Cannabidiol (CBD) is becoming an increasingly popular wellness supplement. However, figuring out the optimal CBD dosage can be confusing, especially since the FDA has not established official dosing guidelines. CBD dosing depends on a number of factors, including your weight, desired effects, concentration of CBD, and more.
Quick Answer
As a general guideline, the recommended starting dosage of CBD is 1-6mg for every 10 pounds of body weight. However, optimal dosage varies greatly between individuals. It’s best to start low (5-10mg per day) and increase slowly until you achieve the desired effects.
Calculating your CBD dosage based on weight
Your weight plays a major role in determining your ideal CBD dosage. Larger individuals typically need higher doses to experience the same effects as smaller people. Many experts recommend taking 1-6mg of CBD for every 10 pounds of body weight. This would equate to:
| Weight Range (lbs) | Low Dosage (mg) | High Dosage (mg) |
|---|---|---|
| 100 | 10 | 60 |
| 150 | 15 | 90 |
| 200 | 20 | 120 |
| 250 | 25 | 150 |
To calculate your dosage based on your weight:
- Determine your weight in pounds (lbs).
- Choose a dosage ratio – we recommend starting with 1mg per 10lbs.
- Multiply your dosage ratio by your weight.
For example, if you weigh 150lbs and choose a 1mg/10lbs ratio, you would take 15mg (150 x 1mg/10lbs = 15mg). - This is your baseline CBD dosage. You can adjust it higher or lower as needed.
Low vs high dosage
As shown in the table, the low end of the dosage range is 1mg per 10lbs of body weight. This is a good starting dosage when using CBD for the first time. The high end of the range is 6mg per 10lbs of body weight. This higher dose may be more suitable for alleviating chronic symptoms or when using CBD regularly.
Start low and increase gradually
When trying CBD for the first time, it’s important to start with a low dose, even if it is below the recommended dosage range based on your weight. This allows your body to get accustomed to the CBD. Starting with huge doses can lead to unwanted side effects. After a few days on the low dose, if you don’t feel any effects you can gradually increase your dosage over time until you find your optimal dose.
Factors that influence optimal CBD dosage
While dosage recommendations based on weight can be a useful starting point, many other factors come into play. These include:
Concentration of CBD
CBD oil comes in various concentrations, ranging anywhere from 100mg to 5000mg per bottle. Higher concentrations will require smaller doses to achieve the same effects. Be sure to pay close attention to the concentration of the CBD product you are using.
Type of CBD product
CBD is available in three main forms: full spectrum, broad spectrum, and CBD isolate. Full spectrum contains all cannabis compounds including a small amount of THC, broad spectrum contains various cannabinoids but no THC, and isolates are pure CBD only. Studies show that full and broad spectrum CBD are more effective due to the “entourage effect.”
Your own body chemistry
Due to factors like weight, diet, metabolism, and genetics, CBD affects each person differently. There is no universal CBD dosage that works for everyone. You’ll have to experiment to find the dosage that gives you the effects you desire.
Tolerance
With regular usage, your body can develop a tolerance to CBD over time. You may need to increase your dosage to achieve the same effects. It’s not uncommon for long-term users to take very high doses of CBD daily.
Severity of symptoms
People who use CBD to treat medical conditions are likely to need higher doses than those using it for general wellness. More severe symptoms typically require larger amounts of CBD in order to experience relief.
How much CBD should I take?
Based on the factors above, here are some general dosage recommendations to consider:
| Purpose | Dosage Range |
|---|---|
| Mild effects (general health & wellness) | 5-15mg per day |
| Moderate effects (mild pain, anxiety, sleep issues) | 15-45mg per day |
| Strong effects (chronic pain, inflammation, epilepsy, etc) | 45-120mg per day |
Start at the low end of the dosage range for your purpose and adjust up from there if needed. Talk to your doctor if considering using CBD for a medical condition.
Finding your ideal CBD dosage
Finding your optimal CBD dosage requires patience and some experimentation. Follow these steps:
- Calculate a baseline dosage based on your weight.
- Start with a dosage at the lower end of the dosage range for your purpose.
- Stick with that dose for 3-7 days, noting any effects.
- If no effects, increase dosage incrementally by 5-10mg until you notice effects.
- Once you notice desired effects, continue at that dosage for 1-2 weeks.
- Adjust dosage up or down accordingly if needed.
It may take a few weeks of adjusting to dial in the perfect dose of CBD for you. Response times and optimal dosages vary greatly between individuals. Be patient and stick with it!
How to take CBD based on your dosage
Once you’ve established your ideal CBD dosage, you can take it in various ways. Here are some of the most common CBD administration methods with dosage examples:
CBD oil tinctures
CBD tinctures are oil-based and taken by dropper under the tongue. Common dosages are:
- Low dose: 10-20mg (0.5-1ml of a 500mg tincture)
- Medium dose: 20-40mg (1-2ml)
- High dose: 40-60mg (2-3ml)
CBD capsules
CBD capsules provide precise doses of CBD in pill form. Capsule dosages generally range from:
- Low: 10-25mg per capsule
- Medium: 25-50mg per capsule
- High: 50-100mg per capsule
CBD edibles
CBD edibles like gummies allow for tasty and convenient dosing. Gummies are dosed in 5-25mg per gummy. Consume the amount needed to reach your dosage. For example, 20mg would equal 2 x 10mg gummies.
CBD vape products
Vaping CBD allows it to enter the bloodstream through the lungs immediately. Typical vape doses range between:
- Low: 5-15mg per dose
- Medium: 15-30mg per dose
- High: 30-50mg per dose
Maximum safe dosage
Experts agree that CBD has an extremely high safety profile, even at very high doses. However, studies suggest that maximum benefits are achieved at dosages above 200mg per day. Most recommend staying below 600mg daily to avoid potential unknown risks.
The World Health Organization states that CBD exhibits no effects indicative of abuse or dependence potential. And according to research, CBD has relatively low toxicity with no risk for overdose.
Side effects of CBD
Most people tolerate CBD very well. However, some people report side effects after taking CBD, including:
- Diarrhea
- Appetite changes
- Fatigue
- Weight changes
- Drowsiness
These effects are usually mild at lower doses. If you experience negative side effects, lower your dosage or stop taking CBD. Seek medical advice if adverse effects persist.
Special considerations
While CBD is generally very safe, there are a few precautions to be aware of:
- Pregnancy & breastfeeding – Research on CBD safety during pregnancy is lacking. It’s best to avoid CBD while pregnant or nursing.
- Children – CBD can benefit children in some cases but should be used with extreme care. Consult a pediatrician first.
- Grapefruit warning – CBD can interact with the same liver enzymes as grapefruit. Avoid taking large amounts of CBD with grapefruit or grapefruit juice.
Also discuss CBD use with your doctor if you take any medications to check for potential interactions. Your doctor can help establish safe dosage guidelines for your individual health status and needs.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I take too much CBD?
If you take too much CBD you may experience enhanced side effects like drowsiness and nausea. Very high doses may exacerbate muscle tremors or restlessness. Simply reduce your dosage to avoid excess CBD side effects.
Can I build a tolerance to CBD?
Yes, with regular use you can build up a tolerance to CBD over time. This may require you to increase your dosage to achieve the same benefits. Tolerance build up occurs differently for each person based on genetics, weight, and dosing regimen.
Is it possible to overdose on CBD?
No, it is not possible to fatally overdose on CBD, even at extremely high doses. However, very large doses may cause some adverse effects or discomfort.
Should I take CBD with food?
You can take CBD with or without food. Taking CBD with fatty foods may increase absorption, but this has not been proven conclusively. Do what works best for you.
Conclusion
Dosage recommendations based solely on weight provide a good starting point, but many other factors come into play. It’s best to begin with a low dose, monitor effects, and titrate your dosage up slowly. Consider the concentration, delivery method, your own body chemistry, and need for relief when establishing your optimal dose.
While CBD has a very high safety profile, it’s a good idea to discuss CBD use with your doctor, especially if you take any other medications or have health conditions. With some patience and experimentation, you’ll soon find the perfect CBD dosage to suit your individual needs.