We’ve all read those frightening reports of people allegedly being rushed to the hospital after taking a dose of CBD.
And while they might be pretty daunting, it helps to ask — is there really any truth to them?
Hemp has been under fire from various groups and personalities mainly because of its close association with marijuana, but the two herbs are in completely different leagues.
As the non-psychoactive cousin of marijuana, hemp has been found to provide its users a wealth of benefits that work to combat various conditions and improve wellness in general — minus the high. But some people say that there’s more to worry about than just the high. The question is, are they right?
The Effects of CBD Oil
CBD oil has been used for a myriad of applications extending from physical aches and pains to mental health. In general, the reception of the herb has been quite positive, with many of its users claiming that it provides soothing relaxation and relief.
But aside from merely calming and tranquilizing, there are certain hemp strains that have been discovered to do the opposite. These are called sativa strains, and their main benefit is to awaken the system with a jolt of energy. Mainly, these strains are used by individuals who might feel unproductive or even depressed.
Used in just the right amounts, both calming indica strains and energizing sativa strains can provide individuals the benefits they’re looking for. But of course, the condition is that users take just the right amount.
Does CBD Oil Have Side Effects?
Just like drinking too much coffee can have you feeling jittery and nauseated, or how eating too much cake can make you feel sick to your stomach, so too can taking too much hemp cause a few side effects.
Some of the most common side effects that people report include:
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Prolonged sleep
- Clouded cognition
- Fatigue
- Reduced appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Irritability
- Changes in temperament
- Slurred speech
Keep in mind that this isn’t an all inclusive list and some individuals may experience a unique combination of side effects depending on how their body reacts to the substance.
Is CBD Dangerous?
While CBD can cause a variety of side effects, it isn’t toxic to humans. That’s because it’s a naturally occurring herb. So while many of its side effects might feel uncomfortable for the time they persist, they’ll wane as your body washes out the substance.
More often than not, plain jane’s CBD oil is well-tolerated even in mega-doses. But that doesn’t mean that you should push your limits. People have different therapeutic thresholds when it comes to CBD, and you might be able to get away with a drop or two more than you need. But taking significantly more than your body requires may result to these unpleasant side effects.
Can You Overdose on CBD?
The short answer is yes, you can. But it also helps to remember that to overdose simply means to take more of a substance than you can handle. Overdosing on CBD can result to side effects and temporary unconsciousness, but it won’t lead to death.
Although there are quite a few reports out there of people overdosing on CBD, there are no confirmed cases of deaths resulting from CBD overdose. That means even if you accidentally take more than your body can handle, you’re only likely to experience a few unpleasant side effects for a while. If you take significantly more than you need, the end result would be unconsciousness.
On average, experts recommend a daily dose of 600mg, divided into smaller doses throughout the day. According to studies, a dose of 20,000mg in a day — especially when taken at a single time — may cause an unpleasant reaction leading to the side effects listed above or to unconsciousness.
Getting the Proper CBD Dose
Everyone has a different threshold when it comes to CBD oil. That means an amount that works for one person might not work for you. There are a number of factors that play into calculating the proper CBD dose, and these can include things like your weight, your age, and even the time that you take your doses.
There is no single established way to calculate the proper amount of CBD oil you should take. But there are some tactics you can try to find that golden number:
- Start small – The best way to start would be with smaller doses. According to experts, it’s ideal that individuals begin with a dose between 20 to 40mg in a day. If you don’t feel any effects within that limit, then you can go ahead and add 5mg for your next dose. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t add to the dose amount within mere minutes of the first dose since CBD oil could take a while to manifest any benefits. Wait 4 to 6 hours before you take the adjusted dose.
- Avoid Potentiators – A potentiator is a food or substance that tends to enhance the effects of a medication or herb — in this case, CBD oil. If you take a potentiator around the same time you take a dose, then you might experience more pronounced effects, throwing off your estimate of the proper dosage amount for your needs. Avoid foods like grapefruit, lavender tea, lemongrass tea, and other known potentiators to get an accurate estimate.
- Ask an Expert – CBD oil is becoming more and more common — even among medical practitioners. If you really want to make sure you’re getting the right dose, there’s no harm in asking a professional. If there aren’t any doctors in your area that you can ask for CBD advice, you’d be surprised how informative your friendly neighborhood CBD vendor can be.
Nothing to Worry About
It’s true that reports of CBD overdose can be pretty scary, but there really isn’t anything to worry about. As a non-toxic substance, the worst thing that CBD could do to you would be to send you off into a temporary state of unconsciousness.
But that doesn’t mean that the side effects won’t be unpleasant.
If you want to steer clear of the nasty effects of biting off more than you can chew, read the labels, start small, and ask an expert to help you find that perfect dose to match your needs.