CBD dosage is an important aspect of taking CBD products. Taking too little can prevent the product from having any effect, while taking too much can produce uncomfortable side effects. Taking the right amount involves understanding the factors that impact dosage, like body weight, tolerance, and the effect you want from CBD.
However, dosage is even more important when dealing with CBD oil. With this product, a single drop can make a difference.
In this article, we’ll make a complex issue easier to understand. It will explore how dosage impacts CBD oil and what dosage you need.
Understanding CBD Oil
CBD oil is essentially a combination of two things. The first is CBD, the cannabinoid responsible for a range of beneficial effects. The second is a carrier oil, which makes CBD easier to work with and allows it to be incorporated into different things.
CBD oil works by allowing the CBD itself to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system is a massive bundle of receptors found throughout the body. These receptors take in information and cause the body to react in some way as a response. As a result, they are incredibly important for many bodily functions. Specifically, functions like digestion, mood, motor control, pain reception, immune response, and the ability to sleep are influenced by the endocannabinoid system.
CBD oil comes in various types depending on what is included alongside the CBD. An isolate will only include CBD and will have any other compounds removed. Meanwhile, a full-spectrum product will include other compounds from the cannabis plant, like THC. Broad-spectrum products are in the middle, as they contain some other compounds from the cannabis plant but do not contain THC. Choosing the right option for you involves weighing if you want to take advantage of the entourage effect by including other cannabinoids, include THC in the mix, or only focus on CBD.
Related: How Long Do CBD Gummies Last?
Factors That Affect Dosage
When determining CBD dosage, it is important to first understand the factors that affect the dosage. Possible factors include:
- Body weight: Someone who weighs more will need more CBD to have the same effect. This is due to the way the body processes anything it takes in and is similar to how some medicines work.
- Tolerance: After taking CBD for a while, it is possible to build a tolerance to the effects. If this happens, more CBD will be needed to produce a similar effect.
- Health conditions and medication: If someone has a particular medication condition, it can change the way CBD interacts with the body. In addition, some medications can alter how CBD reacts with the body. In both cases, consulting a doctor will help.
- Method of consumption: CBD comes in many different forms that require different levels of the product. You may only need a few drops of CBD oil but will require multiple CBD gummies.
- CBD concentration: All CBD products come with different levels of CBD, and some formats come with different levels from each other as well. One CBD gummy could have double the CBD that a nearly identical gummy has, which is an important thing to look out for.
- Desired effect: Some people barely want to feel anything from CBD when they take it. Others want a more noticeable effect.
Dosage Guidelines
Generally, you should take around 0.2 mg to 0.7 mg of CBD per pound of body weight. Where you aim for on the scale depends on whether you want a mild or more significant effect.
If you weigh 150 pounds and are a CBD beginner, you should aim for around 30 mg of CBD. If you’re taking our extra strength oil drops, this means you will need to take just under one full dropper of oil. If you are a more advanced CBD user and are looking for a stronger effect, you should aim for around 105 mg of CBD, which would mean taking just over three full droppers of oil.
Finding Your Optimal Dosage
While the above guidelines are a great way to find a general dosage, they still won’t work for everyone. You will still need to experiment to figure out exactly how much you need.
To fine-tune your CBD dosage, start with the recommended amount or even slightly less. See how you feel and if you are getting the effects you were looking for.
If you aren’t, try increasing the dosage. You can then see how you feel and determine if you need more. Try keeping a journal of how much you used and how you feel to fine-tune your dosage.
Want to add some great-tasting gummies to your CBD regimen but aren’t sure how many to have? Learn more by visiting our blog, How Many CBD Gummies Should I Eat?
Methods of Consumption
The method of consumption you use to take CBD can change how it interacts with your body. Methods include:
- Sublingual drops: CBD oil drops sit under your tongue, where the CBD is directly absorbed by your body. They are absorbed quicker than some other methods.
- Capsules and edibles: Capsules are swallowed, and edibles are eaten. In both cases, CBD is absorbed through your digestive system. This can take a while and is a slower method than sublingual drops.
- Topicals: Topicals are lotions or creams, like this CBD oil rollerball or this CBD body butter, that is rubbed on a specific part of the body, providing direct care for that area. This method takes the longest to kick in.
- Vaping: Vaping a product that contains CBD puts that CBD directly into your system. This is the fastest method of CBD intake.
Potential Side Effects
Taking too much CBD can produce some unfortunate side effects. Luckily, most of these are not too serious and go away before long.
These include dry mouth, fatigue, drowsiness, reduced appetite, and diarrhea. Minimizing these effects is possible by avoiding taking too much and staying hydrated while taking CBD.
Generally, studies have found that humans can take up to 1,500 milligrams of CBD without causing too much harm. When approaching this level, though, it is possible to cause liver damage. When an overdose is suspected, seeking medical attention is necessary.
CBD Oil Interactions with Other Drugs
CBD has the potential to interact negatively when taken alongside other medications. It can prevent those medications from working, or the medications could prevent it from working.
The best way to avoid this is to talk with your doctor. They should be aware of any conditions you have and any medications you are on.
Okay, you’ve spent enough time reading and not enough time actually trying CBD. Get in touch with us to help you pick the perfect product and dosage for you. We promise we won’t bite.
FAQs
What Is the Optimal Dosage of CBD Oil?
The optimal dosage of CBD oil will vary based on how much a person weighs and what they want from the CBD oil. At the lower end, it could be around 20 mg of CBD; at the higher end, it could be around 300 mg.
How Do I Calculate the Dosage of CBD Oil?
You can calculate the dosage of CBD oil by checking the package and determining how much CBD it actually contains. Then, you need to determine how much your body needs.
For example, our regular-strength CBD oil contains 16.67 mg of CBD in each dose. So, if you want around 50 mg of CBD, you should take around three doses of this product.
How Long Does It Take for CBD Oil to Take Effect?
If you take it sublingually, you may start feeling the effects within 15 minutes. However, if you ingest CBD oil by incorporating it into cooking, it can take an hour or more to have any effect.
Can I Take Too Much CBD Oil?
Yes, taking too much CBD oil is possible, and it can lead to negative effects. Always be aware of how much you are taking and how much is recommended.
What Are the Potential Side Effects of CBD Oil?
The most common side effects of CBD use are dry mouth, reduced appetite, drowsiness, fatigue, and diarrhea. However, more serious symptoms can happen if excessive amounts are taken.
Can CBD Oil Interact with Other Medications?
Yes, CBD oil can interact with other medications. That is why consulting your doctor before taking CBD is always suggested.
Should I Consult with a Healthcare Provider Before Taking CBD Oil?
Yes, a healthcare provider can let you know if there are any issues that could come from CBD oil use. This is particularly true if you have any known medical issues or are taking any medications.
How Long Should I Wait Between Taking Doses of CBD Oil?
The answer to this depends on what you are looking for from CBD oil. You can take multiple doses throughout the day to keep the effects going. However, if you only need it for a brief period, you can simply wait until you need it again.
Related: When to Take CBD Oil for Sleep? Tips for a Restful Night
Get the Right CBD Oil Dosage for You
CBD oil dosage is a complex combination of many different factors. While there are recommended dosages, caution is still key. Ultimately, it is best to start with a low dose and work your way up to a higher one. This will help prevent side effects and allow you to find the perfect amount.