
Cannabidiol (CBD) has become so mainstream that it’s widely available for sale all over Hong Kong. Its continued acceptance stems from the fact that it’s a natural substitute for many pharmaceutical medications or it is simply taken to improve general well-being. And unlike its cousin THC, CBD does not cause any intoxication or feeling of being “high”.
While CBD has become increasingly available, it’s good to note that it’s still largely unregulated. As such, there’s still a lot of grey areas, especially in terms of determining the right CBD oil dosage for various conditions.
In this CBD dosage guide, you’ll find a step-by-step guide and tips for calculating the optimal CBD oil dosage for adults. We’ve also included the CBD recommended dosage for various symptoms and conditions.
Importance Of Finding Your Optimal CBD Dosage
As research on the medical benefits of CBD intensifies, reliable results suggest that this compound is effective at:
- Improving the quality of sleep
- Reducing seizures caused by epilepsy
- Soothing pain and inflammation
- Reducing anxiety and depression
- Managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) symptoms
- Improving heart health
Whatever symptoms or ailments you’re trying to manage, it’s crucial to determine your optimal dosage of CBD. Otherwise, taking a lower dose means that you won’t get the intended benefits and if you take a higher amount, you increase the risk of experiencing CBD side effects.
The only glitch here is that there’s nothing like a one-size-fits-all CBD dosage. Actually, except for Epidiolex- a cannabidiol oral solution- there’s no Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) for CBD products from the FDA.
Put differently, the available CBD oil supplements don’t follow any official recommended dosages. Some CBD manufacturers include a label indicating dosage recommendations. But even then, these recommendations are intended to give new users a general reference point.
The effective CBD oil dosage for adults depends on the following factors:
- Your weight
- Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)
- Your body chemistry
- The severity of the condition
- Potency/concentration of the CBD product
- Bioavailability of the CBD product
- Your experience level using CBD
- CBD’s interaction with other drugs you’re currently taking
It’s easy to understand why CBD affects people differently when you consider all the variables at play. Whatever dosage that works for another person might not necessarily work for you. That’s to say that determining your ideal CBD dosage is more or less a trial and error process.
Process of Calculating Your Optimal CBD Dosage
It’s highly recommendable to engage your pharmacist or doctor if you’re worried about getting your CBD oil dosage right. Follow your physician’s CBD recommended dosage and don’t increase or lower it unless advised to do so.
If you don’t have a doctor’s recommendation, you can determine your CBD dosage in the three steps we’ve described below. Even though, studies have shown that even large doses of CBD (1500mg +) have caused none or mild side effects, we recommend this conservative approach, as it gives your body time to safely react and adjust to the CBD compound.
Step-by-Step Process for Determining CBD Oil Dosage
Step 1: Start Slow
The best strategy for figuring out the optimal CBD oil dose is to start by taking a small dosage of CBD. This means taking 20mg to 30mg twice per day (in the morning and afternoon). It’s recommended to start slow to give the body some time to adjust.
Step 2: Adjust by 10 mg Weekly
Unlike other substances, CBD builds up in your system, rather than creating tolerance. For that reason, continue taking the low dose for at least one week. If it’s providing you the relief you desire, then that’s probably your optimal CBD oil dosage. Otherwise, adjust the dose by 10 mg. For instance, if you’ve been taking 30 mg in the morning, increase it to 40 mg and monitor your body’s response.
Step 3: Continue Adjusting
Depending on factors like your weight, BMR, severance of condition, and potency of the oil, you may have to keep titrating up over time. Continue adjusting slowly until you get to a dose that effectively manages your symptoms. If you decide to take CBD, because of a medical condition, then it is very important that you discuss it with your doctor. He has the final authority on how often and how much CBD you should use.
How Do You Calculate Milligrams of CBD in CBD Oil?
CBD products come in different forms and servings and sometimes it could be a bit confusing to calculate your desired intake. In most cases, oils and tinctures are sold in a dropper bottle with only the CBD content indicated. For instance, the label may state that there are 1500 milligrams of CBD in a 30-milliliter bottle. That’s to say that there’s 50 mg of CBD in every milliliter of the oil.
1500mg ÷ 30ml = 50 mg/ml (1ml = 1 full dropper = 1 serving)
Because CBD oil is often measured in drops, the next step will be to determine how many milligrams of CBD are in a single drop of the oil. Although this may vary by brands, one full dropper (1ml) contains about 20 drops.
So, going by the example above, a single drop of CBD oil or tincture would contain 2.5 mg of CBD.
Conclusion: What’s Your Optimal CBD Dosage?
The daily CBD dose is unique to every user. It is affected by several factors, including weight, Basal Metabolic Rate, the severity of the condition, and potency of the oil. Determining your optimal CBD dosage often takes trial and error.
It’s highly recommended to start with a low-strength dose, especially if you’re a first-timer, and adjust upwards slowly. When a particular amount effectively treats your symptoms, that’s the right dose for your body.
However, if you experience side effects at a particular dosage level, that’s your upper limit. Reduce the amount slightly to a dosage that eases your symptoms without causing side effects.