CBD oil offers a holistic alternative to many pain medicines on the market today. Those who want to eliminate certain drugs could turn to CBD oil as an alternative. However, since this alternative medicine is relatively new, some might find it challenging to determine what CBD dosage to use.
In this guide, we’ll go over some basics about CBD, dosage recommendations, suggested products, and some effects CBD has on pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. We’ll also provide insight into some potential adverse effects of CBD oil.
What is CBD?
CBD oil is a non-narcotic, healthy approach to modern medicine. It’s hailed for its ability to manage pain, inflammation, and seizures effectively. In the years since hemp was legalized, CBD has begun gaining new ground, boasting many promising effects in several studies.
Although there’s much work to be done in the way of pinpointing the specific medical benefits of CBD oil, there’s no doubt that many Americans agree that it has made a drastic change in their lives. In the next section, we’ll discuss the differences between CBD and THC and how to determine which option is the best one for you.
THC vs. CBD
Even though CBD is extracted from marijuana plants, there are several critical differences between the two. THC does have medicinal benefits for those that suffer from many of the same ailments, such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Here are a few similarities and differences for each of these:
THC is the main ingredient in marijuana and can be taken in the form of smoke, edibles, and topicals. It has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, but with the relief it gives comes the effect of feeling “high.” This effect can be helpful for those who suffer extreme symptoms of their ailment since it makes you feel euphoric.
CBD is a component of marijuana that has healing effects. You can reap all the medical benefits of cannabis while using this method without feeling high or euphoric. Also, since many CBD options on the market contain no THC, you can use it without worrying about failing a drug test as a result. Even in states where marijuana is legal, many jobs prohibit the use, so this can be particularly helpful if you have this problem.
THC and CBD have several things in common, but the way that they deal with your problems is very different. If you find yourself at a crossroads, consider what you’re looking to get out of the medicine you choose.
Understanding the CBD-to-THC Ratio
While some products on the market today are completely free of THC, this isn’t always the case for every product on the shelf. If you think you would best benefit from a combination of both, you have some options. There are several variations of CBD products that contain THC, as well.
The ratio of CBD to THC is something you’ll need to be certain to pay close attention to. If you want to avoid having too dramatic of a “high” feeling, but you want a slight boost in your mood, a product with more CBD dosage than THC would work for you.
CBD as an Alternative for Prescription Medication
Many people turn to CBD items in order to get off the current prescription medications that they’re on. Since these products have shown some promise with helping people get clean of drugs and narcotics, this is a great reason to try it. However, combining CBD with certain ingredients in medicines can be harmful.
If the medication you’re taking specifically warns against eating foods like grapefruit, you cannot add CBD into your routine until you’re no longer taking the medicine. Even if the medication you’re currently taking doesn’t have any specific warnings against combining it with other substances, always err on the safe side. It’s best to take CBD and CBD only, especially in the trial stages. This will help you get a better feel for how it works for you and will prevent possible liver damage later down the line.
How To Calculate CBD Dosage for Anxiety and Pain Relief
Despite the growing popularity of this product, CBD dosage is still a subject that many people don’t understand. Many CBD retailers can refer you to a dosage chart, but it’s never a bad idea to do your research, as well. Here are a few things you’ll need to consider when selecting the dosage for you:
- Bodyweight
- Condition or ailment
- Your body chemistry
- The concentration of the CBD product you choose
Your body weight and the condition you’re treating are a couple of things you probably already have a good idea of. When considering your body chemistry, you might need to talk with your doctor to get the best information. The concentration of the CBD product you choose can be found on the label. Usually, the distributor of the CBD can answer any outstanding questions you have in this category.
When using CBD to treat anxiety and pain relief, ask yourself a few questions. How severe is the anxiety or pain you’re feeling? How much does it affect your day-to-day life? Then, take this information to a licensed health professional for help determining how this will factor into your CBD dosage.
Once you have a good idea of where you want to start, don’t be afraid to dive right in. The quicker you get started on your CBD journey, the faster you’ll be able to experience the relief that it can bring. Be aware, however, that sometimes CBD dosage can be a game of trial and error. Just like with prescription medication, it may take a few adjustments before you get the dosage right.
When in doubt, start small and work your way up. The product label on the CBD item you have chosen will list the serving sizes on it. Begin with one serving or a half serving and move up the list from there until you find a comfortable spot for you. Since there are so many factors that go into perfecting the CBD dosage, this is a fool-proof way that you could save a ton of trouble in the long run.
What Types CBD Products to Consider for Your Ailment
CBD comes in the form of oils, gummies, and other edibles, pills, and topical treatments. Depending on what condition you’re using them to treat, there will likely be a category or group of types that will work for you.
CBD products have been tested for treating the following:
- Anxiety, depression, and PTSD
- Seizures
- Trouble sleeping
- Heart health
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Pain and Inflammation
If you’re taking CBD oil to help with anything other than pain or inflammation, gummies, oils, edibles, and pills could work for you. While these options can help soothe pain and inflammation, topical treatments such as a salve or cream might be a better choice. When you use topicals in a tender area on the body, it specifically targets the area better, meaning quicker and potentially more relief.
CBD Dosage: Oils
CBD dosage differs slightly for oil applications versus other mediums. This is because CBD oil is often dispensed through a dropper that comes with the bottle.
When measuring out the dose that you want to take, always ensure that you use this dropper that comes with it. The dosages intended for the CBD oil of your choice correspond with this utensil. You could take too much or too little if you use a third-party dropper.
Things to Consider When Selecting a CBD Product
Since there’s no federal regulation on CBD products, you have to be especially careful when purchasing them. In this section, we’ll cover a few easy things you can do to find the best product for you.
First and foremost, make sure the brand you’re purchasing is well-respected and known for the purity and effectiveness of their product. Many companies have jumped on board to making CBD products because of their popularity, and therefore able to turn a profit. Don’t fall victim to a low-quality product – do your homework first!
Looking for third-party testing on CBD items is a great way to determine how reliable the product label on the product is. When you choose an option that has third-party testing, you can confirm exactly what is within the formula, what the concentration of CBD is, and any CBD to THC ratios that may be present. This wide-view look at the product in question can give you valuable insight into the quality and value of the CBD you choose.
Another thing you should remember is to pay close attention to the product label. If you know what to look for on these, you have a much better chance of selecting the perfect product for you. Some essential pieces of information that can be found on the product label are:
- Percentage of THC or CBD per serving
- Serving size
- Supplement facts
- Expiration date
- Net weight
- Intended use
- Date and batch codes
Many CBD manufacturers will try to lure you in by labeling their products as “organic” or “all-natural.” These terms are intentionally misleading since they have no scientific basis whatsoever. Additionally, products that claim to contain hemp seed oil or hemp are not as good as they sound. These oils are different from CBD oil derived from hemp, so they have little if any, cannabinoids within them at all.
Taking CBD Oil While Pregnant or Breast-Feeding
Even though CBD oil doesn’t contain and inherently damaging ingredients to pregnant or breastfeeding women, they are not recommended. Since these products are not FDA approved for use in these conditions, it’s not worth the risk. Though it’s ongoing, there simply hasn’t been enough research on the potential short-term and long-term effects of CBD oil.
If you feel you must use CBD while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you should always talk to a health professional first and foremost. There may be a reduced dosage or an alternative product that you can try that will be better for you and your baby.
Potential Negative Effects of CBD Oil
The good news about CBD products is that they offer excellent healing potential without many side effects. Many people that use these products do so without any side effects at all. However, there’s some risk of experiencing the following after trying a CBD product:
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Changes in weight and appetite
The FDA does not yet regulate most CBD products, so the ingredients or dosage could be questionable. Your first defense against this is to do your research and only buy from reputable brands. If the side effects that you notice are worrisome to you, discontinue use immediately. The best next step to take would be to contact your doctor before moving forward any further.
Is it Possible to Overdose from CBD?
There have been several studies on the capability of overdosing from CBD usage. So far, studies have shown that there’s virtually no risk of death or dismemberment from using this product. People have taken up to 1,500 mg of CBD a day with no detrimental effects.
However, there’s some question of whether long-term use could damage the liver. This is mostly in the case of using the product along with other prescription medications but is an idea worth noting. Remember to caution when combining CBD with any other drugs (even over-the-counter varieties), and if you have any doubts, contact your doctor.