As more people start to open up to the idea of trying CBD (Cannabidiol) oil, they can quickly become overwhelmed by the wide variety of strengths and types of CBD products. Naturally, a lot of new CBD users start to wonder how much CBD they should take. If you’re new to the CBD scene as well, you might be wondering the same thing.
Figuring out the right dosage for CBD oil is more complicated than it sounds. Since CBD oil is relatively new, there’s no definitive answer. However, this guide can tell you what you need to know to help you get started.
Factors Affecting CBD Dosage
The typical dosage recommendation for CBD consumption is one dropper a day. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to tell if the dosage is correct for every individual. The circumstances of each person are different.
Rather than relying on everyone else’s experience, you need to assess how a specific dosage affects you individually. It is important to emphasise that you should never adopt the dosage used by someone else. For instance, your friend may find the right dose at 20 mg, but it doesn’t mean that the same amount will be sufficient for you. You may require far more or far less.
You have to consider many things to find the right dosage. With the factors below, you can expect the correct dosage to shift throughout your life.
- Body Weight
Weight is an essential factor in calculating the dosage. Similar to medications, CBD dosages are calculated based on body weight. People who weigh more may need larger doses than those who are lighter to achieve the desired effects.
Take note as this might change as you go. People who lose weight would have to lower their CBD dosage and increase their mass. That’s why it’s crucial to record your progress so that you can adjust things accordingly.
- Age and Metabolism
Each person has different physiological differences that affect how your body reacts to various substances, particularly controlling your dosage. This includes metabolism, which is the amount of energy your body uses to maintain itself. Some people have genes that metabolise cannabinoids faster. Therefore, they need higher doses to achieve the same effect.
Most people’s metabolisms slow down with age. After reaching the age of 20, the rate at which we break down food decreases by 10 percent. Additionally, people with a more sedentary lifestyle may also have slower metabolism rates. As expected, people with a slower metabolism will metabolise CBD slowly. They may need smaller amounts of CBD.
- Bioavailability
Each CBD delivery method possesses a specific level of bioavailability. Bioavailability is a fundamental concept that influences your CBD oil dosage. This refers to the amount of CBD content that gets absorbed into the bloodstream.
The bioavailability of CBD oil mainly depends on the route of entry or the method of administration. In other words, the method of consumption has a lot to do with how much and how quickly CBD enters the bloodstream.
There are many ways to administer CBD, but one of the most efficient delivery methods is sublingual administration. Sublingual application is slightly less effective than vapes, but it has the bioavailability of 13-19%. Some studies do put it as high as 35%. CBD gets absorbed into the bloodstream faster and lingers longer when it gets placed under the tongue.
- Reverse Tolerance
Tolerance is a result of psychological changes in your brain receptors after the repeated use of a substance. This causes the user to need a higher dosage to achieve the same effects. Ever felt like your medication no longer works after a while? This is tolerance.
However, CBD seems to work in the opposite direction. A 2011 research concluded that long-term use of CBD oil wouldn’t lead to developing tolerance to CBD. Some studies even suggested that it can even result in reverse tolerance. As the name suggests, the phenomenon known as reverse tolerance occurs when a person needs less substance to feel its effect as time passes.
When CBD attaches itself to the endocannabinoid receptors, it promotes increased activity in these receptor cells. This means that the cannabidiol within the user’s endocannabinoid system can continue to stay active without diminishing its own effects.
Considering this, you have to adjust your dose as time goes on because lower doses will ultimately be needed to achieve the desired outcomes.
Finding the Right CBD Oil Dosage
As mentioned above, the ideal CBD dosage depends on several factors. Therefore, there are no current universal guidelines that will work. However, well-educated estimates can still be made using these tips.
- Define the Starting Point
When it comes to starting doses, the best approach is to start with the lowest recommended dosage. Some companies will list a recommended dosage that you can follow.
CBD oil usually takes effect after 15 to 45 minutes if applied sublingually. However, it can come into effect in about 30-60 minutes if you consume your CBD oil orally. So, before you conclude that a particular CBD dosage does not work, wait at least 60 minutes for the full effects to set in.
- Gradually Increase the Dosage If Needed
Finding your sweet spot actually involves some experimentation and adjustments. Start with a small dose for several days or at least a week to see if it is well-tolerated, and there’s no unwanted effects or allergic reaction. If it doesn’t produce your desired outcome, try increasing the dose in increments of 5mg each week until it does.
To better understand CBD’s effects on you, keep a daily log that records the amount you’ve taken and when you’ve taken it. Make sure to write down any effects that you’ve experienced or changes that you notice. These records will be crucial in finding your ideal dosage and deciding if CBD oil right for you in the long-run.
- Don’t hesitate to consult a physician
Self-dosing can be pretty easy when done carefully. Most people are comfortable enough to do this on their own without seeking extra help. However, it’s always better to consult a doctor before trying CBD oil, especially if you’re currently taking any medication.
Keep in mind that not all doctors can provide all the information about CBD. Some might even be reluctant to recommend CBD oil. However, you might find some that can suggest a dose. Additionally, they may help you understand any interactions or potential risks you might experience.
Is It Possible to Overdose On CBD?
Many people are often curious about the possibility of overdosing on CBD. Fortunately, this cannot happen. Currently, there hasn’t a determined lethal dose of CBD. A 2011 study on the safety and side effects of cannabidiol revealed the continuous use of high doses up to 1,500 mg a day isn’t deadly. A 2017 update on this study further confirmed the safety of CBD oil for human consumption.
Love CBD is a small family-run CBD shop that offers high-quality cannabis oil, establishing a leading brand for CBD capsules, balm, and sprays in the UK. Visit us at www.lovecbd.org or contact us at [email protected] for your CBD-related queries.
