We have all seen CBD somewhere or know someone who takes it. Even my next-door neighbor swears by it and works for a CBD company! I know people who take it for unwanted symptoms and others who give it to their pets during the fireworks season to chill out. Growing in popularity and increasing in its various forms, CBD (Cannabidiol) can now be easily found over the counter and at most health food stores. It’s not uncommon to see tinctures at Whole Foods or maybe even CBD gummies at your local gas station. You can also buy it on many sites online - talk about ease of access!
What is CBD?
This nutraceutical is a therapeutic element that comes from the cannabis sativa plant. This is not to be confused with the other part of cannabis known as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which causes the high or intoxicated feeling. From a physiological perspective, the main reason for its non-psychoactive trait is because it simply works with different cannabinoid receptors in the body compared to THC. So don’t worry, you won’t be getting high or the munchies from it.CBD Facts
- It is federally legal (if it’s hemp-derived CBD - some hybrid formulas do exist with both THC and CBD in it)
- Like most health supplements, it is not FDA regulated
- Approximately 1 out of 7 Americans may be using this wonder supplement to treat a symptom or two.
- (Not surprisingly) the CBD market may amount to $20 billion by 2025! [1]
- According to the World Health Organization, currently no public health problems exist in relation to the use of CBD
What is CBD Used For?
You may be thinking to yourself, “What is this amazing supplement used for then?” Well, CBD has been around for decades and has helped people with a variety of conditions.
CBD has been reported to improve
- seizures/epilepsy
- nausea
- anxiety
- insomnia
- chronic pain (inflammatory type pain or arthritis)
- addiction (tobacco, alcohol, heroin)
It has since then also had much success treating pediatric epilepsy. So, CBD has definitely been around for a while and the list of conditions it can help appears to be growing.
My Experience with CBD Oil Drops
Since this supplement can be found over-the-counter (OTC), it’s quite easy to find it and experience its multiple benefits for yourself. Upon moving to Hawaii, I found myself trying different locally made CBD drops to help with stress from work. The vials were brought to my door via grocery delivery (talk about easy to find)!
The flavor profile was subtle and nutty, and the slippery texture was just like olive oil under the tongue. If you’re not into oily substances, maybe a tincture is not for you. Although I knew that gummies and other edibles were out there, I liked being able to self-administer it quickly and with quick absorption. The absorption rate for sublingual drops is quite rapid (10-15 minutes). The positive effects on stress were noticeable, to say the least. I can recall feeling more grounded and in the proper headspace during those demanding days.
CBD Dosage Chart (Recommendations)
(Disclaimer: This information is meant to be used as a guide. It is not meant to replace medical advice as given by your doctor.) The wonderful aspect of CBD is that it comes in many forms and even more so is that certain brands/products can be focused on what you’re looking to treat or improve. The following information is based on conclusions from multiple trials and reviews.
Because it is non-psychoactive (unlike THC), CBD has been noted to have little risk for addiction or abuse. Despite its wide range of uses, there has yet to be a universally accepted CBD dosage chart for reference - but here is what I’ve found.
|
Condition |
Effective Dosages |
Side note |
|---|---|---|
|
Pain |
40-300mg/day |
Works up to 1-50mg/kg/day with better effects noted at higher doses. [3] |
|
Anxiety |
25-600 mg/day |
Observed in healthy subjects (i.e. not diagnosed with other mental condition) |
|
Tobacco withdrawal |
800mg |
Diminished cigarette craving |
|
Skin disorder (atopic dermatitis or psoriasis) |
Topical gel used twice a day for 3 months |
Improved skin compared to before use |
- CBD is safe even up to 6000 mg in one dose or even 1500 mg in several doses during the day. [2]
- 15-240mg/ml drops of an oil/tincture is considered ‘low dose’.
- Recommended daily oral dosing tends to be less than 100 mg CBD/day and often in the range of 10–25 mg per day
Using a CBD dosage chart is meant to direct you depending on your symptoms and what type of product you want to use. When taking CBD of any kind, whether it’s oil, vape, or gummies, noting the strength is key in tracking its efficacy. The old and popular advice “Start low go slow” is important in finding your sweet spot. Additionally, CBD may work for you if you have a strain or localized pain - not caused by impact or trauma. Of course, physical injury/accident requires medical attention.
What to Try: Gummies or Oil?
- capsules
- oil/tinctures
- skin salves/creams
- gummies
- chocolates
- crackers and other edibles.
The minimal adverse effects associated with this OTC supplement is what encourages its ease of access. Thus, its non-prescription use is intended for conditions that can be helped with little medical supervision. It’s important to note that the studies of dosages, any long-term usage and the various applications of CBD is still ongoing.
Some Mild Adverse Effects
- nausea
- fatigue
- irritability [1]
CBD Dosage Chart Conclusion
Whether you’re having chronic pain somewhere in your body, insomnia or feel the need to chill out, CBD may be worth trying - especially due to its multiple positive effects and its well-established safety. Since it’s considered a low-risk supplement, why not take control of any pain you may have? When it comes to dosing, it’s always important to trust your body, start slow, and pay attention to how you feel.
Thanks for reading and I hope this CBD dosage chart was useful! Please share this information with anyone who might be looking into trying this supplement or is searching for a holistic remedy for pain or discomfort. In combination with other interventions such as massage or stretching, you could be on your way to significant relief. Check out the following resources on massage and stretches for muscle pain. Using this knowledge along with CBD products or a CBD salve can do wonders.
Sources:
[1] Grinspoon, P. Cannibidiol (CBD): What We Know and What We Don’t. Harvard Health Publishing, 2021.
[2] Arnold, J.C., McCartney, D., McGregor, I., Suraev, A. The safety and efficacy of low oral doses of cannabidiol: an evaluation of the evidence. Clinical and Translational Science, 2023.
[3] Millar, S.A., Stone, N.L., Bellman, Z.D., Yates, A.S., England, T.J., O’Sullivan, S.E. A systematic review of cannabidiol dosing in clinical populations. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 2019.
[4] Larsen, C., Shahinas, J. Dosage, efficacy and safety of cannabidiol administration in adults: a systematic review of human trials. Journal of Clinical Medicine Research, 2020.
[5] Villanueva, M., Joshaghani, N., Villa, N., Badla, O., Goit, R., Saddik, S., Dawood, S., Rabih, A., Niaj, A., Raman, A., Uprety, M., Calero, M., Khan, S. Efficacy, safety, and regulation of cannabidiol on chronic pain: a systematic review. Cureus, 2022.