By Hollie Jones
In the past few years, CBD has emerged as a popular and effective medical supplement. It can provide a wide range of benefits for users, from anti-anxiety effects to insomnia management. CBD is also widely used to treat chronic pain conditions too.
But those unfamiliar with CBD often struggle to manage their intake and find the right dosage for them. CBD is still relatively new, and there are myriad factors to take into account when you’re starting it for the first time.
Read on to discover how to find the best CBD dosage for you so you can start enjoying chronic pain relief today.
What is CBD?
CBD refers to cannabidiol, one of several chemical compounds (known as cannabinoids) that occur naturally in marijuana plants. These cannabinoids have a variety of effects on the human body, and many people now use medical marijuana to treat chronic painand other conditions.
The most well-known of these compounds is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC is psychoactive, and is the cannabinoid responsible for making recreational cannabis users ‘stoned’.
CBD, on the other hand, is nonpsychoactive and is commonly used as a medical supplement. Studies have shown cannabidiol provides a range of health benefits, from mitigating depression and anxiety to aiding sleep. But CBD is also highly beneficial for the treatment and management of chronic pain.
CBD can be taken in a variety of ways. Since the laws surrounding medical marijuana have been loosened, a range of CBD products has been created. Many CBD brands, such as Sol CBD, sell a variety of cannabidiol products, such as CBD oil, capsules, tinctures, and balms. You can even get CBD for your pets! CBD can also be vaped or smoked, and you can also buy sweet CBD gummies.
But CBD is most commonly ingested orally in oil form by simply dripping a few drops of oil under the tongue. Many users mix it with honey to reduce the bitter taste that unflavored CBD oil has.
How do I find the best CBD dosage for me?
Cannabidiol can be hugely effective in treating chronic pain and other medical conditions. However, due to its relative infancy and the unique variables that each condition has, it is difficult to set a uniform dosage standard for everyone.
However, it is possible to manage your CBD intake and find a dosage that is right for you.
Take your weight into account
Naturally, your body weight will play an important role in determining the best dosage of CBD for you. Lighter patients have less body mass for the CBD to work upon, and so they will feel the effects of CBD oil quicker than their heavier peers.
Here is a useful chartto help you identify the right dosage for you:
| Weight | Mild effects | Moderate effects | Strong effects |
| 0-130 lbs | 11 mg or less | 12-14 mg | 15-187 mg |
| 130-230 lbs | 18 mg or less | 19-23 mg | 24-27 mg |
| 230+ lbs | 23 mg or less | 24-30 mg | 31-45 mg |
It’s worth bearing in mind that the above should only be seen as guidelines. There are many factors that affect dosage, and the table above should simply guide your process.
Start small and increase as appropriate
As with any new medication, it’s worth starting off small. Even if your pain is severe, it’s a good idea to start off on the lower end of the dosage bracket.
If you do not feel any effects during the early stages of your treatment, increase your dosage gradually in increments. Upping your dosage by a few milligrams every seven days should be enough for you to gauge how effective your current dosage is.
While this might mean you’ll need a few weeks to find the dosage that works for you, it’s worth the wait for the relief it’ll eventually bring.
Monitor yourself to track your progress
As you start your CBD oil treatment, start a diary to keep track of your progress. Carefully note any changes in your condition, no matter how small. This is vital for determining the best dosage of CBD for you.
Keep an eye out for any new symptoms you experience. Changes in appetite, mood, fatigue, and so on should all be considered. If you notice any new changes in your body, consult with your GP.
CBD is no miracle cure, but can certainly be effective at treating a range of conditions, including chronic pain. Spend some time trying different dosages, starting small and increasing until your condition is manageable. It might take some time, but the benefits in the long-term are well worth the wait.
‘Hollie Jones is an expert lifestyle blogger who writes for Hollie and the Ivy’.