Can You Overdose on CBD? Can You Take Too Much CBD?

CBD, short for cannabidiol, has gained significant popularity for its potential health benefits. However, many people wonder: can you overdose on CBD? How much CBD is too much, and what happens if you take too much CBD?

What Is CBD, and How Is It Used?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, CBD does not produce a "high." Instead, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the human body, a complex network of receptors involved in regulating processes such as mood, appetite, and pain.

CBD is often used for conditions like anxiety, chronic pain, arthritis, insomnia, and epilepsy. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a CBD-based medication, Epidiolex, for treating specific seizure disorders, such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. As context, the FDA is the United States equivalent to the UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA).

How CBD Works?

CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex biological network responsible for regulating vital processes like mood, sleep, pain, and immune responses. The ECS includes receptors (CB1 and CB2) distributed throughout the brain and body. While THC binds directly to these receptors, CBD influences them indirectly, helping to restore balance in the body [1].

Read more about how CBD works on our page What is CBD?

Common Uses of CBD

CBD has a broad range of applications backed by emerging research. Some common uses include:

• Epilepsy: The FDA-approved drug Epidiolex uses CBD to treat rare forms of epilepsy, including Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome [2].

• Chronic Pain: CBD's anti-inflammatory properties make it effective in reducing pain associated with arthritis and other chronic conditions [3].

• Anxiety and Depression: Studies suggest CBD may alleviate symptoms of anxiety by interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain [4].

• Sleep Disorders: Many users report improved sleep quality after using CBD, likely due to its calming effects [5].

Different Forms of CBD

CBD is available in a variety of forms, allowing users to choose based on their preferences:

• Oils and Tinctures: These are taken under the tongue for quick absorption.

• Capsules and Gummies: Convenient, pre-dosed options ideal for consistent use.

• Topicals: Creams and balms applied to the skin for localized relief.

• Vapes: Inhalable CBD provides rapid onset but may carry risks to respiratory health.

Choosing the right CBD product for relaxation: CBD gummies vs. CBD oils

Safety Considerations

While CBD is generally safe, users should be cautious of potential interactions with medications, particularly those carrying a grapefruit warning. Consulting a healthcare professional before starting CBD is advisable to ensure safety and efficacy.

How Much CBD Is Too Much? 

While CBD is generally safe, taking very high doses can lead to unwanted effects. According to a 2017 review, humans can tolerate up to 1,500 mg per day without significant adverse effects [5]. As context, this amount of CBD is over 20 times the suggested maximum dose by the FSA in the UK and would require ingesting an entire bottle of our Strong CBD.

Products like Epidiolex, a prescription CBD medication approved by the FDA, have dosage guidelines starting at 2.5 mg per kilogram of body weight and can increase based on individual needs [3].

What Happens if You Take Too Much CBD? Can you have a CBD overdose?

What Happens if You Take Too Much CBD?

While rare, taking too much CBD can cause mild to moderate side effects, such as:

• Drowsiness

• Diarrhea

• Nausea or vomiting

• Decreased appetite

A 2020 case study examined a man who ingested 370 mg of CBD in the form of gummies and experienced symptoms like slurred speech and vomiting. Medical intervention, including IV fluids and oxygen, led to a full recovery [4].

Read more about potential CBD side effects.

Contamination Risks in CBD Products, oils or edibles. 

One key issue with unregulated CBD products is the potential for contamination. A 2017 study found that 26% of CBD products tested contained less CBD than advertised, and some were contaminated with substances like pesticides or heavy metals [5]. This means adverse reactions might sometimes result from contaminants rather than CBD itself [6].

You can see our test results on our website, demonstrating exactly how much CBD is in our products.

When to Seek Medical Help? 

If you or someone else experiences severe symptoms after consuming CBD, call 112 or visit an emergency room immediately. These symptoms might indicate contamination or interactions with other medications:

• Unconsciousness

• Trouble breathing

• Hallucinations

For mild side effects like nausea or drowsiness, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.

Tips for Safe CBD Use

How much CBD should you take?

Using CBD can be beneficial, but to ensure safety and effectiveness, it’s essential to follow some key guidelines. Here are practical tips to help you make informed decisions when incorporating CBD into your wellness routine:

1. Start with a Low Dose and Increase Gradually

If you’re new to CBD, it’s wise to begin with a small dose and gradually increase until you achieve the desired effects. For example, start with 5–10 mg per day and monitor how your body responds before raising the dose. Research shows that humans can tolerate doses up to 1,500 mg daily, but starting low helps avoid unnecessary side effects [2].

2. Consult a Healthcare Professional

Before taking CBD, especially if you’re on other medications, consult a healthcare provider. CBD can interact with medications like blood thinners or those with a grapefruit warning, potentially causing adverse effects [1].

3. Choose Reputable Brands

Not all CBD products are created equal. Look for brands that provide third-party lab test results to verify product purity and CBD content. Contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, or unexpected THC can lead to unwanted effects [5].

4. Understand the Form You’re Using - CBD Oil and CBD Gummies are slightly different 

Different forms of CBD (oils, capsules, topicals, or gummies) have varying absorption rates and effects. Oils and tinctures work quickly when taken sublingually, while edibles may take longer to kick in but provide a more sustained effect. Choose the format that fits your needs.

5. Avoid Mixing CBD with Alcohol Sedatives and consult with a doctor for other medication 

Combining CBD with alcohol or sedative medications can increase the risk of drowsiness and reduce mental alertness. It’s best to avoid using CBD with substances that slow brain activity unless supervised by a healthcare professional [3].

6. Monitor for Side Effects

Although CBD is generally well-tolerated, some individuals may experience mild side effects like drowsiness, diarrhea, or irritability. If you notice these effects, consider reducing your dose or discontinuing use temporarily [2].

7. Be Mindful of Product Labeling

Labels on CBD products can be misleading. A 2017 study found that over 26% of products contained less CBD than advertised. Always verify the actual CBD content and ensure it aligns with your dosage needs [5].

8. Store CBD Properly

To maintain its effectiveness, store CBD in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat. This prevents degradation of the active compounds, ensuring consistent potency over time.

9. Avoid Taking CBD on an Empty Stomach

Taking CBD with food can improve absorption and reduce the likelihood of gastrointestinal discomfort. Pairing CBD with a meal containing healthy fats may further enhance its effectiveness [8].

10. Know When to Seek Medical Attention

If you or someone else experiences severe side effects, such as difficulty breathing, hallucinations, or loss of consciousness, seek immediate medical attention. These symptoms are rare and may indicate a contaminated product rather than a true CBD overdose [4].

While a CBD overdose is unlikely, it’s essential to use high-quality products and follow dosing guidelines.

Adverse effects are rare but can occur, especially with contaminated or mislabeled products. To minimize risks, consult your doctor and buy from trusted brands. At Unspun, we pride ourselves on making CBD simple, safe, and stress-free so you can unwind and restore balance in your life.

Sources

1. Huestis, M. A., et al. (2019). Cannabidiol adverse effects and toxicity.
2. Iffland, K., et al. (2017). An update on safety and side effects of cannabidiol: A review of clinical data and relevant animal studies.
3. FDA (2020). FDA approves first drug comprised of an active ingredient derived from marijuana to treat rare, severe forms of epilepsy.
4. Bass, J., et al. (2020). A case of toxicity from cannabidiol gummy ingestion.
5. Bonn-Miller, M. O., et al. (2017). Labeling accuracy of cannabidiol extracts sold online.
6. Montoya, Z., et al. (2020). Cannabis contaminants limit pharmacological use of cannabidiol.
7. Herbst, J., et al. (2019). Respiratory depression following an accidental overdose of a CBD-labeled product: A pediatric case report.
8. Grinspoon, P., et. al. (2024). Cannabidiol (CBD): What we know and what we don't