By now, you’ve probably heard of cannabidiol, better known as CBD. After all, it has become so popular that it’s hard to go anywhere without seeing these products on every shelf.
So why did it suddenly increase in popularity? Research indicates that it has a variety of health and wellness benefits. While it’s true that CBD products are cannabis-based, they contain little or no THC, so you won’t get the psychoactive effects associated with marijuana. Legally, these products should not contain more than 0.3% THC.
If you’re new to the world of CBD, the wide variety of products and dosages can be a little overwhelming. You may not be sure where to start, which product to choose, or how to find the best dose. However, don’t worry too much, in this article we will explain the different options for CBD, as well as how much you should take to get started.
How do you want to use CBD?
There are so many ways to introduce CBD into your system. This is one of the first decisions you need to make. Options for using CBD include:
- To smoke
- Vaping
- Oils / tinctures
- Groceries
- Topics
To smoke
The fastest way to get CBD into your system is to inhale it. If cannabis is legal in your state or if you have CBD dispensaries, you can usually find CBD flowers, also called “buds,” with little or no THC.
Vaping
If you don’t want to smoke, CBD vaporizers are a great way to get it into your system. They are comfortable, unobtrusive and fast-paced. That said, it’s important to be careful to buy your spray products at a legal dispensary because there are counterfeit products on the market. These contain things you don’t need in your lungs, such as vitamin E acetate. Also, keep in mind that even with legitimate vapors, it’s still not good for your lungs.
Oils / tinctures
Many people believe that these terms are interchangeable. However, they are actually different:
- Oils have higher concentrations of CBD: they are more potent
- The tinctures are alcohol-based and less potent
Both work by sublingual absorption, meaning that if the subject is under the tongue before swallowing, it will be absorbed through the membranes of the mouth. This allows it to enter the bloodstream quickly.
Groceries
There is a wide variety of CBD capsules, groceries, drinks and more. They all work the same way when traveling through your digestive system. They enter the bloodstream between 30 minutes and 2 hours after ingestion.
Topics
The term “topical” refers to ointments, lotions, creams, and so on. of CBD. They are a great option for localized pain / inflammation. You will also find transdermal patches, which offer a more sustained and long-term release.
Another option that seems to be popular right now is CBD bath pumps. Soaking in a bath with CBD infusion, you get a relaxation of the whole body. You can even find CBD lubricants that can relieve pain and cause your libido.
How much should you take?
When it comes to cannabis, the most important rule is to start with a low dose and increase it slowly.
If you are inhaling CBD, it is difficult to measure your dose in milligrams. However, it is best to get instant results. If a few times you relax, but not too much, you’ll probably be here.
It is important to understand that everyone is different and therefore responds to CBD differently. There is really no standard dose, as it is used in different ways for different conditions.
In addition, there are different varieties of CBD: broad spectrum, full spectrum, and isolated CBD, which may require different doses.
Here are some quick tips for CBD versus full spectrum CBD isolation. The main difference between the full spectrum and the broad spectrum is that the full spectrum can contain up to 0.3% THC, while the broad spectrum does not contain any. CBD isolate is a CBD-only formulation.
Find the right dose of CBD isolate
Please note that these are general guidelines for first-time users. To determine the most appropriate dose for your needs, talk to your doctor.
- Day 1: Start with 25 milligrams
- Day 2 and 3: If 25 milligrams worked, follow it. If it is too much, reduce the dose to 10 milligrams
- Day 4: If you have not achieved the desired effects, increase to 35 to 50 milligrams.
- Day 5: Reduce to 25 milligrams if the highest dose is too high, but if it works, stay within that range for a few days.
Continue to increase the dose every few days and observe the effects. Most adults find that with a CBD isolate, the ideal range is 25 to 75 milligrams.
Find the right dose of full spectrum CBD
- Day 1 and 2: 5 milligrams
- Day 3: 10 milligrams, if the desired effects have not been achieved
- Day 4: 10 milligrams
- Day 5: 15 milligrams, if the desired effects have not been achieved
- Day 6: 15 milligrams
- Day 7: 20 milligrams, if the desired effects have not been achieved
- Day 8: 20 milligrams
- Day 9: 25 milligrams, if the desired effects have not been achieved
Keep doing this by increasing the dose by 5 milligrams every two days until you get the best results. If you experience side effects such as dizziness or nausea, reduce your dose.
What you are looking for is your maximum effective dose where you get the maximum benefit without exaggerating.
Conclusion
CBD is becoming a popular way to treat various conditions naturally. However, finding the right product can be confusing, and then once you find the right product, it is difficult to determine the right dose.
Everyone is different and has different needs. It will take some trial and error, but it can be done. The best part is that CBD is generally well tolerated. Potential side effects are mild and include diarrhea, changes in appetite and excessive sedation. If you are interested in using CBD, take your time and find the best CBD oil product and dosage for you.
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References
“Broad-spectrum CBD oil, capsules, edibles: definition and benefits.” CFAHApril 27, 2021, cfah.org/broad-spectrum-cbd-oil/.
“Cannabis: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage, and Warning.” Webmd.com2019, www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-947/cannabis.
CDCTobaccoFree. “Wheat Lung Injury Associated with the Use of Electronic Cigarette or Vaping Products.” Centers for Disease Control and PreventionNovember 19, 2019, www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html#key-facts-vit-e.
“Full Spectrum CBD Oil: What Is It and How Does It Work?” CFAHJuly 2, 2021, cfah.org/what-is-full-spectrum-cbd/.
Harris, Dorothy. “What is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)?” CNBSwww.cnbs.org/cannabinoids/thc-tetrahydrocannabinol/.
WebMD. “Cannabidiol (Cbd): Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage, and Warning.” Webmd.com2019, www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1439/cannabidiol-cbd.
“What is CBD Isolate? Uses, Health Benefits, Effects.” CFAHApril 27, 2021, cfah.org/cbd-isolate/.
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