Can You Take Too Much CBD?

CBD and CBD-infused products are becoming common, with many legal options widely available for the masses. However, when you’re looking at a huge shelf filled with various CBD products, it can be hard to decide which one to choose. 

Many folks experience benefits from products that have CBD in them. CBD gummies can help make this substance a part of your daily routine, while the oils and creams can work wonders if you need a topical application.

While CBD might work well for most of its users, is it really a good idea to use it all the time? Common sense says no; in fact, it’s generally believed that overuse of any substance will not have a positive result. CBD might be the answer to several questions. But it is possible to use too much of it. 

If you want to utilize CBD in your daily life, you should be aware of the information surrounding the use of this substance. Below is a detailed discussion that will help CBD enthusiasts regulate their usage and stay safe while using the products.

Is a Lethal Dose Possible?

The main question about using CBD too much is whether it could cause any major harm. The good news is that too much CBD can’t actually be lethal; at least, not if you’re taking it on its own.

Most bottles that contain CBD tinctures have 100 to 1,500 milligrams of CBD. This might seem like a lot, but you’d have to consume about 20,000 mg before it becomes dangerous. 

What Happens If You Take Too Much CBD?

If you’re already used to taking CBD regularly, the risk of overdoing it goes down even further. If you’re still a beginner and take more than the recommended amount, or just want to get more of the benefits, the results might be problematic. Side effects might include some or all of the following: 

• A high and persistent level of drowsiness
• Digestive issues such as an upset stomach, diarrhea, etc.
• A feeling of lethargy
• An otherwise unexplained change in appetite
• A sudden change in body weight 

Being Careful About CBD Use

In general, you should always be aware of the amount of CBD you’re using. Some sources say that CBD should not be used by pregnant women. On the other hand, certain experts state that an average user of CBD doesn’t have to worry about a slight increase in their intake. 

However, this doesn’t mean that a regular and consistent increase in CBD use is recommended. If you’re using any CBD product without taking the right precautions, you could end up using more of this substance than your body can manage. 

When to Consult a Doctor

Several reviews have stated that using CBD is safe as long as you stick to regular quantities. However, you should always consult a doctor before introducing CBD-related products into your health or beauty regime. It’s even better if this doctor is familiar with your medical history and that of your family. 

It’s especially important to have a thorough consultation if you’re pregnant, have a preexisting condition or are currently using any kind of medication. Having this discussion openly and honestly might be difficult. But it’s necessary if you want to stay safe with CBD.

Such open discussions are also useful if you suspect you’ve overused CBD. In such cases, your physician or family doctor will be able to guide you and watch for any suspicious symptoms. 

How Much CBD Is Good for You?

So, now that you’ve decided to use CBD, just how much should you take? The packaging of your CBD items should give you an idea of the recommended amount. However, it's also essential to consider the following factors before settling upon a certain CBD level:

• Body Weight: If you have a lower body weight than the average for your height, it’s probably best to limit your CBD intake. Low body weight could mean CBD has a more substantial effect. Similarly, if you weigh more than average, you’ll have to take a little more of the product to gain the same positive results. Still, overdoing it is always a no-no.
• Reason for Use: Some people might be using CBD predictions based on their friends’ and family members' recommendations. If this sounds like your story, keep in mind why they were taking CBD and whether the same thing applies to you.  
• Body Chemistry: Even if someone weighs around the same as you and has a similar height, your body chemistry might be different from theirs. Some people digest certain foods quite easily while others suffer from stomach problems, allergies, etc. If you usually have a negative reaction to new types of food and haven’t tried CBD before, it’s wise to do some more research before starting this practice. 
• Kind of Product: Just because an item has CBD in it, it doesn't mean that it's automatically the best choice for you. Many CBD oils contain different compounds, with some being full-spectrum, isolate, or broad-spectrum. For instance, at Penguin CBD we use broad-spectrum for our CBD oil and isolate for our CBD gummies. Clarify the difference between these terms, and read up on them before using any CBD-infused item.

How to Stay Safe

If CBD-infused products work for you, it might be tempting to buy and use them regularly. Before jumping on the CBD bandwagon, though, make sure you do your research and use each item wisely. 

The first obstacle is the number and accessibility of CBD brands online, because there are numerous CBD platforms, but they're not all equal. Before you place an order on any website, you should research the brand and check out their third-party reviews. Pure and authentic CBD is fairly safe to use; any fakes or low-quality offerings could be dangerous. 

When you do order your CBD products, they should be from a reputable and genuine brand. They should also be able to provide proof of third-party testing and have reviews from real users. Some companies might have a record of irresponsible and inaccurate labeling.

When you hear about someone having an adverse reaction to a CBD product, it usually turns out that they've used synthetic CBD. The products in question probably also had no manufacturer information or listed ingredients. Ensure that you have all these in place before using any CBD-infused product. That’s how you can expect to have a positive and safe experience. 

How to Draw the Line

Responsibly buying CBD-infused products is the first step. When it comes to using them, though, it’s essential to know how and where to draw the line. As mentioned above, consulting your doctor is an effective way to decide how much you should use.

Other than this precaution, look at the recommendations on the packaging and adjust your use accordingly. You can decrease or even increase your use if it seems beneficial. However, it’s always wise to start with slight increases and take it slowly. 

Getting the Right Amount

If you’re using CBD products orally, determining the amount is relatively easy. For example, in a jar of CBD gummies, you can divide the total CBD component by the number of pieces inside. If the combined CBD is 300 mg and you have 60 gummies in a jar or bottle, there’s about 5 mg of CBD in each gummy. 

When you're making use of a tincture or CBD oil drops, however, the measurement becomes less exact. Tincture bottles usually list the total CBD inside the whole bottle. To make the usage safe for you, calculate how much the dropper can hold and estimate accordingly.

For instance, a whole dropper might hold about 16 milligrams of the liquid. There might be markings on the side of the dropper; check the serving size and measure out your required amount using these. 

Does It Cause Itching?

While CBD itself might not be harmful except in exceptionally large amounts, it’s essential to remember that it may also trigger allergies in some people. In rare cases, those using CBD have noticed that they’ve started itching in certain areas. If this happens, stop using this ingredient at once. 

Even if you're not allergic to the CBD itself, it’s possible that you have an intolerance or sensitivity to one of the ingredients in a CBD-infused product. A side effect like this is a serious sign when you start using something new. 

When such a situation arises, it’s time to consult a doctor right away. They might advise you to use a different CBD-infused product or stop the use of this substance immediately. In some cases, they may also recommend changing your current medication.

Giving CBD to Pets

Some people might want to know whether they can share their CBD products with their pets. Even if they don’t intend to give CBD to their domestic animals, there might come a time when a pet chows down on a stray gummy lying around the house.

If you use a product like a CBD bath bomb or oils in your bath, you may also wonder if it’s safe to let your pet into the same room or allow it to touch that water. 

Fortunately, it seems like it’s relatively safe for pets to consume a bit of CBD or be around it. However, if you want to give them CBD regularly, their dosage requirements will vary from that appropriate for humans. It’s best to consult a vet and follow their instructions.

Some websites for CBD products may also have items especially prepared for pets. But make sure to read all the precautions before giving anything new to your pet. 

The Takeaway

Gummies, tinctures, capsules, oils … the range of choices can seem overwhelming. While you may want to start trying out as many options as possible, make sure to follow the proper precautions first.

Read the recommended dosage for each product and see whether your case requires something with CBD or not. If you feel like you’ve used too much of a certain item, it may not be necessary to worry right away. Follow the directions above and consult a doctor if the intake is too much or too frequent.

Keep in mind that there’s no universal limit on the use of CBD and its related products. Different people, different bodies and different intakes lead to different results.

We can expect more studies on this substance soon, especially as it becomes more appreciated worldwide. Until we get something more concrete, though, it’s best to do your research and set your limits, staying on the safe side. First and foremost, be healthy.