All over the world, people are discovering the power of cannabidiol (CBD). While this non-psychoactive cannabis compound is still in its juvenile stages as far as scientific research goes, there’s ample anecdotal evidence that shows that CBD is a powerful and versatile health and wellness supplement.
If you’re considering taking CBD, you probably have some questions about dosing methods and quantities. While CBD is known to be safe, it’s still important that you do your research before taking any new supplement. You should also speak to a doctor first if you’re currently taking any medications or if you have an existing health condition.
CBD Doses Vary Widely
The “correct” dose for one person may not necessarily be ideal for you. There are quite a few factors to consider as you try to find the perfect dose.
Type of product: Because CBD is unregulated by the FDA, as of 2019, there are many different types of CBD products on the market. Some people eat just one edible to start their day, while others may microdose with a vaporizer throughout the day. Some people take tinctures sublingually whenever the mood strikes, and others follow a strict capsule regimen.
Body type and tolerance: Two people could take the exact same product and experience very different results. Heavier people typically need to take more CBD than those with less body mass. At the same time, someone who takes CBD regularly may require higher doses regardless of their body size due to their tolerance being higher.
Desired results: As you plan your dosing, you should also consider what you hope to achieve by taking CBD. For instance, if you just want to relieve anxiety in social situations, a smaller dose may suffice. If you’re planning on using CBD as a sleep aid or for pain management, you may want to start with a larger dose.
Body chemistry: Every person’s body chemistry is unique. Some people may fall in love with CBD the first time, while others may not feel anything at all. That’s why you can’t really rely on someone else’s recommended dose. Taking a new supplement is a personal thing that tends to affect people differently.
CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, stimulating receptors that are responsible for many essential bodily processes and functions, including appetite, sleep, stress, and so much more. Not everyone has the same appetite or sleep schedule, right? So not everyone’s going to react to CBD the same way, either.
You may simply need to experiment with doses to find your personal sweet spot. Perhaps a higher dose boosts your appetite while a lower dose makes you feel more sociable. That’s not to say that CBD affects people differently in a drastic way—the effects are generally universal. You just need to discover how specific doses affect you personally.
Concentration: As you shop for CBD products, it’s crucial that you understand how potency works. You may see a 30mL and a 50mL bottle and assume that the 50mL bottle is more potent, but that’s not necessarily true. Concentration is measured by milligrams per milliliter.
For example, say both bottles have a concentration of 1,500mg. The 30mL would actually be more potent because it contains more CBD per mL. Be sure to figure out how much CBD you get per serving. A larger size bottle or edible doesn’t necessarily mean a larger dose of CBD.
Finding Your Ideal Dose
In order to find the dose that works for you, you’re going to want to experiment. Start small, and then work your way up. You may want to keep a journal that states how much you took and any noticeable effects. That way you can keep honing in on the amount that seems to work best.
Approximate Dosage Starting Points
So now you have a better idea of how broad of a spectrum the effects of CBD can be. At the same time, you probably want at least a general idea of how to get started. Use these doses as a starting point:
- If you weigh less than 130 pounds: 11mg – 17mg
- If you weigh 130 to 230 pounds: 18mg to 27mg
- If you weigh more than 230 pounds: 23mg to 45mg
It’s worth noting that some CBD users may require higher doses, regardless of their weight. For example, people suffering from extreme chronic pain may need to take more in order to fully benefit from CBD. You can’t overdose on CBD, but it’s still important to be cautious as you ramp up your doses. As always, talk to a doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
Choosing the Right Product
These days, CBD users have plenty of options available. It’s no secret that CBD can be used in many ways, so you’ll need to find CBD products that align with your health and wellness goals. For example, bath bombs and salves can be fantastic for someone struggling with physical pain or skin conditions, but they may not be ideal for someone looking for stress relief at work.
Here are some of the most common types of CBD products:
Tinctures/oils: Tinctures and oils are extremely versatile. You can take them sublingually (under your tongue) for fast absorption through your mucous membrane, or you can add them to beverages, smoothies, or even foods for absorption through your digestive system.
Edibles: Edibles such as gummy candies are pre-made with a specific amount of CBD. They’re typically best suited for experienced CBD users who already know their preferred dose. For example, if you divide a gummy candy in half, you may end up with one half that contains more CBD than the other. Edibles aren’t ideal for beginners trying to find their ideal dose.
Vape juices: Vape juices are also not a great choice for beginners, as your dosage is going to vary widely depending on your vaporizer, how hard you hit it, and how often you hit it. Vaping CBD does allow you to microdose in tiny increments, but it’s difficult to monitor your intake accurately.
Gel capsules: Gel capsules are incredibly convenient and the doses are pre-measured to exact numbers. However, they’re not as easy to control the doses—you can swallow one, two, or three, but you can’t really divide them accurately. That said, capsules are a great choice once you know your dose—you can take them anywhere just like any other vitamin or supplement.
Creams/salves/bath bombs: These products are mainly for alleviating physical pain or skin conditions. Follow the instructions on the label to determine the right amount.
Take a Small Dose and Go From There
Clearly, there’s no set-in-stone rule when it comes to CBD dosing. However, your doctor should be able to offer some advice if you’re still struggling to find your sweet spot. The best approach is to simply take a little bit, see how you feel, and then take a little more if necessary. Eventually, you’ll be able to gauge how CBD affects you on a consistent basis.
