Can You Take Too Much CBD? Side Effects and Safety
There are no known fatal CBD overdoses, but taking too much can cause side effects, and CBD can interact with medications. Here is what research shows and how to stay on the safe side.
People often hear that CBD is “safe,” and then wonder whether there is any such thing as too much. The honest answer has two parts. There are no known cases of a fatal CBD overdose. But taking more CBD than you need can cause side effects, and CBD can interact with medications. Knowing both parts helps you use it sensibly.
Key takeaways
- No fatal CBD overdoses have been reported.
- Common side effects at higher amounts include drowsiness, upset stomach, diarrhea and changes in appetite.
- CBD can interact with medicines processed by the liver, including blood thinners.
- Follow the label, start with the smallest serving, and talk with your doctor if you take medication.
Can you overdose on CBD?
An overdose usually means taking enough of a substance to cause serious harm or death. With CBD, that has not been documented. CBD does not act on the parts of the brainstem that control breathing in the way that opioids do, which is a major reason drugs like those can be fatal in overdose.
The World Health Organization’s 2017 review of CBD described it as generally well tolerated with a good safety profile. That does not mean any amount is harmless. It means the risks look more like side effects and interactions than like a classic overdose.
What happens if you take too much CBD?
The best information on high amounts of CBD comes from clinical trials of a prescription medicine made from purified CBD, which uses much higher doses than most consumer products. In those trials, the side effects reported most often included:
- Drowsiness or sleepiness
- Decreased appetite
- Diarrhea and upset stomach
- Tiredness and weakness
- Changes in liver enzymes seen on blood tests
Most of these were mild to moderate. The liver changes are the reason the FDA has called for more research on long-term CBD use and why people with liver conditions should be especially careful.
With everyday consumer products, people who take more than they need most often report feeling sleepy or having an upset stomach. If that happens, stop using the product, and contact a doctor if symptoms are severe or do not go away.
CBD and medication interactions
This is the most important safety point. Your liver breaks down CBD using a group of enzymes, called cytochrome P450, that also process many common medicines. CBD can slow these enzymes, which can change how much of another drug is in your body.
Medicines that may be affected include blood thinners such as warfarin, some seizure medicines, some heart medicines, and others. A helpful rule of thumb: if your medicine comes with a warning about grapefruit, ask your doctor or pharmacist before using CBD, because grapefruit affects some of the same enzymes.
Who should be extra careful
- Anyone taking prescription medication
- People who are pregnant or nursing
- People with liver disease
- Older adults, who may be more sensitive to drowsiness
- Children, who should not use CBD products unless a doctor directs it
Keep CBD products, especially gummies, out of reach of children and pets. They can look like candy.
How much CBD is too much?
There is no official daily limit for CBD in consumer products in the United States, and the right amount varies from person to person. The safest approach is simple:
- Read the label. Use the serving size the maker recommends.
- Know how much you are taking. Check mg of CBD per serving, and confirm it on the lab report. Our guide on how to read a CBD lab report shows the math.
- Start with less. You can always take more later; you cannot take less once it is swallowed.
- Give it time. Gummies and other edibles take longer to be absorbed than oils.
- Ask your doctor if you take any medication.
Why accurate labels matter
You cannot know how much CBD you are taking if the label is wrong, and mislabeling has been a real problem in the market. A product can also contain THC that is not on the label, which changes its effects. A batch-matched lab report solves both problems. Every Airlie CBD product links one, and each report shows THC as not detected.
Our products
Our CBD gummy jars come in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg per gummy, so you can pick the amount that fits the label directions you are following. Our CBD topicals are applied to the skin. All of our reports are on our lab results page.
Frequently asked questions
Can you die from too much CBD?
No fatal CBD overdoses have been reported.
What does too much CBD feel like?
People most often describe feeling sleepy or having an upset stomach.
Is it safe to take CBD every day?
Many people do, but long-term research is still limited. Talk with your doctor, especially if you take medication or have a liver condition.
Can CBD interact with my medication?
Yes, it can. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before combining CBD with any prescription medicine.
What should I do if I took too much CBD?
Stop using it, rest, and avoid driving. Contact a doctor or poison control if symptoms are severe, or if a child or pet has eaten a CBD product.