How Much CBD Should I Take Daily?

There is a growing revolution of people using cannabidiol (CBD) for symptom relief for conditions such as anxiety, arthritis, pain, crohn’s disease, insomnia and other health issues. Each individual responds to CBD in a unique way, so figuring out which intake method at which dosage can be difficult and even frustrating. There are a wide variety of options for CBD supplements available through DocCBD.

If you’re overwhelmed by the wide variety of CBD products available, you are not alone. Each product delivers CBD to your body in a different way, which affects what it can be used for and how often you will need to take it. Putting together a guide to designing a personal cannabinoid treatment plan for individual health goals can be tricky, whether you’re starting your first CBD trial or just refreshing your current routine.

What Exactly is CBD?

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a naturally occurring compound in the cannabis sativa plant species. Unlike the well-known THC compound (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD produces symptom relief without the “high” effect.

Some scientific research sponsored by the U.S. government and anecdotal reports from patients and physicians show CBD’s potential as a treatment for a wide range of issues, including (but not limited to): [1]

• Autoimmune diseases (inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis)
• Neurological conditions (Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Huntington’s chorea, stroke, traumatic brain injury)
• Metabolic syndrome (diabetes, obesity)
• Neuropsychiatric illness (autism, ADHD, PTSD, alcoholism)
• Gut disorders (colitis, Crohn’s)
• Cardiovascular dysfunction (atherosclerosis, arrhythmia)
• Skin disease (acne, dermatitis, psoriasis)

CBD has neuroprotective effects and anti-cancer properties that are being investigated throughout the United States and elsewhere. A 2010 brain cancer study by scientists in California found that it “enhances the inhibitory effects of THC on human glioblastoma cell proliferation and survival.” [2] This means that CBD assists THC in becoming an even more potent anticancer substance. Then again in 2010, German researchers reported that CBD stimulates neurogenesis, the growth of new brain cells, in adult mammals.[3]

How Does CBD Work in the Body?

Cannabidiol has little binding affinity for either the CB1 or CB2 cannabinoid receptors, but it does modulate several non-cannabinoid receptors and ion channels. It also acts through various receptor-independent pathways. For example, it delays the re-uptake of neurotransmitters like anandamide and adenosine, and either enhances or inhibits the binding action of certain G-protein coupled receptors.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) plays an important role in regulating a broad range of physiological processes that affect our everyday experience. This includes energy, mood, gut health, blood pressure, metabolism, and bone density. The ECS also determines how we experience pain, stress, hunger, and more. If the ECS is not functioning properly, it can make a big impact on different diseases and how they affect an individual. 

Dosing CBD

Further extensive research and better educational tools are required to find the optimal CBD dosage for each individual, but there are existing studies that can help narrow down the best CBD dosages for certain ailments and medical conditions. The Mayo Clinic released a review that can be used as a starting point for THC and CBD dosage measurements for various ailments. [4] It combines scientific research, publications, and expert opinions. Their review suggests it might be helpful for new users to start with a dose of 2.5 – 10mg of CBD to reduce anxiety or 160mg for inflammation. 

Finding the ideal CBD dosage depends on several factors. Everything from the individual’s weight, diet, metabolism to their prescription medications, genetics, and medical condition need to be considered, as well as the formulation and quality of the CBD that they are taking. Because of this, it is difficult to develop universal dosage guidelines that will work for everyone, but generalized starting points are easily adapted to fit individual needs. New users should always start with a lower dose and slowly titrate more into their systems until optimal relief is found.

The type of intake method will also determine the desired dose. When administering CBD oil, the dropper in the bottle and milligrams listed on the bottle can be used to get an accurate measurement. The right amount will be subject to the desired CBD dosage and product serving size. CBD capsules will be individually dosed, typically in 5mg-50mg ranges, making it simple to consistently take the same amount of CBD every time it is ingested. 

Personalized 

The dosage of CBD must be individually determined. Many factors come into play, it include one’s overall health, diet, stress levels, exercise routine, sleep patterns, and genetics. 

Dosage variables to consider are cannabis experience, the time of day, and preventive dosing if tolerance is too high. 

It is always best to consult with your Florida Medical Marijuana Doctor before starting a CBD regimen. But, there are a few common dosage strategies that might work for you such as:

1. Starting by taking only one dropper of a low-dose CBD on a day in which you don’t have to be alert or drive a car. It’s important to see how you feel as everyone reacts differently and a typical starting dose might be too intense.
2. If the desired effect is not found, but everything else goes well, increase the amount of times you take CBD per day. For example, take one in the morning and one in the evening.
3. If you don’t experience any change, then increase the milligram dosage at a slow rate and see how you feel.
4. If no effect occurs but side effects set in, it may be that a different route of administration (vape, topical, etc.) is needed.

Cannabidiol is a safe and forgiving medicine. Figuring out how to make the most of its health-enhancing properties may involve some trial and error. So if you’re new to CBD medicine or if you’re seeking to improve your therapeutic routine, remember to always start low and go slow. 

[1] https://www.projectcbd.org/cbd-101/what-is-cbd

[2]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20053780

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20565726

[4] https://ce.mayo.edu/sites/ce.mayo.edu/files/Friday_1410_Thusius_Medical Marijuana psychiatry in medical settings.pdf

[5]]https://www.projectcbd.org/how-to/cbd-dosage-guide

[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20565726

[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20053780

[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31222854

Dr. Jack Rothman

Dr. Rothman is a diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.  He has received multiple special awards and recognitions, including Physician of the Year, from the Pinellas County Medical Association (2014 – 2015) and the President’s Service Award from the Pinellas County Medical Society.

He attended medical school at State University of New York Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York, where he also completed his Obstetrics and Gynecology residency. In addition to practicing medicine, Dr. Rothman’s professional career includes being an Assistant Professor at the University of South Florida and Clinical Instructor at the University of Tampa’s College of Nursing.

Dr. Rothman received his Florida Medical Marijuana Physicians Certification in 2016 and was one of the first recommending physicians through DocMJ in the state and is loved by many of those early patients today.