Can you take too much cbd
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Can You Take Too Much CBD?
Safety and Tolerability of High Doses of CBD
Adverse Events and Tolerability
Research indicates that cannabidiol (CBD) is generally well tolerated, even at high doses. In a study involving single ascending doses up to 6000 mg and multiple doses up to 1500 mg twice daily, the most common adverse events (AEs) were mild to moderate and included diarrhea, nausea, headache, and somnolence1. No severe or serious adverse events were reported, and there were no deaths or discontinuations due to adverse effects1.
Pharmacokinetics and Dose Proportionality
The pharmacokinetic profile of CBD shows that it is rapidly absorbed, with a time to maximum plasma concentration (tmax) of approximately 4-5 hours. Plasma exposure to CBD increases in a less than dose-proportional manner, indicating that higher doses do not lead to proportionally higher plasma concentrations1. This suggests a ceiling effect where increasing the dose further may not significantly increase the therapeutic or adverse effects.
Abuse Potential of High Doses of CBD
Comparison with Other Substances
A study assessing the abuse potential of CBD in recreational polydrug users found that even at high doses (up to 4500 mg), CBD had significantly lower abuse potential compared to substances like alprazolam and dronabinol2. The Drug-Liking visual analog scale (VAS) scores for CBD were much lower than those for the positive controls, indicating that CBD is less likely to be abused2.
Cognitive and Psychomotor Effects
Unlike alprazolam, CBD did not impair cognitive or psychomotor functions, further supporting its safety profile2. This is particularly important for individuals who may need to maintain cognitive clarity and motor skills while using CBD.
Conclusion
In summary, while high doses of CBD are generally well tolerated and have a low potential for abuse, they can still cause mild to moderate adverse events such as diarrhea, nausea, headache, and somnolence. The pharmacokinetic data suggest that there is a limit to how much the body can absorb and utilize, making extremely high doses unnecessary and potentially wasteful. Therefore, while it is possible to take too much CBD, the consequences are typically not severe, but it is always advisable to use CBD under medical supervision to tailor the dosage to individual needs and conditions.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
A Phase I, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Single Ascending Dose, Multiple Dose, and Food Effect Trial of the Safety, Tolerability and Pharmacokinetics of Highly Purified Cannabidiol in Healthy Subjects
CBD oral solution is generally well-tolerated, with diarrhea, nausea, headache, and somnolence being the most common adverse events, and its pharmacokinetics are generally well-defined.
RCT
Highly CitedAbuse potential assessment of cannabidiol (CBD) in recreational polydrug users: A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial
Cannabidiol (CBD) has low abuse potential compared to alprazolam and dronabinol, with no significant cognitive or psychomotor effects.
RCTHighly CitedA systematic review of cannabidiol dosing in clinical populations
CBD has a potential wide range of activity in various medical contexts, with potential benefits for epilepsy, but more pharmacokinetic studies and phase III trials are needed to determine effective doses.
Systematic Review
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedOral cannabidiol does not produce a signal for abuse liability in frequent marijuana smokers.
Oral cannabidiol does not show any signals of abuse liability at the doses tested in frequent marijuana smokers, potentially informing regulatory decisions regarding its Schedule I status on the CSA.
RCTHighly CitedFood effects on the formulation, dosing, and administration of cannabidiol (CBD) in humans: A systematic review of clinical studies
CBD has greater bioavailability and lower interindividual variability when administered in the fed state, with refined sesame seed oil contributing to dose-dependent variations in pharmacokinetics.
Systematic ReviewCannabidiol (CBD) and Insomnia : Literature review
Short-term use of medium to high doses of CBD may improve insomnia, but combined use with THC may decrease slow wave sleep.
Systematic ReviewRigorous JournalPotential Adverse Drug Events and Drug–Drug Interactions with Medical and Consumer Cannabidiol (CBD) Use
CBD use may cause adverse drug events and drug-drug interactions, requiring careful monitoring and alternative therapies for medically complex patients.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedCannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent, inhibits cocaine-induced seizures in mice: Possible role of the mTOR pathway and reduction in glutamate release.
CBD protects against cocaine-induced seizures in mice, possibly through activation of the mTOR pathway and reduction in glutamate release.
Non-RCT
Animal StudyHighly CitedChanges in delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) concentrations in cannabis over time: systematic review and meta-analysis.
THC concentrations in international cannabis markets increased from 1970 to 2017, while cannabidiol (CBD) remained stable, with greater increases in cannabis resin than herbal cannabis.
Meta-AnalysisRigorous JournalHighly CitedSingle-Dose Pharmacokinetics and Preliminary Safety Assessment with Use of CBD-Rich Hemp Nutraceutical in Healthy Dogs and Cats
CBD-rich hemp nutraceuticals are safe for healthy adult dogs, but cats show lower absorption and more adverse effects during oil administration.
Non-RCTAnimal StudyRigorous JournalHighly Cited