You've probably heard of the health benefits of CBD, but how much should be taken to feel them?
Cannabidiol or CBD is one of 60 active compounds in the cannabis plant. These active compounds, called cannabinoids, affect your body in different ways.
CBD is not psychoactive, which means it won't make you "get high." Instead, research suggests that it may help:
- improve sleep
- improve symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- improve heart health
- reduce anxiety and depression
- reduce seizures in people with epilepsy
- relieve pain and inflammation
No matter what conditions you aim to treat with CBD, the right dose is necessary, or you may not succeed.
Determining your CBD dosage may be challenging since CBD is not currently regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
This is what you need to know and to know how much CBD you need to take.
As this review of 2017 shows, many studies have shown that it is a relatively safe treatment. The studies analyzed in this review has not demonstrated that there is a universal dose of CBD that everyone should take. Instead, it was noted that different people (and, in animal studies, different animals) respond to varying doses of CBD. Most studies in humans use doses between 20 and 1500 milligrams (mg) per day.
CBD is Not Addictive
The short and easy answer is no. At the molecular level, CBD does not create dependency and does not produce the so-called knockout effect produced by THC.
A March 2017 study published in the Journal of Drug and Alcohol Dependence examined the "knockout effect" by administering multiple oral doses of CBD to heavy marijuana users.
After analyzing CBD's profile for potential abuse versus oral placebo and active marijuana (5.3%-5.8% THC), the research team concluded that CBD use does not cause withdrawal symptoms, nor does it lend itself to being abused.
We must make clear that even THC does not cause the same degree of physical withdrawal symptoms as opiates or alcohol. It can, however, lead to Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD).
This disorder mimics nicotine withdrawal symptoms when chronic marijuana use is sustained for long periods. Although there may be symptoms of withdrawal from marijuana, they are generally limited to a greater sense of anxiety, anxiety, mood, and sleep disorders.
Because many CBD products contain different levels of THC, the problem is a little complicated if we ask the most specific question: "Is CBD addictive?" We must first consider the preliminary inquiry: where does CBD come from?
There are two classifications for cannabis plants that produce CBD: marijuana and hemp.
CBD oils derived from hemp plants contain little to no trace of THC (less than 0.3% according to US federal law). CBD oils should not expose a person to withdrawal symptoms related to chronic consumption of higher doses of THC.
Marijuana CBD is obtained from marijuana plants that are mainly grown for their intoxicating properties. Unlike cannabis extracted CBD, marijuana-derived CBD oil often contains THC levels above the legal limit of 0.3% of the US government.
If CBD oil includes an unusually high level of THC, a person may experience withdrawal symptoms if consumed in excess. But CBD oil with a THC level above 0.3% is only available in countries where medical cannabis is legalized.
A 2011 study concluded that CBD appears to have a better safety profile than THC and other cannabinoids.
Although all signs indicate that CBD is not addictive, people who consume large amounts of CBD may experience side effects. These include changes in sleep, inflammation, and anxiety.
You Will Not Build up a Tolerance to CBD
Although research has concluded that long-term use of cannabis containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) promotes tolerance to THC, cannabidiol (CBD) appears to counter this claim. Scientific studies on CBD oil use suggest that it is unlikely to develop tolerance to CBD and that long-term administration may actually lead to reverse tolerance.
Reverse tolerance, in this case, refers to a situation where a person needs less substance to feel its effects, is more exposed. Then, over time, CBD oil users may find relief from their symptoms at lower and lower doses.
Because CBD oil research and reverse tolerance are still in layers, anecdotal evidence and your own personal experimentation will be your best sources on the subject. Although CBD oil does not "get you high," start with a lower dose if you test for tolerance. You will find it easier to monitor and measure your ideal dose by gradually increasing the amount you take in a few weeks or months.
You Cannot Overdose on CBD
Experts have widely agreed that CBD overdose is impossible. Even the World Health Organization has published a report detailing the fact that CBD is safe and non-toxic.
As a result, it can be concluded that CBD overdose is highly unlikely. According to the National Cancer Institute, cannabinoid receptors, unlike opioid receptors, are not located in areas of the brain that control respiration. Furthermore, there has been no reporting of lethal overdose related to cannabis or cannabinoids alone.
However, some side effects should also be considered. Although not experienced by all users, CBD has side effects such as:
- dizziness
- lethargy
- nausea
- diarrhea
- Cottonmouth
These side effects are mild and not fatal, but caution should be exercised.
How Often Should You Take CBD?
Just as there is no ideal time of day to take CBD, there is no ideal schedule for everyone. Some like to consume CBD daily to maintain healthy levels of CBD in their body.
Others prefer to treat specific conditions with CBD and then cease using it. It all depends on your body and what you decide is right for you.
Like many other substances, CBD can accumulate in the body over time. CBD is fat-soluble, so it stores in fat tissues and is consumed as the fats are absorbed by the body.
The length of time that CBD stays in the system varies greatly depending on several elements, including the specific dose absorbed, total weight, amount of body fat, and frequency of use. When all these components are taken into account, the duration varies from several days to several weeks.
Other Things to Consider When Using CBD
No matter where you live in the United States or outside the US, you have probably noticed that CBD, or cannabidiol, is ubiquitous and everywhere these days.
Although this molecule has always been present in cannabis, it has recently been the focus of cultural attention, appearing in everything from tinctures to empanadas.
However, the sudden selection of CBD-containing products can be overwhelming for new consumers. If CBD is not something you have ever thought about before, it's understandable to have a lot of questions about it.
Should you use it? How should you incorporate it into your life, if you think it is right for you?
We recommend asking yourself these questions too:
- Will CBD get me 'high'?
- What are the main reasons people seek out CBD?
- What is the appropriate dose of CBD?
- What's the best way to take CBD?
- How do I know whether or not a CBD product is suitable?
- Is CBD legal?
After you must have sorted out the answers to these questions, then you should well-informed enough to be an advocate for CBD use as a holistic treatment for yourself and for others.
Final Thoughts
Although we can provide suggestions on how and when to take your CBD, there is still no direct answer to the questions. There are so many factors at play that it is impossible to evaluate something that suits everyone. Also, further research backs up CBD's benefits and its applications.