Dosing CBD Safely: Beginner’s Guide
CBD’s popularity has skyrocketed over the past several years with research and anecdotal reports suggesting that CBD may be able to provide a wide range of benefits for those seeking help with everyday issues, such as sleep support, pain relief, and relaxation. If you’re interested in trying CBD, one of the most important factors in beginning your regiment is to understand what size dose is right for you. This is important in order to achieve your goals, but also to mitigate any potential side effects. This guide is designed to help you understand what size dose of CBD is correct for you as well as how to determine potency, measure CBD doses properly, and what CBD delivery methods are available for you. As a reminder, it’s important that the first step is for you to consult with a medical professional before using any CBD product, especially if you have a medical condition.
Step 1: Determining the Correct CBD Dose
CBD is still a relatively novel ingredient with extensive peer-reviewed research still underway. What is clear is that many people have different reactions to CBD, so there is not a “one size fits all” dosage. Because everyone has a unique biological make-up, it’s important to customize your dose based on your body’s sensitivity to CBD, amongst other factors. Unfortunately, there is no simple answer telling you how much CBD to take, however, this guide will help you determine where to start.
Understand Your Sensitivity
Since everyone’s body is different, you may be more sensitive to the effects of CBD than another person. This may lead to unwanted side effects, or it’s possible you may have an unknown allergy that can prevent you from taking CBD. So the first step is to test your sensitivity with the smallest dose that you’re able to consume or apply. Here are some examples:
Edibles
Try cutting the advertised dose of edibles into quarters or halves and just try a fraction of what is recommended. As edibles can take a long time to have an effect, wait at least an hour to see how you feel before trying more.
Tinctures
If the recommended dose on a CBD oil tincture calls for one full dropper, start out with just a few drops under the tongue or directly on the skin, and see how it makes you feel before increasing.
Topicals
Before you apply large amounts of creams, lotions, or salves on your body, begin with an amount equal to the size of a dime on the underside of your wrist and massage it into the skin. This is a relatively sensitive area on your body and should be a good indicator if your skin will have a reaction to the product.
Once you’ve determined that you aren’t hypersensitive or appear to have any allergies to the product, try incrementally increasing the usage to the recommended dose. Of course, if you develop any side effects, stop use immediately and consult with a medical professional.
Compensate Dose for Bodyweight
CBD works by interacting with your body’s endocannabinoid system, thus the size of your body has a direct correlation to the number of receptors available for CBD to interact with. Like many supplements, higher doses may be required as body mass increases. Unfortunately, most product labels do not specify doses based on sex or weight, so it’s up to you to understand where you fall on the bell curve and to compensate your dose accordingly.
Adjust for Dose for CBD Bio-Availability
What is bio-availability? Bio-availability refers to how easy it is for your body to absorb a substance into the bloodstream so that it may have its intended effect. Products that are very bio-available, like water, have no problem getting absorbed by the body. Products with low bio-availability are only partially absorbed with the remainder passing through your digestive system as waste. In general, CBD is not a highly bio-available molecule. Because it is an oil-based product, our water-based bodies have trouble absorbing it effectively.
A report from the National Library of Medicine suggests that the bio-availability of CBD taken orally can be as low as 6%, which means that 94% of the product is not being absorbed at all by your body.
The following example illustrates how important this factor is:
Scenario 1:
Assume you use a 1000mg tincture with 30 doses, which equals 33.33mg per dose. If you only absorb 6% of that CBD dose then effectively you are only consuming 2mg of CBD.
Scenario 2:
Assume you use a 10,000mg tincture with 30 doses, then each dose equals 333.33mg. Now, after accounting for bio-availability loss, you are actually absorbing 20mg of CBD.
Once you’ve established that you do not have an allergy or high sensitivity to CBD, we suggest using higher potency products to account for the loss due to poor bio-availability. If you are considering Mojave Rx products, you should know that the doses and potencies are adjusted to accommodate for this issue.
Account for Tolerance Increase Over Time
It is believed that our bodies build up a tolerance to cannabinoids over extended periods of use. As such, if you feel that the same dose you used to take isn’t as effective as it once was, you may want to consider increasing your dose incrementally to account for a potential tolerance that your body has built up.
Alternatively, you can stop taking your daily doses of CBD for a period of 7-10 days which should lower your tolerance. However, if you’ve come to rely on CBD in your daily routine, this can be a difficult proposition. This may be a good time to introduce a temporary alternative to use while you cycle off CBD intermittently, but also consider the value in ceasing CBD use for a brief period to re-familiarize yourself with your body’s baseline.
Step 2: Understanding Product Potency and How to Measure Each Dose
In this section we will briefly discuss how to read packaging labels, which can sometimes be confusing or misleading, to determine the actual dose of CBD.
What is the total volume of the product?
The first thing to do is understand how much total product is in the package. Here are the two most common examples:
Liquids – How many total millilitres of liquid ounces are there in the bottle?
Edibles – How many pieces are there in the package?
What Is the Total CBD Content of the Package?
It’s industry standard to have this information listed somewhere on the label. If you are unable to find it then you may be using a brand that isn’t reputable. Generally, it can be found by the nutritional ingredients or on the main panel.
Calculate to Determine Potency
Once you understand how much CBD is in the bottle and how much total product is in the bottle, you are able to calculate the ‘potency’. The product potency is often overlooked and can be one of the most valuable tools a consumer has when comparing two different products. For example:
If product A has 10,000mg of CBD in a 90ml bottle, the potency is 111mg per ml.
If product B has 10,000mg of CBD in a 30ml bottle, the potency is 333mg per ml.
Product A may advertise that it provides more doses and may charge more $ than product B, however product B provides a better value and a higher concentration of CBD by volume.
The best practice for consumers is to understand three things before making a purchase:
1. How many doses are in a bottle or package?
2. How much CBD is in each dose?
3. How expensive is the price per CBD milligram?
Calculate Your Dose
Now that you have the potency, you can easily apply it to determine the dose. Let’s use the example provided above of product B with the potency of 333mg per ml. Traditional tincture oil droppers contain one millilitre total and have 20 drops in one full dropper. Thus if the total dropper (1ml) is 333mg of CBD, then each drop should equal about 16mg of CBD. Using this math and the other information contained in this guide, you can calculate and administer the size dose that you feel is most appropriate for you.
Step 3: Manage Your Dose Based on the Severity of the Issue
The last factor to consider when determining the correct CBD dose for you is to account for how severe the underlying issue is that you are seeking relief for. Based on this level of severity, your dosage should increase or decrease accordingly. People with more severe issues should take a higher dose and vice versa.
Once you’ve concluded that you are not hyper-sensitive or have an allergy to CBD through microdose testing or an alternative method, now you are ready to begin taking full CBD doses, calculated based on your body weight and adjusted for bio-availability.
Here is a concise CBD dosage chart by weight and severity of the condition:
You can also get the assistance of dosage calculators available online. Usually, all that is required is to answer a short questionnaire about your usage habits and purposes to determine the correct dosage.
If you notice that the dosage isn’t sufficiently effective, you can increase the dose by 5-10 mg the next day. You may continue until the desired result is achieved.
Remember to gradually increase the dose rather than doubling it right away. Your first step is to determine how your body tolerates CBD.
When going for a higher dose, make sure to pay attention to any side effects that may appear. This would be a sign for you to reduce the milligrams. On the other hand, if you notice you started sleeping better and feeling more cheerful and calm, it might be the most suitable dosage for you.
How to Take CBD?
As soon as you estimate how much CBD you need, it is time to look at the different forms it can be taken. The way you take CBD will also reflect on how fast you will feel the results. Some ways work faster than others. Here is a breakdown of each of the forms:
Ingestion
When ingested, CBD gummies first travel to the digestive system and then the liver before reaching the bloodstream. Due to its long course, it may take around an hour to take effect.
Sublingual
By taking a couple of drops of CBD oil under the tongue, the mucous membranes absorb the consistency and therefore have a shorter onset time of about 30-40 minutes.
Topical
Another easy form of applying CBD is directly on the skin. This can be a cream, relief salve, or even a roll-on. Depending on the consistency of CBD in each product along with other active ingredients, the onset time can be very quick or take 20-30 minutes.
Inhalation
The inhalation method may be the fastest delivery method of all as inhaling CBD takes only minutes until it takes effect. Smokable CBD flowers, vapes, and dabs are commonly used with this method however please proceed with caution as most inhalables have negative effects on your health.
Onset and Duration Type of Each Form
Here is a chart demonstrating the onset type of every product and their duration time.
| Product | Product Name | Form of Administration | Start of the Effect | Duration |
 |
10K RELIEF TINCTURE | Sublingual | ~30-40 minutes | ~4-6 hours |
 |
RELIEF GUMMY | Ingestion | ~30-40 minutes | ~6-8 hours |
 |
10K RELIEF ROLL-ON | Topical | ~5-10 minutes | ~2-3 hours |
 |
10K RELIEF SALVE | Topical | ~20-30 minutes | ~4-6 hours |
 |
SLEEP GUMMY | Ingestion | ~30-40 minutes | ~6-8 hours |
How Long Is CBD Detectable in Your System?
Just like CBD dosage greatly depends on your sensitivity to the substance, your weight, and the problem you are dealing with, the same applies to how long CBD actually stays in your system. You would think that the more you consume, the longer it is detectable, and you are partly right. When you consume a CBD edible like a beverage or gummies, your body eliminates them from the system in around 6 hours. However, the most effective CBD products – vapes and dabs – remain in your system for up to 72 hours. If you have an upcoming drug test, broad-spectrum and isolate CBD are your best options as they are without the THC component. However, full-spectrum CBD includes THC and other cannabinoids that are present in the hemp flower.
CBD Benefits and Side Effects
CBD has been favoured over THC due to its non-toxic abilities and positive effects. Amongst other benefits, CBD promotes health, may provide pain relief, and has been reported to reduce inflammation. Although the substance has different side effects from THC, the side effects that occurred during animal studies are tiredness, diarrhea, and changes in appetite.
Potential Health Benefits
Improves Sleep Quality
Poor sleep can be caused by stress, anxiety, or medication that keeps you awake, among other factors such as drinking coffee, alcohol, etc. There is no clear explanation why CBD promotes good sleep, but it is believed to affect the root of insomnia directly.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
When applied, CBD is believed to affect two receptors – CB1 and CB2 – which are located in the central and peripheral nervous systems. In order not to suffer from depression, stress, and anxiety, an SSRI (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) treatment is conducted. CBD products can potentially supplement SSRIs and aid in increasing serotonin to a required level. Doctor consultation is recommended, though, as only a professional should determine what is best for your health.
Relieves Pain
CBD is believed to directly interact with the endocannabinoid system, which includes two main receptors – CB1 and CB2 – in the brain and immune system. Those receptors are the proteins attached to the cells that interact with CBD. It is yet unclear how the interaction works, but studies suggest that the way the cells respond may result in reduced pain and anti-inflammatory effects.
Possible Side Effects
Feeling Tired and Drowsy
One of the common side effects you may experience when taking CBD is tiredness. Although not a downside when you use it to fight insomnia, you may feel like you lack energy. It is not the typical effect; you may feel energized and full of life in other cases. That is why when first trying CBD you should do so at home just in case you experience drowsiness as a side effect. If you do experience drowsiness, be sure to only take CBD when you will not be driving a car or operating any heavy machinery. If drowsiness is not the effect you are looking for, try reducing the dosage or opting for a different cannabinoid profile.
Feeling Lightheaded
The reason you may feel lightheaded or dizzy after taking CBD is that it has the ability to stabilize your heartbeat and reduce blood pressure. If you don’t suffer from high blood pressure, there is a chance CBD will make you feel a bit woozy. If you have low blood pressure, consider drinking coffee or medication to raise BP but make sure to consult with your doctor when choosing a CBD dosage. You may opt for edible products or sublinguals as they take longer to release their effects and have a lower CBD concentration.
Diarrhea
A digestive change that can be caused by CBD is diarrhea. There is no clear reason as to why it happens, but it is one of the common side effects. As with other negative symptoms, to prevent this one from happening again, you should begin with reducing your dose. If it doesn’t help, you should get an appointment with your doctor and perhaps change to a different CBD product.
Dry Mouth
Some people report having a “dry mouth” effect after taking CBD. This side effect is believed to be caused because marijuana decreases saliva production. The solution here is pretty basic; all you need to do is drink a few glasses of water. If this side effect bothers you a lot, try switching to a different CBD product.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many CBD Gummies Should I Eat?
The number of CBD gummies you should eat depends on your weight, the CBD consistency in one gummy, and whether it is pain relief, better sleep, or calmness you are trying to achieve. The safest way is to start with half of the gummy, and if it doesn’t affect you, you can take the full gummy the next day. There is no universal dosage as it can vary from 1 to 5 gummies per day.
How Much CBD Needed to Relax?
If you are suffering from stress and want to start taking CBD to help you relax, you can opt for CBD oils. About 20 mg of it should be enough to help gain the peace of mind to think clearly. However, if it is anxiety you are dealing with, you might need to increase the dosage. Remember to start with a couple of drops under the tongue to test your sensitivity to CBD.
How Many Drops of CBD Oil Should I Take?
The number of drops you should take varies depending on many factors we have discussed before. Like with any other CBD product, you should start low and go slow. Observe your body and see how you feel. To stay on the safe side, use one full dropper per day and adjust that dosage to your needs.
How Much CBD Oil Should I Give My Dog for Anxiety?
If your puppy suffers from anxiety when moving to a new home, meeting a vet, or other pets, CBD may be one of the best natural solutions. Just like with people, every dog is different. You will need to start with a small dosage but no more than 5 mg per 10 pounds of body weight. Observe your pet and see whether the dosage is sufficient. The effect should take place in about an hour. CBD may also be given to dogs with PTSD or those who have recurring nightmares.
Can I Overdose on CBD?
So far, there are only two pieces of research done with as much as 1,500 mg of CBD per day that indicated that people could tolerate such a high dosage. However, in another study on mice, researchers claimed that mice exhibited signs of liver damage.
Is CBD Legal?
The CBD market is not well-regulated, and its legality varies from state to state. However, CBD products that contain less than 0.3% THC are legal federally.
Key Takeaways
To determine your ideal CBD dosage, we advise you to keep track of every consumption. It is enough to scribble down a note of how you feel and how many milligrams of CBD you use. A diary will aid you in finding out the proper dosage for your needs. As soon as you notice any negative effects, reduce the dosage and consult with your doctor. You can also experiment with different CBD products and see which one works most efficiently for you. Having said that, the potential benefits of CBD prevail over the side effects, which makes it the potential and promising substance to promote good health. We also advise you to purchase safe CBD products from trustworthy retailers like us, who provide credible information and high-quality products. Check out our CBD products or contact us to make an order.
DISCLAIMER
The statements expressed on this website are purely opinion of the author and not factual. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any products referenced on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It’s highly suggested to consult with your medical professional prior to any use of the products referenced on this website. This website and author specifically disclaim any liability in connection with the products contained on the website.