Can You Overdose On CBD Oil? From CBD Insiders
To properly answer the question ‘can you overdose on CBD oil?’ you need to consider both types of overdose that could occur.
As for a Fatal Overdose of CBD oil, this is extremely unlikely. While CBD oil, in its current form and popularity, has only been around for a short while, the underlying compound, Cannabis, has a far longer safety record, with zero reported deaths so far from a Cannabis overdose.
CBD oil itself does not appear to present any risk of fatal overdose whatsoever. With the increased popularity of CBD-derived products, such as CBD capsules, edibles and blended oils, you do need to take into consideration any additional chemicals that may be mixed with products you are consuming. However, given the small quantities being consumed, a fatal overdose would probably be fairly unlikely.
A more possible scenario may be a non-fatal overdose, which, depending on the effects, could be very similar to what might be called ‘severe side effects’. This outcome could possibly also come about as a result of an adverse reaction with any other drugs that may be taken.
The Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System
The only know risk likely to cause unwanted side effects and even overdose, is with regard to the Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System.
The Cytochrome P-450 system is a system within the liver which is responsible for metabolizing 90% of the drugs you consume with more than 50 enzymes that process and eliminate toxins.
The Cytochrome P-450 system’s ability to metabolize certain drugs can be inhibited by CBD which leads to an overall increase in processing times which can result in higher levels of the drug in your system at one time. If you are taking any drug that is affected by cannabidiol, you may need to adjust the dosage in order to take both drugs safely.
Any drug metabolized by cytochrome P-450 enzymes could potentially interact with cannabidiol. According to the Indiana University Department of Medicine, drugs known to use the cytochrome P-450 system include:
- Steroids
- Calcium channel blockers
- HMG CoA reductase inhibitors
- Prokinetics
- Antihistamines
- Immune modulators
- HIV antivirals
- Anti-arrythmics
- Benzodiazepines
- Antibiotics
- Anesthetics
- Anti-psychotics
- Anti-depressants
- Anti-epileptics
- PPIs
- Beta blockers
- NSAIDs
- Angiotension II blockers
- Sulfonylureas
- Oral hypoglycemic agents
When doctors are determining appropriate medication dosages, they factor in the rate of metabolism based on a generally healthy system only processing one drug.and there are certain drugs that can affect the processing times within the Cytochrome P-450 enzyme system and this can cause other drugs to metabolize faster or slower than they would under normal conditions.
You should consult with a medical professional before taking any combination of drugs at the same time, as alternative medications or dosage adjustments may be required.
Possible Side Effects From Using CBD
There are dozens of studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of cannabidiol in treating various conditions. Most of these studies conclude that cannabinoid is safe and virtually free of side effects and is considered a safe substance to take.
An NCBI review paper from 2011 on the Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol suggests that controlled cannabidiol administration is safe and non-toxic in humans and animals.
There are very few known side effects of CBD and these are mostly minor and could include:
- Inhibition of hepatic drug metabolism –
- Decreased activities of p-glycoprotein and other drug transporters
- Dry mouth
- Increased tremor in Parkinson’s patients at high dose CBD
- Low blood pressure
- Lightheadedness
- Drowsiness
Besides these side-effects, in rare occasions, CBD may affect your heart rate, body temperature, pH levels, glucose levels, red cell volume in the blood, affect the potassium and sodium levels.
These are temporary effects and will disappear once you adjust your dosage to a lower level, which may be more appropriate in your case.
References:
Safety and side effects of cannabidiol (NCBI/NIH)
Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol (ResearchGate)
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Can You Overdose On CBD Oil? was originally published on CBD Insiders for CBD News website.
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