Whether you’re new to the CBD bandwagon or you’ve been using it for a while now, it’s crucial to optimize your dose, both for your wallet and your own success. If you’re wondering how much CBD you should take, there are many factors to consider. 

There is no universal dosage guideline for CBD, despite being legal in Canada thanks to the passing of the Cannabis Act in 2018. The general recommendation is to speak with your doctor, which is good advice for anyone starting a new health journey.

If you’re going to take CBD for medicinal purposes, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional, especially if you plan to use it to manage serious conditions. Figuring out the right dose of CBD is going to be a case of trial and error, but fortunately, CBD has a good safety profile with no reports of causing public health problems. 

Variables in CBD dosages

Many factors will influence the amount of CBD you should take. Some considerations are easier to pinpoint, like your body weight and the severity of the condition you’re looking to treat. Others are more convoluted and will require trial and error, like figuring out how much CBD works with your unique body chemistry. 

The route of administration will have a big effect on dosage as well. Eating CBD will provide different effects than taking it sublingually or inhaling CBD vapor, for example. You can determine your best method of consumption by establishing where you want the CBD to target. 

You want CBD to go through the bloodstream in most cases because this will allow it to target numerous cannabinoid receptors throughout the body. If you have aches, pains, and inflammation in specific areas in your body, you can start by trying CBD topicals that do not reach the bloodstream but are designed to provide relief in localized areas. 

CBD Topicals

Depending on the size of the product, most topicals will have hundreds of milligrams of CBD present so each use offers a decent dose of CBD. Users should apply CBD topicals generously to ensure they penetrate the skin barrier and can reach cannabinoid receptors in the target area. 

The amount of pain you’re experiencing will determine how much CBD topical to apply. Check the product for serving size and if there is not one listed, apply a generous amount and wait 30 minutes to assess the pain. If it doesn’t feel any different, apply another generous amount serving and repeat. 

This may take some time, but if you’re using a quality product and paying attention to your reactions, you’ll find an optimal dose soon. No more wondering how to find the right amount of CBD for me?

Sublingual Administration

Taking CBD under the tongue, or sublingually, will provide faster relief than eating it because it will reach the bloodstream much quicker. 

Since the CBD will be reaching the bloodstream without digestive interference, you can start with 10-15 mg of CBD for mild relief. If you’re looking for relief from more extreme symptoms, start with 15-20 mg and increase it gradually. It’s always a good idea to take note of how you feel with each dose so you can find the one that is perfect for you. 

The Bottom Line 

Finding your optimal CBD dosage will require some trial and error. Speak with a medical professional if you’re a first time CBD user, and if they cannot provide a recommended dose, start small and increase gradually. CBD has a good safety profile so you won’t need to worry about bad side effects, though too much may cause drowsiness. 

Ready to try CBD for yourself? Mellow has everything you’ll need to find the perfect relief, from tinctures and patches to gels, bath bombs, and everything in between.