Optimal CBD Dosing: Everything You Need to Know

There is no standardization of CBD dosing, nor is there an FDA-recommended dose. The optimal CBD dosage varies from one individual to another, and finding the right dose for you requires some self-experimentation. The process works something like this:

1. Identify the benefits you hope to get from CBD
2. Decide which form of CBD you want to use
3. Determine your optimal dosage and timing based on bodyweight, form of CBD used, and the half-life of CBD
4. Manage side effects

CBD Half-Life and Onset of Effects

The elimination half-life of CBD in human beings ranges from 18 to 32 hours. That means that once you take CBD, it can continue to affect you for days afterward. That said, the active life of CBD — the duration for which you'll truly feel the effects — is much shorter.

• Inhaled CBD typically has an active life of around two hours
• Ingested CBD lasts for upward of four hours, taking longer to be fully absorbed into the bloodstream
• Onset for ingested CBD: typically 30 to 90 minutes
• Onset for inhaled CBD: within 1 or 2 minutes

Which Conditions Can Be Treated with CBD?

CBD is used to treat a number of different conditions ranging from chronic pain to anxiety. Three factors in particular depend on the condition you're treating: your optimal dosing, the form of CBD used, and the optimal ratio of CBD to THC.

CBD is used for a wide variety of conditions, including cancer, nausea, high blood pressure, schizophrenia, epilepsy, and autism. Below we cover the four most commonly treated ones.

Chronic Pain

The management of chronic pain is one of the most common uses for CBD oil. Surprisingly, a systematic review of controlled trials found limited evidence that CBD alone is efficacious for chronic pain. However, research does suggest CBD may be primarily useful for treating neuropathic pain — pain stemming from a neurological cause.

Insomnia

Research on CBD for insomnia is more positive — CBD is indeed effective at treating insomnia and has fewer side effects compared to THC. CBD also has an advantage over sleep aids like Ambien in that it does not alter the normal sleep-wake cycle — it won't make you groggy the next day at minimum effective doses.

• Onset insomnia (difficulty falling asleep) — a vaporizer or oral spray produces a faster, more pronounced peak effect
• Sleep-maintenance insomnia (waking in the night) — ingested CBD lasts longer and is the better option

Anxiety & Depression

A systematic review found substantial evidence that CBD is effective for a range of anxiety disorders. CBD also shows signs of efficacy in treating panic disorder and may help with PTSD by altering a patient's feelings about negative memories.

For depression, CBD and SSRI combination therapy could offer a way to realize the benefits of antidepressants with fewer side effects — research suggests the two have a synergistic effect at low doses.

Other Promising Uses

1. Anti-cancer properties — CBD appears to have anti-cancer properties, though research is ongoing
2. Liver protection — CBD has been found to protect against liver damage by guarding against oxidative stress
3. Blood pressure reduction — evidence suggests CBD reduces blood pressure, at least short-term
4. Epilepsy & schizophrenia — initial evidence suggests CBD may be useful in treating both
5. Autism spectrum disorder — promising pilot studies indicate CBD can improve behavioral measures in children with ASD

Forms of CBD and Deciding Which to Use

CBD Vape Oil

Fastest-acting form — full effect within 1–2 minutes, making it easy to titrate your dose. Inhaled CBD has higher bioavailability than ingested CBD, so 1mg inhaled produces blood levels 1.5–2x higher than 1mg ingested. Effects last about 2 hours. Tends to be the most expensive form.

CBD Tincture

A liquid CBD oil taken orally or mixed into a beverage. Onset within as little as 15 minutes — faster than edibles or capsules. Tinctures have more consistent absorption from person to person, and tend to be the cheapest form at around 5–10 cents per milligram.

CBD Edibles (Gummies)

Gummies are the most common edible form — easy to make, long shelf life, and consistent CBD levels from piece to piece. Most available at dispensaries in a wide range of dosages and CBD-to-THC ratios. Typically 10–25 cents per milligram. Onset falls between tinctures and capsules in speed.

CBD Capsules

Less common and slightly more expensive, but offer the most precision in dosing. Capsules are absorbed most slowly — onset often takes more than an hour. Best for those who need to be extremely precise, such as when combining CBD with prescription medications.

Oral CBD Spray

Very new and uncommon. Absorbed through the skin inside the mouth, going directly into the bloodstream for rapid onset of around 2–5 minutes. In practice, produces a biphasic effect — some is absorbed quickly through skin, some is swallowed for longer-lasting effects. A potential good compromise between speed and duration.

How to Determine Your Optimal CBD Dosage

The "standard" CBD dosage is roughly 1 to 6mg of CBD per 10 lbs of bodyweight. Studies have used as much as 300mg in a single dose, but starting low is always recommended.

Here's what each dosing label means:

• Daytime Initial Dose — Your first dose of the day, taken any time up until dinner. Use the absolute minimum to avoid grogginess.
• Evening Initial Dose — First dose taken after work or dinner. Slightly higher since some grogginess is more acceptable in the evening.
• Pre-Bed Dose — Much higher, both to induce sleep and to last through the night without wearing off.
• Re-Dose — Taken when symptoms return after the initial dose wears off. Much lower than initial because CBD's 18–32 hour half-life means significant amounts remain in your system.

Gradually Titrate Up or Down

After a few days of using CBD, assess how well it's working. If your initial dose is always effective, reduce by 25% and see if that still works. If it's frequently not enough, raise by 25% and try for a few days before adjusting again. Adjust your re-dose to stay at roughly 25% of your daytime initial dose.

How to Manage Side Effects

Anxiety

CBD usually reduces anxiety, but a rare few experience a paradoxical increase. Try reducing THC in your blend, or adding a little if there is none. If that doesn't work, consider other solutions like meditation or avoiding stimulants.

Changes in Appetite

Appetite can go up or down. THC usually raises appetite while CBD can occasionally lower it. Try adjusting the CBD-to-THC ratio, or take CBD shortly after meals to minimize any appetite effects.

Changes in Mood

CBD usually has a mildly relaxing effect. If you experience more profound effects, try adjusting the CBD-to-THC ratio or eliminate other substances like caffeine or alcohol. If that doesn't help, decrease your dosage.

Diarrhea

This side effect is caused by difficulty digesting CBD — only ingestible forms cause it. You can avoid this entirely by vaping or using an oral spray instead.

Dizziness

Often caused by THC rather than CBD. Can also be triggered by dehydration or low blood sugar — try having a small snack and drinking water before use. If that doesn't help, decrease your dosage. This is one of the more important side effects to address due to risk of accidents.

Drowsiness

Often a desired effect, but can be dangerous during the day. Usually countered by consuming caffeine or avoiding CBD on an empty stomach.

Nausea

A rare side effect. Can sometimes be prevented by adjusting the CBD-to-THC ratio (usually increasing THC), changing timing relative to meals, or avoiding taking CBD on a completely empty or overly full stomach.

Pregnancy

Two More Tips for Minimizing Side Effects

• Take tolerance breaks — A week or two off every two to three months prevents the need to gradually increase your dosage and keeps side effects low.
• Consider synergistic combinations — Low-dose CBD combined with magnesium or melatonin may improve sleep with fewer side effects. For pain, combining with low-dose ibuprofen may enhance results.

Further Reading

CBD isn't a magic pill, but many people find it very helpful for relieving symptoms with minimal side effects. Depending on why you're interested in CBD:

• For insomnia: The Complete Guide to Curing Insomnia
• For stress: Using Biofeedback to Decrease Stress
• For chronic pain: Chronic Pain Survival Skills
• For cognitive enhancement: The Best Nootropics for Productivity

Ready to find your optimal CBD routine?