Determining the appropriate dosing and serving size for CBD can be challenging due to the variability in individual responses and the wide range of products available. Unlike conventional pharmaceuticals, CBD does not have universally standardized dosing guidelines. This is largely due to the variability in how different individuals metabolize and respond to CBD, as well as differences in product potency, formulation, and delivery methods. The absence of a "one-size-fits-all" approach means that dosing must be personalized, taking into account several key factors.
Body Weight and Composition: Body weight plays a significant role in determining CBD dosage. Heavier individuals may require higher doses to experience the same effects as those with lower body weight. Additionally, body fat percentage can influence CBD distribution since CBD is lipophilic and may accumulate in fat tissues.
Individual Metabolism: Metabolic rate can affect how quickly CBD is broken down and eliminated from the body. Individuals with faster metabolisms may require more frequent dosing or higher doses to maintain consistent levels of CBD in their system.
Severity of Condition: The nature and severity of the condition being treated also influence dosing. Chronic, severe conditions such as epilepsy or chronic pain may necessitate higher doses, while milder conditions like general anxiety or mild pain might require lower doses.
Tolerance and Sensitivity: Regular use of CBD can build up tolerance, when that happens, a higher dose is needed to achieve the same effects. Conversely, some individuals are more sensitive to CBD and may experience significant effects from lower doses.
Delivery Method: The bioavailability of CBD—the proportion that enters the bloodstream and is available for use by the body—varies widely depending on the delivery method. For example, oral CBD has lower bioavailability due to first-pass metabolism in the liver, whereas inhalation offers higher bioavailability. This variability must be considered when determining dosing.
Products Serving Size and Formulations
CBD products typically list the total amount of CBD in the package (e.g., 500 mg, 1000 mg) as well as the concentration, for example 5 mg of CBD per drop. In this case, 4 drops will be needed to get to 20 mg of CBD. Understanding these metrics is crucial for accurate dosing.
Another consideration is whether the product is full spectrum or isolate. Full spectrum CBD products contain other cannabinoids and terpenes that may contribute to the CBD effects, potentially enhancing the overall therapeutic impact. CBD isolate products contain only pure CBD, which may require different dosing strategies due to the lack of other active compounds.
Determining the Your Serving Size: general guidelines for determining your ideal serving of CBD oil
- Stick With One Product – we recommend carefully researching and selecting a trusted CBD product and using that product for a while. This allows you to determine the effects of that particular product. If you switch between different CBD products, determining a good serving amount will be much harder.
- “Start Low and go slow”- if it’s your first time using CBD oil, it’s a good idea to start with a low serving size. This gives you a chance to determine your body’s reaction to CBD. A good rule is to start with 2 to 3 milligrams of CBD for every 10 kilograms of weight. Using this rule, someone weighing 50 kilograms should start with 10-15 milligrams of CBD, while someone weighing over 100 kilograms can start with 20-30 milligrams of CBD.
- Start Before Bedtime – especially first-time CBD users, it's recommended to start taking CBD in the evening, about an hour or two before bedtime, as it has a calming effect that may induce drowsiness. However, it's worth noting that low doses of CBD typically don't cause significant drowsiness. If CBD oil makes you feel sleepy, it's best to reserve it only for evening/nighttime use.
- Try a lower morning dose - if you don't experience any issues with taking CBD in the evening, you can take another dose in the morning. Interestingly, CBD oil can support both nighttime sleep when taken in a higher dose, and daytime focus with a slightly lower dose. CBD can be taken as needed throughout the day.
- Increase Your Serving Size Slowly – if you are feeling well, but you're not yet experiencing the desired benefits, consider increasing your CBD dosage (for example if you are using 15 milligrams, increase to 20-25 milligrams). After each increase, give yourself a few days to observe how your body responds. If a higher dose leads to unwanted effects like drowsiness, reduce your intake to a lower amount.
Microdosing
Another method of using CBD is called microdosing. This involves taking very small amounts of CBD throughout the day to maintain a steady level in the bloodstream. This technique is often used for conditions that benefit from continuous management, such as chronic pain or anxiety. The goal of microdosing is to find the smallest effective dose without causing tolerance or side effects.
CBD Tolerance, Safety, and Side Effects
Over time, regular CBD use can lead to the development of tolerance, where the body becomes less responsive to the same dose. This may necessitate periodic dose adjustments or cycling off CBD to reset the body's sensitivity. CBD is generally well-tolerated, even at high doses. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that CBD has a good safety profile and is not associated with the potential for abuse. However, side effects can occur, particularly at higher doses: fatigue, drowsiness, diarrhea, or changes in appetite and weight.
Certain populations, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with liver conditions, and those taking medications that interact with CBD, should exercise caution and consult a healthcare provider before taking CBD.
Citation:
Bergamaschi, M. M., et al. "Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol, a Cannabis Sativa Constituent." Current Drug Safety, vol. 12, no. 5, 2017, pp. 220-228. https://doi.org/10.2174/1574886312666161117123401
