Before I get into the details, I want to make clear that this is only my personal experience. What works for you might be different.
That being said, there are 4 occasions when I take CBD. It’s taken a bit of trial and error to get here, but let me jump in.
1. When I need a good night’s sleep
This is the most common one. I don’t take it every night. I take it when I’m struggling to get to sleep, or when I know I need to be rested for the next day.
In my experience I get to sleep a little more easily and sleep more soundly.
At night, I use the oil. I take it before I brush my teeth, about 20 to 30 minutes before I want to be asleep. For me, that’s about 0.7ml to 1ml of the Strong oil, which is 35mg to 50mg of CBD. The aim is the lowest amount that works for you, so start lower than that.
2. Before a stressful day
If I’ve got something big coming up like an important meeting or a family event with lots of people, I’ll take some beforehand. I find it calms my mind a little and I feel less distracted.
For these, I use the gummies. I’ll have a couple about an hour before. There’s nothing to measure, and I can take them wherever I am.
3. When I’m achy
Every now and then, if I’ve got inflammation-type aches, I’ll take some CBD. I use the gummies if I’m out and the oil if I’m at home.
4. As a treat
The CBD chocolate is for an evening in with Gemma, my partner and co-founder: a little sweet thing after dinner, or a couple of squares while we watch a film.
Finding what works for you
Some people find taking CBD every day works best for them. I find taking it periodically suits me better.
The key is to keep track of your experience. Write down how much you took and how you felt, and keep doing it for a while. That’s how you find what works for you. Otherwise you’re just guessing. For the general picture rather than my routine, there’s our guide to the best time to take CBD oil.
A note on amounts: in October 2023, the Food Standards Agency lowered its advice for healthy adults from 70mg of CBD a day to 10mg. I take more than 10mg when I use it, which is my own choice.
Joe
CBD is a food supplement, not a medicine. This article describes one person’s experience and isn’t medical advice. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication, check with your GP or pharmacist first.