Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

FAQ: Can you OD on CBD?

CBD is generally safe, but...
CBD is generally safe, but...
Image by Erin Stone from Pixabay

CBD overdose is rare but possible 

There are several concerns about the possibility of overdosing on CBD and other cannabinoids. While the FDA and other regulatory bodies are yet to determine the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) for CBD and other cannabinoids, we need to watch our cannabinoid dose and ensure we are not consuming more than we ought to. 

Although it is almost impossible to overdose (OD) on CBD, attaining toxicity levels is possible. Toxicity levels of CBD refer to the levels at which our bodies can no longer process CBD, and it becomes potentially dangerous. CBD may produce several side effects at this level. 


Note that toxic levels vary from person to person and are determined by factors like body chemistry, type of product used, health status, and age. Considering these factors, some scientists have shown that CBD's toxicity level for most adults starts at 20,000mg. Achieving this concentration is almost impossible. This is why most marketers believe CBD has no adverse side effects and conclude it is impossible to overdose on CBD. 

It is almost impossible to consume a product with 20,000mg CBD. Let’s break it down. You may need to consume 20 bottles of 1000mg CBD oil or edible at once to achieve this concentration. 

Psychoactive (THC) and non-psychoactive (CBD) cannabinoids may express different toxicity levels. While the toxic levels of psychoactive cannabinoids like THC can be extremely uncomfortable, research shows that attaining toxic levels of CBD may be mild. Their research showed that humans could tolerate as high as 1500mg of CBD per day without experiencing any adverse side effects. CBD is only likely to produce mild side effects at this concentration. 

Signs of CBD overdose

Overdosing on CBD can produce the following signs. 

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Extreme drowsiness 
  • Feelings of disorientation 

CBD vs. THC overdose

While CBD and THC come from the cannabis plant, they interact differently with receptors. The non-psychoactive nature of CBD makes it more user-friendly than THC. While humans can tolerate up to 1500mg of CBD, the toxicity level of THC starts at 300mg for adults. Although the standard unit for research on THC is 5mg, most experts believe THC concentration should not exceed 40mg daily. 

This difference in tolerance level may arise from the non-intoxicating nature of CBD and its interaction with the CB2 receptors. The CB2 receptors play immunomodulatory roles and mitigate THC's psychoactive effects when administered together. CBD also interacts with other receptors directly involved in inflammation, controlling appetite, sleep, and relaxation. 

Some common signs of THC overdose include; 

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath 
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Hallucination 
  • Severe anxiety and panic attacks

The probability of overdosing on THC (aka greening out) and other cannabinoids is often intensified with the consumption of alcohol and prescription medications like aspirin, theophylline, and clobazam. Generally, cannabinoids, including CBD, undergo a negative drug interaction with prescription medications in the same manner as grapefruit, which can lead to serious pharmaceutical dosing issues if left unchecked. 

The level of CBD and THC overdose also relies on the user's age and the mode of administration. It is common to experience adverse side effects in children when oral doses ranging from 5 to 300mg are administered. They can trigger symptoms like hypotension, respiratory depression, panic, and anxiety. 

Mislabelled products can also contribute to CBD overdosing. A 2020 research shows that several CBD products contained little to no CBD in them while recording a wrong THC concentration. Most manufacturers resort to this fraud in order to get their products approved by the FDA. 

Can CBD overdose cause death?

Researchers believe overdosing on CBD, and other cannabinoids like THC does not lead to death. They believe cannabis is incapable of causing death, and potential cannabis-related deaths may arise from negative drug interaction and contaminants in the products. It is highly recommended that you don’t combine your cannabis-based products with any other medication as this may trigger adverse side effects and greening out. 

What to do if you overdose on CBD

The first step is to discontinue the product immediately. Identify at what dose you experienced the side effects and try to limit your consumption. If you are a first-time user, you should start with an average of 5-20mg per day and gradually increase the dosage until you experience the best effects.

Need a little more Bluntness in your life? Subscribe for our newsletter to stay in the loop.

More For You

THCV's benefits are compelling, however people have a hard time finding high-THCV cannabis cultivars.
THCV's benefits are compelling, however people have a hard time finding high-THCV cannabis cultivars.
Photo by Sharon McCutcheon from Pexels

THCV Strains: The Ultimate Guide

THC and CBD are undoubtedly the two “star” cannabinoids almost everyone knows about. But the cannabis plant, with its complexity and rich spectrum, contains many more lesser-known chemicals. While researchers find something new every day, so far we know that the cannabis plant produces at least 80-100 cannabinoids%20and%20cannabidiol%20(CBD).)) and over 300 non-cannabinoid substances.

Cannabis research has been pivotal in uncovering the unique properties and potential benefits of THCV, distinguishing it from more well-known cannabinoids like THC and CBD.

Keep ReadingShow less
Weed Makes Me Antisocial: What To Do - The Bluntness

Weed Makes Me Antisocial: What To Do - The Bluntness

Weed Makes Me Antisocial: Help!

Many people can relate to the experience of “hitting a wall” socially. Introverts, you especially know what I mean. But when self-enforced isolation is weed-induced, does that mean it’s time to reconsider a few habits or routines? Maybe even take a break from weed entirely?

Cannabis has long been negatively associated with laziness and haziness, and although that isn’t always the case with cannabis consumers, it also isn’t that far off from the truth if you haven’t optimized your regimen. Marijuana use, in particular, has occasionally been linked to various mental health and behavioral effects, such as anxiety, paranoia, and antisocial behavior, while also being linked to alleviating these same symptoms. So it's important to understand how cannabis works with and for your body and needs.

Keep ReadingShow less
The Truth About THC Candle: Cannabis Candles & How to Make Your Own - The Bluntness

The Truth About THC Candle: Cannabis Candles & How to Make Your Own - The Bluntness

Cannabis Candle Facts & DIY

The Truth About THC Candle: Cannabis Candles & How to Make Your Own

There are several different ways to consume cannabis, and some of them don’t even involve actual consumption. Cannabis candles are beginning to take over the candle game, allowing cannabis enthusiasts to enjoy the smells they’re used to having to cover up and hide: the danky goodness of weed.

As cannabis becomes less stigmatized in modern culture, people are beginning to come out and admit to their cannabis use. While smoking weed used to be something people felt they had to keep on the down low, the culture is becoming increasingly mainstream and the scent is now sought after rather than condemned. Many cannabis candles feature complex scent profiles, including notes of amber, which contribute to a rich and layered aromatic experience.

Keep ReadingShow less
macro image of cured cannabis, gorilla glue strain close-up.
Gorilla Glue, aka GG4, aka Original Glue Strain

Gorilla Glue: GG4

Gorilla Glue #4, also known as GG4 or Original Glue, has earned its reputation as one of the most potent strains in the cannabis world. With THC levels often reaching as high as 28% under optimal growing conditions, this hybrid strain packs a powerful punch that can alleviate severe pain and offer a much-needed respite after a challenging workday.

Original Gorilla Glue has garnered significant acclaim within the cannabis community for its award-winning status and unique flavor profile, making it a standout choice among enthusiasts.

Keep ReadingShow less
A classic case of botrytis a.k.a bud rot. Moldy cannabis should never be inhaled or smoked.
A classic case of botrytis a.k.a bud rot. Moldy cannabis should never be inhaled or smoked.

Smoking Moldy Weed and How It Can Make You Sick

Cannabis may have a robust safety profile with zero fatal overdoses on record, however smoking moldy weed can pose a serious risk to human health.

While you might have thought mold was reserved for unkempt showers or perishable food items, unwanted fungi can grow in your stash if you’re not careful. 

Keep ReadingShow less