What You Need to Know When CBD is not Working for You

 Product potency, tolerance to CBD, and metabolism determine how soon you will feel the CBD effect. This article discusses what to do if CBD has not worked for you.

CBD has become popular over the years, and people want to benefit. It has therapeutic benefits and can improve health conditions like sleep quality, soothe stress, and relieve pain. After taking CBD, there is an effect that indicates CBD works. Something is wrong if you do not feel the effect. It can be a wrong dose, low potency product or the method of use.

Cannabidiol

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabis compound with therapeutic benefits, notes Crippa et al. (2018). The cannabis plant family consist of the hemp plant and marijuana. Marijuana is common because of the THC, which causes a high effect. The hemp plant is rich in CBD than THC. Producers use hemp plants also because of legal regulations. CBD is extracted using CO2 or alcohol extraction processes. The extracted CBD will be refined into types of CBD used to make CBD products like oils and tinctures, edibles, and topicals. Theproducts contain full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate CBD.

What You Need To Know When CBD Is Not Working For You

Ways of Taking CBD

The CBD product dictates the method you will use to administer CBD. Using the wrong method will not yield the expected results. Here is how you will take each CBD product. Learn more about what is the best cbd oil for anxiety?

Sublingual

The sublingual method is the common method of taking CBD oil and tinctures. The method involves placing CBD oil or tincture drops under the tongue and holding them for at least a minute to allow absorption. You can increase absorption by avoiding swallowing for at least two minutes after placing the CBD drops. The CBD enters the bloodstream through the capillaries and tissues in the sublingual layer. You can feel the CBD after 20 to 30 minutes, lasting about 4 hours.

Ingestion

The ingestion method involves taking CBD edible products like gummies, cookies, and capsules. CBD oil is administered by adding it to meals and drinks like coffee. It undergoes metabolism before you feel the CBD effect. The rate of metabolism determines how soon you will feel the CBD effect. The effect is felt after an hour, lasting 6 to 8 hours. CBD products like capsules take longer because the CBD oil is enclosed in the gelatin caps.

Inhalation

The inhalation method is the best method of taking CBD because it is faster. The effect is after 15 minutes. The CBD enters circulation through the lungs. You can vape CBD oil, smoke hemp plant materials infused with CBD, and dab CBD concentrates. Dabbing requires a dab rig. A dab rig resembles a water pipe but has a nail and dome. CBD vape devices include vape pens, disposables, cartridges, pods, and mods.

Topical

CBD topicals include creams, lotions, balms, and soaps. They are meant for external use by applying a given amount to the affected area. CBD from the topical method has localized circulation. The effect of the topical method can last for at least 8 hours.

Dosing CBD Products

CBD Oil and Tincture

Droppers administer CBD oil and tinctures. The dropper is about 1ml. You can calculate your optimal dose or work it out. To calculate CBD oil dose know the product potency and the number of drops in the dropper. A 1ml drop has at least 20 drops. If you have a 30ml bottle with 300mg of CBD, then 1ml will have 10mg of CBD, and each drop has 0.5mg of CBD. Working out your optimal dose means you start with a small dose, like five drops and gradually increase it. Note how each dose affects you.

CBD Edibles

Dosing CBD edibles is simple because they have a uniform amount of CBD. For gummies and cookies, take one gummy or cookie and chew it completely before swallowing. Take at least 6 to 8 hours before taking another gummy or cookie. For CBD capsules, swallow one capsule as you would do with pills.

Inhalables

You can use the number of puffs to count your dose. New CBD users should limit themselves to other products to build CBD tolerance. Learn more about cbd for migraine

Topicals

There is no dose for CBD topicals. Can use and reuse the product until the symptoms are improved. It is wise to use the products sparing and apply a small amount to elbows or knees to check if you are allergic to its ingredients.

Factors that Determine CBD Effect

Tolerance to CBD

If you have used CBD for a long time, you might not feel the effect with your optimal or a small dose.

Metabolism

Metabolism is critical in determining how long it takes to feel the effect of CBD and how long it will last. If you feel the CBD effect faster, it will last for a short time, and if the effect is delayed, it will last longer.

Potency

CBD potency is the amount of CBD in a CBD product. The amount of CBD in that product will determine how soon you will feel the CBD effect. If all factors are constant, you should feel the CBD effect sooner with high-potency products and a delayed effect with low-potency products. You will need a small dose of high-potency products compared to low-potency products. 

Conclusion

If the effect of CBD is not felt, consider the method of taking CBD you have been using. CBD products determine the method of administration. CBD oils have diverse methods of administration. Taking the right dose will ensure you get the CBD effect. Calculate the dose or work it out using CBD oil or tincture. CBD edibles are easy to dose because of the uniform amount of CBD in each gummy or cookie. Metabolism, tolerance to CBD, and product potency determine how soon you will feel the CBD effect.

References

Crippa, J. A., Guimarães, F. S., Campos, A. C., & Zuardi, A. W. (2018). Translational investigation of the therapeutic potential of cannabidiol (CBD): toward a new age. Frontiers in immunology, 9, 2009.

Why is CBD not working for me?

CBD's effectiveness can vary based on factors such as dosage, quality of the product, individual metabolism, and the specific condition being targeted. It may take time to find the right dose and method of administration that works for you.

What should I do if CBD is not providing the desired effects?

If CBD is not working as expected, consider adjusting the dosage. Start with a low dose and gradually increase until you find the optimal amount for your needs. Also, try different forms of CBD (e.g., oils, capsules, edibles) or consult with a healthcare professional for guidance.

Could there be reasons other than dosage affecting CBD's effectiveness?

Yes, other factors can impact CBD's effectiveness, including the quality and potency of the product, individual body chemistry, underlying health conditions, and interactions with medications. Evaluating these factors can help determine why CBD may not be working for you.

How long should I wait before concluding that CBD isn't effective?

CBD's effects can vary from person to person. It's advisable to use CBD consistently for at least a few weeks while adjusting dosage and monitoring effects. If there's still no improvement, reassess the product quality and consider consulting a healthcare provider.

Can tolerance to CBD develop?

While CBD is not known to cause tolerance in the same way as THC, some individuals may find that they need higher doses over time to achieve the same effects. Regular breaks or rotating different types of CBD products may help maintain effectiveness.

Are there any side effects that might indicate CBD isn't working for me?

If you experience adverse effects such as dizziness, nausea, or headaches, it could indicate that CBD is not suitable for you or that the dosage needs adjustment. Discontinue use and consult with a healthcare professional if side effects persist.

Should I consider factors like diet or lifestyle changes if CBD isn't working?

Yes, factors like diet, lifestyle habits (such as sleep patterns and stress levels), and overall health can influence how CBD interacts with your body. Making adjustments in these areas may complement CBD's effects.

Could my expectations of CBD be unrealistic?

It's essential to manage expectations when using CBD. While it may provide relief for some conditions, it might not be a cure-all. Adjusting expectations and focusing on realistic goals can help gauge CBD's effectiveness accurately.

What should I look for in CBD products if they're not working?

When CBD isn't working, consider the product's quality, potency, and ingredients. Look for products from reputable brands that provide third-party lab reports to verify CBD content and purity. Switching to a different product or brand may yield better results.

Should I seek medical advice if CBD isn't effective?

If CBD consistently fails to provide relief or causes adverse effects, consult with a healthcare professional. They can help assess your health condition, potential interactions with medications, and recommend alternative treatments or adjustments to your CBD regimen.