety of CBD. Can you overdose on CBD? It’s one of the most common questions about cannabidiol but the answer is a little bit more complicated than you might believe.
Is CBD Safe?
There’s no recorded instances of anybody taking too much CBD and dying. Cannabidiol is safe to ingest for most people and animals, and even when taken in excess, reported side effects are uncommon and relatively minor.
Side Effects of CBD
While rarely occurring, people have reported the following side effects associated with taking CBD:
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Insomnia
- Nausea
In most cases, these side effects are entirely avoidable by sticking to the recommended dosing instructions provided with the products. Those who overindulge often make the mistake of not giving the cannabidiol enough time to kick in. Wait at least an hour before you increase your dosage and pay attention to how your body is feeling shortly afterwards.
For many shoppers that information is plenty. Still, some customers with particular health concerns might desire a more complete explanation — that’s why we’re here.
What Is CYP450 and CYP3A4? Why Do They Matter?
CYP450 and CYP3A4 are enzymes that play a vital role in the breakdown of many pharmaceuticals in the body. CBD can have a similar effect on this enzyme as grapefruit, thereby facilitating the breakdown of pharmaceuticals and potentially making these substances more effective. The result is that the CBD interferes with your medication, either by speeding up or slowing down absorption.
Drug Interactions
Though scientific research studies show that CBD is safe to take as a daily supplements for the majority of people, there are potential drug interactions that shoppers should keep in mind:
- Antihistamines
- Antibiotics
- Anesthetics
- Angiotensin II Blockers
- Antipsychotics
- Antiarrhythmics
- Anticonvulsants
- Antidepressants
- Benzodiazepines
- Beta-blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
- HIV antivirals
- HMG CoA reductase inhibitors
- Immunomodulators
- Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
- Oral Hypoglycemic Agents
- Proton-Pump Inhibitors
- Steroids and corticosteroids
- Sulfonylureas
It’s not necessarily a guarantee that cannabidiol will cause significant problems if taken while using these drugs, but it’s essential that anybody who’s currently taking these medications check with their doctor before adding CBD to their wellness regimen.
Non-Addictive
Furthering the case that CBD is a safe supplement, there’s no habit forming or addictive ingredients found in this supplement.
Finding The Right Dosage
Using CBD effectively is the most important step in avoiding the potential side effects. To do so, you must determine what’s an appropriate CBD dose for your needs. There are many factors to consider when first taking CBD products, beginning the why you’re using it.
- Severity: The severity of your symptoms should guide your dosage. If you’re new to CBD then you should begin with a low dosage, aware that this might not provide sufficient relief. Start slow and work your way up until you find a dose that meets your needs.
- Weight: Body weight plays a role in your CBD tolerance. Individuals with higher body weights might find that they need a higher dose of CBD.
- Product Type: The right CBD dosage depends on which product type you’re using. When oils are taken sublingually — under the tongue — the CBD is absorbed quickly and easily. CBD gummies don’t absorb as easily in the stomach, and topical creams cannot penetrate the skin unless specifically formulated with nano-technology. Start slowly with new products to find the right dose.
- Experience: There’s some evidence to suggest that CBD users build tolerance over time. Many users have claimed that taking a small break or changing up their application method made the products noire effective.
How Much Is Too Much CBD?
The threshold for overdosing on CBD is extremely high. A 2017 study on CBD concluded that humans could safely ingest up to 1500 milligrams of CBD per day. For reference, our smallest tincture contains 500 mg in total — that’s the entire bottle. There’s no scenario where a user should consume upwards of 1500 milligrams daily.
We don’t recommend such dosages with any tinctures we sell, even our 5000 mg bottle.
Compounds Contained In CBD Products
Depending on which type of CBD oils you use, you may ingest additional compounds — the most effective CBD products contain numerous beneficial compounds. Here’s what you might also ingest when taking CBD
THC
Full spectrum extract is made using all plant compounds. Industrial hemp naturally contains 0.3% THC which is extracted alongside the cannabidiol. For those who don’t know, THC is the psychoactive compound in marijuana that makes people high. At 0.3%, the THC contained in full spectrum products is too low to create a high.
Minor Cannabinoids
Yes, there’s more than just CBD. Other useful minor cannabinoids are also contained in full spectrum products including CBC, CBN, CBG, and more. Many of these compounds are believed to provide their own unique benefits.
Terpenes
Terpenes are naturally occurring compounds found in all plants and some animals too. These compounds provide flavor to products as well as their own potential health benefits; some are associated with stress and pain relief; others are thought to offer focus and mental clarity.
Can Animals Overdose On CBD?
Humans aren’t the only species that can ingest CBD — and pet owners are just as concerned about safety when it comes to their four-legged friends. Most research studies into the effects of CBD are carried out through animal testing and these studies have overwhelmingly confirmed that CBD is perfectly safe for pets.
CBD is safe for dogs and cats but that doesn’t mean there aren’t potential side effects for animals who ingest the substance. Some possible adverse reactions in animals include:
- Changes in appetite
- Sluggishness
- Increased sensitivity to stimuli
- Impaired coordination
- Urinary incontinence
Any CBD pet product purchased through a reputable supplier will feature the recommended dosage; this information should provide accurate dosing information based on the weight of your animal. By following this scale, you can rest easy, knowing you’re not giving your pet a dose that’s too high.
One of the few potential vulnerabilities is quality. Reputable brands will provide third-party laboratory test results that confirm the purity of the products, but you’ll only get these results if you buy from a legal CBD supplier. Independent laboratory testing is without question the most effective way to assess the purity of your CBD products.
It’s through lab reports that you can confirm the full contents of your CBD products including measurements for each compound results that confirm that there aren’t any toxins or contaminants.
Which CBD Products Can You Buy?
Customers have the luxury of mixing and matching CBD products to meet their needs and goals. These varying application methods offer unique means for acquiring a dose of CBD but they also function a bit differently. Whether you want a quick dose or the most concentrated, these are the best CBD products.
- Highest Potency: CBD Oils
- Best Tasting: CBD Gummies
- Most Discreet: CBD Capsules
- Ingestion-free: CBD Topicals
- Sexual Wellness: CBD Lubes
- Best For Pets: CBD Pet Oils and Dog Treats
Takeaway: CBD Is Safe
Cannabidiol is a natural compound that’s safe to ingest for most people. It’s non-toxic, and non-addictive, and even those who overindulge don’t experience the kinds of severe side effects associated with other supplements. Nonetheless, it’s important that consumers exercise restraint and not take too much — new users are particularly vulnerable to overdoing it.
The best way to safely use CBD is to start slow with any new product. Give it some time to work and see how CBD affects your body and mind before you decide to increase the dosage. When it comes to animals, take things even slower because your dog or cat cannot tell you how they’re feeling.