Introduction:
CBD oil has gained significant popularity in recent years for its potential health benefits. However, determining the right dosage can be a challenging task for many individuals. In this blog, we will explore the best practices for dosing CBD oil effectively and safely. Please note that while this information is based on current research and expert opinions, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
Understanding CBD Oil:
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural compound derived from the cannabis plant. It is non-intoxicating and has been associated with various potential therapeutic effects, such as pain relief, anxiety reduction, and improved sleep. CBD products come in multiple different forms, but the most common by far are sublingual oils which and can be consumed orally. Before taking CBD, there are some things you’ll want to know to ensure you have the best experience possible. One of the most important things you’ll want to do is to figure out how much of the compound you should take. Taking the proper dosage is vital for having a positive experience with any CBD product.
Can’t I just read the dosage on the bottle?
For the most part, CBD products tend to have very vague dosage instructions which don’t take any of the specific user’s biological factors or reasons for using the product into consideration. Take any given full spectrum oil, and there could be 10 different people using it for 10 different reasons, all with a vastly different ‘sweet spot’ in terms of dose.
What Impacts CBD Dosage?
There are several factors that affect how much CBD you need to take to get the relief you want. However, these factors aren’t definitive, and everyone reacts differently to CBD. But there are some loose guidelines you can follow.
Height & Weight
In simplest terms, the more you weigh, the more CBD you’ll need to take to feel the true effects. When taken, CBD interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system. This system extends throughout the body, from the brain to the feet! The rate in which CBD is absorbed and metabolised varies, depending on your height and weight. The process differs in those who weigh more versus those who weigh less. Generally speaking, a higher concentration of CBD is needed if you’re a taller or heavier person. On average, it’s recommended to take 0.2mg-0.7mg of CBD per each pound of body weight. To get a dosage range, multiply your weight by 0.2mg and increase the amount as needed.
Age
In order for the effects of CBD to be felt, the body must first break the compound down. This involves some heavy lifting by the metabolism, which splits CBD into smaller parts, making it easier for them to travel throughout the body. Because metabolism slows as we get older, age does play a role in determining the best dosage for you. This means that the older you are, the longer it may take for you to feel the effects of CBD. So it’s important to be patient and give your body the time it needs to fully metabolise CBD. On the opposite side of the spectrum, the younger you are, the faster your metabolism is likely to be. This means you may feel the effects sooner, which could mean you need to take CBD more often to maintain the effects.
Sex
There is some evidence that shows a potential difference in how men and women react to CBD. It’s thought that hormonal and behavioural differences between males and females may contribute to the efficacy of CBD. Early research shows that cannabinoids may have a more noticeable physiological impact on men in regard to energy balance and food intake. On the other hand, the cannabinoid may have a more profound impact on women in terms of mood disturbances and stress.
Experience Taking CBD
If you’ve taken CBD before, you may already have a rough idea of how much CBD you need to take. But even if you’ve used CBD before, it’s important to stick with dosing low and slow. This is especially true if you haven’t used CBD in a while. Even making a simple change such as using CBD oil instead of capsules can play a role in the effects that CBD has.
The’ Low & Slow ‘(Titration) technique
Whether you’ve taken CBD before or if you’re brand new to the cannabinoid, dosing low and slow is a must. CBD works to bring harmony between the mind and body. It supports keeping everything in sync and balanced. And balance doesn’t start by flooding the body with CBD. Instead of taking a high dosage in hopes of getting fast, long-lasting results, it’s best to start with a low dose and radually creep this up over the course of a few weeks until the desired effects are achieved. This way you can listen to your body and adjust the amount as needed. Taking way too much CBD at once carries a small risk of all sorts of some side effects, including dizziness and dry mouth. The risk of these side effects can be greatly minimized by taking a low dose that is most appropriate for your needs.
CBD Oil Dosage Calculator
The table below is a helpful guide to working out how much CBD oil you should take. Simply find your body weight in the left-hand column, then move along to the dosage that matches how frequently you want to take CBD.
| Body Weight (KG) | Low Dose (mg/day) | Medium Dose (mg/day) | High Dose (mg/day) |
| 25 – 35 | 7.5 | 10 – 15 | 17.5 – 20 |
| 35 – 45 | 10 | 15 – 20 | 20 – 25 |
| 45 – 55 | 15 | 20 – 25 | 25 – 30 |
| 55 – 65 | 17.5 | 25 – 30 | 30 – 35 |
| 65 – 75 | 20 | 30 – 35 | 35 – 40 |
| 75+ | 22.5 | 35 – 40 | 40 – 45 |
Note: This is a very rough guide and is intended only as a starting point. If you have any concerns, always speak to your health professional first.
Choose the Right Product
There are thousands of CBD products on the market. While sublingual oils/tinctures are most common, there are several other products, including:
CBD Gummies
Gummies are a more pleasant way to consume CBD compared to traditional CBD oil, due mainly to the taste and the more natural feeling of simply eating something rather than holding it under your tongue. With a wide variety of flavours, its easy to find a CBD gummies that you look forward to taking each day. Orange county produce some of the best quality CBD gummies on the market with some of the nicest flavours we’ve tried to date.
CBD Capsules
CBD Capsules are a familiar, convenient and taste free way to consume CBD. They have a few, limitations in that they are pre-dosed, but that is a small sacrifice for those who want a really simple way to take CBD. CBD brothers offer a particularly good range of CBD capsules in a variety of different strengths.
CBD Topicals
CBD balms and gels are a fantastic way to target cannabinoids directly where you need them. Have a sore knee? Simply rub your chosen topical directly onto that area. Dosing is fairly forgiving using this method as you can just apply the topical until the effects are felt then re-apply as needed. Most topicals offer 4-5 hours of relief. CBD Cure xtreme 1000mg topical balm is an all-time favourite of ours here at Nature’s Alternative. With its dominant cannabinoid being CBDA, its an excellent choice for those suffering from inflammation related pain and discomfort.
CBD Vapes
2023 was a year where CBD vapes exploded onto the market and in 2024, that doesn’t look like it’s going to slow down much! Quickly gaining popularity amongst those who want quick and effective relief, vapable CBD boasts the highest bioavailability of any method of consuming CBD. From cost effective e-liquids, to convenient CBD disposables, there’s something for everyone!
CBD Drinks
The CBD drinks market is now a multi-billion pound industry and their ever growing popularity is down to one main factor…..convenience. There are fewer ways in which CBD becomes so easily accessible to the masses, simply pick up a chilled can and knock back a delicious dose of CBD. These are usually in the range of 10-30mg of CBD content, which is an ideal starting point for most people. While these tins are usually a little pricey (£2-£3), its a small price to pay for a hangover free night of relaxation when you consider the average price of a pint in the UK, and the miserable headache that ensues the next day!
CBD Pastes
CBD pastes are somewhat of an underdog in the world of CBD. Hated for their taste, but loved for their effect. In a nut shell, pastes are just thicker, higher strength versions of CBD oils that are held within a plastic syringe. They are a great cost effective way to consume high doses of CBD when required, as you don’t have to pay time again for fancy packaging or glass bottles, you’re really just paying for the important part…..the CBD (and a relatively inexpensive plastic syringe).
Choose a Brand You Can Trust
Buying from a reputable brand is another important factor in having a great experience with CBD. You want to know exactly what the supplement you’re taking is made of, what the percentage or total milligram concentration of CBD is , the type of CBD extract used (isolate/broad spectrum/full spectrum), and any other compounds that may be present. You want to be totally confident in the product that you’re using. This is why it’s critical to buy from a reputable, transparent brand that tests its products for efficacy, potency, and safety. If you have the means to do so, always ask to see a certified third-party lab report for any given product. To a reputable manufacturer or reseller of CBD, this won’t be any issue and they should be able to easily provide this information to you.
What strength/style of CBD should you use?
CBD products can vary in strength depending on how it gets harvested and processed, and the plant’s maturity means CBD oil can contain several other cannabis compounds in addition to CBD.
CBD products are only legal if they’re made from approved low-THC strains of the Cannabis Sativa plant, although they may still contain small amounts of THC along with all the other compounds, flavonoids and terpenes that are present. These additional compounds can enhance the effects of CBD for a stronger, longer-lasting treatment, a process known as the entourage effect.
Three main types of CBD products differ based on processing, composition, and strength.
- CBD Isolates
- Broad-Spectrum CBD
- Full-Spectrum CBD
CBD Isolates
CBD isolates are purified and processed to remove all other cannabis compounds so that only the CBD remains. With pure CBD involved, isolates offer the mildest effects of all CBD treatment options, and some people choose them because they are looking for an option that is 100% THC free – perhaps for drug-testing purposes. They are also the best tasting, but arguably offer the least variety of effect due to the absence of multiple cannabinoids.
Broad-Spectrum CBD Oils
Broad-spectrum oils contain CBD and other cannabis compounds such as CBG, though generally they don’t contain any THC. In many cases, companies even refer to products as “broad spectrum” when they only actually contain 2 or 3 compounds found in the plant. Broad-spectrum products can offer more of an entourage effect than isolates, meaning more substantial results than CBD alone.
Full-Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD is the most potent option for users. It goes through minimal processing, leaving more cannabis compounds present and intact, and is the closest thing you can get to use the entire plant exactly as mother nature intended. Full-spectrum oils may contain trace amounts of THC, though it should be below 0.2%, or 1mg per packaged container to be fully legal in the UK.
The type of CBD you choose will depend on what you’re trying to achieve and how well you can cope with unpleasant tastes, but we’d always recommend going for a full-spectrum CBD product to capitalise on the entourage effect.
Final thoughts
There is no one-size-fits-all dosage of CBD oil. The best way to find the right dose is to start with a mild or moderate dose and increase as needed. It is also important to keep in mind that individual bodies can react differently to CBD oil, so it is important to experiment until you find the right dose for you.
If you have any questions about CBD oil, be sure to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any CBD regimen. They can help you determine the best dosage for your individual needs.
Here at Nature’s Alternative CBD Specialists, we strive to provide the best customer service possible, so with that in mind, if you have an questions or queries, please feel free to contact us via email at contact.naturesalternative@gmail.com, by telephone on 02891225330, or via our Facebook page and we will be happy to help!
Thanks for reading!
Article by Kyle McAteer
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