Is it safe to take 60 mg of CBD? Understanding Dosage, Risks, and Considerations

October 13, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2011 review, continuous use of high doses of CBD, up to 1,500 mg per day, is well-tolerated by humans. A dose of 60 mg of CBD may fall within the moderate to higher range for many users, but its safety and efficacy depend on several factors, including body weight, individual chemistry, and the quality of the product.

Quick Summary

A 60 mg CBD dose is generally considered safe for most adults, though it may be a higher-end dose for beginners. This quantity is sometimes associated with managing issues like sleep problems or moderate pain. Factors such as body weight, metabolism, and individual tolerance influence its effects, and mild side effects are possible. The product's quality and potential drug interactions are also important considerations.

Key Points

Amounts around 60 mg may be a moderate to high dose for some CBD users: This quantity is typically associated with managing more persistent issues like sleep difficulties or chronic pain, and is generally within a safe range for most adults.
CBD is generally considered safe with a good safety profile: Studies have shown that continuous use of high amounts (up to 1,500 mg daily) is well-tolerated in humans.
Potential side effects are generally mild and temporary: Common issues include drowsiness, dry mouth, and digestive discomfort, which are more likely to occur with higher amounts.
CBD can interact with many medications via the CYP450 enzyme system: This can affect how the body metabolizes blood thinners, antidepressants, and other drugs, making medical consultation crucial.
Determining your optimal amount may involve starting low and adjusting gradually: As individual responses to CBD vary widely, new users may begin with a smaller amount (e.g., 10-25 mg) and increase gradually.
Choose products that provide third-party lab testing (COA): Since the CBD market is not regulated by the FDA, verifying product potency and purity is essential to help avoid contaminants.

Understanding CBD Safety: Is 60 mg a safe dose?

For most adults, taking CBD, including amounts like 60 mg, is generally considered safe and is often a dose amount associated with specific purposes, such as managing sleep issues or more persistent discomfort. Research has shown that CBD is typically well-tolerated by humans, even at higher amounts, with studies analyzing quantities as high as 1,500 mg daily with good results. However, the appropriate amount for an individual is highly variable and depends on several factors, including body weight, metabolism, and the specific condition being addressed. New users may consider starting with a smaller amount and increasing gradually to assess their body's response.

Potential side effects of CBD

While CBD is not considered a dangerous or toxic substance, some individuals may experience mild side effects, especially if they are new to it or particularly sensitive. These side effects are typically temporary and may resolve on their own. Common mild side effects can include:

Drowsiness or fatigue
Dry mouth
Reduced appetite or changes in appetite
Diarrhea or stomach upset
Dizziness or lightheadedness

Unlike THC, CBD is non-intoxicating and does not produce a "high." Serious adverse events are rare at typical amounts, but the potential for liver damage has been noted with very high, prolonged use, especially when combined with other medications. Always inform your healthcare provider about your CBD use, as regular liver enzyme monitoring may be necessary.

CBD drug interactions: A critical consideration

One of the most important safety aspects to consider is how CBD interacts with other medications. CBD is metabolized by the cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzyme system in the liver, which is the same system that processes nearly 60% of all pharmaceuticals. By inhibiting these enzymes, CBD can alter the metabolism of other drugs, potentially increasing their concentration in the bloodstream and leading to unintended side effects or toxicity.

Common drug classes that may interact with CBD include:

Blood thinners: Such as warfarin, which can see an increased effect, raising the risk of bleeding.
Antidepressants and antipsychotics: CBD can potentially increase blood levels of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants.
Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs): Notably, the FDA-approved CBD product Epidiolex is used to treat specific forms of epilepsy, but CBD can interact with other AEDs and liver enzymes.
Immunosuppressants: Including drugs like cyclosporine and tacrolimus, which could have increased blood levels and higher risk of toxicity.
Painkillers and sedatives: Combining CBD with opioids or other central nervous system depressants can increase the risk of drowsiness and sedation.

If you are on any medication, particularly those with a narrow therapeutic window, you should consult with a healthcare professional before starting CBD to prevent potentially serious drug interactions.

Finding your optimal CBD approach

Since there are no official U.S. FDA guidelines for non-prescription CBD products, finding the ideal amount requires a personalized approach. The following table provides a comparison of typical ranges and potential applications, but individual results may vary.

CBD Considerations Based on Typical Ranges and Applications


Typical Range	Target User	Common Associations	Potential Side Effects
Lower range	Beginner	General wellness, mild stress relief	Minimal; possibly dry mouth or fatigue
Moderate range	Moderate	Daily balance, moderate anxiety, sleep support	Mild fatigue, dry mouth, or drowsiness
Higher range	Experienced or Specific Needs	Chronic pain, sleep issues, persistent anxiety	Mild to moderate; potentially more pronounced drowsiness, appetite changes
Very High amounts	High-Dose User (Medical Supervision Advised)	Severe chronic conditions, per clinical research	Increased risk of pronounced side effects, liver enzyme changes

Selecting a quality CBD product

Due to the unregulated nature of the CBD market, product quality and label accuracy can vary significantly. To help ensure you are getting a product that aligns with your expectations, look for brands that provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA) from a third-party lab. The COA confirms the product's CBD content and may verify that it is free from harmful contaminants like heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial growth.

The importance of consulting a healthcare professional

Before you start using CBD or consider adjusting the amount you take, it is crucial to speak with a healthcare provider. This is particularly important for individuals with underlying health conditions, those taking other medications, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Your doctor can help you determine what is appropriate for you and discuss potential risks and interactions based on your specific health profile.

Conclusion

For most adults, taking CBD, including amounts around 60 mg, is considered safe and falls within a range often associated with managing more persistent wellness issues like chronic pain, moderate anxiety, and sleep problems. While CBD has a strong safety profile and is generally well-tolerated, potential mild side effects like drowsiness or digestive issues can occur, especially for new users. The most significant safety risk is the potential for drug interactions, as CBD can affect how the liver metabolizes other medications. To help ensure safety, it is vital to consult a healthcare professional before use, especially if you take other medications. Furthermore, always choose products that provide third-party lab testing results to help verify potency and purity.

Frequently Asked Questions

For first-time users, amounts around 60 mg might be considered a higher starting amount. It is generally recommended to begin with a lower quantity, such as 10-25 mg per day, and increase gradually to see how your body responds.

Individuals may consider an amount around 60 mg for more persistent wellness concerns, including managing moderate anxiety, improving sleep quality, and addressing chronic pain or inflammation.

You cannot overdose on CBD in a lethal way, as there is no known lethal quantity. Taking an amount that is too high for your body might lead to unpleasant side effects like intense drowsiness or digestive upset, but it is not life-threatening.

If you experience side effects like drowsiness or an upset stomach, you should consider reducing the quantity you are taking. These effects are typically temporary and may indicate that a lower amount may be more appropriate for your body.

A daily amount around 60 mg is on the higher end of what is considered a moderate daily amount for many users. A typical starting amount is much lower, around 10-25 mg.

Yes, taking CBD carries a risk of interacting with other medications by affecting liver enzymes. This is why it is critical to consult a doctor, especially if you take blood thinners, antidepressants, or other prescriptions.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate the safety or purity of most CBD products on the market, with the exception of the prescription drug Epidiolex. This makes it important to choose brands that use third-party testing to help ensure quality.