As support and research for CBD oil grows, knowing what your optimal CBD dosage is begins with an understanding of what it is, where it comes from, how it works, and more importantly, how it affects us. CBD oil comes from the Cannabis plant – the Cannabis plant family has two primary classifications
- Cannabis Indica
- Cannabis Sativa
Marijuana and hemp fall under the Sativa species and are known to be one of the oldest domesticated crops (it is documented that George Washington grew the plant at Mount Vernon in 1734). They are two different plants that share many similarities but also crucial differences.
The chemical compounds in cannabis are called cannabinoids. The two cannabinoids we will be discussing are:
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
- Cannabidiol (CBD)
Both have benefits for the human body, but THC produces the undesirable “high” Marijuana users desire. So, while Marijuana has got a very high concentration of THC, hemp, from which we get CBD oil, has only got very small traces of THC. This answers the question “will CBD oil make me high” with a very definite NO! CBD oil is a non-psychotropic cannabinoid that crosses the blood – brain barrier which makes it psychoactive. You can take large doses of CBD oil without experiencing the undesirable psychological effects of THC.
Why Would I Use CBD?
CBD has been documented to have numerous benefits for a variety of conditions such as:
- Aches
- Muscle Spasms
- Epilepsy
- Parkinson’s
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Glaucoma
- Chronic Pain
- Anxiety
- Heart Disease
- ADHD
- IBS
It has also been known to assist people who want to stop smoking and to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
How Would I Administer CBD?
There are a few ways CBD can be administered, all of which are effective but certain routes allow you to get the desired effect quicker than other routes. As all our bodies are unique, how long it will take to reach the desired effect may vary, no matter which route you choose, due to factors like age, metabolism, general health etc.
Inhalation (Vaping / Dabbing) – This method allows CBD straight into the bloodstream, bypassing the liver. Known to produce a desired effect almost instantly, this is considered to be the fastest route.
Sublingual (under the tongue) – Absorption by mucous membrane under the tongue, considered to be the second fastest method, the desired effect is felt after 60 – 90 seconds
Topical – Rubbed directly onto the area that needs the benefit, effects are felt after 15 – 30 minutes.
Orally – This method allows the oil to pass through the liver and effects to be felt can take 30 minutes to 1 hour. Some reports indicate that eating fatty acids prior to taking the CBD can speed up absorption.
How Do I Determine The Optimal CBD Dose?
It is important to note that there is no universal CBD dosage as the FDA has not created a Recommended Daily Intake (RDI). There is a lot of research done into the benefits of CBD, but dosages are still estimated. When determining CBD dosages, you need to take into account the following factors
- Your weight
- The CBD concentration
- Your body chemistry
- The severity of the condition being treated
Our bodies change and so does our physiology. We can conclude that our endo cannabinoid system will also change so our CBD dosage will be adjusted accordingly. Here is a tip to assist you to calculate your initial dose:
Weight – the more you weigh, the higher the dose. A good place to start is 1 – 6 mg of CBD for every 10 pounds body weight. Start with the lowest dose and gradually increase according to your need. Although the initial dose will be based on your weight, you must gradually adjust your dose while carefully monitoring your body’s reaction. Never assume that because you weigh the same as someone else, that your dose will be the same as theirs. Always be aware of adverse reactions like anxiety, appetite changes, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea and vomiting and adjust the dose accordingly.
How To Measure My CBD Dosage?
The easiest way to measure CBD dosage is with a dropper. Most droppers hold 1 ml of liquid. If you take the total CBD dosage in the bottle and divide it by the ml in the bottle, you will get the mg per dropper. If a 25 ml bottle contains 1000 mg of tincture your formula will be: 1000 ÷ 25 = 40 mg of CBD in a dropper. Bear in mind that this method is still considered an estimate, the most accurate way to determine your dose will be if you take the capsules as each capsule contains the exact amount of CBD.
It is never a good idea to self-diagnose and treat any medical condition. Your physician may not have much experience with CBD but will know how your body will react especially if you have a preexisting medical condition. Always consult your physician and make your purchase from a reputable CBD oil provider.
