How Much CBD Should a Beginner Start With? A Comprehensive Guide

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a popular compound derived from cannabis plants, which has gained a significant amount of popularity in recent years for its potential benefits, including pain management, reduced occasional mild anxiety, and sleep support. While it is best to consult with a healthcare provider about appropriate individual dosage, for beginners, it is extremely important to start with a low dose and gradually titrate based on your needs.

This article considers CBD, its forms, use, and how much CBD a beginner should start with.

Understanding CBD dosage

There are a range of different factors that may influence the dose of CBD for each individual.

Individual tolerance

As with most medications or dietary supplements, individual tolerance is a factor in determining the correct dose for you. Tolerance refers to the body’s ability to adapt to a new supplement or medication over time. Several factors may contribute to this, including body weight, age, genetics, or frequency of use.

Someone who has taken CBD for many years may have a different response to a certain dosage than someone who has never taken it before, highlighting once again the importance of taking a low dose if you are a beginner to CBD.

Desired effects

The desired effects of your dosing regimen are an essential component and typically differ based on the potential health effects you seek. For example, someone taking CBD for mild relaxation dosage may differ from someone taking CBD for potential pain management. This factor makes it even more important to start at a lower dose.

CBD concentration and form

This is an extremely important factor to consider, as not all products containing CBD will have the same concentration. Different forms of CBD have varying bioavailability, affecting how much CBD is absorbed by the body and the duration of its effect.

CBD dosage may also depend on other factors, such as body weight, metabolism, individual health conditions, or even whether CBD is used before or after meals. However, there is no clear-cut user guide or pre-defined ‘mg per kg’ standardized dosing suggestions, and we would always recommend consulting with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate dosing schedule for you.

How to take CBD

CBD oil can be derived from either marijuana plants or hemp. CBD from hemp contains less than 0.3% THC and became widely accessible following the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill in the United States, gaining widespread popularity as a wellness supplement. CBD from marijuana contains higher levels of THC and is illegal in many countries.

With its increased exposure and accessibility, new forms of CBD, such as oils, gummies, and creams, are now being manufactured. Each form of CBD has its advantages, and it may come down to personal preference.

When considering the use of CBD products, it is always important to take into consideration whether the product is CBD isolate or broad-spectrum CBD.

• CBD oil. CBD oil is one of the most commonly utilized forms of CBD supplement. Since it's taken via a dropper mechanism under the tongue, it has a faster absorption time and may take effect more rapidly than other forms of CBD. Tinctures, similar to CBD oils but with a slightly different extraction method, are another ‘under the tongue’ option that includes additional flavors or infused vitamins.
• CBD edibles. CBD edibles include gummies, chocolates, or snacks infused with CBD oil, making them a tasty and convenient use method. However, due to the added digestion time, the effects may take longer to make an appearance and may last longer, which means it is extremely important not to take further CBD substances in the meantime.
• CBD capsules. Taking CBD capsules is an option that allows for discretion and consistency. As they are pre-measured, you can be sure you are taking a consistent dose, and they usually take effect in 30 minutes to two hours.
• CBD topicals. CBD topicals include lotions and creams that you can apply directly to your skin. Some people may choose this option because they need targeted and localized methods of use for specific areas on the skin and because they do not enter the bloodstream.
• CBD drinks. Sparkling drinks, teas, and coffees. CBD drinks are another newer form that may be a more refreshing option. Again, the need for the drink to pass the digestive system may slow down the effects.
• CBD patches. CBD patches may be a good option for people who need a consistent but low-maintenance option, perhaps for use pain management. They are applied directly to the skin and release CBD over a 24-hour period.

Potential CBD effects on health

CBD has many suggested effects and is used as a complementary addition for a wide range of health concerns, including occasional mild anxiety, sleep concerns, and pain management.

Some researchers suggest that CBD oil may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, the evidence is weak, most come from animal model studies, and sometimes the results are even contradictory. Large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to substantiate claims made by manufacturers of cannabis products containing CBD.

One study identified self-reported associations between CBD use and improvements in patient’s arthritis symptoms. However, scientific evidence is limited in terms of CBD effects on arthritis symptoms to support the use of CBD for any specific conditions.

More recently, there has been an emerging interest in the use of CBD-enriched products for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy. REF completion of three high-quality placebo-controlled adjunctive-therapy trials of a purified CBD product in patients with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, providing evidence that adjunctive use of CBD may support seizure control in patients with specific epilepsy syndromes.

However, the evidence is still limited on the CBD effects of these conditions. It is never advised to self-medicate, and the use of CBD in terms of specific conditions should be considered only under medical supervision.

How much CBD should I take at first?

There are no set recommendations or guidelines for the use of CBD; however, if one is considering using CBD products, it is extremely important to follow the manufacturer's dosage recommendations, start with very low doses, and follow advice from your healthcare provider.

Allow your body time to adjust to the new compound in order to observe how it affects you as an individual. If needed, re-dosing can be tried once you are more familiar with the effects. Considerable variations in dosage schemes and routes of administration have been employed across research studies, leading to differences in the observed effects and outcomes of CBD in various conditions.

It is highly recommended to speak with your healthcare provider about the appropriate CBD dose for your individual needs, especially considering first-time use.

When would I feel the effect?

When you begin to feel the effects of CBD products depends mainly on the type of product you take and the concentration. Some products, such as oils or capsules, may have more rapid effects than patches, but it highly depends on the specific formulation of the CBD product. It is important to read the manufacturer’s instructions to note the specific dosage recommendations and guidance on the expected time to effect.

What to consider when starting with CBD

When starting a new CBD regimen, it is extremely important to discuss it with your doctor, especially in the context of existing conditions and interactions with medications. Refrain from taking excessive dosage and be cautious of unreliable products.

To consider if a product is reliable, ensure you choose a reputable brand with clear labeling and instructions. Always check if the product has been tested by a third party and includes a certificate of analysis.

Most reputable brands will be transparent about their manufacturing methods, including the source of the hemp and their extraction method, and will not make exaggerated claims about the effect of the product.

Potential side effects of CBD

For the majority of people, CBD may not provoke adverse effects. However, CBD is not risk-free, and some studies have noted side effects, including:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Drowsiness

One review of CBD use highlights the importance of clinical supervision when using CBD, especially in the context of existing medications and chronic conditions.

It is extremely important to speak with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, including CBD, especially in the context of existing medications and medical conditions. A doctor with experience in CBD products will be able to recommend the best dosage for your individual needs.

Many factors influence how much CBD should a beginner start with, but the most important thing to remember is to start at the lowest possible dose and work your way up based on the desired effects and reason for use, and always consult a healthcare professional prior to commencing on a new CBD supplement regimen.