Cannabidiol, known as CBD, is the second most dominant ingredient in cannabis. It is an important component of hemp and marijuana. Though found in cannabis plants, CBD does not give a “high” feeling. It is because CBD is non-psychoactive. This will only give a feeling of calmness and tranquility.
Since you can find it in everything from gummies to oils, it is not surprising that more people are trying cannabidiol for their health issues. CBD products are readily available in the market. This makes it easy for people to use their desired product for the health issue they are experiencing.
It is important to know how much CBD you should take. Knowing the right CBD dosage makes it easier to achieve the expected effects. So, before taking CBD oil, it is important to learn more about CBD. Read on.
Health Benefits of Taking CBD
People all over the world use CBD for a wide range of health purposes. There are a variety of CBD products that allow you to take CBD in different ways, which helps to ease the symptoms of different health issues. CBD can help improve health and wellness. With the right amount of intake, CBD users can gain such health benefits.
- CBD helps relieve physical discomfort. It has the potential to be an appealing, natural, and presumably safer alternative to conventional solutions. CBD was shown in studies to reduce inflammation while also reducing pain through its interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
- CBD can improve your mood and response to stress. It can help ease the effects of insomnia and stress disorders. CBD can change the activity of the serotonin receptor so that it can use serotonin more efficiently. This can help in regulating moods and social behavior.
- CBD has a positive effect on the skin. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities help in reducing the growth of acne. It also controls the overproduction of sebum, which causes acne to appear on the skin.
- CBD can help you achieve quality rest. It can aid in the promotion of relaxation and tranquility. This can be a natural way for older people to get more regular and beneficial sleep. It may also help promote a healthy circadian rhythm.
- CBD improves heart health. CBD has shown great promise as a natural tool for reducing high blood pressure. A recent study discovered that it decreased the participants’ resting blood pressure [1]. Additionally, researchers did stress tests and discovered that the participants in the study had a positive stress response. It proved that CBD’s antioxidant capabilities could help people with low blood sugar. These will all result in having better heart health.
To achieve these health benefits, considering the right dosage is important. An inadequate or excessive dosage of CBD can produce a different result than expected. Keep in mind that no matter what health problem you’re trying to address with CBD, taking the proper dosage is essential. If not, your product might not work at all.
Is CBD Safe?
Though many people are already using CBD oil and other products, some are still doubtful of its safety. According to the World Health Organization, CBD oil is generally safe to use [2]. It can help people feel better without any dangerous side effects. People generally tolerate CBD well, as it doesn’t have the same abuse potential as THC.
It is important, though, to remember that CBD does not cure or treat illnesses. With this, you need to know what will work best for your health needs.
Another thing that makes CBD safe is that it is not psychoactive. This means you will not get “high,” unlike when using THC, which is the intoxicating ingredient in marijuana. With this, CBD is non-addictive and safe to use with the proper dosage.
CBD Dosage: How Much CBD Should I Take?
It is not enough that you are using CBD to achieve health benefits. If you want to see effective and positive results, you should take the right dose. The CBD dosing for every individual may differ. What works for you may not work for others. This is why you have to equip yourself with the right information on how much CBD you should take.
This might get you asking, “How much CBD should I take?” If you are new to using CBD, doses may get a little confusing. Product labels may be different from one another, and doses of the different products also vary. This is when the opinions of a medical professional come in handy.
It is best to consult your physician about it. They can suggest the amount you should take depending on your health concerns. Doctors can also inform you about the potential risks and results you should expect from CBD use. Furthermore, they can suggest the best CBD products, which will work best for the health issues that you are experiencing. Keep in mind that professional opinions matter a lot when taking CBD or even prescribed medications to avoid drug interactions with CBD.
Factors Affecting CBD Dosing
CBD Strength
CBD strength matters a lot when determining the proper dosage. It is important, especially when looking at the efficacy angle of CBD. Higher CBD strength means more CBD per milliliter of your CBD oil. Learning more about the strength of the product will help you decide how to maneuver with the dosage. It allows you to fine-tune the amount of CBD so it will work efficiently for your needs.
Body Weight
The heavier the user, the more CBD they need. It is important to know the bodyweight of the person who needs CBD to know if the recommended dosage is right for them. As the weight increases, it is best to increase the dosage as well.
Metabolism
Your metabolic rate is another driving factor for establishing the right CBD dosage. It can determine the time it takes for CBD to take effect on a person. If you have a fast metabolic rate, CBD can work faster than if your metabolism is slow.
Gender
The CBD dosage for women and men differs. It is because of their tolerance, hormones, and sensitivity to CBD. Studies show that women may need a smaller dosage of CBD as their bodies quickly react to its effects. With this, women can get better results from taking CBD, even if it is just a small amount. On the other hand, men will need a high dosage as their hormones and body tolerance tend to resist its effects. Men take a longer time before they can feel and see the results of taking CBD.
Previous Experience with CBD
If this is your first time taking CBD, you may need a lower dose because your cannabinoid receptors are not yet used to it. Small doses will help your body adapt to the effects of CBD. As your body gets used to it, your dosage may gradually increase until you have reached the effects that you’ve been aiming for.
Cannabinoid Spectrum
The cannabinoid spectrum refers to the content of cannabinoids in your product. There are CBD products with a full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes, so they contain all the phytonutrients that are naturally occurring in the cannabis plant. The full spectrum will provide the most organic content of cannabinoids and evokes the synergy known as the entourage effect. This phenomenon refers to the mutual effects of cannabinoids and terpenes that contribute to the higher effectiveness of your product.
Broad-spectrum CBD is pretty much the same as full-spectrum, except for the lack of THC, which has been removed after initial extraction.
There is also CBD isolate, which is just pure CBD. Isolates contain the highest dose of CBD per serving, but they do not provide the entourage effect, which makes them less desired among consumers.
Desired Effects
Whether you take CBD to boost focus or promote better rest, your ideal dose may vary depending on your needs. Lower doses tend to have a mildly stimulating effect that can enhance concentration, while higher doses tend to be more sedating, which makes them work better in the evening and before bed.
How to Calculate CBD Dosage
The optimal dose of CBD differs for everybody. One may discover that their ideal dose is 30 mg of CBD, while others see this as an excessive amount. This is when proper calculations may come in handy.
There are CBD dosage calculators available online. All you need to do is provide information such as your weight, size, desired strength, the amount of CBD stated in the bottle, and the size of the bottle. These parameters will make it easier to find the right dosage for your individual situation.
If you are reluctant to use an online dosage calculator, you can start with the minimal dosage that you can see on your product’s label. Start with a low amount such as 5-10 mg and slowly increase it until you achieve the desired results. Keep in mind that gradual increments can keep you safe from the potential side effects of the CBD product.
Dosing CBD with Different Product Types
CBD Oil Dosage
CBD oil users are frequently instructed to place it under their tongue and then swallow it. The dose, efficacy, and price of CBD oil products might all differ depending on the brand. Starting doses as low as 5 or 10 milligrams are possible (mg). Follow the manufacturer’s directions closely.
CBD Capsules and Edibles Dosage
Because each gummy has a predetermined CBD concentration, CBD gummies are simple to dose. Most CBD-infused gummies have either 10 mg or 25 mg of CBD per piece. People usually start with 1-2 gummies per day, depending on their strength.
CBD Vape Oil Dosage
When you first start with CBD vape oil, it can be challenging to figure out what dose is right for you. You will not feel the effects if you take too little, and if you take too much, you may find yourself feeling sedated and dizzy. CBD vape oil works right away — actually within minutes. One inhale will typically send 1 mg of CBD oil into your system. People are advised to vape around 10mg per serving.
CBD Topical Dosage
CBD topical lotions and oils are applied directly to the affected area of the body. Both the surface and deeper muscle levels can benefit from the creams and lotions. They can also help a person unwind in some situations by promoting relaxation. Any CBD product’s ingredients label should be examined carefully because it will reveal the potency or dosage. It may be advisable to start with a lesser amount of cream and gradually increase the dose if necessary. CBD topical creams, oils, and lotions with high potency often deliver 8 mg per suggested application, while those with low potency typically supply 3 mg.
The Takeaway
In determining the proper CBD dosage, consulting with your doctor is the best option. Doing so will help you avoid negative interactions with any medications that you might be taking. The best way to find the right CBD dose for yourself is to start low and go slow. A little trial-and-error is unavoidable, but you can always minimize the ‘error’ part by following the above tips.
What dose of CBD oil works best for you? Let us know in the comments!
