How to Know How Much CBD You Need: A Guide

9th February 2021

There are more than a hundred active compounds to be found within the cannabis plant – Cannabidiol, or CBD, being one of the most common. Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the main compound in cannabis that causes a ‘high’ sensation.

CBD products must contain no more than trace amounts of THC to ensure that they do not produce a high or have mind-altering effects on its users. Current evidence suggests that CBD may help to:

  • Reduce stress and help to increase relaxation
  • Improve cardiac health
  • Treat pain and inflammation
  • Decrease seizures in patients with epilepsy
  • Improve sleep … and more!

Regardless of why you are choosing to try CBD, dosage is the key. Otherwise, it may not work out as you intended. While CBD is legal in the UK, research around this compound is still ongoing, making it hard to determine the precise dosage for various purposes. A doctor or a CBD dosage calculator may help you determine the correct dosage.

Here’s how you may figure out what dose to take!

CBD: According to the Research

Admittedly, there remains a lack of evidence and research available around CBD. However, it has been conclusively proven that CBD is perfectly safe for consumption, which has led to its legalisation in the UK and many other countries around the world.

Research points out that there is no single universal dosage of CBD that will work for everyone. Different people will respond to different dosages, however, most people can safely take anywhere between 20mg to 1500mg of CBD every day.

Note: UK’s Food Standards Agency (FSA) recommends not to take more than 70mg of CBD a day.

The Right Amount for You

The dosage of CBD you may take depends on a lot of factors, such as;

  • Body mass index (BMI)
  • Personal body chemistry
  • The illness/condition/disorder for which you are taking CBD
  • The amount of CBD in each drop, capsule, pill, or gummy

There are many variables or determining factors when taking CBD. It is best to take it as advised by your doctor.

If self-medicating, please make sure to start at the lowest possible dose, i.e. 20-40mg a day. You may gradually increase the dosage by 5mg a day until you can feel it successfully treating the symptoms.

It is important to keep track of how much CBD you are taking.

Calculating the Dosage

The packaging usually indicates how much CBD there is in a pill, capsule, or a gummy. For CBD oil, it is also indicated how much CBD oil is in a drop. From there, you can quickly figure out how much dosage you need.

Side-Effects of Taking too Much CBD

It is a well-established fact that CBD is relatively safe for consumption. Even the highest dose of 1500mg a day is tolerable for most people. However, a study in 2017 indicates liver damage in mice from a very high and continuous CBD dosage.

Possible side-effects in humans include;

  • Diarrhoea
  • Fatigue
  • Changes in diet and weight

Ask for Advice

Your doctor can be the best person to help you figure out what dosage of CBD is best for you. Moreover, they may also recommend certain brands that are above reproach. A doctor may also help you figure out if any of your current medications may react with CBD.

You may also use an online calculator to help determine the correct dosage.

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