Can You Overdose On CBD?

If you are considering adding Holmes Organics products to your wellness routine, you may be wondering if you can overdose on CBD? Here is everything you need to know so that you and your physician can determine what is best for your personal wellness routine.

Can You Overdose On CBD?

 

Let’s get right to it. There are currently zero studies or reported cases that have resulted in either a minor or fatal overdose of hemp-derived CBD. This includes data from around the globe where CBD is both legal and illegal. Keep reading to understand other factors and considerations.

 

What Does Overdosing On CBD Feel Like?

CBD has an extremely low toxicity and side effects of extreme drowsiness, nausea, and other unpleasant symptoms. Experts believe that even in large doses, it is unlikely to cause death. Please speak with a physician for professional medical expertise.

Does CBD Have Any Side-Effects?

While there are zero reports of overdose, almost anything we consume can have a side effect. Everyone responds differently to plant-based dietary supplements so pay attention to how you feel once you start taking CBD. While extremely rare, and most often when taken in high doses, side effects include:

• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Low-blood pressure
• Reduced appetite
• Negative interaction with prescription medications

What Is Considered A High Dose Of CBD?

Consult with your physician to determine the correct milligrams of CBD per serving and per day. This is typically between 10 and 30 milligrams 1 or 2 times per day, sometimes taken at much higher doses as suggested by a physician.

The most recent study on the amount of CBD that would be considered toxic, is 20,000 milligrams taken nearly at once. This would be more than 20 bottles of a 900-milligram bottle of oil tincture, which would not be physician recommended and would be a concerning amount of any type of dietary supplement.

What If My CBD Is Not Pure?

CBD oil tinctures should contain only two ingredients, organic olive oil and pure organic CBD. The formulas for softgels and gummies vary slightly to create a desirable gummy texture and flavor or the softgels ingredients. However, all ingredients should be naturally derived.

Unfortunately, many CBD brands water down their products with fillers and additives to increase their profit margins. So, if you are experiencing a side-effect, it may be one of the additives. Consult with your physician ASAP to discuss your side effects and consider if switching to a pure CBD brand may be a better option.

Is CBD An Addictive Public Health Risk?

The World Health Organization (WHO)  does not find hemp-derived CBD to be a public health risk. With .3% or less of the psychoactive compound THC, CBD does not get you high and is non-addictive.

Marijuana-derived CBD does get you high and can be addictive, which we discuss more in the next few questions.

 

 

 

What Is THC?

With the ongoing debate over legalization, it’s easy to forget that both marijuana and CBD are derived from plants. There are over 700 strains of the cannabis plant. While the strains look similar, they have many different active compounds:

• Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is one of the many cannabinoids (active compounds) found in some strains of the cannabis plant. THC is the psychoactive compound that gets you high. THC products are referred to as either marijuana or marijuana-derived CBD.

• Cannabidiol (CBD) is the active compound responsible for the medicinal benefits of marijuana, but it does get you high. These products are most often referred to as CBD and hemp-derived CBD.

• “Hemp” refers to low-THC strains of the cannabis plant that be farmed to achieve .3 percent or less of THC to create the hemp-derived CBD that is legal in all 50 states.

Can You Overdose On Marijuana-Derived CBD?

There is no evidence that you can overdose on CBD. Although from different strains of the same plant, marijuana has other risk factors. The Center For Disease Control (CDC) states that a fatal overdose of marijuana is unlikely but warns of the possible side effects.

Marijuana impairs your judgment which can lead to poor decision making and potentially fatal risk factors if used while driving, operating heavy machinery, or engaging in any kind of physical activity that requires balance. Side effects (particularly in high doses) can include:

• Extreme confusion
• Anxiety
• Panic
• Accelerated heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Severe nausea or vomiting

Is Marijuana-Derived CBD Addictive?

Yes, it can be, but the risk of addiction is lower than with most addictive drugs. The National Institute on Drug Abuse finds that approximately 30 percent of those who use marijuana will develop marijuana use disorder and 9 percent of adults will become dependent. Dependency rises 4 to 7 times more for those who begin use under the age of 18 years old. Marijuana use disorder doesn’t always lead to dependence, but often leads to mild or severe withdrawal symptoms when use is discontinued. Marijuana withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Cravings
• Diminished appetite
• Mood changes
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Headaches
• Loss of focus
• Chills or cold sweats
• Increased feelings of depression
• Digestive issues

Can I Switch From Medical Marijuana To Hemp-Derived CBD?

This is a question to discuss with your physician. For those unfamiliar with medical marijuana, there are many strains that are low in THC—just not .3 percent or less. So, strains that cause less cognitive impairment but still prohibit the use of driving a car or operating heavy machinery. Switching to CBD eliminates the high and the risk of developing a dependency.

Since CBD contains the active compound that provides the medicinal benefits of marijuana, making the switch may be the right fit for you. However, if you enjoy the high and being high doesn’t interfere with your personal or professional life—you may not want to switch.

Or, maybe you transition to a combination of the two products.

What Is The Ongoing Political Debate Regarding Hemp-Derived CBD?

Since it doesn’t get you high, is non-addictive, has a low risk of side effects, and there are currently no cases of overdose—you may be wondering what the ongoing political debate regarding hemp-derived CBD is? Particularly since it has been legal in all 50 states as of the Farm Bill of 2018.

Simply put, although they are from different plant strains and have different active compounds, because they are from the same plant many people (and organizations) do not recognize the difference between the two. Many still believe that CBD gets you high.

This creates a lot of debate but with ongoing education the hope is that CBD will be widely embraced.

If Hemp-Derived CBD Is Legal, Why Does My School Or Employer Restrict Use?

Many schools, extracurricular activities, athletic organizations, and employers (such as federal and government agencies) do not differentiate between the THC strain of cannabis and hemp-derived cannabis.

They either include it on their list of illegal drugs or have students or athletes sign a contract confirming that they will not use cannabis products. The consequence is almost always termination from employment or removal from a team or extracurricular activity, which is often life-long. For example, if you fail a drug test for a government agency it may impact your eligibility for future government employment.

Ensure you are clear on the guidelines you must comply with. For example, your employer may not restrict CBD, but you may not be allowed to bring it with you to work.

Will CBD Show Up On A Drug Test?

Currently, urine drug tests detect THC not CBD. Most employers follow the guidelines set forth by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA). Their suggested cut-off level to pass a drug test is if THC levels are at 50 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml) of urine. However, some tests detect 18, 25, or 150 ng/ml.

While it is highly unlikely that you will fail a drug test due to CBD, it is not out of the question as it contains some THC. We all metabolize CBD differently and your risk of failing a test may be higher shortly after taking CBD. It may be better safe than sorry, but the choice is up to you.

 

Can My School Or Employer Drug Test Me?

The laws and guidelines vary from one state to the next, but yes—your employer has the legal right to drug test you. Schools and extracurricular programs typically have you sign a contract agreeing to random drug tests. If your company or organization doesn’t typically drug test, they may have the legal right to request a drug test after an accident or injury.

Who Shouldn’t Take CBD?

Consult your physician to ensure that CBD is right for you. Here are a few reasons not to take CBD.

• Pregnant and breastfeeding moms are advised not to take CBD.
• CBD may increase or worsen muscle tremors in those who have Parkinson’s disease.
• CBD may not be advised in combination with certain prescription medications, particularly for anyone on blood thinners or who is on a pain management contract that prohibits the use of either marijuana or CBD.

With no reported cases of overdosing on CBD, you may be exploring your options. We invite you to consider Holmes Organics. Our products are USDA-Certified Organic, have no unnecessary additives, and we are fully transparent about our processing. Browse our oral and topical products now!