Like with many other substances, CBD is no exact science. From our customer’s experience and some preliminary scientific research, we know CBD oil contributes to health and overall well-being. However, it's not always clear what type of CBD oil and how much of the product you should precisely take to reach a specific effect with certain ailments. So, how do you determine the correct CBD dosage for your needs?
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in cannabis plants, most notably the hemp plant. Unlike THC, another compound found in cannabis plants, CBD does not produce psychoactive effects and is not considered to be a controlled substance.
It has become very popular as a safe solution for various ailments thanks to a growing body of research showing the benefits of taking CBD. There are several types of CBD , and you can read more about the various types and their uses on our blog.
How does CBD affect the body?
CBD has many beneficial and therapeutic effects on the human body. It has been used for centuries to treat various ailments, and modern research confirms its potential health benefits.
As a supplement, CBD can have many positive effects on the body. Research and customer experience are showing that CBD products like CBD products including oil, patches, capsules and cosmetics carrying CBD, can impact the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
CBD has been found to reduce inflammation and pain, improve mental health, promote better sleep, improve skin conditions, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, relieve stress, and strengthen the immune system.
CBD also has many positive physical effects on the body as well. Studies suggest that it can act as an antioxidant to protect cells from free radical damage caused by environmental toxins such as air pollution or radiation exposure.
Learn more about How CBD works.
General guidelines for CBD dosage
When deciding how much CBD supplement to take, it is important to consider the desired effects and individual needs of the user.
Additionally, it is important to remember that different forms of CBD come with varying levels of potency and can have different effects on each individual. For example, water-soluble CBD can be taken in smaller doses due to its increased bioavailability, or ability to be absorbed easily by the body.
The average user consumption for CBD is around 50-70mg per day, as shown below.
But all users have different needs, so this table provides a rough guide to finding the right dosage and strength for you. You should always consider other factors impacting your required dosage though, which we’ll go into in more detail in the next section.
Finding the right CBD dose for you: factors to consider
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for determining how much CBD supplement you should take. It is best to start off with a lower dosage initially (approximately 10–20 mg per dose) to evaluate how your body responds before increasing the amount taken gradually over time.
Additionally, depending upon your specific condition and needs, you may need to adjust the dosage accordingly until you find the perfect balance between symptom relief and maximum benefit without any adverse side effects.
Your reason for taking CBD affects the required dosage
Consider why you wish to try CBD and the severity of your ailments. This will affect your required dose.
Some common reasons that people take CBD supplements include:
- Regulate mood, minimize swings in mood
- Improve sleep, and the time it takes to fall asleep
- Overall immune function and performance
- Digestion
- Improved energy levels and focus. Great for studying or concentration at work.
- Heart health
- Skin health and vibrancy
- Pre-workout and post-workout muscle recovery
Consider:
- If you’re looking for neurological support, you may need higher doses.
- For most, a low-concentration CBD oil or tincture would provide sufficient relief for minor conditions.
Your CBD tolerance affects the required dosage
If you’ve been taking CBD-based products, you may have noticed that over time their effects diminish or that your body no longer reacts to them in the same way as before. This phenomenon is usually defined as “tolerance.”
If this happens, you could experiment with “tolerance breaks.” This simply describes a period of not taking CBD to ‘reset’ your tolerance level.
Your age and weight
It may be possible to use your age and weight to determine the appropriate dosage. However, the truth is that the optimal dose of CBD is different for everybody.
Sometimes, two people with identical weights will respond very differently to the same dose of CBD.
The “Entourage Effect”
The entourage effect is a phenomenon that occurs when cannabinoids, terpenes and other compounds in cannabis work together to produce effects that are greater than the sum of its individual parts.
This means that by combining CBD with other naturally-occurring plant compounds such as terpenes, flavonoids, and essential oils, users may experience enhanced therapeutic benefits.
For instance, research suggests that certain combinations of various phytochemicals may have anti-inflammatory properties or help promote relaxation. Additionally, studies also suggest that these synergistic interactions can result in increased bioavailability which makes it easier for the body to absorb the active ingredients into the bloodstream.
What type of product you take effects dosage
Not all CBD supplements are created equally. Water-soluble CBD products differ from non water-soluble CBD products (such as CBD oils). Oils are known to take more time to absorb in the body as they require the liver to process them. Often, oil will degenerate before the body can benefit.
Water-soluble CBD is easier for your body to use because of the increased rate of bioavailability.
Bioavailability determines how much of the product can be absorbed into the bloodstream, and water-soluble products have more bioavailability than non-water-soluble products.
The advantage of a product with high bioavailability is that you can take less product with higher efficiency. With water-soluble products, you get more for your money.
Consider these CBD products and their respective bioavailability rates.
- Topical CBD such as creams: 0%
- Hemp C02 extract (CBD paste): 6 - 12%
- CBD oils based on a CO2 extract (full plant product): 6 - 12%
- CBD vaping products*: approximately 13%
- CBD oil based on crystals: to be determined
- Water soluble CBD: 80-94%
Ultimately, if you’re looking for maximum benefits from your CBD supplement, consider these CBDActive+ water soluble options.
*Please note that vaping CBD is associated with side effects such as drowsiness, fatigue and cognitive impairment.
When to take your CBD and how often
Start by taking a low dose to start and increase slowly. For example, start with a very low dose (2 mg) and increase by 2-5 mg per dose until you find what works best. Pay attention to how you feel after each dose and go higher/lower as needed
Taking CBD at night can be beneficial. It is shown to help with relaxation and reducing stress, two issues that can often prevent us from getting a good night’s sleep. It may also have the potential to ease mild pain, allowing us to drift off easier.
Additionally, CBD has been linked to aiding in deeper sleep cycles, allowing you to wake up feeling more refreshed and energized in the morning.
Remember to be consistent when taking CBD products. Many users find that a regular daily dose offers the best effects.
Read the product packaging
When taking CBD, it is best to take it at least once a day. It is important to follow the directions on the package so that you know how much and how often you should take it.
What happens if you take too high of a CBD dose?
Taking too high a CBD dose may cause unpleasant side effects, such as fatigue, nausea, irritability and diarrhea. Higher doses of CBD may also lead to drowsiness and increased appetite. Long-term use of high doses of CBD could potentially result in liver damage or other serious health issues.
Everyone’s body chemistry is different, it can take time to determine what constitutes a safe dosage. When taking CBD oil, it is best to start with the lowest recommended dose and gradually increase it until you find the amount that works best for your particular situation.
It is also worth noting that taking large doses of CBD does not necessarily equate with better results; rather, finding the right dosage for each individual is key for experiencing the desired outcome.
The bottom line
Overall, finding the right CBD dosage involves patience and some trial and error but can greatly improve daily lives when done correctly. Consider your weight and overall health goals and start off with a low dose consistently over time.
Monitoring changes in your moods or energy levels after consuming it helps gain insight into how your body responds.
FAQ
How much CBD can I take to treat anxiety?
CBD is a supplement, and as such, it is not intended to treat physical or mental health conditions. However, it does offer support to help mood, relaxation and may contribute to a peaceful night of sleep.
Some people with anxiety disorders may find they’re sensitive to CBD. Start with a low dose and slowly increase it to find what's best for you while paying careful attention to how you feel.
What dose of CBD should I take to help me sleep?
Follow the dosage recommendation written on the product. Increased doses of CBD have stronger sedative effects.
Consider that certain types of CBD extracts have a stronger effect on sleep. CBD oils that contain sleep-supportive terpenes, such as linalool, bisabolol, lavender, or myrcene, tend to have the strongest sedative effect.
Can CBD products make you drowsy?
It is possible to experience drowsiness due to taking a CBD product. This is likely a sign that you have taken too much product. If you experience unwanted drowsiness, it is recommended to lower your dose.
How often can you use CBD?
CBD is best taken consistently, once or twice daily, following the product’s recommendations. This can be adjusted to personal preferences and sensitivity to the product.
How much CBD to take to treat pain?
While there is a lot of research being undertaken to study the link between CBD and pain, it is best to consult a doctor if you are experiencing pain due to illness or injury.
What is the half-life of CBD?
The half-life of CBD will vary depending on the type of product and how you use it. Generally, oral ingestion half-life is believed to be between one to two days.
Does CBD make you high?
CBD is non-psychoactive and does not impair one’s ability to function normally. This means it can be taken without fear of getting high or experiencing undesirable side effects. Furthermore, research suggests that it may even help counteract the negative effects of recreational marijuana use by reducing dependence on this drug over time.
Learn more about How CBD works article.
