In recent years, CBD has emerged as a popular organic remedy for a variety of health issues, ranging from mental health issues and stress to chronic pain and sleep disorders. However, navigating the spectrum of CBD products and dosing can be overwhelming, especially for beginners. In this guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about CBD dosing, including what CBD is, how to choose the right product, and how to determine the correct dosage based on your experience level. We will also briefly discuss CBD when combined with CBN or CBG.
Understanding CBD
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it won't get you high. Instead, CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS regulates various physiological processes in your body such as mood, appetite, pain, and sleep. Many consumers utilize CBD for relaxation, sleep, mood upliftment, and pain relief.
Choosing the Right Product
There is no shortage of CBD products, including oils, capsules, edibles, topicals, and more. The best product depends on your preferences, lifestyle, and desired effects. CBD gummies are often recommended for beginners because they allow precise dosing and slower absorption into the bloodstream.
Dosing for Beginners
Determining your CBD dosage can be tricky. Each person requires their own specific dose, and how much you may need depends on factors such as body weight, metabolism, and individual sensitivity to CBD. There is no universal correct dosage. We always recommend starting with a low dose (5mg) and gradually increasing your dose in 5-10mg increments until you find the optimal dosage for your needs.
5-10 mg of CBD daily is a good starting point for beginners. This can be achieved by taking a 10mg CBD gummy. Pay attention to how your body responds and adjust the dosage accordingly.
We suggest when starting with CBD gummies, you consume them a few hours before bedtime, as one of the side effects of CBD can be sleepiness.
Dosing for Intermediate and Advanced Users
As you become more experienced with CBD and your body adjusts to its effects, you may need to increase your dosage to achieve the desired results. Intermediate users typically take between 10 and 25 mg of CBD per day, while advanced users may require doses exceeding 25 mg, depending on their tolerance and the severity of their symptoms.
Effects and Duration
The effects of CBD will vary from person to person. The effects will depend on dosage, method of administration, and individual biochemistry. On average, you will feel the effects of CBD within 15-30 minutes when taken sublingually as a tincture (under the tongue), and within 30-60 minutes when ingested orally as a gummy bear.
The duration of CBD's effects can also vary, typically lasting anywhere from 4-6 hours. However, this can vary depending on your dosage, metabolism, and the severity of your symptoms.
What to Do If You Don't Feel Anything
Don't be discouraged if you've tried CBD and haven't felt any noticeable effects. CBD affects everyone differently. Thus, finding the proper dosage for you may take some experimentation. It’s also important to be patient with CBD, as it takes time for it to build up in your system.
Here are a few things you can try:
- Increase your dosage: Gradually increase your CBD in 5 to 10mg increments until you feel the desired effects. Increase your dosage every 24 hours, and not within the same day.
- Try a different product: Experiment with CBD products, such as full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate CBD, to see which works best for you.
- Full-spectrum CBD: All the naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant, including cannabinoids (CBD plus additional cannabinoids like CBG), terpenes, and trace amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), typically less than 0.3%.
- Broad-spectrum CBD: A wide range of cannabinoids (CBD plus additional cannabinoids like CBG) and terpenes, except for THC. Broad-spectrum provides the benefits of the entourage effect without the psychoactive effects of THC.
- Isolate CBD: CBD from the cannabis plant and isolated from all other cannabinoids and compounds. It contains only cannabidiol (CBD) and no traces of THC or other cannabinoids, making it ideal for those who want to avoid THC entirely.
- Give it time: CBD may take time to build up in your system, so be patient and take it daily for a few weeks to one month to see if you notice any changes.
Benefits of CBD
The potential benefits of CBD include:
- Pain relief: CBD may help relieve chronic pain and reduce inflammation.
- Anxiety and stress reduction: CBD may provide calming and anxiolytic effects, making it helpful in managing anxiety and stress.
- Sleep improvement: CBD may promote better sleep by reducing anxiety, alleviating pain, and calming your nervous system.
Side Effects of CBD
CBD is well-tolerated by most individuals; however, some may experience mild side effects. These can include dry mouth, drowsiness, changes in appetite or weight, and diarrhea. Additionally, in rare cases, CBD may interact with certain medications, leading to potential adverse effects. It's crucial to start with a low dose and monitor how your body responds. If you experience any severe or concerning side effects, it's essential to discontinue use and consult with a healthcare professional.
Using CBD with CBN or CBG
CBN (cannabinol) and CBG (cannabigerol) are two other cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant that are gaining attention for their potential therapeutic benefits. Combined with CBD, these cannabinoids can enhance each other's effects, resulting in maximum benefit.
CBG and CBN may offer a range of potential benefits, including:
CBG: Anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects.
CBN: Sedative and sleep-promoting effects.
Dosing Guidelines for Beginners
When dosing CBD with CBN or CBG, it's essential to consider the ratio of each cannabinoid to achieve the desired effects.
CBN: A higher ratio of CBD to CBN may be more suitable for promoting relaxation and sleep.
CBG: A balanced ratio of CBD to CBG may provide a broader range of benefits, including pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects.
Since research on these cannabinoids is still limited compared to CBD, there are no standard dosing guidelines available. However, a general rule of thumb is to start small with a low dose (½ a gummy) and monitor how your body responds.
As you become more familiar with how your body responds to these cannabinoids, you can gradually increase the dosage as needed (we recommend 5-10mg) to achieve the desired effects. Listening to your body and noticing any symptoms or side effects changes is essential.
Effects and Duration
When combined with CBD, the effects of CBG and CBN may vary depending on factors such as your dosage, individual metabolism, and the severity of your symptoms. You can expect to feel the effects of a CBD gummy within 30-60 minutes of ingestion, lasting anywhere from 4-8 hours.
What to Do If You Don't Feel Anything
If you've tried CBG, and CBN and haven't felt any noticeable effects, don't be discouraged. As with any supplement, individual responses can vary, and it may take some time to find the proper dosage and combination of cannabinoids for your needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the proper CBD dosage for your needs requires patience, experimentation, and careful observation of how your body responds. Before you add CBD to your daily routine, we suggest consulting with your doctor, especially if you're taking medications or have underlying health conditions. CBD can improve your well-being by selecting the right product and discovering the proper dose. At My Pain Center, we're dedicated to supporting you on your wellness journey. Our range of rigorously tested CBD products guarantees purity and potency, empowering you to make informed choices for your health and well-being.
