CBD is the nickname for cannabidiol, a substance derived from the cannabis or marijuana plant. While THC is the primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, CBD is derived from a cannabis plant referred to as hemp.
While there are many types of CBD, only one kind is approved in the United States for medicinal use. If the CBD is extracted directly from marijuana, it is not legal on a federal level. However, some states have legalized the recreational and medicinal use of CBD.
People use CBD recreationally for a wide variety of reasons. The primary medicinal use of this substance is to treat seizures and seizure disorders. While it is possible to overdose on CBD, symptoms are usually not life-threatening.
Why Do People Use CBD?
Most of the people who use CBD are seeking to experience the benefits of cannabis without the psychoactive effects. For example, some of the top reasons recreational users use CBD are to experience anxiety relief, sleep well, or relieve the symptoms of depression.
According to research, CBD has been found to provide the following benefits:[1]
- Reduced anxiety
- Help with falling and staying asleep
- Lowering chronic pain from conditions like arthritis and neuropathic pain
- Lowered cravings for substances like tobacco or heroin
According to Harvard Medical School, the main medicinal use of CBD includes, “its effectiveness in treating some of the cruelest childhood epilepsy syndromes, such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), which typically don’t respond to anti-seizure medications.”[1]
While CBD does not get people high, some individuals may attempt to use large amounts of this substance to experience similar effects to marijuana. Despite their efforts, this is not a psychoactive substance and will only cause individuals to feel more mellow, comfortable, and calm.
Can You Overdose on CBD?
While it is possible to overdose on CBD, the symptoms of overdose are not life-threatening. It is important to note that while the effects of overdose are not fatal, overdosing on CBD should never be misconstrued as harmless. Individuals need to remain aware of the dosages they are consuming and follow the guidelines they are provided – whether they are using CBD medically or recreationally.
That being said, adults, pets, and children can overdose on cannabidiol. Pets and children are at a higher risk of suffering from a CBD overdose as they weigh less than adults and are more sensitive to cannabinoids.
How Much CBD is Too Much?
Each brand of CBD will have its recommendations on how much is safe to take. Typically, it is recommended for individuals to start by taking 5 to 10mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight. In other words, someone who weighs 150 pounds could safely take up to 1,500 milligrams of cannabidiol per day.
The amount of CBD an individual can take also depends on a variety of personal factors. These factors include:
- Their body weight
- The condition they are treating
- Their unique body chemistry
- The concentration of CBD in each pill, gummy, drop, or vape
Because of the intricacies of finding the right dosage, individuals who use CBD usually begin with 20 to 40mg per day and increase this dosage until they experience the effects they seek.
Individuals who are worried about overdosing on CBD should refrain from taking dosages over 1,500 milligrams per day.
Symptoms of a CBD Overdose
Cannabidiol is generally well tolerated by adults, children, and even animals. According to ot research, individuals who frequently use CBD can tolerate a daily dosage of 1,500 milligrams.[2] However, it is possible for individuals to overdose on the substance and experience some adverse effects.
It is important to note that most people do not exceed 50mg of CBD per day, as this is generally enough for anxiety and pain relief. Due to this, the people who typically overdose on CBD are abusing the substance in an attempt to experience heightened effects of calmness.
The symptoms of a CBD overdose include:
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite
Additionally, the drug interactions associated with CBD can cause significantly uncomfortable effects. According to Harvard Medical School, the drugs that CBD interacts with negatively and cause severe adverse effects include the following:[3]
- Warfarin (blood thinner)
- Amiodarone (heart rhythm medication)
- Levothyroxine (thyroid medication)
- Seizure medications like clobazam, lamotrigine, and valproate
Harvard Medical School also reports that inhaled CBD can cause adverse effects faster due to the way that it is absorbed into the blood. Additionally, edibles can cause a high concentration peak that may lead to severe drug interactions.[3]
Finding Help for Drug Addiction
While CBD is not known to cause addiction, forms of cannabis that include THC can lead to dependency. Additionally, individuals who abuse cannabis are at a higher risk of abusing other substances like alcohol or opioids.
If you or a loved one suffer from any form of drug addiction, Mandala Healing Center can help. From detox to inpatient treatment and relapse prevention planning, we provide our patients with the tools they need to maintain long-term sobriety. Contact us today for more information on our drug addiction treatment programs.
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