CBD, or Cannabidiol is an active ingredient in cannabis. It comes from the hemp plant. Unlike THC or Tetrahydrocannabinol, CBD is non psychoactive and does not give its users a high. Instead, CBD is often used in a similar fashion as medical marijuana because it is known to ease muscle pain, help relieve anxiety, and can sometimes assist with the management of seizures, among other benefits.
People around the world are turning to CBD for help with their ailments. Perhaps you have even thought about using it! It’s certainly a popular, beneficial, and affordable trend. Like most treatments though, CBD can be complicated. Before you run off and buy some, it is important to recognize that not all CBD dosages and forms are created equal. Be sure to check with a medical professional before you use CBD to treat your illnesses as dosage can vary for different ages and weights. Likewise, it is important to start your dosage low and then increase as needed to better understand your threshold for the new substance in or on your body.
In the meantime, though, here are dosage suggestions that seem to have adequate results for several varieties of CBD products and their ailments:
- Oils
Oil is the most popular and most widely available form of CBD. It is used most often to treat: Anxiety, specifically to reduce stress, help with insomnia, and ease the effects of PTSD; Neurological disorders like Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s; Chronic pain specifically due to muscle pain, arthritis, and spinal cord injuries; Acne, although not much research is available on the dermatological effects of CBD.
CBD oils are most frequently mixed with food or applied under the tongue. Specifically, the typical guidelines for a somewhat strong dose are as follows, yet are simply suggested and not to be used in place of a licensed physician:
For mild conditions or for the first time you take CBD, 4-6mg is considered appropriate for people weighing between 60-100lbs, 6-8mg for people weighing between 100-175lbs, and 8-10mg for those weighing 175-220 or more lbs.
As previously mentioned, users can always increase their dosage but should contact a physician first.
- Topicals
CBD topicals are sold as creams, salves, patches, and lotions.
Typically, CBD topicals are used to treat muscle pain, inflammation, and certain skin conditions like acne and dry or cracked skin. They can help ease the effects of ailments both above and below the skin. Most CBD topicals come in 150mL-600mL bottles. Dosage for topicals is a little more open ended than with oils, as the normal instruction is to cover the joint or muscle area where pain is most concentrated. However, the same rules apply as with oils in terms of starting small; only use what you need at first and increase dosage when necessary.
You might see the terms “broad spectrum” or “full spectrum” used in regards to CBD creams as well. Simply, “broad spectrum” creams only use some of the cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. “Full spectrum,” therefore, means that all of the cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant are included in the product you’re using. For best results, it is recommended to use full spectrum products, yet consult a physician to find out which is truly best for you.
- Edibles
Normally, when people hear the word “edible,” they immediately think of a form of marijuana, like an edible brownie or cake. However, there are also anti psychoactive versions of edibles, like ones made with CBD. CBD edibles are most commonly available as gummies, breakfast or protein bars, dehydrated and dried fruits, and other snacks.
CBD edibles, compared with oils in particular, take a significant amount of time to take effect. At a moderate dosage, you can bet on at least 30 minutes to notice anything happening. That being said, it is advised to not overdo it. If you do not notice an effect immediately, don’t eat another one because you might accidentally intake more than you originally wanted. The slow effect can be beneficial to first time users, however, because it gives gradual relief rather than an effect all at once.
The typical edible dosage is between 2.5 and 25 mL. Less of a dose will have less of an effect, and vice versa. See individual packaging for specifics.
--
While it is technically impossible to overdose on CBD, it is important to recognize that there can be a big difference in the effects of a small dose and those of a large one. Especially at first, it’s best to err on the side of caution.
CBD has incredible potential to assist with many debilitating, everyday problems and is more regularly utilized than ever to treat people around the world. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, CBD might be beneficial to you!