To be frank, there’s no way to determine the “best” CBD dosage for every person. Even though there’s never been more published research on CBD’s effects, scientists are far from understanding how different variables interact with this cannabinoid. Each user’s weight, age, and condition will impact how CBD enters their body. There’s also evidence cannabidiol (CBD) use has different benefits depending on how it’s consumed and whether people take it with other drugs and substances.
Dosing CBD Products — How To Figure Out Your Best CBD Dosage
Although there are a few broad ranges for dosing CBD oil, new customers must go “low and slow.” Put another way, people should start with the lowest recommended dose of CBD and gradually increase their CBD content. Sticking with this standard advice is the safest way to avoid overwhelming your system and experiencing undesirable side effects.
What’s A “Good” Daily Dose Of CBD For Beginners?
There’s a lot of debate in the cannabis/hemp community over the best CBD dose for a first-timer. However, many reputable research-backed publications suggest starting with no more than 20mg of CBD daily. Some people might even suggest starting with just 10mg of CBD hemp oil to assess how it affects your system.
Even though CBD is non-psychoactive, it can have undesirable side effects like diarrhea, nausea, and lethargy. Most people experience these unwanted effects when they take high amounts of CBD, but some users may have an allergic reaction. Also, if someone never took CBD before, their body won’t be acclimated to this cannabinoid, and it can take a while for their system to adjust. Taking a tiny amount of CBD prevents the risk of unwanted side effects and helps the body naturally acclimate to this new compound.
Just bear in mind that since everyone has a unique body type, there isn’t a single CBD dose that’s universally effective. For instance, if people have a fast metabolism that absorbs CBD quickly, they may not need as much CBD oil as someone with a slow digestive system. Weight also plays a role in how fast people feel CBD’s effects. Since CBD is a fat-soluble compound, it could get stuck in a person’s fat cells after they take it. Generally, people who weigh above average body mass index (BMI) need more CBD to feel its effects than those with low BMI.
But it’s not just body type that affects CBD dosage. There are significant differences in how CBD enters the endocannabinoid system (ECS) depending on its product category. For example, smoke from CBD flowers goes directly into the lungs and has an immediate impact on users. CBD tinctures also have a potent effect on the body if people place these drops under their tongues. By contrast, the liver needs to break down CBD edibles before they enter the bloodstream, which results in a milder and more sustained effect. For these reasons, people often need lower amounts of CBD tinctures, extracts, oils, vape pods, and flowers versus gummies and capsules.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do People Know They Have The Right CBD Dose?
Dosing CBD oil will take some experimentation, so it’s a good idea for new users to keep detailed notes. In addition to recording how much CBD you take per day, write the time of day you’re using it, the type of product you’re using, and how you feel before using CBD. At the end of each day, summarize any noticeable impact you feel after taking CBD and repeat the same dose for about one week. If you don’t notice the desired effects after seven days, increase the CBD by about 5mg and see if this makes a difference. Continue increasing every other day until you find a dose that gives you the effect you’re looking for.
If you need more precision when setting up your CBD strategy, consider using an online “CBD Dosage Calculator.” For instance, Eagle Moon Hemp has a CBD Dosage Calculator page where you could plug in variables like your weight, condition, and age to figure out an estimated range for your situation.
Can People Take Too Much CBD?
Just because CBD isn’t psychoactive doesn’t mean it’s benign. Too much CBD can send people to the emergency room. For example, reports recently surfaced of a Swiss woman who went to the hospital after taking high doses of CBD (plus other supplements) and experiencing heart palpitations.
The more CBD people take, the greater chance they will experience unwanted effects like headaches, nausea, or diarrhea. If people are already dehydrated or have a pre-existing condition, these effects can be life-threatening, so it’s imperative to start with the smallest dose of the CBD distillate of your choice and stick with the lowest amount that works.
While it’s unlikely people will “overdose” on CBD, taking high doses without a physician’s approval isn’t the best idea. Generally, in studies of CBD on humans, researchers of the endocannabinoid system never give patients above 1,500 mg per day, and many customers experience their desired effects with much less than this.
Final Safety Tip: CBD And Medications Don't Mix!
If you’re taking other supplements or prescriptions, please speak with a doctor before dosing full spectrum CBD. Researchers don’t understand the intricacies of mixing CBD with other chemicals, but there are significant interactions between this cannabinoid and other commonly prescribed medicine like the drug warfarin. To avoid a severe reaction, please speak with a licensed doctor if you have concerns about adding CBD oil to your daily routine.
