How Much CBD Oil Should a Beginner Start With?
CBD oil is gaining popularity in the UK and around the world for its potential health benefits, but if you’re new to CBD, figuring out the right dosage can be tricky. How much CBD should a beginner start with? Should you take CBD oil drops, capsules, or gummies? And what factors influence the appropriate dosage?
Understanding CBD Oil and How It Works
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound derived from the hemp plant. Unlike THC, it doesn’t produce a high, but it interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to promote balance in the body (Lucas et al., 2018). Research suggests CBD may help with anxiety, pain, inflammation, and sleep disorders (Harvard Health, 2018). Now that we've covered the basics, let's look at how to find the right CBD dosage for beginners.
Factors That Determine the Right CBD Dosage
1. Body Weight and Metabolism
Your body weight and metabolism can play a big part in how you process CBD. If you weigh more, you may need a higher dose to feel its effects, while a faster metabolism might break it down more quickly (Huestis, 2019).
2. Type of CBD Product
Different forms of CBD vary in how they're absorbed by the body, so it's important to consider both the form of CBD and the dose you need to find what works best for you.
- CBD Oil Drops – Placed under the tongue for faster absorption. They're a good option for beginners who want to start with a low dose and adjust as needed.
- CBD Capsules – Slower to act because they go through digestion, but they provide a consistent CBD dosage each time.
- CBD Gummies – Convenient pre-measured doses mean you know exactly how much CBD you're taking, though they take longer to kick in. These have the added bonus of tasting good!
- Topicals (Lotions & Creams) – Ideal for targeted relief on specific areas of the body, rather than full-body effects.
3. CBD Concentration in the Product
CBD oil strength can range from 300mg of CBD to 5000mg of CBD per bottle, so it's important to choose the mg of CBD that best fits your needs. If you’re new to CBD, start with a lower strength like 500mg CBD oil and gradually increase until you find the CBD dose that works for you (Healthline, 2021). For context, our 500mg option comes in a 10 ml bottle, while our 30 ml bottles are available in 1500mg or 3000mg.
4. Your Desired Effects
It's important to consider why you're using CBD when thinking about the amount of CBD that might make sense for you. Typically, the following doses are a reasonable starting point, but it really is very personal, and your metabolism will have a huge impact on how it works for you.
- Low doses (5-15mg/day) may help with mild stress and focus.
- Moderate doses (15-50mg/day) could support anxiety relief and better sleep.
- Higher doses (50mg+ per day) are often used for chronic pain or severe anxiety (PMC8252988).
How Much CBD Should a Beginner Start With?
Start Low and Go Slow
Experts recommend starting with a low starting dose, around 5-10mg of CBD per day, and gradually increasing until you achieve the desired effects (Harvard Health, 2018). This approach helps you gauge how CBD interacts with your body; it can be a good idea to note the impacts as you increase the dosage of CBD. Personally, I find that something over 50mg works for me, but I would recommend starting lower to find your sweet spot. If you can achieve good results with a lower dosage, that's obviously more cost-effective for you as well.
Best Ways to Take CBD Oil for Beginners
1. CBD Oil Drops (Tinctures)
- Absorbed under the tongue for quick effects.
- Start with 5mg per dose, gradually increasing.
- Effects last 4-6 hours.
2. CBD Capsules
- Provide pre-measured doses for convenience.
- Slower absorption, effects last 6-8 hours.
3. CBD Gummies
- Tasty and easy to consume.
- Slower absorption through digestion.
- Effects last 6-8 hours.
Looking for some CBD?
Tips for Beginners Using CBD Oil
- Start with a low dose of CBD – Begin with 5-10mg per day.
- Increase Slowly – Adjust every 3-5 days based on effects.
- Monitor Your Body’s Response – Track how you feel after each dose.
- Choose High-Quality CBD – Look for third-party lab-tested products.
- Be Patient – Effects can take days or weeks to fully notice.
Follwoing these tips ensures that you’re using cbd safely
Potential Side Effects of CBD Oil
CBD is generally well tolerated (reference the World Health Organisation here), but it's possible beginners may experience some side effects. It's more likely if they go straight to very high doses.
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Dry mouth
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Drowsiness
- Diarrhea This is usually from lower quality oils that use carrier oils like MCT oil (PMC7574987).- In contrast, we use the more expensive, higher quality hemp oil as our carrier oil instead.
- Interaction with medications like blood thinners (FDA, 2021).
While rare, if you experience any of these side effects, you should lower your dosage or stop using CBD oil altogether until you have consulted a healthcare professional.
Final Thoughts: Finding the Right CBD Dosage for Beginners
If you’re new to CBD, the best approach is starting low and increasing slowly. Each person’s body responds differently, so patience is key. Here’s what to remember:
- Start with 5-10mg per day, gradually increasing.
- Use CBD oil, capsules, or gummies based on preference.
- Choose high-quality CBD products with third-party testing.
- Monitor effects over 1-2 weeks before adjusting.
- Consult a doctor if taking medications.
By following this CBD dosage guide, you’ll find the perfect balance to experience the benefits of CBD safely and effectively.
References
- Lucas, C. J., et al. (2018). The pharmacokinetics of cannabinoids. PMC6177698
- Harvard Health (2018). Cannabidiol (CBD): What we know and what we don’t. Harvard
- Healthline (2021). CBD Dosage: How Much Should You Take? Healthline
- FDA (2021). Regulation of CBD products. FDA
- PMC (2021). Potential side effects of CBD oil. PMC8252988
- Huestis, M. A, et al (2019). Cannabidiol Adverse Effects and Toxicity. PMC31161980
