CAN YOU OVERDOSE ON CBD OIL? WHY NOT + POTENTIAL CBD SIDE EFFECTS

CAN YOU OVERDOSE ON CBD OIL? WHY NOT + POTENTIAL CBD SIDE EFFECTS

The cannabis plant has continued to gain fame due to its attachment to various wellness conditions. Its growth was legalized in 2018 in a Fall Bill after being identified to have multiple benefits on the human body. Since then, over 200 manufacturers of hemp-based products within the USA have been established. Besides the plant containing cannabidiol, CBD, it also has tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), associated with intoxication effects. During the legalization of the products, the laws restricted THC levels to 0.3% to protect the consumers from the “high” effect. CBD products are manufactured in different potency levels to offer a different impact. Most consumers wonder what the right CBD dosage is since the Food and Drug Administration, FDA, doesn’t regulate this cannabinoid. Is it possible to overdose on CBD oil

Why It Is Possible To Overdose CBD Oil

Overdose is taking more CBD concentration than is required. Most people, especially veterans, overdose to have the rapid effect of CBD. There have been many uncertainties in the lab results of various CBD companies. Most companies offer wrong potency levels, exposing their customers to overdosing. The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) restricts CBD potency variance to 10% to minimize such cases. The body calls CBD consumers to assess each product’s lab reports to ensure they have the required potency levels. If you are a beginner, low concentrations of up to 10 mg per ml are likely to implicate the overdose effects as a new substance is introduced in your body.

Although various research tries to attach a specific concentration as overdose, it has been difficult due to different body chemistries. Also, determining overdose can be associated with your experience with CBD products. For a CBD veteran to overdose, they have to take a higher concentration than normal.

Side Effects of Overdosing CBD Oil

Although most CBD products are designed to improve wellness, they should be taken considerably. Some of the common side effects of overdose include;

  • Extreme anxiety and panic attacks
  • Becoming paranoid due to psychotic reactions or loss of touch
  • Poor judgment
  • Uncontrolled shaking or seizure
  • Delusional effect
  • Rapid headaches and high blood pressure
  • Red eyes and pale skin color

If you experience these side effects, seek immediate medical attention.

How to Avoid Overdosing

Exposing your body to high CBD concentration is risky. Various health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) have attached the cannabis plant to potential side effects besides the benefits. Here are some tips that will help you avoid overdosing

Take Low Concentrated Products

Although it might be costly to buy low-potency CBD products, it minimizes overdose risks. In high potency levels, a slight variation of up to ¼ ml might expose you to the side effects of an overdose. Avoid taking too much CBD oil even with low concentrations. Due to low potency levels, the effect might occur two to three hours after intake.

Assess the Lab Result

Check on the lab results to ensure you buy safe and high-quality products. About 50% of CBD companies have been found to post different potency levels from the ones in the products. Consider getting your CBD oil products from a brand using an independent, certified centralized lab. Such labs have a good reputation due to adequate resources and personnel, minimizing inaccuracy. Although public labs are also certified and have adequate personnel, they have been attached to inaccurate lab reports. While assessing the lab reports, check on THC and CBD levels and contaminants. According to FDA, THC and CBD potency variance should not exceed 0.3% and 10%, respectively. Lastly, consider a brand offering QR codes on each product to help you affirm the lab reports of the specific product.

The Type of CBD

There are three types of CBD; full-spectrum, broad-spectrum and isolate. Full-spectrum contains all the chemical compounds found in the hemp plant, including CBD, THC, terpenes, and flavonoids. Broad-spectrum contains all the chemical compounds of the hemp plant except THC. Unlike the two (full spectrum and broad-spectrum), isolate is pure CBD, void of THC, terpenes, and flavonoids. According to various studies, full-spectrum CBD oil can pose higher risks since it contains THC, associated with intoxicating effects such as getting you “high.” Broad-spectrum CBD is highly preferred because it is void of THC and helps you gain all the benefits of other elements in the hemp plant, such as terpenes and flavonoids.

The Brand You are Buying From

The brand also matters since some have received warnings and negative comments concerning its products. Check whether the brand has received warnings from FDA concerning its potency and purity levels. Also, check the comments posted by Better Business Bureau, BBB, concerning its products and customer services. Lastly, consider a brand offering a full refund in its terms and conditions if the products are ineffective.

Conclusion

Although various health and wellness bodies across the globe, such as the WHO, have outlined the potential benefits of CBD products, they have also outlined the risks. Therefore, before using CBD products, you should be aware of the potential risks of severe headaches, chest pain, and pale skin colors, which arise from an overdose. It is also important to seek medical advice beforehand, especially when on medication. To avoid overdosing, buy CBD oil products with low concentration. Also, consider products tested by an independent certified lab to minimize potential risks in inaccurate potency testing, resulting in overdose. Lastly, consider reading the guidelines offered on using your CBD oil and confirm concentration levels.

Barbara Santini

Barbara is a freelance writer and a sex and relationships adviser at Dimepiece LA and Peaches and Screams. Barbara is involved in various educational initiatives aimed at making sex advice more accessible to everyone and breaking stigmas around sex across various cultural communities. In her spare time, Barbara enjoys trawling through vintage markets in Brick Lane, exploring new places, painting and reading.

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