CBD Dosing Guidelines

Start Low and Go Slow

Every person has a unique endocannabinoid tone. Endocannabinoid tone refers to our response to cannabinoids like CBD. Our bodies process CBD differently depending on our age, weight, diet, genetics and a whole range of lifestyle factors. Since we all have different endocannabinoid tone, dosing must be individualized. A CBD dose that works for one person may not work for another.

A 2018 article in the European Journal of Internal Medicine recommends starting CBD at “modest levels” and raising the dose as needed every two weeks [1]. The main rule when dosing CBD is to start at a low dose and gradually increase the dose until desired results are achieved. As little as a few milligrams may produce therapeutic effects but again, this is different for everyone.

Products may contain anywhere from 5 to 50 milligrams (mg) of CBD per single serving. If necessary, start with a fraction of the serving (just a few drops, for example) and work your way up to a product’s full single serving. We have seen great client success in the range of 15-50 mg per day. Customers typically find what we like to call their “sweet spot” when they feel a positive difference in the condition they were looking to support with CBD.

Dosing for Specific Conditions

CBD is great for maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. Many people also use CBD as a supplement for unwanted symptoms related to specific conditions. For example, one scientific report revealed that CBD reduces social anxiety by acting on specific area of the brain [2]. Scientists have also discovered that CBD helps with chronic pain, such as the pain caused by arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and cancer [3]. CBD may help with chronic neuropathic pain as well [4]. When addressing medical issues, and especially when using CBD in conjunction with pharmaceutical medication, it is a great idea to work alongside a qualified medical provider.

Dosing Recommendation

Start low and go slow! Try 3-5 drops under the tongue (sublingual) for the first few days. Allow the CBD to sit underneath the tongue for 90 seconds for optimal results. If swallowed too quickly, CBD undergoes metabolism through the digestive system and liver. This reduces bioavailability, or the amount of CBD that is delivered into the bloodstream.

The exception to this guideline is our innovative water-soluble CBD. As we know, the human body is composed mostly of water. Water-soluble CBD allows for rapid onset and more complete absorption due to the fact that the CBD is already suspended in a water-based solution, therefore the body does not have to work as hard to break down the oil. If the user has issues with absorption, or complains that CBD has done nothing for them, then it is advisable to give water-soluble tinctures like Hemplucid and Root Therapeutics a try. These highly bioavailable products are great for instant absorption and quick relief.

We are all unique individuals, and CBD affects us all differently. The easiest way to figure out where to begin is to ask. Our staff at Happy Trails strives to be up to date on the most recent CBD research in order to give our customers the best possible advice. We take everything you tell us into account to direct you to the product and dosage that we think will most resonate with what your body needs.

Sources

1. Maccallum, C. A., & Russo, E. B. (2018). Practical Considerations in Medical Cannabis Administration and Dosing. European Journal of Internal Medicine, 49, 12-19. doi:10.1016/j.ejim.2018.01.004
2. Crippa, J. A., et al. (2010). Neural Basis of Anxiolytic Effects of Cannabidiol (CBD) in Generalized Social Anxiety Disorder: A Preliminary Report. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 25(1), 121-130. doi:10.1177/0269881110379283
3. Russo, E. (2008). Cannabinoids in the Management of Difficult to Treat Pain. Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management, Volume 4, 245-259. doi:10.2147/tcrm.s1928
4. Meng, H., Johnston, B., et al. (2017). Selective Cannabinoids for Chronic Neuropathic Pain. Anesthesia & Analgesia, 125(5), 1638-1652. doi:10.1213/ane.0000000000002110