Can You Have Too Much CBD?

The popularity of CBD is exploding right now along with the cannabis legalization movement – and for good reason. But because CBD is extracted from the same plant as THC, you might be wondering if it’s possible to overdo it. In this article, we’ll go over the basics of CBD dosing and talk about what happens if you take too much.

Taking Too Much CBD

So what happens if you take too much CBD? Basically nothing. You would need to consume a lot to experience adverse side effects, and even then they would be very minor. CBD does not produce a high like THC — even at high doses — and experiencing negative side effects is almost unheard of.

But what happens if you accidentally take way more than you intended? A 2017 review on the safety and efficiency of CBD looked at a wide range of doses and modes of administration and didn’t identify any significant side effects.

It did find that at extremely high doses, like those over 2000mg (downing about ten bottles of CBD tincture) CBD can cause headaches, dizziness, decreased appetite, anxiety, drowsiness, diarrhea, jitteriness, and increased heart rate. Even these side effects were rare and faded after a few hours.

The bottom line is that there are zero reports of a fatal overdose from CBD. Though we do need more studies to determine its benefits.

How to Take CBD

The key to taking CBD to figure out what works for you, rather than what works for other people. It’s always recommended to start slow with a low dose, and then gradually increase your dose until you find your sweet spot. If you experience unwanted effects, lower your dose.

Sublingual drops are an excellent delivery method while you are fine-tuning your dosage. They make it easy to customize your dose as needed with exact amounts in a measured dropper. Keep in mind that serving suggestions on CBD products are just that — suggestions. The recommended dosage on a product label can easily be too high for someone who is just starting out, so consider working up to the suggested dose.

Things to keep in mind when taking CBD

• CBD is Biphasic
  While a lot of research is still needed on CBD, we do know that it’s a biphasic compound. That means it can have opposite effects at high and low doses. Small amounts tend to be uplifting and energizing, while larger doses can promote sedation and sleepiness. So if you take more CBD than intended, you’ll likely just want to lay down and take a nap.
• CBD is Not Physically Addictive
  Rest assured that based on chemistry, CBD is not addictive. It cannot produce any physical withdrawal symptoms when you suddenly stop using it.
• Everyone is Different
  There are many variables like age, weight, metabolism, environment, genetics, and the product, that make universal dosing recommendations impossible. Finding the right dosage is an individual experience that requires some trial and error.

The Bottom Line

Whatever way you choose to consume CBD, it would be very difficult to take enough to experience negative side effects. Even if you accidentally take too much, you can rest assured that you will be OK. While there has never been a case of anyone overdosing on CBD, it’s essential to keep in mind that not all products are created equal. Do your research and purchase products from reputable brands that have been lab-tested for purity and quality. That means the best place to get CBD is at your local Have a Heart.

Need help finding quality CBD products? We can help! Visit Have a Heart and check out our huge selection. We have something that will work just for you. Find your nearest dispensary below!