Overdose and Addiction with CBD Oil-Is It Really Possible?

In this article you will understand what CBD oil is, their health benefit, and whether it is possible to overdose on CBD or get addicted to it.

The popularity of CBD and its products is gaining momentum every day. CBD has been flaunted for its ability to provide relief from various health conditions. Even as its popularity of CBD continues to sprout, so are its safety concerns. Many users wonder whether the cannabis derivative can be overdosed, and whether regular usage can result to addiction or dependency. While limited studies exist on the exact impact of CBD in the human body, a fair amount of data suggest that the cannabis derivative is non-addictive. However, it may have adverse effects if it accumulates in the bloodstream.

What Is CBD Oil?

Cannabinoid (CBD) is one of the many compounds of the cannabis plant that has been known for its potential in treating a wide variety of health conditions. It can be bought in juices, creams, oils, candies, and creams. CBD can either be extracted from hemp or marijuana. The two cannabis species have varying levels of CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Unlike (THC), CBD is neither psychoactive nor intoxicating. THC is the main psychoactive component in the cannabis plant. It causes a "high" feeling and has an effect on the mind. This quality makes CBD the best option for pain relief and other symptoms without a mind-altering effect. The oil is made by extracting CBD from cannabis then mixing with coconut or hemp seed oil.  The coconut or hemp seed oil makes the cannabis derivative absorbable in the body alleviating symptoms of various conditions such as anxiety, depression, stress, chronic pain, and epilepsy among others.

Health Benefits of CBD

Since 2900 BC, cannabis has been used to treat pain. Jain suggested that CBD contains be used to treat nerve pain, back pain and suppress stress and anxiety. It reinforces endocannabinoid system to regulate inflammation, stress and anxiety. Topical CBD is preferred for localized pain. In addition, the cannabis derivative contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that provide neuroprotection. This makes it effective for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, cerebral ischemia, and multiple sclerosis. Furthermore, CBD is effective in reducing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Similarly, CBD contains several benefits for heart conditions like high blood pressure (Jain). CBD could also be a natural treatment for diabetes and related diabetic complications including plaque buildup in artery walls.

Lastly, CBD can suppress arthritis symptoms by reducing pain and improving joint function. Arthritis has symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and loss of motion.

Overdose with CBD

An overdose occurs when the body receives too much of a substance than it can withstand. An overdose can be accidental or intentional. In most cases it is intentional. Many people overdose on drugs hoping get quick results, while others overdose with suicidal intentions.

CBD contains anti-inflammatory, antinausea, antipsychotic, and anxiolytic effects for treating physical and psychological symptoms in humans and animals.

Iffland & Grotenhermen (2017) observed that, humans can safely tolerate 1500 mg of CBD per day.

There are limited studies on the toxicity of CBD making it hard tell which dose of CBD is too much. Observation results show that, a toxic dose of CBD falls around 20,000mg when taken at once. Unlike other drugs or substances, toxic doses of CBD are not fatal. An overdose of CBD can cause drowsiness, headache, nausea, diarrhea; stomach upsets, but not death.

Machado et al (2011) observed that CBD might induce side effects like inhibition of hepatic drug metabolism, alterations of vitro cell viability, decreased fertilization capacity, and decreased activities of p-glycoprotein and other drug transporters.

Is CBD Addictive?

Addiction refers to a situation where your body craves for a substance or behavior. An addict will have an increased desire for the substance or behavior without regard to the problems it might cause.  Addicts find it hard to stay away from the substance or behavior. Many people may consider CBD as addictive due to its extraction from the cannabis plant. While marijuana can be addictive especially when taken heavily and in high doses, CBD is not addictive; it is non-psychoactive and does not cause behavioral or psychological alterations like THC.

THC gets into your brain and attaches to the endocannabinoid receptors responsible for memory, pleasure, and movement. It gives make the brain associate THC with pleasure. In contrast CBD also binds differently with the endocannabinoid receptors, without associating the cannabis derivative with pleasure; instead CBD can be used to suppress addiction.

Some studies suggest that CBD might treat drug and behavior addiction. According to Shannon & Opila (2015), CBD oil can decrease the addictive use of marijuana and provide anxiolytic and sleep benefits. Patients administered with CBD oil gradually decreased their cannabis intake from 24 mg to 18 mg. Also, the drug reduces being anxious and irregular sleeping patterns.

Conclusion

One of the most popular questions asked about CBD and its product is whether you can consume an overdose or get addicted to it. From the above discussion, CBD interacts with the cannabinoid receptors but does not cause a mind-altering effect. An overdose of CBD does not result in fatal consequences like other substances. However, extreme doses may result in some side effects but not death. The cannabis derivative is neither toxic nor addictive. Instead, it helps people recover from various drug addictions.

References

Iffland, K., & Grotenhermen, F. (2017). An update on safety and side effects of       cannabidiol: a review of clinical data and relevant animal studies. Cannabis and     cannabinoid research, 2(1), 139-154.

Jain, S. The Top 3 Potential Benefits of CBD Oil.

Machado Bergamaschi, M., Helena Costa Queiroz, R., Waldo Zuardi, A., & Crippa, A. S.             (2011). Safety and side effects of cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa         constituent. Current drug safety, 6(4), 237-249.

Shannon, S., & Opila-Lehman, J. (2015). Cannabidiol oil for decreasing addictive use of   marijuana: a case report. Integrative Medicine: A Clinician's Journal, 14(6), 31.