CBD Dosage: How Much Should You Take?

The popularity of cannabinoids and CBD-based products has been increasing in recent years as many individuals search for natural alternatives for pain and anxiety management.

The market offers various forms, from oils through capsules to edibles, each providing different tasting experiences and CBD dosages. Here, we provide an overview of what doses of CBD are typically used and what potential benefits and side effects you might expect.

Understanding CBD

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotropic substance that can be found among 100 compounds in the Cannabis sativa plant. While different in molecular structure, it has the same chemical formula as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is known for its psychoactive properties that give a ‘high’ effect.

CBD is usually extracted from the hemp plant, which typically only contains trace amounts of THC. THC, on the other hand, is mostly obtained from marijuana plants, which are cultivated for their higher THC content.

CBD has been previously reported to provide certain potential benefits such as pain relief or anxiety management, likely due to interactions with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) — a network of receptors and molecules mostly found in the nervous and immune system that regulates sleep, appetite, mood, and immune function.

CBD products, typically containing natural cannabinoids with trace amounts of THC (usually less than 0.3% for hemp-derived products to comply with legal standards), are available in many countries and usually come in different forms, such as oils, tinctures, capsules, or drinks.

How much CBD to take

Currently, there are no official guidelines from regulatory bodies indicating a recommended dosage of CBD. There is a lack of comprehensive evidence to support the use of CBD for any condition, and still, little is known about effective CBD doses and safe ranges in different populations.

The provided doses are based on the amounts used in clinical studies in which the effect of CBD was frequently studied in combination with THC:

• Anxiety and mood disorders. The dose used in clinical studies varies between 25 mg to 600 mg, depending on the health concern. For example, for anxiety, current studies administered doses between 25 mg daily to 400 mg acutely, while studies looking at CBD effects in seasonal affective disorder administered 100–600 mg once.
• Arthritis. There is limited information about the dose for arthritis treatment. One study administered daily doses between 20–30 mg, while others used up to 600 mg daily for osteoarthritis.
• Epilepsy. Epidiolex is the only FDA-approved CBD formulation for medical use. The starting recommended dose is 5 mg per kg of body weight. However, since this Epidiolex is a prescription medication, typically, a suitable dose is prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Pain management. The review published in Current Pain and Headache Reports summarised clinical trials using CBD for chronic pain management where the dose of CBD varied between 10 mg and 40 mg daily.
• Opioid addiction. The study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry used a dose between 400 mg and 800 mg for three days, investigating whether CBD can reduce cravings associated with heroin addiction.

It is important to understand that the effectiveness of the CBD dosage depends on several factors, such as individual tolerance, metabolism, health condition, and body weight.

CBD products are sold at different concentrations; therefore, you might need to adjust the number of capsules or edibles (e.g., gummies) you are taking to ensure a dosage suitable for your wellness goals. Always check the labeling on CBD products to understand what dose each product provides.

How much CBD can a beginner start with?

It is typically recommended to start at lower dosages of CBD (10–15 mg per day) to allow your body to adjust to its effects. Monitor your body responses, and if you do not achieve the desired effects in a few days, you might consider slightly increasing the dose.

Do not exceed the recommended limits provided on the product labeling, and always discuss with your healthcare provider on appropriate CBD dosing and whether it is suitable for your health needs.

Methods to calculate dosage

After determining the right dosage for you based on your health and targeted health concerns, you can decide in which form you would like to consume CBD. It is important to understand that the products come in different concentrations, so you might need to adjust the number of capsules, oil drops, and gummies according to your needs.

If you consume CBD in solid form, such as capsules, pills, or edibles, the producer usually provides the dose of CBD per individual product (e.g., 10 mg per gummy). Do not exceed the amounts recommended by the manufacturer, and remember that CBD products may contain additional active ingredients that you may also receive from food or dietary supplements.

The oils provide the concentration of CBD per bottle (e.g., 1,000 mg of CBD per 100 mL bottle) or the amount of CBD per serving (e.g., 2 mg of CBD per drop). You may take the amount of drops according to your chosen daily dose.

Potential risks and overconsumption

While CBD is overall well tolerated, it is important to consider potential risks from taking CBD products as they might exhibit certain medication interactions. CBD inhibits certain enzymes in the liver, specifically cytochrome P450 enzymes, which can alter the metabolism of other drugs. This inhibition might lead to either increased or decreased levels of these drugs in the bloodstream, potentially affecting their efficacy and safety. Potential interactions of CBD include blood thinners, anti-seizure drugs, or antidepressants, among others.

There is not enough scientific data about the effects of CDB while used long-term, and therefore, the potential risks are unknown.

The overconsumption of CBD might lead to increased side effects such as sedation or digestive issues.

Can you take too much CBD?

While CBD has a relatively safe profile, you can take too much CBD, leading to an increased risk of side effects and toxicity. Do not exceed the daily dosage recommended by your healthcare provider.

Identifying side effects

Taking CBD might lead to some side effects, which include stomach issues, nausea, or diarrhea. The products might also lead to increased feelings of sleepiness or sedation, lightheadedness, and changes in blood pressure.

CBD products might result in cognitive side effects, leading to changes in mental clarity, mood, concentration, or temporary brain fog or memory loss, depending on the dosage.

Talking with your doctor

Speaking with your doctor before starting CBD might help find a safe and more effective way of incorporating it into your health regimen. This is particularly important if you have any pre-existing health condition or are taking medications. Discuss your goals and follow the recommendations to maximize potential benefits.

Final word

CBD has entered the market proposed to help target various health issues. Now, individuals have a wide selection of products, including, among others, edibles, capsules, or oils that can be used according to their needs.

While starting the journey with CBD, it is important to determine a dosage that is right for you and helps you to maximize the potential benefits. You should take into consideration the health concern you are aiming to address, body weight, tolerance, or other medication you are taking. Remember to check the label, as the concentration would vary between different products. Consult a healthcare provider to ensure that consuming CBD will bring the benefit you are looking for.