What Happens When You Take Too Much CBD?

If you appreciate the benefits of CBD, you probably consume it frequently. But you might have wondered to yourself whether there’s such a thing as taking too much CBD, and precisely how it can affect your health.

CBD is generally safe, but if you take too much CBD, it can lead to side effects like diarrhea, dizzyness, fatigue, and changes in appetite or weight.

What is Considered Too Much CBD for a Human?

Too much of anything for humans can quickly become a bad thing. 

How much is too much CBD will look different to everyone, as CBD affects individuals differently. Luckily, if you accidentally take too much CBD, the side effects are considered mild and temporary.

You'll know you've taken too much CBD if you start to feel uncomfortable moments after taking your dose. Ingesting a large amount of CBD in a short time frame may cause adverse effects such as, diarrhea, fatigue, vomiting, and somnolence [1].

The tricky thing about CBD is that the effects don't always kick-in right away, and depending on your method of consumption, the effects may take up to 45 minutes.

Factors that Determine the Appropriate CBD Dosage:

1. Reason For Taking CBD: People may turn to CBD for many different reasons from supporting healthy stress levels, sleep, or for more sustained energy throughout the day. Those who want to take CBD or CBN for sleep will take higher doses (50MG +) versus someone who uses it in the day to support productivity and energy levels (15–25MG).
2. Genetics: CBD oil may not work the same for everyone. Genetic variations, including your metabolism, could factor in how CBD impacts you.
3. Body mass: CBD oil is typically dosed based on body weight. A low dose is considered 1 mg per 10 lb of body weight and a high strength dose is around 5-6 mg per 10 lb.
4. Extract type: There are 2 popular types of CBD extract—full-spectrum and isolate. Full-spectrum CBD contains a diverse cannabinoid and terpene range that work in synergy with CBD to produce more profound and well-balanced effects (entourage effect). Compared to CBD isolate, which only contains one active ingredient, CBD, you may find that you need higher doses of CBD isolate to achieve the same level of effects as you would in a full-spectrum CBD product [2].
5. Tolerance: Just like any compound that effects your mood, you can develop a tolerance. This is when your body becomes accustomed to the supplemented compound and requires higher doses to achieve the same level of effects. If you find yourself reaching a high tolerance to CBD, it might be practical to take a 2-week break to re-set your tolerance. 

What Does Taking Too Much CBD Feel Like?

If you ingest more CBD than your body can handle or you're on a medication prescribed by your doctor, you're more likely to experience side effects and negative drug interactions.

Some of the side effects of taking too much CBD include:

• Dry mouth
• Vomiting (rare)
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Drowsiness
• Changes in appetite
• Migraines and headaches
• Dizziness

For most healthy people, these side effects are short-lived and you can avoid them by sticking to a lower dose of CBD [3]. 

We have had over 8000 customers report to us, and none of them have reported shakiness or a severe jitter. Yes, high doses of CBD may lead to some mild & temporary discomfort, but they aren’t life-threatening. 

Can You Get High from Taking Too Much CBD?

CBD is a cannabis derivative, but it doesn't have psychotropic properties, meaning CBD doesn’t cause euphoric feelings that lead to intoxication.

The psychotropic main compound in marijuana is THC, and while it's present in hemp strains (up to 0.3%), this isn't enough to get most people high—even if they were to take a high dosage of CBD.

Different people have different reactions to CBD. Some people might experience a deep sense of calm and relaxation, which may lead them to feel like they're high, but this is very different from the effects of a marijuana high.

CBD products are not supposed to get you high, but some people have experienced euphoric effects after consuming them, how is this possible?

It may be that they consumed substandard products. The FDA doesn’t have a tight hold on the CBD industry. Thus, anyone can set up a website and start selling inferior products made of God-knows-what and that contain prohibited levels of THC.

And so, we cannot stress enough the importance of researching products and making sure you’re buying premium, top-shelf & strong CBD oil made from Farm Bill-compliant hemp.

What Happens When You Take CBD Oil Every Day?

You'll see the most benefits from your CBD products if you take it consistently, but not by taking too much CBD. It works by supporting the endocannabinoid system, which is tasked with regulating some of our most vital systems for optimal function.

If you have underlying health conditions or are on medication, you'll have to speak with your doctor to see if taking CBD every day is appropriate for you.

How To Enjoy CBD Safely 

Doing your research is a huge part of learning how to consume CBD safely. You want to make sure that cannabidiol is right for you and that you shop for quality CBD oil that reduces your chances of experience side-effects symptoms.

Here are some other tips for enjoying CBD safely.

1. Start with a low dosage. If you're new to CBD, it's a good idea to start low dosage such as 500mg CBD, and gradually work your way up to a more average dose with something like a CBD oil with 2000mg. This will give your body time to process and adjust to the levels of introduced cannabinoids. Taking too much at once can result in a bad experience.
2. Keep track of your doses and symptoms. Keep track of your doses and how you're feeling either in a journal or an app on your phone. This will give you a more accurate picture of what doses work best for you and if the product is truly providing benefits to your lifestyle.
3. Read the product instructions and recommended doses. Cannabidiol comes in all sorts of different forms and potencies. Read the product instructions carefully to avoid misuse and potential side effects.
4. Take CBD alongside other wellness practices. Unfortunately, there is no one compound that can solve all your problems. CBD is a supplement that many people turn to for supporting their wellness journey, but it's most effective with other healthy habits like prioritizing sleep quality, managing stress levels, and eating nutrient-dense food.

Effects of Taking Too Much CBD

Many people are shifting to CBD products as they are popular for wellness.

It’s critical to stick to dosage guidelines, but surpassing the dosage limits may cause adverse side effects.

Overall, CBD is still considered safe and the effects should wear off in 5–6 hours. Before you start taking large doses of CBD—upwards of 50MG—you should speak with your health care professional, especially if you have an underlying health condition or are on prescription medication.  

FAQ

Can you take CBD while sick?

Yes, CBD can be taken while sick, as it may help alleviate certain symptoms. However, always consult a healthcare provider before starting or continuing CBD use during illness to ensure it doesn’t interfere with other medications or worsen symptoms.

Can you take too much CBD?

While CBD is generally considered safe, taking excessively high doses can lead to side effects like diarrhea, fatigue, and changes in appetite or weight. Always adhere to the recommended dosage and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.

How many MG of CBD is too much?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer as optimal dosage varies by individual factors such as body weight, metabolism, and the intended use. It's best to start low (around 5-10 mg) and go slow. Doses over 50mg per day might cause adverse reactions.

Can too much CBD Make you Jittery?

Yes, consuming excessive amounts of CBD can sometimes cause jitteriness or even mild shaking. We have had over 8000 customers report to us, and none of them have reported shakiness or a severe jitter. High doses may lead to temporary discomfort, but they aren’t life-threatening

Resources:

1. Huestis, M. A., Solimini, R., Pichini, S., Pacifici, R., Carlier, J., & Busardò, F. P. (2019). Cannabidiol adverse effects and toxicity. Current neuropharmacology, 17(10), 974-989.
2. Ferber, S. G., Namdar, D., Hen-Shoval, D., Eger, G., Koltai, H., Shoval, G., ... & Weller, A. (2020). The “entourage effect”: terpenes coupled with cannabinoids for the treatment of mood disorders and anxiety disorders. Current neuropharmacology, 18(2), 87-96.
3. Iffland, K., & Grotenhermen, F. (2017). An update on safety and side effects of cannabidiol: a review of clinical data and relevant animal studies. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 2(1), 139-154.