Is There a Perfect Dose of CBD?

When it comes to figuring out the right dose of CBD to use, there are a couple things you’ll want to consider. First, there isn’t an exact answer—which might sound frustrating—but it’s important to understand that it takes a bit of adjusting to find the right dose that works for you. On that note, here are some basic guidelines to help you get started. 

If you’re new to using CBD products, you’ll want to consider what the best CBD product for your circumstance is, how strong of a product you’re looking for, and how long lasting you need it to be. Because there are different delivery methods, you’ll also need to keep in mind that each may need a different quantity to work. 

Finding the right CBD dosage for your needs 

You’ll want to decide if you’re going to use drops, edibles, a topical, or inhalation methods to acquire the CBD. If you’re not familiar with how your body response to the use of CBD, these guidelines are more important than ever. Also, always consult with a doctor to see if your prescription medications may have interaction issues with the use of CBD. 

Your weight is a contributing factor in determining how much CBD to take. Another factor to consider is how quickly the specific product will interact with your body. For example, drops under your tongue will react quicker than edibles, which may take an hour or two to give you the results you’re looking for. 

When checking the instructions and labels of your products, consider how much CBD is in each dose. Grabbing a tincture off the shelf from two different companies, you can’t assume they’ll have the exact same dosage per dropper. It’s important to understand how much CBD you’re taking with that dose. 

One guideline given is to start is with approximately 20-40 mg per day to see how you react. If you’re okay and not experiencing side effects that make you uncomfortable such as nausea, fatigue, or intestinal problems, but don’t feel the results you’d hope for, you can increase the amount of CBD by another 5 mg per week until you get the desired result. It may take a few weeks to get it to where it works best for you, but trial and error are the safest ways to find your dosage. Take things slowly. 

Remember, if it’s in a tincture, check the dosage per dropper, as you may need more than one. Decipher how much is considered a “serving” and how many units you’ll need to ingest that amount. For example, if a CBD gummy has 10 mg, and you want to take 20 mg, you’ll need to take two. The same goes for any of the products, other than a patch, which you’ll have seen the total dose before buying.  

The ideal situation is to find something that soothes you and offers relief, without annoying side effects such as appetite suppression, intestinal issues, or fatigue like mentioned above. It’s been recommended to start with lower doses and to split them up between two doses, so you can see how you’ll feel, rather than taking one larger dose to start.  

The Arthritis Foundation has collaborated to create a CBD guide that offers basic ideas of what you can try if you’re having issues with arthritis. It may offer relief, but again, there’s nothing conclusive at this time. It’s also mentioned that if you don’t find that it helps, it may not be right for you. 

CBD options are varied. Know what type of product you’re using and what the recommended dosage that comes with the item. They may mention what is a good starting dose based on third-party tested lab results. The only way to truly find the perfect dose for your situation is to try different CBD products to see what soothes or addresses your concerns.  

Relying on studies and the future of CBD products 

Animal studies have showed positive responses to help with anti-inflammatory relief, but because the FDA has not approved it for medical labeling or as a cure, we’re often at the mercy of studies and experimentation which can be frustrating. Hopefully, as time moves on, there will be more data to study and more precise answers.  

In a study published in 2019, it was shown that after taking a larger dose of CBD oil, the participants felt it soothed their anxiety before speaking publicly.  There was also better sleep and anxiety in those who used low doses on a regular basis. While the benefits are clear to those who it’s helped, it’s still not scientifically proven enough to warrant approval as a cure as deemed by the FDA.  

It can be difficult to offer one single answer for a multitude of products that come in varying strengths. While the use of CBD has been seen as safe and non-addictive by the World Health Organization, the FDA is still holding back.  

As more data and studies become available, things may change. At this time there’s simply not enough evidence for science to say, yes, this is a cure for whatever ails you. For example, CBD was tested for use in diabetics, but there was no clear effect on blood sugar. It also didn’t have an impact on Chron’s Disease when tested. 

Will it become an answer down the line? It’s quite possible, but until there’s a largest enough controlled study that shows clearly CBD is an answer, we’ll have to experiment with the options at hand. If you do try CBD products to see if they alleviate an issue, always remember to start dosing at a lower amount, and work up gradually until finding relief.