Cannabidiol, also commonly called CBD, has become increasingly popular over the past years. While there is a surge in the number of people interested in this compound, especially when in the form of CBD oil, there is also a growing concern about the dosage.
Just like it happens with any other health supplement, certain considerations should be made when taking the best CBD oil. One of the first aspects to understand is that there are several types of CBD, such as isolate or full-spectrum. At the same time, the bioavailability rate of the product also plays a part.
Below, you’ll learn more about the differences, and which aspects should be considered when finding the right dosage for your situation.
The potential benefits of CBD
Over the past decades, many researchers have analyzed the potential benefits of cannabidiol. Although the use of this compound can be traced to centuries of years ago, the reality is that still isn’t enough scientific research to truly understand which benefits it can offer whoever takes it.
Some studies have showcased positive results, suggesting that CBD oil may be helpful in:
- Managing pain for those suffering from arthritis, fibromyalgia, and multiple sclerosis
- Reduce anxiety and stress caused by mental health disorders
- Decrease the intensity of some cancer-related and chemotherapy symptoms
- Reduce the frequency and severity of epilepsy symptoms
Different types of CBD oil products
As mentioned above, one important factor of dosage is related to the type of CBD used in the oil:
- CBD isolate: these oils only contain cannabidiol and none of the other hemp components
- Broad-spectrum CBD: contain cannabidiol and all other cannabinoids from the hemp plant, except for THC
- Full-spectrum CBD: similar to the one above, but also contains THC
Likewise, the bioavailability of the product also plays a part in the effects you may feel. The bioavailability of CBD is related to the amount of cannabidiol that is absorbed by your bloodstream.
Usually, products that can be inhaled, such as CBD vape juices or flowers, have a higher degree of bioavailability. When it comes to CBD oil, it is often better absorbed when ingested sublingually, especially if compared to the topical application of the oil or if it’s added to food or drinks.
What to consider when calculating CBD dosage?
Usually, CBD brands indicate the recommended dosage on the package. For instance, CBD oils come with droppers and companies often state how many droppers of oil you should ingest. This recommended dosage varies from one brand to another, based on the type and potency of the CBD oil.
| The severity of the Condition: | Weight: 31 to 60 lbs 14 to 27 kg | Weight: 61 to 100 lbs 27.5 to 45 kg | Weight: 101 to 175 lbs 46 to 79 kg | Weight: 176 to 250+ lbs 80 to 114+ kg |
| 1 (mild) | 2mg to 4mg+ | 4mg to 6mg+ | 6mg to 8mg+ | 8mg to 12mg+ |
| 2 | 4mg to 8mg+ | 6mg to 12mg+ | 8mg to 18mg+ | 12mg to 22mg+ |
| 3 (medium) | 8mg to 12mg+ | 12mg to 18mg+ | 18mg to 24mg+ | 22mg to 32mg+ |
| 4 | 12mg to 18mg+ | 18mg to 24mg+ | 24mg to 32mg+ | 32mg to 42mg+ |
| 5 (severe) | 18mg to 30mg+ | 24mg to 40mg+ | 32mg to 60mg+ | 42mg to 60mg+ |
You should consider the following when selecting the right dosage:
- Know your body: several CBD brands offer calculators that can help you find the right product. These tools often ask which are your symptoms, age, weight, and height. These factors have an impact on how much CBD you can take.
- Focus on your condition: you should try CBD products that are indicated to the potential benefits you’re looking for. For instance, if you want to feel more relaxed, perhaps CBD oil might be better indicated. On the other hand, in case you want to improve your skin condition, CBD topicals are better suited.
- Understand your sensitivity to cannabidiol: not everyone reacts the same to CBD, so it’s always recommended that you start with a low potency and increase it over time until you feel the desired results.
Can you take too much CBD oil?
According to the World Health Organization, CBD is safe for consumption and usually doesn’t cause negative effects. Nevertheless, you must understand that there might be some negative side effects:
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Dry mouth
Cannabidiol oil should also not be taken with prescription drugs, particularly those that are contraindicated to be taken with grapefruit.
Conclusion: Make sure to ask your doctor for advice
The most important step into finding the right CBD dosage is to speak with your doctor. They know about your medical history and understand what your symptoms are. This information can help them suggest the type of CBD that is better suited for your needs, as well as the ideal dosage to manage your condition.
Sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5922297/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25699191/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33400996/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32144889/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6340395/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30328956/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19896326/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28866904/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33070617/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26724101/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24525548/
