Considering all the states that have legalized, medical marijuana helps thousands of people for various ailments. With hemp, the non-intoxicating, genetic cousin to marijuana, you can enjoy similar benefits without the high.

Some people have found fewer nagging pains or anxious tendencies by incorporating hemp-derived CBD into their daily wellness routine. However, due to a lack of clinical trials and FDA regulation, knowing the exact amount of CBD to take can be tricky and time-consuming.

Fortunately, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence to suggest tips on how to dose. Today, we’ll share some tips and references on how to find your ideal dosage. 

Many Variables Influence CBD Dosage

Cannabis and hemp are intricate plants with many different molecules, just as our bodies have their own unique biochemistry.

Some known factors that influence CBD dosing and efficacy are: 

• The type of CBD product – Oils, edibles, smokables, and topicals all interact with the body differently.

• How much CBD is in each dose – The total concentration per product differs from a single serving size. For smokable products, serving sizes are virtually impossible to measure, while edibles generally list it on their label. For oils, you might have to do some math to find serving sizes as they vary.

• Weight and metabolism – These factors influence bioavailability, or how much CBD your body can absorb. Bioavailability also depends on other factors, like your level of physical activity, age, and the amount of stress you carry.

• The severity of the condition: Someone with epilepsy or chronic pain will require a larger dose than someone with anxiety or sleeping problems. 

Dosing CBD Oil

CBD oil is the most effective way to get it into your system. If dropped under the tongue, the sublingual glands absorb it directly to the bloodstream. In contrast, edibles take much longer to activate as they must pass through the digestive tract, and inhalable products do not last as long.

Most CBD oils list the amount of CBD per bottle in milligrams. Generally, a full dropper inside a bottle measures 30 milliliters. So, to find the serving size, divide the amount per bottle by 30, or 15 for half a dose.

CBD experts recommend starting with a lower dose than you think you need –usually a half or a fourth of a drop. Then, gradually increase week by week until you feel your desired results, like less pain or better sleep.

Remember, it is best to dose CBD regularly as this allows it to build up in your system. Make sure not to consume too much too quickly, as you can overshoot your threshold and render the CBD ineffective. Try keeping a journal to log how much you take and how it makes you feel to avoid impatience. 

When to Dose CBD

The time of day you take CBD can affect the outcome. Recommended times to take CBD differ, depending on the reason.

For anxiety, taking CBD oil in the morning will be most promising. For issues with sleeping related to stress, take it before bed instead.

For persistent pain, taking CBD oil twice a day, either in the morning and afternoon or before bed, could prevent analgesic effects from wearing off. You can use CBD pain balms as needed throughout the day.

For internal inflammation, like arthritis, you can also take half a dropper twice a day, or whatever your preferred amount is. For skin-related inflammation, like dermatitis or acne, you can incorporate a CBD lotion into your daily skin routine. 

Make sure to establish a conversation with your physicians before taking CBD, especially for neurological diseases, chronic pain, debilitating anxiety or depression, and epilepsy. 

CBD Side Effects

CBD is generally well tolerated and cited by the World Health Organization for very low toxicity and overdose risks being virtually nonexistent.

However, not everyone will react to CBD the same way. There are also side effects associated with CBD reported from animal studies and anecdotes.

These include:

• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea
• Reduced appetite
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue
• Medication Interactions 

Most side effects reported were mild, but CBD’s known ability to interact with specific medications can pose a threat to your liver. It can also affect the side effects of your medication. If you are on any prescriptions, consult your doctor first and avoid CBD if any of them contain a grapefruit warning, as CBD interacts similarly to grapefruits.

To avoid any possible irritations from CBD lotions, apply a small amount on your hand or arm for a few days to make sure your skin doesn’t have a reaction.

At Botanica CBD, we offer a 900mg broad-spectrum, THC-free CBD tincture in wintermint, or lemon flavors. We also specify the serving size on the label to avoid confusion. Shop our collection to learn more.