How To Take CBD Safely
Cannabidiol, known more commonly as CBD, is one of the most popular alternative medicines in the world.
Extracted from hemp, this cannabinoid compound is taken by millions of people daily to relieve ailments associated with various conditions, including arthritis pain, stress and anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
When extracted from the cannabis plant in high concentrations, it can be blended into products that include CBD oils, skin creams and salves, edibles, and even drinks.
For the most part, CBD is safe to take and causes few, if any, side effects in most people who use it. But it can also pose health risks if you take too much.
The following are CBD usage tips based on the most recent clinical research.
First Time CBD Users
CBD is not psychoactive, so unlike THC, you don’t have to be concerned that it will get you high.
However, it possesses powerful mechanisms of action that directly stimulate key endocannabinoid and neurotransmitter receptor sites in the human body.
First-time users should consider a lower dosage when beginning CBD and adjusting accordingly.
Researchers in clinical studies suggest starting with a low dose of CBD to ensure you are not sensitive to cannabinoids and their effects before increasing your daily amount commensurate with your body weight.
Ideally, you’ll want to start with around 50 milligrams of CBD for the first few days. This amount is suggested for men and women of all body weights. It is considered mild and should not lead to any side effects or adverse reactions in most users.
Things To Look For When First Starting Out
If you are sensitive to CBD or cannabinoids in general, you may experience side effects like:
- Tiredness
- Gastrointestinal discomfort or stomach upset
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Irregular sleep cycle
Most people who take low doses of CBD will not experience any adverse reactions in the mild dosage range.
What should I do if I experience side effects?
If you are experiencing any of the effects above, you can stop taking CBD. In clinical studies, side effects are transient, meaning they’ll stop once you discontinue use.
You can also try lowering your dose by half to 25 milligrams daily.
What is the right amount of CBD for my body weight?
The optimal amount of CBD is dependent on several factors.
Body weight is the primary way to determine the best dose of CBD for you, but other considerations, such as your therapeutic goals are also important.
Studies have shown low doses of 50 mg taken daily over weeks or months to be sufficient for some users, but higher doses seem more effective in relieving health concerns like stress, pain, and sleep problems.
The easiest way to calculate how much CBD you should take is to weigh yourself.
The average dose for your body weight (in U.S. pounds) can be determined by multiplying it by 0.5 milligrams.
With this calculation, the average dose for someone weighing 150 lbs. is 112 milligrams daily (150 x 0.75).
The maximum recommended dosage should not exceed 1.5 milligrams per pound daily.
So, a person weighing 150 lbs. should not exceed 225 milligrams of CBD per day.
(Source: CBD Dosage Chart: https://www.cannabiva.com/category/learning-center/)
Can I overdose?
CBD can be taken in pretty high amounts without the risk of serious side effects.
Dosages in clinical studies range from 50 milligrams up to 1,500 milligrams. Less than 1% of users report adverse events.
When reported, side effects tend to be mild and go away after discontinuing use or lowering dosage amounts.
There have been no fatalities reported from taking too much CBD.
However, excessively high doses of CBD that exceed 4.5 milligrams per pound (lbs) are not recommended. Extremely high amounts of CBD exceeding 10.5 milligrams per pound (lbs) could lead to more severe side effects and even hospitalization for adverse events that may include dizziness, heavy sedation, diarrhea, vomiting, or fatigue.
If you believe you’ve taken too much CBD, it is recommended that you contact your physician or hospital healthcare professional.
Final Thoughts
CBD can be beneficial in dosages ranging from 50 milligrams to 1,500 milligrams daily, though it is recommended that users not exceed 1.5 milligrams of CBD per pound (lbs) of body weight.
It should be taken daily for several weeks or months for the most effective results.