CBD Dosage: How much CBD Should I Take?

“Call 911, or he’ll die from CBD overdose!” said no one ever.

While it is possible to ingest too much CBD and, allegedly, have diarrhea, it is practically impossible to lethally overdose from it.

We ask “how much CBD should I take?” in order to decide what CBD dosage to choose for desired results, but if you are new to the CBD industry, it is good to know some basic things about it, like what CBD is, how does it work, what effects does it have on the body and what CBD dosage is optimal for a beginner. 

This article is mainly focusing on CBD dosage but in the beginning, we’ll give you a short introduction (or a brief refresh) to CBD itself.

It does take some time to define the CBD dosage for yourself. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. For this reason, we will look at the factors that influence how much CBD should I take.

CBD Dosage. Basics

Before deciding on the CBD dosage, first we need to know what exactly CBD is and how does it work. 

CBD, or cannabinol, is a phytocannabinoid of the cannabis plant. There are more than a hundred phytocannabinoids found in cannabis, though different plant species have different quantities of those elements.

Take marijuana, for example. The dominant phytocannabinoid in marijuana is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). It is also known as the psychoactive element that induces those feelings of intoxication when you smoke weed.

Hemp belongs to cannabis species Cannabis Sativa. It has high levels of CBD compound and a low concentration of THC. Besides being a great resource for CBD extraction, hemp has hundreds of other usability options - from building material to clothes, food, etc.

For this reason, the U.S. Senate passed a law in 2018, to renew the legal status of hemp as an agricultural commodity across the country. This was a huge push for the CBD industry and from then on it has skyrocketed to new heights.

To understand why CBD has become such a popular product in the United States, we have to look at how does CBD work and what effects does it bring to its users.

How Does CBD Work?

CBD is a phytocannabinoid (phyto- means 'plant'). Our body has an endocannabinoid system (endo- means 'internal'). Already see the relation?

Not only cannabis produces cannabinoids - our body also produces them. Inside our bodies, there are certain cannabinoid receptors that interact with these chemical compounds and regulate various functions of our body: appetite, perception of pain, mood, memory, fertility to name a few.

Not going into details, let’s just say that CBD enhances and prolongs the activities of those receptors and improves the areas they are responsible for. That’s why users (and scientists, too) report favorable CBD effects on our mental and physiological health. 

In themselves, phytocannabinoids possess anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, pain-relieving, relaxing, sedating and other qualities. No wonder in today’s stressful, sleepless and unhealthy environments CBD is promising a cure and relief.

Currently, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not consider CBD as an official drug yet. Thus, there is no regulation on its production and marketing. However, producers cannot directly advertise it as a medicine, nor can they advertise it as a food supplement. Though FDA is already considering possible solutions.

These vague and muddy waters are yet to be cleared out. For the time being, we strongly recommend researching the CBD brand before purchase. If not, you might end up buying some obscure garage-made substance with heaven knows what kind of side effects…

How Much CBD Should I Take?

Let’s say you have already done your research and decided to buy CBD from a trustworthy company. Then the next question should be “how much CBD should I take”, right? 

Without answering this question, you won’t even know which kind of oil should you use. As you might already have noticed, there are many kinds of seemingly the same CBD oil. The difference lies in their CBD dosage, or in other words, how much CBD you get with each dropper.

You see, the basic rule for CBD newcomers is “start slow and increase gradually”. So, if you just want to improve your overall well-being and don’t know for sure what CBD dosage you need to take, this rule might come in handy. Higher CBD oil dosage is usually for those who have more serious health conditions.

Furthermore, there are other factors that decide how much CBD oil should I take. For example, take two people - one is 150 Lbs another 300 Lbs. If they take the same CBD dosage, will they get the same results? Obviously not. Therefore, CBD dosage strongly depends on your weight as well. 

Usually, the starting recommendations for people weighing between 130 to 230 Lbs, moderate CBD dosage is around 20 mg of CBD per mL (milliliter) taken twice daily. Less than 130 Lbs - around 13 mg. More than 230 Lbs - about 26 mg. 

These are only general recommendations for moderate results but it is always advisable to consult with a physician before starting a new CBD product. Also, bear in mind other factors that influence CBD dosage: your metabolism, diet, genetics and most importantly - what kind of product you use.

CBD Dosage In Different CBD Products

Needless to say that different kinds of CBD products have different quantities of CBD (and other cannabinoids). The easiest products to measure CBD dosage are CBD Isolate and CBD oil (either Full-spectrum, with THC, or Broad-spectrum, without THC).

CBD Isolate

This is probably the easiest product to know CBD dosage. Almost 100% of its content is pure CBD. That means with each milligram, you’ll get as much CBD. Though the CBD dosage to take also depends on your weight and desired results you wish to achieve. For moderate usage, the quantities remain the same as for CBD oil.

CBD Isolate is usually sold in the form of a powder. Since CBD is a fat-soluble compound, when you add it to your meals and drinks, it’s good if they have some oil (milk is fine too) or consume it directly, holding for a minute or two under your tongue. You won’t have any unpleasantness to take it because it has neither taste nor odor.

Some quality Isolate brands are CBDistillery and Lazarus Naturals.

Latest CBDistillery Coupon Found:

CBD Oil 

When it comes to Full-spectrum or Broad-spectrum CBD oil dosage, everything depends on the potency of that oil. If the label says "17 mg per 1 mL", then it means you’ll get approximately 17 mg of cannabinoids per one dropper.

Why we say ‘approximately’? Because it is not a pure CBD product - it has a carrier oil, and many other cannabinoids mixed in. Nevertheless, it is accurate enough to have a sense of how much CBD you intake per one serving. 

Since Full-spectrum CBD oil is perhaps the most popular product in the CBD market - practically every brand has something to offer. To navigate in this wide and colorful market could be a bit of a challenge, so it is our job to gather the information and provide you with in-depth reviews on the leading companies, hopefully saving your time and nerves. 

Based on our research, currently, the Full-spectrum CBD oil leaders are Charlotte’s Web, CBDistillery, and NuLeaf Naturals. If you wish to read more about them, take a look at our reviews here.

CBD Oil Dosage For Anxiety

It is no secret that anxiety has become a major problem in today’s world. No wonder CBD oil has risen to new heights - it has scientifically proven calming properties^[1] and lots of positive customer testimonies. 

We have investigated the CBD market and put up a list of 7 best CBD oil brands for anxiety at your convenience. Also, we will do our best to give you basic guidelines for CBD oil dosage for anxiety, though not every method is easy to measure.

There are three main methods of taking CBD to calm the nerves and feel at ease:

• Vaping. Plenty of companies are offering ready-to-use vapers with CBD oil. For example, CBDfx, Ignite or CBDistillery. There are two types of vapers: disposable (only used once) or refillable (you can buy CBD vape oil to refill).
  
  Vaping CBD is a fast way to get relief from anxiety attacks but it doesn’t last long. Also, you cannot measure how much CBD you ingest each time. Unless you know that the cartridge has 200 mg, for example, and you finish it up within one day. Then your daily intake will be 200 mg (which is a LOT).
  
  
  You cannot measure CBD oil dosage for anxiety if you vape it. Usually, people vape whenever they feel to calm the nerves. The risk of overdosing is practically non-existent and the amount of CBD that gets into your system when vaping is very low.
  
  
• For more promising and long-lasting results, it is generally recommended to use Full-spectrum CBD oil.  The CBD oil dosage for anxiety is not fixed because there are different types of people with different levels of anxiety.
  
  As of general rule, the beginners should start with lower doses of CBD oil, ~20 mg twice daily (depending on weight and other factors). If you feel your anxiety is quite strong and problematic, there should be no problem at all to increase it by a few milligrams.
  
  Start there and see how you feel. You could even start your ‘Feeling journal’ to hold track of CBD effectiveness. The most potent and effective CBD oils, in our opinion, are currently sold by NuLeaf Naturals, Charlotte’s Web, CBDistillery and Green Roads.
  
  
• The third method is the easiest to measure and consume - CBD capsules. They are already prepared with a certain amount of CBD, so you just need to swallow them and witness the effects taking place (or more like, enjoy the calm and peace).
  
  
  In our opinion, some CBD brands are overpricing their products. At the moment we could only recommend Lazarus Naturals and CBDistillery - they have a wide and relatively not expensive choice of CBD capsules. 

As you can see, CBD oil dosage for anxiety is pretty much the same as a moderate dosage recommended for every user. It is because consuming CBD will calm your nerves anyway. The increase in dosage can be made if you feel your anxiety problem is getting a bit out of control or feels too strong.

CBD Dosage For Pain

CBD dosage for pain management is very similar to the aforementioned CBD oil dosage for anxiety. Consuming CBD will naturally bring its benefits of calming the nerves, relieving the pain^[2], reducing the inflammation and many more.

Besides consuming Full-spectrum CBD oil or capsules, you could also apply CBD-induced creams to the areas where it’s needed. Though it is a slow and momentary method.

CBD dosage for pain could also vary depending on the intensity of pain. Of course, for more severe conditions, the dosage will be higher. However, if you are new to this ‘CBD thing’, don’t jump on the highest doses at your first try, for the body needs some time to adjust and utilize CBD to the fullest.

Otherwise, you might get some unpleasant side-effects, like dizziness, diarrhea, sleepiness, or nausea. Further than that, it will just be a waste of a precious remedy and your money. 

Conclusions

This article focused on optimal CBD dosage for beginners, as well as CBD dosage for pain and CBD oil dosage for anxiety.

The general rule when you start consuming CBD is “low and slow”. Increase the dose gradually by a few milligrams each week, if you’re not satisfied with the results.

Also, CBD dosage strongly depends on the user’s weight, the potency of the product and personal condition. 

A moderate CBD dosage for people above 130 Lbs and below 230 LBs is approximately 20-23 mg twice daily. Then it may vary a few milligrams lower or higher depending on your weight and the results you wish to achieve.

As for pain or anxiety management, if the condition is not severe, the moderate CBD dosage will naturally reduce it, for CBD is known for its calming, anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

For further information about CBD, you can explore here.

Scientific References

Contributed by Diana Rangaves, PharmD

1. Mateus M Bergamaschi, Regina Helena Costa Queiroz, José Alexandre S Crippa et al.: 'Cannabidiol Reduces the Anxiety Induced by Simulated Public Speaking in Treatment-Naïve Social Phobia Patients'

2. Ethan B Russo : 'Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain'