Overdosing on CBD Oil and the Side Effects

It is everywhere. Ads on social media, on the shelf in your local pharmacy, and you found out that your neighbor, a 60-year-old, knitting grandmother is using it for her arthritis. Still, you don’t know if you should use it and you worry if you can overdose on it. Let’s talk about some of the concerns and questions that people just like you have about using CBD oil, the latest splash on the supplement market.

What is CBD?

CBD is cannabidiol, a compound from cannabis plants that is also known as a cannabinoid. Not all cannabis compounds are cannabinoids and not all cannabinoids make you high. In fact, only one does – THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). People don’t use CBD oil to get high because you cannot get high from using CBD oil, you’d just be wasting your money if that were the case.

CBD has many therapeutic benefits for people with chronic conditions or living with chronic pain. CBD has been known to help reduce seizure activity, block pain, improve moods, reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and even to help with tremors.

Cancer patients have successfully used CBD oil to help with the nausea related to chemotherapy treatment and scientists have shown that it successfully reduced the size of tumors in lab mice, combating cancer may be in the future for CBD with further research.

It isn’t a cure for anything but it has a remarkable ability to lessen the symptoms of many issues because of the way it works with the body’s endocannabinoid system, to boost immune system function, as well as coercing the body to make more of its own endocannabinoids, prompting better performance of metabolism, mood regulation, pain management, and more.

Is CBD Addictive?

CBD is being used all around the world and has been used for generations, in the form of marijuana ( it is found in hemp and marijuana but not in any other plants, unlike other cannabinoids which can be found elsewhere). CBD is not addictive in any way. There are no withdrawals if you forget to take CBD or if you just stop using it because your back pain is better or you pulled muscle has healed.

CBD works with the systems of the body to better manage and regulate themselves, but the body will not crave CBD or have withdrawal symptoms, such as cramps, sweats, chills, vomiting, etc. These are the typical withdrawal symptoms that we see with drugs such as heroine and opioids.

Can It Harm Me?

CBD has never been shown to cause any damage to the body. It can often take the place of an analgesic for pain and inflammation and will not cause the stomach upset that aspirin or ibuprofen can. In fact, CBD is known to help the stomach and ease indigestion.

There will be no long term kidney damage or liver damage from using CBD oil and it also promotes heart health because it is an antioxidant, rich in omega 3 that is very good for the body and a handy supplement to have in the house.

CBD can be ingested orally or through vaping, dabbing, or mixing with drinks or foods. Vaping should not be done if you have COPD or any other breathing issues. Someone with asthma should not vape without speaking to a doctor first and being cleared for using vape pens. It may exacerbate your symptoms.

Vape pens are also getting a lot of scrutiny right now over the batteries overheating and causing accidents. Once case resulted in a death and some people have been scarred from vape pens exploding in their faces. Please, use caution if you choose to vape and make sure that you invest in a pen that is safe and won’t overheat.

Can I Overdose on CBD?

Many people have used CBD and there is no history of anyone overdosing on CBD oil. CBD will not have any psychoactive impact on you; it won’t hinder cognitive function in any way. No one has ever been hospitalized for using CBD oil and it is so safe that you can give it to pets and even children as a sleep aid, for teething pain, and for seizures.

There is no evidence that anyone has ever overdosed from a CBD product because it is simply a cannabinoid like the endocannabinoids produced by your own body.

Are There Side Effects to be Concerned About?

Side effects with CBD use are very rare. None of them are long term and none of them are fatal. The only known side effects from CBD use are:

  •         Diarrhea
  •         Cramps
  •         Headache

These side effects only happen when someone takes far too much CBD to fast. If you take too much CBD oil, the oil that is used as the carrier agent – typically olive oil or coconut oil – can cause diarrhea that might last 24 hours to 48 hours. If this happens, you should simple lower your dose or skip dosing completely until the diarrhea subsides.

You may begin doses again, at a lesser amount and give your body time to get used to the oil, usually 3 to 5 days, before increasing your dose by no more than a half a dropper at a time. If you increase your dosage slowly, this is highly unlikely to happen in the first place.

Headaches and cramps are a reaction to the diarrhea, a sign that they body is getting dehydrated. Stop your doses and drink plenty of water until the diarrhea subsides and you’ll be fine in a day or so.