May 19, 2021

How Much CBD Should You Take?

Not too little, not too much… just right.

When you start using CBD, you’re likely trying to figure out the perfect dose for you.

With CBD, there’s no one size fits all. The answer depends on what’s going on with your body and your needs. Finding the right amount of CBD for you may take a little trial and error, but it’s well worth the effort.

Here’s what you need to consider when deciding how much CBD to take.

CBD Dosing 101

There are no standard doses across all CBD products. But it’s good to familiarize yourself with the types of products out there and common doses you see reported.

One thing you’ll notice is a variety in the amount of CBD in each product. For example, across CBD capsules, you may see CBD content ranging from 5 mg to 50 mg per pill. But there are many other products available, with different amounts of CBD — and even different rates of absorption.

So let’s dive into the kinds of CBD products you’ll find.

Choosing The CBD Product For You

The first thing you need to decide is how you want to take your CBD. CBD products come in many forms from CBD creams to CBD gummies. So, you can easily choose the type that works for you.

Here’s a quick rundown of common types of CBD products and why you might pick one over the other:

  • Oils and tinctures. These generally come in a bottle with a dropper. You use the dropper to place the CBD under your tongue for quick absorption into your bloodstream. Water-soluble CBD can also be added to drinks. Oils and tinctures also often come in a variety of flavors and dose concentrations.
  • Edibles and gummies.CBD in a conveniently pre-dosed snack form! Since gummies have to pass through your digestive tract, they generally take longer for you to feel the effects. This makes gummies a great option if you want a more gradual release of CBD (with fun and fruity flavors!).
  • Capsules. CBD softgel capsules are another convenient way to accurately dose your CBD intake. They’re super easy to incorporate into mealtimes or any pill schedule you have. Like gummies, capsules go through your stomach, meaning they take longer to work when compared to CBD that skips the digestive system.
  • Creams and topicals. Using topical CBD products like creams allows the CBD to be absorbed into your bloodstream. This means that you’re likely to feel the effects — in the targeted application area — much more quickly than when you ingest CBD in an edible form. Creams are often used for muscle and joint pain, and are great with massage therapy. That being said, it can be harder to get an accurate dosage with creams vs. the options listed above.

Follow Package Guidelines

It’s always best to follow package guidelines so you know how much to take. High-quality CBD products will list the amount of CBD included in them, typically in milligrams. It should include both the total amount of CBD in the product, CBD amount per serving, and the recommended serving size/frequency.

The product label should also contain important information like:

  • Ingredients list
  • Suggested use
  • Full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate CBD
  • Expiration date

The label may also offer super helpful hints — like how to store your CBD goods properly and how long before the CBD starts to provide noticeable effects.

CBD Dosing: How Much Is Right For You?

Now that you’ve decided which product you want, let’s get into how much to take.

The amount of CBD that will work for you depends on a lot of things:

  • Your metabolism
  • Your weight
  • Sensitivity to CBD
  • Current medications
  • The condition you’re treating (if any)

Before trying something new, always consult with your healthcare pro. Your doctor can help you determine appropriate dosage amounts. He or she can also inform you of any potential risks based on your physiology and current medications.

How Much CBD Should You Take For Your First Time?

When you’re new to CBD, it’s never a bad idea to start with a low dose — especially if you’re feeling unsure.

Then, if the dosage you start with doesn’t have the desired effect you can start increasing your amount. But give it a week or so before making changes.

As a beginner, it’s important to know exactly how much CBD you’re using so you develop an accurate sense of how your body is tolerating the product.

Is It Possible To Take Too Much CBD?

According to research, chronic usage of CBD up to 1,500 mg a day seems to be safe. That’s waaay more than the dosage you’ll find in a single gummy. Phew.

However, it’s still important to talk to your doctor if you’re taking any other medications, to make sure you don’t have any potential drug interactions to worry about.

And if you’re just starting out, it’s recommended you take the smallest dose possible and see how it affects you. Ease your way into your CBD journey until you know exactly how your body reacts to it. (No one’s going to judge you if you bisect your CBD gummy and just eat half.)

CBD Dosing: What Do Studies Use?

Studies on CBD have used varying amounts of CBD in their trials. Doses have ranged from 20 mg per day up to 1,500 mg per day depending on the study. Overall, clinical research trials typically use dosages ranging from 100-800 mg per day.

Here are just a few conditions and CBD dosages used within research studies:

CBD Dosing: Consistent vs. Occasional Use

Research shows that most benefits of CBD are seen through consistent usage. Once you figure out the right amount and frequency for you, you’re more likely to see some of those long-term health benefits associated with CBD.

Now that doesn’t mean you can’t take CBD every now and then. You can choose to take CBD on occasion — like if you’re seeking short-term pain relief for example. But keep in mind that, if you’re looking to use CBD to boost your overall wellness or ease chronic pain, consistency is key.

How Much CBD? It Depends On You

So the answer to: “How much CBD should I take?” is — it depends on you! The amount you’ll need to take to see the results you want depends on your own body’s metabolism, height, weight, and medical conditions.

And it’s always a good idea to discuss your CBD plans with your doctor. Your physician knows your health conditions and medications, and will be best equipped to advise you.

It may take some trial and error to find out which CBD products you prefer. After that, determining your optimal dose of CBD is a personal journey. It’s okay to take it slow, and gradually up your intake until you reach the results you want to see.

Use only high-quality products from retailers that specify their ingredients and CBD content. And remember, you’re more likely to see long-term benefits through consistent CBD use.

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