How To Find The Right Dose Of CBD

People are going crazy for CBD, and with good reason; this tiny cannabinoid promises some huge health benefits. But just like any other supplement or medicine, proper dosing is super important when taking CBD. Unfortunately, few resources stray beyond the base-level benefits of CBD, and even fewer teach users how to find the right dose of CBD. In this article, we’ll take a deeper look at properly dosing CBD.

UNDERSTANDING HOW CBD WORKS

Before we look at the topic of dosing, it’s really important to have a solid understanding of how CBD works first.

CBD, as you probably know, is a cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp. After THC, it is usually the second most abundant cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBD doesn’t produce an intoxicating high. Instead, users find it has calming effects and science suggests it can have a wide variety of health benefits.

When CBD enters the body, it activates the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a kind of regulatory system that helps mediate all kinds of different bodily processes. Now, unlike THC, which can bind directly with cannabinoid receptors, CBD’s ability to stimulate the ECS comes largely from its activation of over 60 different molecular pathways.

CBD supplements, for example, can affect neurotransmitters like GABA and serotonin, specific receptors like capsaicin and vanilloid receptors, endocannabinoid levels (like anandamide), and much more.

UNDERSTANDING CBD DELIVERY METHODS

In order to understand how to properly dose CBD, it's also important to understand the different ways in which CBD can be delivered to the body.

• CBD oils can be taken sublingually, where they are absorbed through the mucous membranes under the tongue. When taken sublingually, CBD oil can take effect in about 15 minutes or less.

• CBD capsules need to be swallowed and broken down by the digestive tract. They typically take about 20 minutes to take effect.

• CBD edibles also need to be broken down in the digestive tract. Because they are harder to break down than a capsule, edibles can take 30 minutes or longer to take effect. They also tend to offer a slower release of CBD over a longer period of time.

• CBD topicals (such as creams and ointments) do not enter the bloodstream, and instead directly act on receptors in the skin. They take effect in about 10 minutes, and are great for local pain and inflammation relief, along with other symptoms.

WHY IS DOSING SO IMPORTANT WHEN TAKING CBD?

CBD is a really safe compound. Studies show that it’s non-toxic even in extremely high doses, and it tends to be very well-tolerated by most people. So, you’re probably wondering why we’re making such a big deal about dosing this stuff. Well, here’s why:

CBD can have side effects. And while they tend to be mild, you’ll still want to avoid them. The best way to do this is by starting with small daily doses of CBD, then building up your dose gradually over time. If you drive up your dose too much too quickly, you may experience side effects like headaches, hyperactivity, moodiness/irritability, stomach aches, and diarrhoea.

By starting at a small dose and working your way up, you give your body more time to adjust to the supplement and minimise your risk of experiencing side effects. Plus, it allows you to find that sweet spot that offers maximum relief from your symptoms without any side effects.

HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT DOSE OF CBD

Unfortunately, we simply do not know enough about CBD yet to be able to recommend a set dose per person based on their symptoms. Instead, you’ll likely have to do some trial and error to find the right dose for you.

Nonetheless, here are some tips to help you find the right dose of CBD based on your needs:

1. If you’re new to CBD, consider using mid-strength oils or capsules. It is typically easier to get small 5mg doses with these products than with stronger supplements. We recommend starting with a single 5mg dose of CBD on the first day, just to gauge your reaction to the supplement. Make sure to consult the usage instructions that come with your particular brand of CBD to work out how to correctly dose 5mg.

2. If you didn’t experience any side effects from a single 5mg dose of CBD, try taking two 5mg doses daily (one in the morning, the other in the evening). Keep this up for the first few weeks to really allow your body the time it needs to acclimatise to your new supplement.

3. If, after these first few weeks, you feel you’re not getting the desired effect from your supplement, feel free to increase your dose by another 5mg. Stick to this dose for a few weeks, then step things up if need be. Just remember to always give your body a week or two to adjust to the increased dose before increasing it again.

Remember, there is no recorded lethal dose of CBD, not even in extremely high doses. Studies have shown that even 2,000mg doses of CBD produce no toxic effect.

Also, note that you do not need to be so strict when dosing CBD topicals (like creams and ointments) as these products do not enter the bloodstream. However, remember that these products can cause allergic reactions in some people, so it is always a good idea to test a small amount of topical on your skin first and gauge your reaction before use.