Can CBD be overdosed on?

15 January 2022
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CBD oil is extracted from the inflorescences of hempseed (Cannabis sativa) and is one of the many cannabinoids contained in them. Unlike THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), which is extracted from cannabis, it does not exhibit psychoactive or addictive properties. Instead, along with other cannabinoids has a beneficial effect on the body by acting on the endocannabinoid system. This system is made up of a number of receptors located throughout the body (heart, liver, brain, reproductive organs, muscles, etc.) that are sensitive to the effects of the CBD. This makes it possible for cannabidiol to help regulate a variety of bodily functions.

The range of effects of CBD on the human body is very wide. From regulating appetite, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, to aiding in the treatment of insomnia or post-traumatic stress disorder. It is also used during cancer treatment, in sickness Alzheimer's disease whether Parkinson's. It supports epileptic patients. The use of CBD oil is recommended not only for sick people, but also for healthy people, as it protects the nervous system, for example, and has a calming and relaxing effect.

CBD oil dosage - how not to overdose on it

The dosage of CBD oil is not strictly defined for the reason that every body is different and reacts differently to cannabidiol. But all studies and opinions are clear - start with small concentrations and gradually increase them, while carefully observing the body.

Therefore, if the treatment starts with 1-3 drops taken 3-4 times a day, there is no way to overdose on cannabidiol. Then, depending on the reasons for taking CBD oil, we can increase this dose (as recommended by the manufacturer or therapist).

To overdose on CBD, you would really have to drink a lot more than one small bottle holds. Of course, we advise against experimenting in this direction. You have to stick to the rules and recommendations.

To be clear - when starting to use CBD oils as recommended, one will only provide the body with a dozen or so milligrams of cannabidiol. However, when research is carried out into its potential to help with serious diseases such as Alzheimer's and rheumatoid arthritis, several hundred milligrams are administered at a time.

Is it possible to overdose on CBD?

The WHO, or World Health Organisation, published on its pages in 2018 that CBD does not lead to addiction and that it has a high safety profile. It is a substance that is very well tolerated by the human body and safe for it.

Therefore, taking CBD oils in the doses suggested, their overdose is basically impossible and cannabinoids cannot harm. However, the only symptoms that can occur when someone overdoes the amount are lowered blood pressure, dry mouth, diarrhoea, fatigue and lethargy and changes in appetite.

All these symptoms are transient. If they occur, the dose should be reduced and only increased steadily over time.

Interactions of CBD oil with other drugs

This is the only situation where CBD oils, although taken as recommended by the manufacturer, can have a negative effect on the body. In principle, they do not have a negative effect on the body itself, but they win out when metabolised with other drugs, so that the absorption of the latter is impaired.

This is because CBD is metabolised in the body by the enzyme cytochrome P450, the same enzyme that breaks down 60% of other medicinal substances. Quite simply, cannabidiol, colloquially speaking, pushes in to metabolise the first, so that the drugs are stuck in the liver in the form in which they got there and do not have the opportunity to start their therapeutic action. And it is the drugs stored in the liver that can show symptoms of overdose.

Therefore, any patient who is taking a variety of medications must make this intention known to and consult with their treating physician before including CBD oils in their therapy. This is especially the case when taking chemotherapy or anticoagulants.