How to Take CBD: What’s the Right Dose and Delivery Method for You?
Updated: Sep 1, 2021
You’ve heard all the buzz about CBD, and you’ve decided to give it a try. Great!
Now what? Do you prefer isolate, broad-spectrum, or full-spectrum cannabidiol? How much CBD should you take? What’s the best delivery method? Gummies or softgels or oils?
Oh my!
Relax. It’s all good. CBD is a non-addictive and non-psychoactive cannabis compound that helps your body heal. Naturally.
Here are some CBD basics to help you achieve your best wellness without side effects…
Know Your Cannabidiol
There are three main types to consider: isolate, broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum CBD.
What’s the Difference Between Isolate, Broad-Spectrum, and Full-Spectrum CBD?
People often use the generic term “CBD oil” to describe multiple cannabidiol products. However, the three main types—isolate, broad-spectrum, and full- spectrum CBD—all differ due to their chemical compound content.
Isolate: Contains only CBD.
Broad-Spectrum: Contains CBD + other cannabinoids, but NO THC.
Full-Spectrum: Contains CBD +other cannabinoids + a tiny bit (0.3% or less) of THC.
How Much CBD Should You Take?
Unfortunately, there’s no unanimously agreed upon CBD dosage.
Research suggests people respond differently to cannabidiol, so the amount that works best for others might not be right for you. To each his own dose.
That said, everyone should follow these recommendations to avoid potential side effects:
Discuss Taking CBD With Your Doctor
Although your doctor can’t prescribe or dispense cannabidiol, he/she can help you create a daily CBD regimen, explaining potential health benefits as well as possible side effects and drug interactions.
Start With a Low Dose of CBD
It’s best to begin with a low dose of CBD (10 to 20mg per day) and see how you feel. A little might be all you need! Continue the lower dosage for a week to ensure the cannabidiol is well-tolerated with no side effects before you opt to increase it.
You can gradually work your way up to a higher dose of CBD, if needed.
Can You Take Too Much CBD?
Yes, but it’s possible to take too much of any substance. You’d have to ingest 20,000mg of CBD all at once to reach what’s considered a toxic level of cannabidiol. “Toxic” meaning unpleasant—upset stomach, nausea, extreme drowsiness, and diarrhea—not death. Basically, the same symptoms you’d feel if you ate too much ice cream, right?
Simply put, there’s no lethal dose of CBD.
Which CBD Delivery Method is Best for You?
With a variety of CBD delivery options available, there’s a perfect solution for everyone.
First, you need to understand the bioavailability of cannabidiol. Try saying that three times fast!
Bioavailability refers to the amount of CBD absorbed into the bloodstream. The greater the bioavailability, the greater the effectiveness of the cannabidiol.
CBD Oil vs. Gummies vs. Softgels vs. Topicals
CBD oil has the highest bioavailability. When taken sublingually (under the tongue), the cannabidiol absorbs immediately into the bloodstream, delivering results within 15 minutes that last for four or more hours.
You can also add CBD oil to your morning smoothie, coffee, or tea!
CBD softgels are the easy-to-swallow, pre-measured, encapsulated option for your healing enjoyment. Like gummies, CBD softgels take approximately 45 minutes to two hours to feel the effects due to delayed CBD absorption during digestion. So, the bioavailability of softgels is also lower than oil but still highly effective.
CBD topicals such as salves and lotions are popular cannabidiol options since they are quickly absorbed to deliver potential benefits to the localized area. CBD topicals also have a lower bioavailability since they’re not permeable enough to reach the bloodstream, regardless of how much you apply. However, these salves and lotions provide almost immediate relief that’s long-lasting since no digestion is involved.
For More In-Depth Information About the Bioavailability of CBD click here.
Whether you choose isolate, full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, oil, gummy, softgel, lotion, or salve, CBD can help you feel amazing.
Which CBD products will you try?