Cannabidiol (CBD) is widely popular. However, as its use continues to grow, the question of whether you can take too much CBD often arises. Cannabis (marijuana) is the most abused illicit drug, and we know what happens when you take too much of it.
CBD and marijuana are two different things. However, the close connection is enough to worry newbies about the effects of overindulging in cannabinoids. After all, CBD is a marijuana/hemp compound.
Technically, you can take too much CBD. But it doesn’t have psychoactive effects, so you wouldn’t even know you’ve taken more than enough. So, how would you know if you’ve taken too much CBD?
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Key Takeaways
- CBD is generally safe and well-tolerated.
- Though not fatal, CBD’s potentially toxic dose is about 20,000 mg taken in one go.
- The best way to stay safe is by dosing low and slow.
- There are many ways to take CBD, including edibles, gel caps, CBD flower, and tinctures.
How Much CBD Is Too Much?
A team of researchers found that a healthy male can take up to 1,500mg of CBD per day without experiencing adverse effects. They also established that the toxic dose is around 20,000mg of CBD taken at once.
To put this into perspective, a CBD gummy can contain 10-50 mg of CBD. Let’s work on the higher end. To consume 20,000 mg of CBD, you’d have to eat 400 pieces at once! Most gummies contain 25 mg of CBD, in which case, you’d have to chew through 800 gummies!
For a 1500 mg CBD tincture in a 30 ml bottle, you would need at least 13 tincture bottles and a third of a 14th one to reach the danger zone. Even then, it wouldn’t be fatal, maybe just a few side effects.
Simply put, more than than1500 mg of CBD in a day is considered “too much.”
back to menu ↑Calculating The Proper Dosage for You
Generally, products usually have labels indicating their CBD concentrations. It’s easy to know how much CBD a single unit contains for products like gummies, pills, and capsules.
However, oils and tinctures are a bit tricky. Their CBD concentration is normally for the entire volume. For example, Green Roads’ CBD Oil contains 1500 mg of CBD in a 30ml bottle. So, how do you know the amount of CBD in a full dropper?
To calculate this, simply divide the total CBD content by the total liquid volume.
So, for the 1,500mg/30ml dropper bottle, each ml contains 50 mg of CBD. Most droppers are calibrated in milliliters to help users dose correctly.
Fifty milligrams of CBD per ml may be high for some users, so a few drops would suffice, depending on your desired dose. Typically, a drop contains 0.05 ml, meaning 1 ml contains 20 drops. So, if you need 25 mg of CBD, you’ll take 10 drops. In other words, a drop contains 2.5 mg.
For general wellness, use lower dosages (< 15mg). For conditions like mild anxiety, stress, sporadic pain, and mild sleep issues, 15 to 25 mg is recommended. Higher doses (> 25 mg) are suitable for chronic problems.
back to menu ↑Different Types of CBD And Ways to Take Them
CBD comes in many forms, including tinctures, gummies, salves, capsules, etc. Most people prefer customizing their cannabis experience by using products that blend with their lifestyles. For example, a person always on the move might prefer gummies because they are discreet, portable, and easy to use.
Oils and Tinctures
Tinctures and oils have a base (usually MCT, coconut, or vegetable oil) that carries the CBD extract. They can be taken sublingually and orally, and their strengths vary depending on how dilute the extract is.
The best way to take oils and tinctures is via the sublingual method. They kick in faster this way because they are absorbed directly into the bloodstream.
Gummies
Nowadays, CBD gummies are available in all shapes and sizes. They are usually coated with ascorbic acid powder to add flavor and prevent “sweating.”
Gummies are excellent for users on the move. They are portable, discreet, and easy to use. Edibles generally offer stronger effects despite having a longer onset time. Depending on potency and dose, the effects can last up to 12 hours.
Balms and Salves
Balms and salves are applied topically. Besides CBD, they can have additional ingredients to provide extra benefits, e.g., skin care. Some use menthol to provide a cooling effect or natural oil fragrances.
CBD topicals are ideal for joint and muscle problems. They are a great addition to your post-workout regimen.
Edibles
edibles are food products infused with cannabis extract. Unlike gummies, standard edibles tend to have shorter shelf lives, so they are best consumed in a single take.
However, they are great for relaxing during off days. Homemade edibles can be potent, so they are not the perfect workday choice. Moreover, they go bad quickly and may last a week when refrigerated.
Drinks and Powders
Drinks and powders are very practical for single-use consumption. Moreover, they can be taken on the go if well-packaged.
These products are taken orally, so they take time to kick in. CBD beverages are great for special occasions when everybody has a glass in hand. You could blend CBD powder into your favorite cocktail and have fun like everyone else!
Capsules
Capsules are for no-frills users. They are simple, discreet, easy to dose, and flavorless. Like gummies, they are great for on-the-go use. They can produce long-lasting effects depending on dose and potency.
Vapes
Vapes usually require a vape pen or a dab rig to vaporize the cannabis material. It’s a fun experience, especially for seasoned tokers.
However, with vaping, it’s harder to do precise dosing. The effects last anywhere between 2 and up to 4 hours, but it’s not for people who want to be discreet.
Flower
Lastly, you could opt for CBD flower. This is consumed via smoking, so being discreet is out of the question. The good thing about smoking is that the effect onset is quite fast, typically within minutes.
For some people, the grinding and rolling make smoking quite engaging. Smoking CBD flower is preferred by people who love the classic stoner culture. You can customize the experience by trying different devices to smoke CBD flower.
Related Article: Is CBD Good for Post-Workout?
back to menu ↑What Is the Safest Way to Take CBD?
This usually comes down to personal preference and your wellness needs. The safest way to take CBD is the one that aligns perfectly with your goals and lifestyle.
Obviously, the various methods of taking CBD have their advantages and disadvantages. For example, smoking is associated with several health risks due to the toxic compounds in smoke. Edibles (homemade) might be a turn-off for people who want precise doses.
While everyone has their preferences, the safest method is the one that has the least inconvenience. For this, we have to go with gummies, capsules, and oils/tinctures. They are easy to use, discreet, portable, and allow precise dosing.
back to menu ↑What Happens If You Take Too Much CBD?
There’s no evidence you can overdose from CBD as of now.
A WHO study estimated that the maximum CBD dose a healthy person can take in a day without experiencing negative side effects is roughly 1,500 to 2,000 mg. Some users might experience strong side effects at high doses, but it’s not fatal.
That said, prolonged CBD use at high doses could lead to liver complications and decreased neurotransmitter activity. Naturally, more research is needed to establish the veracity of these claims.
The common side effects, e.g., nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, etc., may be more severe at higher CBD doses.
back to menu ↑Potential Side Effects of Too Much CBD Oil
Some of the reported side effects of CBD are dry mouth, diarrhea, reduced appetite, drowsiness, and fatigue. Let’s look at each of these and how to manage them.
Dry mouth
This is one of the most common side effects of high CBD doses. It can last anywhere from several minutes up to a few hours. Ensure you hydrate well to avoid dry mouth. You could also use electrolytes to help.
Reduced appetite
People often associate cannabis use with “the munchies.” However, with CBD, there’s evidence it may reduce appetite. Many users report reduced appetite after taking CBD, leading to suggestions it may help with weight loss.
If this happens and affects your food intake, try lowering the dose or taking your CBD after meals.
Diarrhea
This is mostly due to CBD sensitivity or large doses. For this, we recommend over-the-counter medication to help stop bowel movements. If you are taking a full-spectrum formula, try switching to isolate or broad-spectrum, as some organisms are especially sensitive to certain terpenes or THC.
Drowsiness and fatigue
This is another symptom associated with large CBD doses or sensitivity. If this happens, try using less than 10mg during working hours/daytime. These effects usually last a few hours.
Related Article: Is CBD Keto Friendly?
back to menu ↑Is CBD Safe?
Yes, CBD is generally safe to use. However, this is only true if you buy it from reputable vendors whose products are thoroughly tested and made under high manufacturing standards.
For high-quality CBD, we recommend the following cannabis brands. Their products are generally of high quality, are 3rd party lab-tested, organic, and formulated by professionals.
Green Roads
Green Roads have an incredible collection of high-quality CBD products at pocket-friendly prices. Their CBD Oil is available in 2 strengths: 750mg, 1000mg, and 3000mg of CBD in a 30ml dropper bottle. You can also choose between the broad- or full-spectrum formula.
Fab CBD
Fab CBD’s CBD Oil comes in four different strength levels: 300 mg, 600 mg, 1200 mg, and 2400 mg of CBD in a 30 ml container. It’s available in terpene-based flavors like berry mint, vanilla, citrus, and natural. This tincture is all-organic, vegan, and has no extra additives or artificial flavorings.
EVN CBD
EVN CBD is another cannabis brand of repute. Their products are clean, effective and provide a top-notch experience. Their CBD oil is available in two strengths and flavors.
Their tincture is available in 500mg and 1000mg of CBD per bottle in either mint or natural flavor. It is vegan and has no THC traces, making it perfect for all types of users.
Joy Organics
Joy Organics creates products that are easy to use, organic, and effective. Their Organic CBD Gummies are THC-free and are available in different strengths depending on the flavor.
The delicious green apple-flavored gummies contain 10mg of CBD each, while the refreshing and tasty strawberry lemonade-flavored gummies contain 10 or 25mg per gummy.
They are thoroughly tested for quality and purity to ensure you get the best.
back to menu ↑So, Can You Take Too Much CBD?
Yes, you can.
However, you’re unlikely to know you have done so because CBD doesn’t induce THC-like effects. Still, you may experience a few adverse effects, like dry eyes, diarrhea, drowsiness, fatigue, and reduced appetite.
Fortunately, these effects are short-term and last a few hours at most. For the most part, you can avoid these effects by taking lower doses. If symptoms persist, stop further intake and seek medical care.
