CBD Dosing - How to Choose Your Cannabidiol Strength

CBD products come in different strengths. The correct product dosage depends on users’ body weight, the desired needs, and body metabolism, among others. This article discusses the factors to consider when choosing a suitable CBD dosage for your needs.

 As the CBD industry expands, people demand products that suit their diverse needs. However, when shopping for CBD products, it might be hard for you to understand or pick the right as products are packaged with varying strengths. Several factors determine the right dosage. Notably, the right dosage will provide effectiveness compared to the wrong dosage. Similarly, severe health conditions like acute pain or mental duress may require a higher strength of CBD than subtle conditions such as insomnia.

CBD 101: Introduction to CBD

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound present in the Cannabis plant. Several compounds are found in the Cannabis plant, including THC and flavonoids. CBD products have been in man’s history for as long as 5000 years. Although the cannabis plant has been in use for medicinal and recreational purposes, recent laws in the restriction of Marijuana (Specifically the psychedelic compound THC) have reduced the usage of some cannabis compounds. THC, which is found in the thigh percentage in the Marijuana plant, is responsible for the ‘high’ feeling that users associate with cannabis. In contrast, CBD lacks the psychoactive THC. Instead, it has multiple medicinal benefits, some of which are a subject in the current article. 

The premises of the 2018 Farm bill, the production of CBD products are valid only if they have about 0.3% of THC. 

What are the Benefits of CBD?

CBD has several medical and therapeutic benefits. However, a lot of research is underway to determine how CBD works. Available data shows that CBD may effectively reduce anxiety and depression, improve sleep quality, and ease pain and inflammation (Kuhathasan et al. (2019). In addition, Brugnatelli et al. (2020) reported that CBD may treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). 

CBD works by attaching to the various receptors in the body in the ECS (Corroon & Felice, 2019). Regardless of the disease being treated, taking the right amount of CBD dosage is key. The following factors determine the right amount of dosage to consume. 

What Is the Right CBD Dosage?

There are many things about CBD that remain inconclusive in many studies. For one, CBD’s interaction with the ECS is still unclear. Similarly, everyone has no definite amount of CBD dosage; each body forms a unique interaction with CBD. The FDA has not approved any dosage for CBD products. 

Many factors determine the amount of CBD dosage. These include body weight, CBD concentration, the treated condition, and the body’s metabolism. A first-time user should start with a lower dosage and move to higher concentrations until they find their desired amount. If you are using CDB tinctures, you can start by using a drop or two and determining the effects before adjusting the dosage upwards. 

Some CBD products, such as pills and capsules, have specific dosages per unit. However, products like CBD oil might require more technicalities.

Safety First; Can You Take Too Much CBD?

The recent demand for CBD products has increased production, supply, and access to cannabis derivatives. You can easily find CBD products online in your desired amount; however, there is a need to be cautious when using the products. Although CBD is considered safe for consumption, some users have reported side effects from too much CBD. However, it is important to note that not all people experience these side effects. Yet still, the effects are mostly mild. Some side effects include diarrhea, a change in appetite, and fatigue. 

Consult an expert before using CBD products. The consultation informs you about any possible interaction of CBD with prescribed medications and the right dosage for your needs. Ensure you get your product from a reputable company to avoid adverse side effects.

Conclusion

CBD products come in different strengths, a phenomenon that determines the right dosage to use. Currently, there is no standard dosage for CBD. The dosage is a function of multiple factors ranging from the user’s weight, age, metabolism, and CBD potency. Many side effects of CBD result from overdosing; consumers should ensure they take the right amount to avoid negative side effects. It’s a common practice to halt a CBD routine in case of side effects to allow the body to adjust; if symptoms persist, one should seek medical advice.

References

Abernethy, A. (2019). Hemp Production and the 2018 Farm Bill. US Food and Drug Administration.

Blessing, E. M., Steenkamp, M. M., Manzanares, J., &Marmar, C. R. (2015).Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 12(4), 825-836.

Brugnatelli, V., Turco, F., Freo, U., &Zanette, G. (2020). Irritable bowel syndrome: manipulating the endocannabinoid system as first-line treatment. Frontiers in neuroscience, 14, 371.

Kuhathasan, N., Dufort, A., MacKillop, J., Gottschalk, R., Minuzzi, L., & Frey, B. N. (2019). The use of cannabinoids for sleep: A critical review on clinical trials. Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology, 27(4), 383.

Corroon, J., & Felice, J. F. (2019). The Endocannabinoid System and its Modulation by             Cannabidiol (CBD). Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine, 25.