CBD Dosage Guide
Calculating the right CBD dose may be a confusing process, especially for those who have never tried it before. It can be difficult for beginners in the world of this therapeutic compound because it depends on numerous personal variables.
What factors determine the optimal CBD dosage?
As mentioned there are several factors which determine the optimal dosage for your CBD intake. Determining the best CBD dosage generally depends on the following factors.
Calculating the Best Dosage
The table below breaks down starting doses based on body weight and effect level. These dosages are approximations and highly subjective due to the nature of CBD consumption; always consult your physician about the best starting dose before trying CBD for the first time.
| Weight Group | Mild Effects | Moderate Effects | Strong Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (less than 130 lbs. / 59kg) | 11 mg or less | 12 mg to 14 mg | 15 mg to 17 mg |
| Medium (130 to 230 lbs. / 104kg) | 18 mg or less | 19 mg to 23 mg | 24 mg to 27 mg |
| Heavy (more than 230 lbs. / 104kg +) | 23 mg or less | 24 mg to 30 mg | 24 mg to 27 mg |
Stronger doses than those listed may be more suitable for certain CBD consumers. These include people with severe pain or other debilitating symptoms, as well as those with a relatively high CBD tolerance. CBD is not toxic and gradually increasing CBD dosage does not carry any known side effects, so ramping up one’s dosage is generally safe – and, in some cases, beneficial to the consumer. Many find that incrementally increasing the dosage is the best way to achieve the desired effects of CBD. The type of CBD product is also important to consider, since each one is associated with different concentrations, dosing methods, and effects.
Can you overdose on CBD?
CBD is considered non-toxic and the chemical produces very few side effects which, when they occur, are typically minor and non-threatening. Furthermore, a recent report by the National Cancer Institute – a branch of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) – notes that overdosing on CBD is virtually impossible, and the same is true of THC and marijuana. Per the report: “Because cannabinoid receptors, unlike opioid receptors, are not located in the brainstem areas controlling respiration, lethal overdoses from Cannabis and cannabinoids do not occur.”
The report also goes on to note that cannabinoids are considered much less addictive than other drugs, including prescription medications – though CBD consumers do develop a tolerance over time. CBD withdrawal symptoms may include insomnia, hot flashes, and nausea, but these symptoms are mild compared to withdrawal symptoms from other addictive substances.
That being said, CBD products are relatively new to the market and have not been extensively studied in terms of long-term health effects. It’s also important to note that consumers should only purchase and use CBD products from brands that submit their products to third-party testing organizations and publish the results of these tests online (typically on their website). A 2018 report from the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) noted a spike in adverse reactions from CBD consumers in the state of Utah. A total of 52 cases were investigated. In many cases, the adverse reactions were linked to synthetically produced CBD products and/or products from brands that did not disclose ingredients or manufacturer information.
CBD consumers can protect themselves by only purchasing products from brands that provide third-party testing results, product ingredients, and information about the manufacturing process. We also urge consumers to refrain from using CBD products with synthetic components, as these have been linked to more cases of adverse effects; all-natural CBD products are widely available.