CBD overdose: is it possible ?

What is CBD

CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid extracted from the hemp plant. CBD is the second cannabinoid isolated by science after THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the molecule responsible for the psychoactive effects of hemp. It is therefore necessary to make the difference between these two molecules that do not cause the same effects at all, even if they share the same origin.

CBD is considered the molecule of well-being. Presented in the form of flower, resin, oil, crystals, herbal teas, food products or cosmetics, CBD is generally used to promote physical and mental relaxation. Very popular in recent years, CBD is used to reduce stress and anxiety, to combat sleep and mood disorders, but also to relieve chronic pain. The main effects of CBD are as follows:

• relaxing and mildly sedative properties;
• antalgic and anti-inflammatory properties;
• antibacterial properties;
• anxiety properties;

In contrast, THC is a molecule consumed for recreational purposes. Indeed, THC is known for its psychotropic, euphoric and potentially addictive effect. Smokers of cannabis containing THC report feeling "high" or "stoned" because of these psychoactive effects. For a CBD product to be legal in France, it must contain less than 0.3% THC to guarantee the absence of these harmful health effects. In addition, THC is considered a narcotic product, and therefore a drug prohibited for sale and consumption.

Is CBD dangerous to your health ?

No, CBD is not dangerous to your health. Now that you know the difference between CBD and THC, you know that it is THC that is responsible for the bad reputation of cannabis.

Besides, the WHO (World Health Organization) declared in 2017 that CBD is safe and does not cause any form of addiction. In the same report, the WHO states that the CBD molecule offers numerous health and wellness benefits to consumers. Scientific research revealing the absence of toxicity of CBD has multiplied and today, health professionals are unanimous in confirming the enormous therapeutic potential of this molecule.

Can CBD cause an overdose ?

You're probably wondering if consuming a very large amount of CBD could cause an overdose. You can rest assured, because the answer is no. The only risk associated with overdosing on CBD is experiencing some side effects, but certainly not an overdose.

Here again, it is because CBD is wrongly associated with the drug that it is thought to cause an overdose. But CBD is not a drug, so it cannot cause this kind of effect on the body. Moreover, to overdose on CBD, you would have to consume more than 15 grams of CBD in a day. So much for saying that this is a difficult amount to achieve, even for a regular consumer.

What are the risks of overdosing on CBD ?

If you overuse cannabidiol, you are not at risk of anything serious other than some side effects. The symptoms may include:

• muscular cramping;
• somnolence and fatigue;
• dry mouth;
• slight digestive disorders;
• nausea and vomiting;
• diminished appetite;
• dizziness and confusion;
• feeling dizzy;

These side effects should disappear on their own within 2 hours of CBD administration. If symptoms persist, seek the advice of a medical professional to make a reliable diagnosis. It is possible that the symptoms are unrelated to CBD use.

How to properly dose CBD

As you will have understood, CBD is not a dangerous substance for health, but it is still best to follow the recommended doses to avoid adverse effects and optimize your experience. Finding the ideal dosage is not always obvious, as it varies depending on many factors such as age, gender, metabolism, consumption habits, CBD format, CBD level, etc.

So you understand that the dosage that best suits you may not be the same as your friends or spouse. To maximize the benefits of CBD on your body, it is advisable to start with the lowest possible dose and gradually increase it. Once you have found the dose that seems to suit you, stabilize your consumption. Increase the dose only if you feel little of the relaxing effects.

Note that most regular consumers take between 0.5 and 2 grams of CBD flowers per day, which seems to be more than enough to enjoy its multiple virtues. Recommended doses range from 1 to 6 mg of CBD per 5 kg. This corresponds to:

• minimal dose: between 0.5 mg and 20 mg per day;
• normal dose: between 10 mg and 100 mg per day;
• maximum dose: between 50 mg and 150 mg per day.