The research on CBD indicates that it covers a range of conditions. Pain, anxiety, and depression are among the key reasons consumers turn to CBD, although reasons for usage relative to specific health ailments vary from generation to generation. One study found that millennial takers mostly use CBD products for anxiety (31%) and general wellness (30%). Gen X and baby boomers use CBD to help with joint pain (31% and 36%, respectively) and muscle pain (23% each).[1]
The logical question to ask, therefore is, “What is the right CBD dosage to treat my problem?” After all, if you don’t take the adequate dosage, regardless of which one among the many CBD products you choose to take, you may not get the results you want. While a 2017 research review found that CBD was relatively safe to use, the analyzed studies could not determine that there is one universal dosage of CBD that everyone should take. Rather the review of clinical data and relevant trials underscored that different people respond to different CBD dosages.[2]
Also, with the exception of Epidiolex, a form of CBD oil, all other products that contain CBD are outside the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, so that there are no official guidelines regarding dosage.
Start with a small dosage
To start you’ll want to talk to your doctor about the recommended dosage. This is particularly important if you are taking other medications. While some doctors are new to CBD, they still may be able to provide CBD dosage recommendations. (Doctors cannot prescribe but only recommend cannabinoids because there is no recommended daily allowance (RDA) or universal dose for all people.[3] ) Ideally, you should start with a small CBD dose and increase it slowly until you get the desired effect.[4]
“The most common dose of CBD is 20 – 40 mg per dose. Some people take much less (as low as 1 mg), others take much higher (up to 100 mg). Also, two people with identical weight can react very differently to the same dose of CBD. One person may find the ideal dose for them is 30 mg of CBD, while the other responds better to just 10 mg.”[5]. In the absence of a recommendation from your doctor, if you were to start with 20 to 40 mg a day, after a week, you might want to increase the amount by 5 mg, continuing until you feel that the CBD is effective in treating your symptom.[6]
Since no one product, CBD included, works the same for everyone, the right amount ultimately will depend on a range of variables:
- Your size and weight
- The condition – and severity – of the condition you are treating when seeking pain relief, stress relief, or anti-inflammatory benefits
- Tolerance to CBD or individual body chemistry
- The formulation and concentration of CBD in the delivery methods, which most commonly include topicals, capsules, pills, tinctures, dermal patches, gummies, and vapor (inhaling)
Delivery Methods and Dosage
In addition to the above criteria, you also will want to understand how delivery methods can affect the desired dosage.
- Ingestion and Sublingual Application: Whether in capsules, food, or liquid, CBD that is swallowed is absorbed through the digestive tract. With capsules, the effective dose has already been established. CBD can also be absorbed directly into the bloodstream bypassing the digestive system by holding liquid from a spray or tincture (a liquid dosed by a dropper) under the tongue (sublingual) for 60 to 120 seconds. The effects may be felt faster, within 15 to 45 minutes.[7]
- On the skin: Topical products, including creams, lotion, balms, and gels, are applied to the skin over the area where there is pain. Since topical CBD use is localized, there is no need to dose too much. Assume a little cream goes a long way and start with a small amount on the problem area. After an hour or so, try reapplying. Any of the topicals that have Camphor, Lidocaine, or Menthol can be applied up to 3-4 times a day.
- Inhalation: CBD can be inhaled via a vaporizer or vape pen. Inhaled CBD tends to enter the bloodstream faster than other forms. However, controlling dosages can be difficult because of how much CBD is absorbed depends on how long and hard the inhalation is.[8]
Can you take too much CBD?
A review of CBD from 2011 found that chronic use and high doses of up to 1,500 mg/day of CBD are reportedly well tolerated in humans.[9] But even though it’s well-tolerated, CBD oil side effects could include dry mouth, diarrhea, reduced appetite, drowsiness, and fatigue. CBD can also interact with other medications, such as blood thinners.[10] Another reason to talk to your doctor about taking CBD relative to other medications you are taking.
If you have more questions about CBD or any of our Lab+Blends products, let us know.