According to some studies, the size of the CBD market is expected to reach two billion US dollars in 2026. This projection shows that CBD is here to stay.
However, just as the usage of CBD products and oils is growing, so are the concerns regarding potential overdosage. Users are increasingly worried about whether it is possible to overdose on CBD and, if so, how much is too much. This rising concern results from a combination of factors, mainly the scarcity of comprehensive scientific studies into CBD products and their effects. Also, the association of CBD with the cannabis plant raises further misconceptions and gives the impression that it can cause a “high.” So, while the popularity of CBD has surged, the research has stayed far behind, creating an information gap.
In this article, we will dive deep into these growing concerns of users, dispel myths, and figure out how much worry is justified and how much is ill-founded.
What Happens If You Overdose On CBD?
First, let us be clear that a CBD overdose is not fatal. No toxic level of CBD can be consumed even by accident. It is very well tolerated by healthy people in general. It does not induce any high or euphoric feelings.
So, what does overdosing mean? It occurs when an individual consumes any substance or drug in a quantity greater than their body can handle. As a result, the person suffers from many adverse effects. These effects can range from a bit of uneasiness to more severe reactions.
Like any other medication, some side effects may occur if a person consumes way more CBD than the prescribed dosage. Thankfully, the side effects of CBD overdosage are mild.
Below, we have mentioned what you can expect if you overdose on CBD.
- Consuming large doses can cause nausea or vomiting.
- The user can experience dizziness and an overall sense of lethargy.
- Diarrhea is another adverse effect experienced.
- The user may become agitated and irritable.
- There may be a loss of appetite.
It is important to remember that just like all medications, all these reactions and adverse effects vary from person to person. Some people may have these effects, while others may not experience any at all.
A Case Of CBD Overdosage
To better understand the effects of overdosage, let us look at a case that happened in 2020. A man, 56 years of age, was suffering from back pain. He bought and then ingested two whole packets of CBD gummies. He had ended up consuming 370 mg of CBD in one go. The prescribed one-time dosage of CBD gummies is a maximum of 30 mg!
This man ended up in the hospital ER. He was brought there in an ambulance when his colleagues noticed his speech had become slurred and he was behaving oddly. He was also vomiting.
The doctors treated him by giving him IV fluids and oxygen. He was also given medicines for nausea. Luckily, the patient completely recovered and was up and about the next day.
How Much CBD Can An Individual Tolerate?
CBD is used to treat many different conditions. From inflammation and chronic pain to sleep disorders and eating problems, CBD helps treat these naturally and holistically. This is why the dosage recommendations are different for different uses.
A study has been conducted to see how well humans tolerate CBD. It was seen that a dosage of 1500 mg CBD was well tolerated without any side effects. To put this into context, consider a CBD product like gummies. Each bottle of gummies has a maximum of 1000 mg per bottle. There are about 30 gummies in each bottle. If a person consumed the entire bottle in one go, he would still not suffer any adverse reactions. This goes to show that it is not easy to overdose on CBD.
However, we are not saying that a person should go and start consuming large CBD doses. This is just an assurance that if it does happen accidentally, there is nothing to worry about.
Factors Contributing To CBD Overdose
Below, we have discussed some key factors contributing to the concerns regarding overdosage.
- The CBD market is flooded with various products, including oils, edibles, and tinctures. However, there is such a fluctuation in product quality, purity, and strength that users find it challenging to decide the exact dosage. This can lead to concerns about potential overdosage.
- The CBD industry is not regulated. As a result, the quality and consistency of products can vary greatly. This can result in inaccurate concentrations mentioned on the label and the risk of consuming large doses without realizing increases.
- Each individual responds to CBD differently. This is why no universal dosage can be calculated as a safe dose for everyone. As a result, the chances of overdosage increase.
- Unlike other substances, CBD does not cause severe adverse reactions even after a high dose has been consumed. This lack of clear symptoms that are easy to recognize also contributes to a risk of overdosage.
CBD Vs. THC
CBD, or cannabidiol, is arguably the most popular compound of the 500 compounds found in the hemp plant. This plant is high in CBD content and low in THC content. This is why hemp-derived CBD is preferable as a raw material for CBD products. Once CBD has been extracted from the hemp plant, it can manufacture various products ranging from edibles to oils and tinctures.
CBD does not induce a ‘high’ like THC or tetrahydrocannabinol. This means that it is not psychoactive in nature. Hence, if you are worried about getting intoxicated, there is no reason to be.
The Importance Of CBD Sourcing
It is essential to know and trust the source of your CBD products so that you can have a safe CBD experience. The source mentioned on the product is not just a label. It is a critical piece of information.
Reputable CBD companies share detailed information about their sourcing, cultivation methods, and third-party lab test reports. This will help you gain trust in the quality and safety of the product you are using.
CBD can have trace amounts of contaminants if they are not cultivated carefully. Reliable companies will make sure that the product is free from all harmful chemicals and contaminants. This way, you can be sure to get what you are expecting. These companies accurately label the dosage so that no surprises are in store. As a result, the risk of accidentally overdosing is eliminated.
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How Does CBD Interact With The Endocannabinoid System?
The endocannabinoid system is a regulatory system with CB1 and CB2 receptors throughout the body. This system monitors mood, sleep, and pain.
CBD interacts with the ECS by moderating its activity. It slows down the breaking down process of the body’s natural compounds. As a result, many effects are observed, including relaxation and relief from pain. CBD also helps to improve the mood of users.
Can CBD Interact With Other Medications?
CBD is known to interact with other medicines when they are taken together. This is because CBD influences how these medicines are processed in our bodies.
The liver enzymes that help break down substances are affected by CBD. As a result, the medicines are metabolized differently, leading to more potent effects or potential side effects.
It is a good idea to talk to your healthcare advisor if you are already taking medications and wish to use CBD. Interactions and experiences can vary from person to person depending on the type of medicine used and individual factors. It is better to make informed choices by seeking professional guidance.
Final Word
The concerns regarding the overdose of CBD should be addressed but in a rational way. Most people worry because of a lack of enough studies available. Scientific research is also limited in this area. This is why there is room for speculation and misinformation spreading rapidly.
However, there is evidence available that shows that CBD is safe for consumption, and there is no amount of dosage that can be considered lethal. Another factor that helps to alleviate these worries is that CBD is not psychoactive. Unlike THC, also known as tetrahydrocannabinol, CBD does not create any intoxication or mind-altering “high.” In fact, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, and by doing so, it helps promote balance within the body’s regulatory systems.
We can not overemphasize the importance of responsible usage. Individual factors such as body weight, rate of metabolism, and your body’s tolerance level should be considered. Always start with a low dose and increase gradually. Going carefully will help minimize any chances of discomfort and will enhance your CBD experience.
