Whether you’re a first-time user or an experienced user, understanding how CBD works and how to use it can be somewhat confusing, especially since the industry is so new. Every day, we answer dozens of questions from our readers, but one of the most frequently asked by first-time users and experienced users alike is: What’s the best CBD dosage?
While there are tons of articles about the benefits of CBD, there are few about properly dosing CBD. To make things more confusing, unlike with other supplements, The FDA has not created a Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) for CBD, which means CBD does not have an official serving size.
Because of this, consumers are blindly estimating their dosages based on recommendations from brands and companies they buy their CBD from. Or even worse… friends who are uncertified and claim to be “experts” simply because they use CBD.
“Take one dropper of CBD per day,” is one of the most common dosage recommendations we hear. While this can definitely be a dosage, there’s no way to tell if its the right dosage for the given individual as it doesn’t take into account important factors such as:
- The concentration of CBD
- The weight of the individual
- The individual’s body chemistry
- The severity of the condition being treated
With that being said, there isn’t a “one size fits all” dosage, and there will be some trial and error while gauging your proper dosage.
Neuroscientist Nick Jikomes over at Leafly, explains that, as our body’s physiology changes, so do the receptors in our endocannabinoid system, which are directly responsible for interactions with CBD. As a result, optimal CBD dosages will shift throughout an individuals lifetime.
In other words, there isn’t a universal or static CBD dosage…
So how much CBD should you take then? Use these 3 simple tips to find out:
How to Choose Your CBD Dosage
1. Estimate your dosage based on your body weight
As with most substances, individuals with more body mass will require more CBD to experience its effects. With that being said, a good rule of thumb to determine your proper CBD dosage is to take 1-6MG of CBD for every 10 pounds of body weight based on the individuals level of pain.
For example, 20MG-33MG would be a great starting dosage for a 200lb patient, while 15MG-25MG would be best for another who weighs 150lbs.
Use our simple tool below to find your dosage!
2. Start small and increase gradually
Let’s say you have a friend who weighs no more than 150 pounds and takes 50MG of CBD twice per day, which he claims provides all kinds of benefits. Since you guys are approximately the same weight, he recommends the same dosage for yourself.
Here’s why this isn’t the best way to choose your dosage:
Not only are we all made differently, we each have our own unique history with the use of substances, medications, supplements, and other things we put in our body. Because of this, we all have different body chemistry, and this will affect how our body reacts to CBD. As R.R Noall over at Herb puts it, “what works for your friend, may not work for you.”
With that being said, it is important to first determine your initial dosage based on your weight, gauge how your body reacted to that amount of CBD, then increase gradually while continuing to monitor your body’s reactions till you find the perfect dosage that works for your situation.
3. Consult your physician
When in doubt, consult your physician, especially if you have an existing medical condition. While there aren’t a ton of doctors who have experience with CBD, most doctors should have a good idea on how your body will react to CBD and can provide you a professional CBD dosage for your situation.
You’re Now a CBD Dosage Expert…almost…
So, now that you know how much CBD you should take, we face another important question:
How do you accurately measure your CBD dosage?
Think about it:
How much CBD is there in a single puff off your vaporizer, how much CBD is in a dropper from your CBD tincture?
Without understanding how to properly measure your dosage, knowing how much CBD you should take is pretty much pointless. Especially when it comes to all the different ways to consume CBD.
If you’re feeling a little confused, don’t worry.
Let’s shed some light on the situation.
How to Measure Your CBD Tincture Dosage
Using a CBD tincture is one of the easiest ways to consume CBD. Simply fill the dropper, administer the oil under your tongue, then hold it there for 30 to 90 seconds before swallowing.
But, how many drops of CBD oil should you take?
With some simple mathematics, we can easily figure that out.
Being that the dropper is the tool we use to administer a CBD tincture, we need to find out how much CBD is in a single dropper. Once you know this, you can gauge how much CBD you’re taking.
So how do you figure out how much CBD is in a dropper?
Typically a dropper holds 1 ML of liquid. If you know how many milliliters are in a CBD tincture, you can use this simple formula to determine how much CBD is in its dropper:
[Total CBD in Bottle] ÷ [Number of Millileters in Bottle] = MGs of CBD in a Dropper
For example, let’s say you have a 30ml CBD tincture that has 1500MG of CBD:
1500 ÷ 30 = 50MG of CBD per dropper
Now, if you’re proper dosage of CBD is 25MG, and a single dropper of that 1500MG tincture contains 50MG, you’d simply fill the dropper halfway.
Of course, this method isn’t 100% accurate, but it is more accurate than not measuring at all. Remember, start with a small dosage and gradually increase until you find your perfect dosage.
How to Measure Your CBD Vape Dosage
Vaping CBD can be done using a CBD e-liquid or CBD cartridge system. Both methods are fairly easy and offer an enjoyable experience.
When using an e-liquid to vape CBD, you’d start by estimating how much CBD is in a dropper (just like with a tincture). Once you know this, you know how much CBD you are putting into a single tank. As you vape throughout the day, keep an eye on when you need to refill your tank, and how many times you need to refill your tank.
If your proper dosage of CBD is 25MG, and you are using a 1000MG bottle of CBD e-liquid, a single tank would contain approximately 33.33MG of CBD. That being said, to properly administer your dosage, you would vape a single tank periodically throughout the day.
Again, not 100% accurate; but with regular monitoring, you will be able to quickly gauge your CBD intake.
The Truly Accurate Way to Dose CBD
Since the methods we mentioned so far have only been semi-accurate, you’re probably wondering:
“So is there a 100% accurate way to take CBD?”
There certainly is. CBD Capsules.
Because CBD capsules are filled with an exact amount of CBD, they provide a truly accurate way to dose CBD. If your optimal CBD dosage is 16MG-25MG, then simply buy a bottle of 20MG or 25MG capsules and you’re good to go. Plus, it doesn’t get easier than taking a capsule.
Other consumption methods that are just as accurate include CBD applicators, CBD edibles, CBD Gummies, and CBD beverages; although they may not be as convenient as capsules.
We hope that our CBD dosage guide was helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to engage in the comments section below.
Thanks so much for reading, we truly appreciate you guys!
I was wondering if it would be better absorbed to take it SUBLINGUALLy rather than by capsules? Thanks, Ron
Hey Ron, thanks for reaching out! In my opinion, it’s typically better to take sublingually because the CBD absorbs right into the bloodstream from the lingual veins under the tongue. Capsules are best when you need on the go convenience or don’t like the flavor of CBD oil.
Vape is superior to sublingual,which is far superior to oral. It is not just the time and variability of oral, but oral absorption is poor and highly variable compared to sublingual, which is somewhat less efficient and consistent than inhaled.
I was wondering if it would be better absorbed to take it SUBLINGUALLy rather than by capsules? Thanks, Ron
Hey Ron, thanks for reaching out! In my opinion, it’s typically better to take sublingually because the CBD absorbs right into the bloodstream from the lingual veins under the tongue. Capsules are best when you need on the go convenience or don’t like the flavor of CBD oil.
I am told that relief is more effective and quicker if held under your tongue for about 30 to 60 seconds – absorption is greater.
My husband and I have just begun taking 2 capsules 2X a day. They are 500 mg. He’s 230 lbs. and I’m 150 lbs.
He has stage 3 kidney disease, has had it since 2008. He also has hypothyroidism, traumatic brain injury from pro football (11 years), and has a stent in ascending artery. He had a stroke in April ’17, and has a right hand tremor. Thus, we’re hoping these health challenges will be cured with CBD. I have A-flutter, and hope that will stop. From what i’ve just read about dosage amounts, it looks as though we’re over doing it. Suggestions??
Hey Guys,
Thanks for reaching out with your concerns. First off, I want to clarify that CBD won’t “cure” any symptoms necessarily. It will provide relief and help maintain the body’s natural homeostasis/equilibrium, which is really what makes CBD effective, as the lack of balance in various functions in the body is the root of many illnesses.
Now regarding your specific situation, it seems there’s a lot going on, and I’d definitely double check any information you find in your research with your doctor, but has that dosage of CBD been helping with your husbands or your conditions? In severe situations, higher dosages of CBD than standard dosages may be necessary.
I was wondering if it would be better absorbed to take it SUBLINGUALLy rather than by capsules? Thanks, Ron
I was wondering if it would be better absorbed to take it SUBLINGUALLy rather than by capsules? Thanks, Ron
Hey Ron, thanks for reaching out! In my opinion, it’s typically better to take sublingually because the CBD absorbs right into the bloodstream from the lingual veins under the tongue. Capsules are best when you need on the go convenience or don’t like the flavor of CBD oil.
My husband and I have just begun taking 2 capsules 2X a day. They are 500 mg. He’s 230 lbs. and I’m 150 lbs.
He has stage 3 kidney disease, has had it since 2008. He also has hypothyroidism, traumatic brain injury from pro football (11 years), and has a stent in ascending artery. He had a stroke in April ’17, and has a right hand tremor. Thus, we’re hoping these health challenges will be cured with CBD. I have A-flutter, and hope that will stop. From what i’ve just read about dosage amounts, it looks as though we’re over doing it. Suggestions??
Hey Guys,
Thanks for reaching out with your concerns. First off, I want to clarify that CBD won’t “cure” any symptoms necessarily. It will provide relief and help maintain the body’s natural homeostasis/equilibrium, which is really what makes CBD effective, as the lack of balance in various functions in the body is the root of many illnesses.
Now regarding your specific situation, it seems there’s a lot going on, and I’d definitely double check any information you find in your research with your doctor, but has that dosage of CBD been helping with your husbands or your conditions? In severe situations, higher dosages of CBD than standard dosages may be necessary.
Cbd says tincture 100mg and 3.3mg per serving. Product is purecbd. Seems a little off
Hey Cat, I haven’t seen the exact product you’re referring to, but it is likely in a 30ml bottle and most serving sizes are 1ml so 100 / 30 would be 3.3mg per serving. In any case, that is quite a small dosage that probably wouldn’t have much of an effect. I always use at a least 500mg 30ml tincture, and each dosage size would be around 16.667mg per serving.
What are you using CBD for?
I am more concerned on using a bad product and failing the drug test. Can someone pls educate me in the matter… thanks.
Hey Alex,
That is definitely something to be concerned about. Mislabeling is a big issue right now. Later this week we will be releasing a new article called “10 Things to Look for When Buying a CBD Product,” and it will address your concern and many others. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter so you get notified when it goes live!
Thanks,
Aaron Cadena
Editor in Chief
In figuring out what dosage is right for you it is necessary to understand bio availability. A CBD oral spray with no carrier oils used is the most bio available. Intra muscular injection is next. Sub lingual drops are next at half as bio available .
Hey John!
There are many aspects of CBD to learn and the topic of bioavailability is necessary to understand.
Here is a link to our article, “What is CBD Bioavailability and Why is it Matter.”
Feel free to contact us with further questions.
Enjoy your weekend!
Cora
CBDOrigin Team
Looks like the the most bio available delivery system would be an oral spray that uses purified water instead of any carrier oils and enters the bloodstream via the soft tissues in the mouth. Would you agree?
Hey John,
That would be one way, but I personally believe a higher bioavailability can be delivered from a micro-encapsulated formula that is inhaled in the form of an inhaler.
That sounds interesting The PDR (physicians desk reference) lists oral spray as the most bio available. Also less expensive than purchasing an inhaler and much easier,
First time user 76 yrs old. I don’t feel great, taking 4 drops under tongue 2 X day.
Hi! Are gummies ok to take? Are they potent enough? I’m just not sure I could stand the taste of anything else. I have extreme pain from inflammation & am looking for a good potent gummy, organic preferably. Any suggestions? Thanks!!
Hello Amy! Of course gummies are okay to take; however, as with purchasing any product, you want to make sure to do your research and purchase from a reputable brand. In addition, most gummies do not have huge concentrations, since they can only put so much CBD into a single gummy. I’ve seen 50mg as the max, which may or may not be enough to alleviate your inflammation. You may have to take additional gummies instead of one, which could become more costly than using a high-dosage CBD tincture.
Feel free to get back to me with any other questions or if you need me to recommend some good products to choose from.
Thanks,
Aaron Cadena
Editor in Chief of CBDOrigin.com
What are the best cbd products ? Brand wise
Hi Nicole.
You’ve asked a tough question, lol. Since we all have a unique experience with CBD, I will advise you which CBD products/brands are the best from my experience. You are also welcome to check our “reviews” page where our team provides an in-depth review on various products and brands. In brief, I love cbdMD’s 300mg gummies & 750mg berry oil! I also recommend Joy Organic’s citrus oil and Hempods’ oil. Regarding a topical, I recently purchased a salve from Nirvana Quest and I love it! Ultimately, you just got to go for one and start your journey with CBD products and review them yourself.
Read this article on what to look out for when buying CBD https://cbdorigin.com/10-things-to-know-before-you-buy-cbd-online/
Thanks for reaching out! Hope this helps,
Cora Love
CBD Origin Team
I have been told previously to take 20 drops twice a day.. I weigh 400 pounds and use the bottle labeled 750. I’m sorry but I could not follow your directions on how to determine how much I must take to get relief from arthritis and back surgery.
I have been bi polar I with schizophrenic tendencies since I was a teenager. Voices, depression, mania, anxiety, irritability and paranoia are my symptoms. What suggestions do you have? Is there a strain(s) you would recommend? I am 48 currently
My dosage looks to be 33 mg. I take Charlottes Web Full Strength Hemp Extract Oil. Can I disperse that dosage through out the day or does it need to be taken all at once. How long does it effectly last in your system?
Dosage suggestions are based on 2 daily servings – so if calculations say 23-31mg is that the daily amount or the amount taken morning and night??
This news letter was REALLY helpful and informative .