Today’s CBD market is more popular than ever, and it seems like just about everyone we know has at least given cannabidiol (CBD) a try at one point or another. One of the most appealing factors of CBD, and the hemp plant in general, is the fact that it’s a completely natural, holistic, and gentle option that can be taken daily for long periods of time.
But understandably, many people want to know whether or not there is such a thing as too much CBD.
Can You Overdose on CBD or the Hemp Plant as a Whole?
Here is what we can tell you. Hemp, as well as CBD and other cannabinoids, are completely nontoxic to the human body. In fact, the body produces cannabinoids on its own, so it is designed to handle these compounds efficiently. What this means is that you cannot consume a toxic level of CBD as cannabinoids simply get stored by the body for later use, rather than building up to dangerous levels in the body.
So, What Does Happen if You Take Too Much CBD?
Well, the most commonly reported effect of excessive dosage amounts is grogginess. A lot of people find that when they take “too much” hemp, they end up feeling sleepy. There may be other effects as well, but studies have yet to explore potential side effects at length.
Also, we can never say that CBD is 100% safe – no one can, except for your doctor who is authorized to provide you with medical advice. Humans can have an adverse reaction to anything due to the unique makeup of their bodies. Ultimately, though, the fact that cannabidiol is nontoxic means that the large majority of people have nothing to worry about.
The Importance of Proper Dosing
Despite the fact that CBD is nontoxic, it’s still wise to stick to appropriate dosing when taking it. That is because even though grogginess may seem like nothing, it can interfere with driving, work, and other important responsibilities. In fact, using more cannabidiol than necessary to get the desired effects can be considered a waste of money.
All hemp products should come with some kind of dosing instructions, which tell you the proper amount to take each day based on the manufacturer’s knowledge of their product.
But there is another factor worth paying attention to, which is the milligram strength. The milligram strength tells you how many milligrams of pure hemp extract are in the product, and therefore tells you the potency of each dose. In other words, a standard dose of a 100mg CBD tincture is going to be very mild, while the same dosage amount of a 5,000 CBD tincture can cause quite powerful effects.
Factors That Affect How Strongly Your CBD Dose Affects You
There are a few different factors that can determine how potently you feel the properties of hemp in your body, which can therefore have a role in how likely you are to feel grogginess and other potential side effects of absorbing too much CBD into the body.
Factor #1: Dosage Amount
It’s always wise to stick with the manufacturer’s instructions or ask your doctor for further dosing guidance.
Factor #2: Milligram Strength
While higher milligram strengths are not associated with any serious effects (otherwise they would not be so widely available on the market), they can be too much for people who are more sensitive to the potential effects of high doses of hemp. As a beginner, therefore, it is always best to start with a moderate milligram strength when choosing a new product.
Factor #3: Delivery Method
Inhaling CBD products promote the strongest effects of all. Why? Because the lung tissue absorbs the compounds of hemp in the fastest manner, therefore causing the full effectiveness to hit you at once, so to speak. Edibles, on the other side of the spectrum, seem to promote the subtlest effects. That’s because the involved process of digestion essentially stretches out the effects of CBD over a longer period of time.
Factor #4: Your Body’s Tolerance to CBD
Ultimately, everyone has an innate “tolerance” to CBD and other cannabinoids. What this means is that some people may just feel the effects more strongly than others due to simple bodily chemistry. This is another reason why starting out with a moderate amount in the beginning is a good idea.
Factor #5: A CBD Product’s Freshness
Hemp compounds degrade gradually over time, being organic in nature, and as this happens, they lose their potency little by little. In short, this means that the more recently the product was produced, the more likely you are to feel the full potential of the strength of its effects.
Factor #6: Other Compounds in the Hemp Product
There’s good reason to believe that full spectrum products produce a stronger experience, due to the synergistic value that the compounds share with one another. Full spectrum products are associated with the entourage effect, which means that the potency of the product can be higher because the presence of each compound multiplies the efficacy of the others.
How to Avoid Taking “Too Much” CBD
If you are concerned about taking more CBD than necessary, experiencing grogginess, or even other potential side effects due to high amounts at one time, then consider speaking with your doctor, who can guide you through the process of starting a routine based on your specific medical needs and history.
Also, make it a point, as we said above, to start with the dosage amount recommended by the manufacturer, as printed on the label of the product. If you do feel like you have taken too much and are experiencing side effects, consult with a medical professional immediately.
