CBD Dosage – How Much CBD Oil Should I Take?

Many people choose to take CBD for a variety of reasons. No matter why you want to take CBD oil, you are likely wondering what dose you should start with and how much you want to be regularly taking. 

It Will Depend on You

Unfortunately, there is no easy answer as to how much CBD oil you should take. This is because everyone is different, and there is not enough research into CBD yet to come up with a recommended dose. Early research shows that there may not be a uniform prescribed dose. 

Your ideal dose of CBD oil will depend on a full list of factors, including your body chemistry, your metabolism, your weight, the effects that you want from the CBD, and the strength of the effects that you want. 

As such, finding the right dosage for CBD oil will take some trial and error. 

Milliliters Vs. Milligrams 

As you contemplate how much CBD oil you should take, keep in mind the difference between milliliters and milligrams. CBD oils will tell you how much CBD is in the entire bottle. The amount of liquid or oil in the container will be measured in milliliters, and the CBD content will be measured in milligrams. 

Do Some Simple Math

You will need to figure out how many milligrams of CBD are in each milliliter and then take the appropriate amount of milliliters to meet your desired dose of CBD. 

As an example calculation, assume that you have a bottle with 10 milliliters of CBD oil that contains 300 mg of CBD. You want to take 60 mg of CBD in a dose. To find the milligrams of CBD in each milliliter, you would divide 300 by 10 and get 30. This tells you that each milliliter of the oil has 30 mg of CBD, so you would need to take two milliliters to reach 60 mg. 

Potency Varies So Never Skip the Math

Do not skip the simple division mentioned above and just assume that potency is the same across bottles. Many companies have a set bottle size and several different doses of CBD to choose from. For example, a company may sell bottles with 15 milliliters of oil and either 500 or 750 milligrams of CBD in each. Taking one milliliter of either would give you 33 or 50 mg of CBD, respectively. 

Some Products List Potency

If you do not want to have to complete that basic division, look for a company that includes the dose per milliliter on their product description and bottle. This is not a given, but it is relatively common. 

A Good Starting Dose 

The rule of thumb when you first begin taking CBD oil is to start with a smaller dose and work your way up. As mentioned, there are no official suggestions, but you can look for common recommendations from those with experience with CBD oil. 

One of these common suggestions is to start with between 20 and 40 mg of CBD. Others suggest starting with just a few milligrams of CBD then working your way up. Others have suggestions based on weight. Those who weigh less than 130 pounds can begin with 11 to 17 mg depending on their desired effects. This would increase to 18 to 27 mg for those who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds and 23 to 45 mg if you weigh more than 230 pounds. 

Increases Slowly

You want to try your starting dose for about a week before you increase it. At that point, try increasing it by 5 mg if you still do not have the effects you want. To help you analyze the effects of the CBD on you, keep track of your dose and effects. 

You Need Less CBD From Oil Than Edibles

You also need to consider that the method that you use to consume CBD will impact the ideal dose. Using CBD oil allows your body to absorb more of the CBD, especially if you place it under your tongue to consume it. This means that you will need a lower dose than you would with gummies or edibles. 

Gummies and edibles must pass through your digestive system before the CBD can enter your bloodstream. This process takes away some of the CBD, requiring you to start with a higher dose. Lotions and creams also need a higher dose due to the low permeability of the skin. 

By contrast, vaping or smoking CBD would require a lower dose than CBD oil since it is even more bioavailable and directly enters the lungs and bloodstream. 

You Are Unlikely to Take Too Much

The good news is that you are not going to overdose on CBD if you take too much CBD oil. Multiple studies have shown that you can likely safely consume as much as 1,500 milligrams per day of CBD without any significant effects. Considering that it is an incredibly high dose, you should be fine. 

Keep in mind, however, that we still do not have much research into the long-term effects of CBD in larger doses. 

Side Effects Are Rare

Most people will not experience side effects from consuming CBD. If you do notice adverse effects, they will be minimal. The most common ones include appetite changes, diarrhea, and fatigue. For most people, those are minor enough to deal with, and as mentioned, most people do not even notice side effects. 

You Should Consult Your Doctor First

Another critical thing to keep in mind when choosing your CBD dose is to consult your doctor. However, they will not be able to give you an official dosage recommendation. Nevertheless, they can confirm that CBD will not negatively interact with any of your prescription medications or medical conditions. 

The Bottom Line – Do Not Be Afraid to Experiment

The bottom line in regards to finding the ideal CBD dosage is that you should not be afraid to give it a try and test out different doses. You are unlikely to take too much, but starting with a smaller dose reduces your risk of side effects and saves you money.