CAN YOU TAKE TOO MUCH CBD OIL?

CAN YOU TAKE TOO MUCH CBD OIL?

There is currently no limit for CBD, although a study byFreeman & Lorenzetti (2020).  states 1,500 mg as the maximum dosage in a day. CBD overdose may lead to diarrhea and vomiting, and hydration helps one as he seeks medical attention.

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid and one of the many active compounds in cannabis plants. Since the passing of the Farm Bill in 2018, CBD has become the talk of the town, and people have had the impression that CBD could help with just about anything. It is good to know that many knowledge gaps exist around CBD studies, and what we do not know outweighs what we know about cannabinoids. Any CBD user might have a major concern is whether one can take too much CBD oil and how much is too much. This article explores CBD, the dosage challenge, and the concern about CBD overdosing.

Understanding CBD

It is a chemical substance and one of the more than one hundred active compounds called cannabinoids in cannabis plants. Unlike THC, another active cannabinoid that is widely studied, CBD does not have the ‘high’ effect on people since it lacks the psychoactive properties of THC. IT  explains why many people are for CBD, as they are less likely to get high from the cannabinoid.

How Many Types and Products of CBD Are There?

It is critical to understand the types and products of CBD before you can start the cannabinoid regimen. There are many CBD products or deliverables, with edibles (mints, tablets, and gummies), tinctures & oils, capsules & softgels, vapes (vape cartridges, pens, & tanks), and topicals (serums, lotions, massage oils, creams, shampoos, and balm) being the commonest forms. You can enjoy most of these products in one of the flowing three CBD formulations;

  1. Full-spectrum CBD; has CBD and additional cannabinoids, the psychoactive THC, terpenes, and flavonoids, and is linked to the full entourage effect of multiple compounds.
  2. Broad-spectrum CBD; has as many cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids as full-spectrum CBD, only that it does not have the psychoactive THC. Even so, it is linked to the full entourage effect.
  3. Isolate-based CBD; does not have terpenes, flavonoids, and many cannabinoids but exclusively comprises CBD. Of course, it is not linked to the full entourage effect because it has only one compound, but it makes a good choice for whoever wants to enjoy CBD but wants nothing to do with the psychoactive THC or the earthy taste and flavor of whole-hemp extracts.

The Challenges with CBD Consumption

The main concern with CBD consumption is the lack of dosage recommendations. The FDA does not control the production of non-prescription CBD, nor has it specified the appropriate dosages in which one should consume the cannabinoid. As such, whoever wants to try CBD for whichever reason should consult his doctor beforehand. Because of the dosage ambiguity, you may wonder whether one can take too much CBD and how much is too much, which the next section touches on.

How Much CBD Can the Body Comfortably Take?

The amount one person can tolerate maybe too much for the other person, depending on the variation of people’s genetic makeup. However, a certain amount of CBD a person, should not exceed in a day, although it has not been established yet. One preliminary study by Iffland & Grotenherman (2017) established that the body could comfortably tolerate 1,500 mg CBD in a day, which according to the research, is the highest amount of CBD a person should take. There is a need for more studies to verify the figure.

CBD Studies Are at Infancy

It is worth noting that much is unknown about CBD oil, and there are many risks linked to taking non-prescription CBD. One should consider speaking to his doctor about CBD before trying any CBD item. There is a need for clinical trials to clarify much about CBD.

Too Much CBD and Negative Side Effects

One reason many people like CBD is how much it is touted as safe and well-tolerated by many people. However, this does not mean that it goes well for all people, as Huestis et al. (2019) note. The study found that CBD has some possible adverse effects, including fatigue, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Although studies have yet to confirm these symptoms could worsen with too much cannabinoid.

A Case Study of CBD Overdose

In one study by Bass & Linz (2020) published in Pubmed, a 56-year-old overdosed with CBD. He took two packages of CBD oil gummies, adding up to 370 mg CBD. According to the man, the recommended CBD dosage was 30 mg per session, yet he took two packets to manage his pain. His co-workers noted that he was vomiting and his speech was slurring, after which they took him to the hospital. He was given anti-emetics, oxygen, and continuous stimulation, after which he recovered in a day.

Cases of Emergency

If a person has seizure attacks, has difficulty breathing, and is unconscious after taking CBD oil, it could be that the ingested too much of the cannabinoid. Should this happen, you can call 911 or 800-222-1222, specifically for the USA. In vomiting or diarrhea, consistent hydration is key until one sees a doctor.

Conclusion

CBD is part of the mainstream and is no longer edgy. The FDA does not regulate the production of non-prescription CBD, allowing loopholes. Although one study claims that 1,500 mg is the highest amount of CBD in a day, there is no limit. CBD overdose can lead to adverse effects, including diarrhea and vomiting, and calling 911 or 800-222-1222 for USA residents.

References

Iffland, K., & Grotenhermen, F. (2017). An Update On Safety And Side Effects Of Cannabidiol: A Review Of Clinical Data And Relevant Animal Studies. Cannabis And Cannabinoid Research2(1), 139–154.

Huestis, M. A., Solimini, R., Pichini, S., Pacifici, R., Carlier, J., & Busardò, F. P. (2019). Cannabidiol Adverse Effects And Toxicity. Current Neuropharmacology17(10), 974–989.

Man- Bass, J., & Linz, D. R. (2020). A Case Of Toxicity From Cannabidiol Gummy Ingestion. Cureus12(4), E7688.

Julia Davis

Mental health expert
MS, University of Latvia

I am deeply convinced that each patient needs a unique, individual approach. Therefore, I use different psychotherapy methods in my work. During my studies, I discovered an in-depth interest in people as a whole and the belief in the inseparability of mind and body, and the importance of emotional health in physical health. In my spare time, I enjoy reading (a big fan of thrillers) and going on hikes.

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