As more people explore CBD products to assist with various symptoms and health concerns, a common question has arisen about what happens if you take too much CBD.
Everyone’s endocannabinoid systems are different, as are their symptoms and conditions. This leads to inconsistent and unknown information surrounding appropriate dosages and safety guidelines. Most experts say more high-quality studies are needed to determine safety parameters.
Without knowing how much CBD is ‘too much,’ consumers are generally left to rely on dosing information on product packaging and listening to their own bodies.
Can you have too much CBD? You might have consumed an excessive amount of CBD if you notice the following uncomfortable side effects:
1. Dry Mouth
Saliva is vital for protecting teeth and our bodies from pathogens, preparing food for swallowing and keeping our mouths moist. Sometimes, too much CBD can result in oral dryness, which can be uncomfortable.
Some researchers believe that CBD and other cannabinoids might result in oral dryness due to their interactions with our endocannabinoid systems. The submandibular gland in the jaw, responsible for saliva production, has cannabinoid receptors. When these receptors are activated, they might alter saliva’s flow, composition, and consistency.
However, some research has also explored whether CBD might not alter your saliva. Instead, it blocks the effects of THC, with THC being the cannabinoid that results in mouth dryness. Further research may be required to confirm the exact cause of a dry mouth brought on by CBD use.
2. Nausea
Some people experience nausea after consuming a small or large amount of CBD. Researchers aren’t entirely sure why CBD alleviates nausea in some people and causes it in others. However, some experts suggest that feelings of nausea can depend on how you ingest the CBD, how much you consume, and how sensitive you are to CBD.
3. Drowsiness
Drowsiness is a common side effect of CBD use, especially with higher doses or volumes that some might consider ‘too much.’ While drowsiness is a desirable side effect for people experiencing trouble sleeping, it might not be for those using it to feel more alert, creative, or pain-free.
According to the present studies, CBD might lengthen sleep periods for those struggling with sleep conditions but also impact memory consolidation.
4. Diarrhea
People often use CBD to relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, with diarrhea being one of them. However, some people have found that diarrhea can be a consequence of CBD consumption in rare cases.
While several factors might play a part in the onset of diarrhea after using CBD, taking too much of it might be one of the likely causes. This might be more of a possibility for beginner users who consume too much in one sitting. Diarrhea might also be a consequence of the carrier oil consumed with CBD, which might loosen the stool further.
Some CBD users might also experience diarrhea with some product types more than others. For example, some people might experience gastrointestinal discomfort with CBD oils and edibles but not with topical and vape products.
5. Drug Interactions
If you are taking any medications, most CBD stockists will recommend checking in with your regular physician about possible drug interactions. If you take too much CBD or, sometimes, even a small dose, there’s potential for it to impact the efficacy or safety of other medications you’re on.
Currently, there is limited research on the interaction between CBD products and other plant-based products. This means that you may need monitoring by a healthcare professional.
How Much CBD Is Too Much and What Is the Normal Dosage?
As some people might experience uncomfortable side effects from excessive CBD use, it can be worth exploring the most appropriate doses to potentially reduce the risk of experiencing them yourself. The FDA doesn’t regulate non-drug CBD products, which means CBD volumes can vary from product to product.
However, one scientific review stated that participants tolerated 1,500mg of CBD daily, and the same dosage showed no adverse effects over a four-week period. Most one-ounce CBD oil bottles contain between 300 mg and 1,500 mg.
The most reputable CBD product stockists recommend starting with 10 mg when using CBD flower, oil, or another CBD product and increasing the dosage if necessary in 5 mg increments, as they feel comfortable. If you notice any uncomfortable side effects like a dry mouth or nausea, reduce your dosage to a level you’re more comfortable with.
What Happens If You Take Too Much CBD? Real Cases
Can you have too much CBD? This component isn’t intoxicating, and the studies referenced above show it can be tolerated in high doses. However, there have been well-documented cases regarding possible consequences for too much CBD, even if the causes of the reactions remain unclear and potentially aren’t linked to CBD alone.
In 2020, a 56-year-old man with no prior medical conditions or history of substance abuse presented to the emergency department with unusual behavior, slurred speech, and vomiting. He purchased CBD gummies several hours prior and consumed two packages totaling 370mg. The serving size on the packaging was 30mg.
The man received supportive care for neurologic and cardiopulmonary depression from CBD intoxication with IV fluids, antiemetics, oxygen, continuous stimulation, and neurologic monitoring. He made a full recovery the following morning.
In a 2019 report, a child presented to urgent care after an accidental overdose of CBD oil. His mental status and respiratory drive deteriorated, and he was intubated. However, he was transferred out of pediatric intensive care within 48 hours and was discharged within 72 hours.
The child’s urine showed a THC concentration of 123 mg/mL, but samples of the CBD batch tested by the manufacturer and FDA showed only trace amounts of THC.
How to Avoid Taking Too Much CBD?
Everyone’s endocannabinoid systems are different, which means comfortable doses for some people might be uncomfortable for others. There are no guarantees that you won’t experience uncomfortable side effects like diarrhea and nausea after consuming CBD products; however, simple actions might reduce the risk.
You might be able to avoid taking too much CBD by purchasing your preferred products from reputable stockists. Always read the packaging carefully, and don’t exceed the recommended dosages.
If you’re on any prescribed medications, check with your physician that CBD products won’t interact with them or lead to adverse health outcomes. It’s also essential to read third-party lab test results to ensure the listed ingredients are identical to those identified by a third-party testing facility. When in doubt, always consult your physician for advice.
Many people consume CBD to potentially assist with stress, sleep, pain, and other symptoms and conditions. If you’re considering exploring CBD products yourself, perform thorough research to ensure you’re well-informed about dosages and side effects to make a purchasing decision with confidence.
