You have likely read or heard a lot about the many benefits CBD products have to offer, or perhaps you have started using CBD already and noticed some changes in your body already. Using the correct CBD dosage can help reduce anxiety, depression, and sleep issues. It can also help with reducing joint pain, symptoms from mental disorders, and promoting good gut health.

How do I know I’m taking the right amount?

No matter the reason someone uses CBD, it is very important to know the right dosage in order to maximize its value, and avoid the risk of (potentially) dangerous side effects. In comparison to the sheer volume of CBD products on the market, it is interesting to consider how little time is spent educating people on the correct dosage of CBD in spite of the fact that it is a very important detail when using it.

Many people start exploring the right dosage by starting by adding tiny amounts of oil to their food or beverage, or eat only a portion of an edible, for instance. This can be helpful, but instead of making an educated guess, consider doing just a bit of research to save time and money by dialing in a dosage right off the bat. In general, CBD doses revolve around:

• Body weight
• Reason for using CBD
• Body chemistry
• Concentration of CBD product

With these four points in mind, we see that not everyone can, or should, necessarily use the same amount of CBD. Most CBD companies will not list a recommended official daily intake value because the Food and Drug Administration has not issued one, but some will. These terms are often described as droppers or teaspoons. But another way to decide how much CBD to use is to take the total CBD milligrams in the bottle and divide that number by total milliliters in the bottle. The droppers included with most bottles hold one milliliter, so we can assume the resulting number tells us how many milligrams are in each dropper.

By calculating a dosage to start with based on this method, you may discover a more helpful dosage quicker than starting with trace amounts and working your way up to a more substantial amount. From here, experiment with more or less CBD in incremental amounts that you are comfortable with and that do not cause a negative reaction. You will know it is the right amount of CBD over time by simply being aware of how your body feels, how you are sleeping, and other changes you may notice. Take time, consider writing down a log or details about your experience when using CBD on a particular day, and go from there!

What happens if I take too much CBD?

Too much of a good thing can quickly become a bad thing. This rule applies to CBD as well, and it is possible to take too much, resulting in wasted dollars and ineffective consumption. Although humans tolerate daily consumption at high volumes (as much as 1500 mg a day), using too much consistently can: inhibit hepatic drug metabolism, negatively interact with other medications, cause extreme drowsiness, lethargy, nausea, diarrhea, and upset stomach. These side effects are rare, but not outside the realm of possibilities, making it all the more important to start with smaller doses or calculate a responsible level of consumption.

Consult a doctor

To make the most precise calculation on CBD usage as possible, simply talk to your doctor. Depending on where you live, they may not legally be able to provide all the information you need, but should help recommend a good starting point or at least point you towards quality brands that use natural, non-GMO ingredients. It is especially important to speak with a doctor about using CBD if you are struggling with a known mental condition, or any sort of prescription medication.

The bottom line

Even when using high amounts of CBD, it is generally an extremely safe substance to take. Just be conscious of the amount you’re using, pay attention to how it affects your body, and enjoy. If you have any questions at all, we are here to also help point you in the right direction as you begin your CBD journey, and we also highly recommend you speak with a healthcare professional as well.