What’s the Right CBD Dose for Me?

When it comes to using cannabidiol (CBD), one of the most frequent questions people ask is: how much should I take? In most cases, they’re looking for a cut-and-dried answer like, “take two capsules every morning” or “do three vapes before bed.” However, finding the right dosage for you is a little trickier than that.

With some other medications, the right dose will depend on your body weight. This might not be the case with CBD, though, as research has shown that dosing can be more closely correlated to metabolism and age, rather than weight. As we age and our metabolism slows down, we metabolize cannabinoids (a class of more than 100 compounds found in cannabis, of which CBD and THC are the most well-studied) more slowly. Keep this in mind when reading the label, since CBD products vary greatly in potency and suggested use.

Full spectrum CBD products, which contain the full range of cannabinoids (including THC, which is present in such small quantities that it causes no psychoactive effects), are usually the most effective.

How to Choose the Right CBD Dose

Choosing the CBD product that’s right for you can take some time. Don’t get discouraged! It’s better to start at a lower dose and titrate up as you start experiencing desired effects. As the saying goes, “start low and go slow.” If you are using CBD to help with pain and inflammation, for example, it might take a few days before you find the dose that’s right for you. In general, it’s safe to start around 5 mg. From that point, you can increase the dose each day by a few milligrams until you start to experience the effects. CBD is not psychoactive in the way that THC is, so there are few side effects.

Some methods of consuming CBD will allow you to keep more accurate records than others. For example, capsules offer a standardized dose that can be easily increased or decreased. This is also true of bottled oils, which can be dispensed with an eyedropper for greater precision. On the other hand, vaping, ingesting edibles, or applying topical products will make it harder to calculate your consumption.

I would recommend a 30 day trial, taking the CBD every day and checking in with how you feel. At the end of the 30 days, you can take a personal inventory. This will help you evaluate your progress, and identify the ways in which it is — or isn’t — working.

Here are some useful questions to ask yourself:

• How am I feeling?
• How is the quality of my sleep?
• How is my mood?
• Do I have sustained energy throughout the day?
• Am I in less pain?

Keeping a daily journal can also be a helpful tool for comparing your results. If you are working with a doctor or other medical practitioner, check in with them as well. There may be blood or other tests that can be performed before and after your 30 day trial as a comparative point.