Cannabis has become a part of every industry we turn to but the cannabinoid CBD found in this herb has garnered a special place. How? Well, it is this cannabinoid that has been addressed for its medicinal properties. Epidiolex, a CBD product, is legally a medication used to treat rare forms of childhood epilepsy. Other CBD products are available to patients of chronic ailments after applying for an MMJ card California.
But we’re still treading unknown waters as we’re unsure of how far its benefits go. We’re also a little in the dark about the side effects of CBD. And when it comes to CBD doses, how much is too much and will too big or too potent of a CBD dose have negative effects on the body.
For the purpose of clarity and better understanding of the cannabinoid, let’s answer some basic questions.
What is the Recommended CBD Dosage?
Just to clear the air, there is no particular dose that fits all.
Every product you buy might have a different dosage recommendation. This depends on how potent the product is, and who the product is recommended for.
The label of a CBD tincture might state that a consumer can take anywhere between 1 and 3 droplets. In such a case, a beginner should always opt for the smallest dose specified. In this case, a single drop under the tongue.
However, depending on your weight, metabolism, tolerance and age, a drop might not work for you. You can continue adding onto your dose to experience the expected results.
On the other hand, taking more than the recommended dose can lead to some side effects like nausea, vomiting, dizziness etc. It’s crucial to remember that it’s not CBD isolates that lead to such a reaction but full-spectrum products that contain THC and other cannabinoids.
What Happens If You Consume Too Much CBD?
First of all, what is too much CBD?
As per studies, 20,000mg of CBD is considered to be its toxic limit (we said toxic not lethal). Keeping in mind that most doses of CBD lie somewhere between 5mg and 20 mg, consuming toxic levels of CBD is quite far fetched. You’ll have to down quite a few bottles of CBD oil before reaching that point. So od on CBD isn’t the most dreaded situation.
However, even if a consumer reaches this level of toxicity, expectation that it’ll turn lethal is close to none (exceptions are always there).
CBD by itself, is not that harmful. Even with extremely high doses, CBD usually leads to side effects like diarrhea, nausea, sleepiness etc. However, when the CBD product you’re using is full-spectrum, meaning that it contains THC, the results can be very different.
THC or tetrahydrocannabinol is that cannabinoid found in cannabis that can be highly intoxicating if not consumed as directed.
Overdosing on THC can lead to the following side effects:
- Panic and paranoia
- Anxiety, depression and stress
- Muscle spasms
- Hallucinations and delusions
- Dizziness, nausea and lethargy
- Risk of cardiac attack
- Reduced memory function
- Cognitive impairment
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Impaired coordination
- Hyperkinetic reactions
An overdose of THC doesn’t necessarily become fatal, however, it’s consequences are much more severe than that of CBD.
Can CBD interact With Other Medications?
Yes, CBD has the potential to interact with other medications that might already be consuming. While in some cases this might work out for the better, a majority of these interactions have a negative impact on consumer’s health.
Interaction between CBD and prescription medications for pain relief, insomnia, depression or psychosis can lead to increased fatigue, sleepiness, sedation and sometimes, even cognitive impairment.
CBD also tends to interact with other opioids and illegal drugs which can lead the consumer into dangerous waters.
Due to this reason, patients that hold an MMJ card California are recommended to talk to their physicians about all medications they are currently prescribed, their medical history as well as any other drug that they might be consuming. Being transparent about your family’s medical history, your history of abuse and any allergies that you might have can save you from some very painful side effects.
Can CBD Make You Sick?
CBD is not associated with any particular side effects, especially when consumed in limited quantities or as directed. Even the World Health Organization states that CBD is usually well tolerated in consumers.
That does not mean that CBD can never result in any side effects.
Overconsumption of CBD can result in the following:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Sleepiness
CBD is also known to interact with grapefruit in medications as well as other ingredients that can lead to side effects.
Can You Get Addicted to CBD?
Not really. If you’re consuming pure CBD oil (such as an isolate), chances of developing dependency is minimal. That is because CBD has no intoxicating effects and does not lead to any euphoric experience that a patient might want to experience again.
That being said, there is always a chance of minor dependency on anything we do on a routine basis. If you’ve been consuming CBD oil for a year now, completely ceasing its use can take a few days to get used to.
In the case of THC, however, patients get addicted and have to tackle cannabis withdrawal symptoms when ceasing consumption completely. Unlike withdrawal of other drugs, marijuana withdrawal takes between two weeks to four weeks, after which the brain returns to its prior functioning.
Ending Words
CBD is that one cannabinoid that you have to fear the least. Out of the two most well-known cannabinoids: CBD and THC, it is more controlled, has no intoxicating effects and has anxiolytic and pain-relieving effects. As a holder of MMJ card California, a patient should remember that even though a CBD od isn’t very common, it is not impossible. At the same time, how your body reacts to a CBD overdose depends on a bunch of factors, including what other medication you’ve been prescribed.
If you’re new to consuming CBD or are working towards increasing your dose, it’s crucial to take it slow and not test your limits.
