A common question asked by beginners is “can I take too much CBD oil?” It’s a valid question since most people aren’t sure how much they should be taking. But can you actually take too much to begin with? Let’s discuss that along with some tips on finding the right CBD dosage for you.
Can You Overdose on CBD Oil?
CBD is considered to be safe and non-toxic. Lethal overdoses do not occur from CBD or any other cannabinoids as reported by the National Cancer Institute.
While you won’t overdose from CBD, you can still get unwanted effects from taking too much. Just because CBD is generally well-tolerated and safe, it doesn’t mean you should overdo it.
What Happens if I Take Too Much CBD Oil?
Headaches, fatigue and mild nausea are the three most common signs that you may be taking too much CBD. These potential side effects can usually be reduced or eliminated by lowering the amount of CBD that you are taking.
If you’ve been taking a full dropperful (one milliliter), try reducing that down to a half of a dropper or less. If a lower dose eliminates the unwanted side effects, you can then start to slowly increase it again until you achieve your desired results.
Even though you may be tempted to think that “more is better,” that’s usually not the case. In fact, it’s typically the exact opposite. Most users of CBD find that the saying “less is more” is more appropriate when it comes to dosage.
CBD Effects Can Change Based on How Much You Take
While many medical studies are still needed, the ones we do have suggest that CBD is biphasic. Basically, this means that its effects can change dramatically based on whether you are taking more or less of it.
Small amounts of CBD have been shown to be uplifting and even energizing. Larger doses tend to have a more sedating effect and can make you feel sleepy.
Being aware of these potential biphasic effects can help you recognize how your body is reacting to CBD. Finding your optimal dosage usally involves some experimentation with higher and lower amounts. It’s a process that involves realizing the effect that CBD is having on you specifically.
What is Considered a Small or Large Dose?
You may be asking what we consider a small versus a large dose of CBD. Generally, a small dose is anything less than 20 milligrams of CBD. A large dose is an amount that exceeds 50 milligrams.
But in reality, the definition of small or large can vary depending on a number of factors. These include your body weight and metabolism.
What Effects Will CBD Have on Me?
The effects that CBD has on each person is highly individualized. One person may get energizing effects when taking up to 50 milligrams. Another person may be able to take up to 100 milligrams before the effect changes from energizing to more sedating. A lot of CBD research studies involve very large doses, upwards of thousands of milligrams of CBD. So it’s all relative.
The key is finding out what works for you rather than relying on what works for someone else. This is why we usually recommend starting with a low dose and slowly increasing until you get the desired effects. If at some point you start to experience undesired effects, try lowering your dose. If it was working well for you but now seems less effective, you can try slightly increasing the amount that you’re taking.
By starting low and increasing slow, you have the best chance to find your optimal dosage in a shorter time frame. You’ll also save money while fine-tuning the appropriate amount to take for your body. Sublingual drops are the most recommended delivery method for this period of trial and adjustment. They allow you to customize your dose as needed based on the amount of drops or milliliters that you are taking.
Remember that the serving suggestions on CBD product labels are just that, suggestions. It common for the suggested amounts to be much too high for the typical user that is just getting started with CBD. Instead, it’s usually best to consider manufacturer suggestions to be a dose to work up to gradually.
One Response
Still waiting to be able to start. Pain is awful.