If you’re just starting CBD, you want to make sure you know how much to take. What happens if I take too much? Will it leave me feeling funny? What if I don’t take enough? Will it do anything? These are questions that we get all the time and we’re here to help you feel more comfortable figuring out the appropriate dose of CBD.
The short answer is that everyone is different and as of right now, there isn’t a clear-cut answer. Some people find effectiveness at lower doses, while some find effectiveness at higher doses. Some feel the effects in a shorter amount of time, while others find that it takes longer. This has to do with how your body processes the CBD – your weight, metabolism, and body chemistry affects how quickly your body breaks down the product and gets it into your endocannabinoid system. Whether or not you take a liquid or solid form of CBD can also determine how quickly you feel the effects. Generally, liquid products, like tinctures, will absorb the quickest, while gummies, hard candies, or other forms of edibles will take longer for your body to process.
Where Do I Begin?
This is a great question. First, let’s look at why you are taking CBD. Is it for pain, like arthritis or post-workout recovery? If that’s the case, then a topical may be best for answer. If you’re taking it for an ongoing condition, like anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia, etc., a tincture may be the right answer for you. This is because the tincture can be absorbed into your endocannabinoid system more quickly, allowing you to feel the effects faster. If you are looking for something to carry with you for an “as needed” basis or in case you have some unexpected anxiety while you’re out and about, gummies or throat lozenges may be the answer. These can be absorbed quickly and will allow you to feel the benefits quickly as well.
Here are a few things we think you should consider before starting your CBD journey or increasing your dose:
- Speak to your health expert before starting a CBD regimen
- Bring information on the specific product(s) you’re considering, including product description, strength and the recommended dosage amount (if listed)
- Ask about possible interactions between CBD and any medications you’re taking
- Take your weight, body mass, and metabolism into consideration – these determine how quickly you will metabolize the CBD
- Check the potency of the CBD products you’re considering trying – stronger products mean you won’t have to take as much
- Make sure the products are verified by a third-party lab
- Record your response to each amount of CBD you take so you can make adjustments
Next, you’ll need to work on determining the dose. Remember – using a high-quality product is important because it ensures there won’t be any unexpected side effects and that you’re getting the most benefit out of each dose.
Let’s use our Keeping The Faith Tincture for an example. We recommend that customers start at 0.25ml and allow 90 minutes for complete activation. If after waiting 90 minutes you don’t notice a change (reduction in symptoms), take another 0.25ml and wait another 90 minutes. With a little trial and error, you’ll find the right dose for you. With our products, 1ml is one full squeeze of the dropper when using a tincture. Look at that amount, and then split it in quarters to find your starting dose. With a little practice, you’ll quickly find your ideal dose and frequency.
What if I Take Too Much?
We understand that taking too much is a concern. No one wants to take too much of anything. The good news is that if you take too much, the side effects are not lethal. You may notice drowsiness, lethargy, upset stomach, diarrhea, or other disorienting side effects. Because of this, we recommend finding your baseline dose when you’re in a comfortable environment where you can be at ease. We recommend scheduling some self-care time – maybe a quiet evening after work or a weekend day where you plan to relax at home would be a good time to start determining your ideal dose.
How Long Does It Last?
This is another question we often get. Again, this can vary from person to person and this is why we recommend finding your baseline dose when you’re in a comfortable environment. Generally, the effects of CBD can be felt for 12-24 hours. You can adjust the frequency of your dose as you see fit. You know your body and how it works better than anyone else.
As you know, we’re big fans of CBD and the benefits we’ve seen in our health. We hope this is a good starting point for you to begin your CBD journey. Still have questions? Let us know in the comments and we’ll do our best to answer them.
