You might have heard, read about, or even researched the effects of CBD. Well, for those who might know a thing or two but aren’t well acquainted with the most prominent cannabinoid that’s present in the Sativa cannabis (second to only THC), here’s a quick rundown:
CBD, in pretty much all its forms, has been known to help with relaxation, insomnia, chronic pain, and depression, just to name a few. While its effects haven’t been adequately researched and proven, it is often considered an excellent choice for treating these problems and conditions. It doesn’t cure; it helps out, which is an important distinction.
Well, we want to focus on using CBD products for relaxation. Which CBD option is the best for you, how should you use it, and most importantly, how much do you need to relax?
Types of CBD products (and which ones are right for you)
When it comes to CBD, there are plenty of options widely available, from gummies to skincare products; there is something for everyone. Oils and creams are two of the most popular and effective CBD products.
Now, depending on how you’ll use them, even just the subgroup of oils has so many options that it might seem jarring to make a choice. They can be taken orally, sublingually, or topically; all three are viable options depending on what you’re using the oil for. But because you’re here, we’re guessing you’re using it to help relax.
You must try certain products to see which ones work best for you. It is also a good tip to look online for the various types there are, you can start by taking a look at this post titled CBD vs CBDA from Woven Earth. One of the most important factors is whether you are a beginner. If you have used CBD or any other kind of cannabis products in the past, you will probably be able to consume more substantial concentrations than a newcomer would. But what happens if this is your first time and you either took too strong of an oil or you took too much; are there any risks?
Remember how we said that CBD is often used for insomnia and relaxation? You can probably see where this is going. CBD products make you sleepy and tired, so you might not want to experiment with dosages before an important meeting.
What to consider
Getting the correct dose is essential, but you must consider a few things before calculating. The three main factors are your body weight, what you’re using the CBD products for, and what their CBD concentration is. You have to remember that every one of us is different, and the differences in our body chemistry show that best.
Sure, we’re all made up of the same components, but how you live, what you eat and drink, etc., can affect how your system handles any foreign substance. So while it is essential to follow the calculations and guidelines, know that there are variations to the rules. Two people of the same age, weight, and height might both start using CBD at the same time but have entirely different experiences.
If you’re just trying to relax here and there, starting with small doses and bringing the concentration up to over time is perfectly fine. But if you’re already being treated for specific conditions and taking any medication for them, you must first consult with your doctor. Relaxing usually refers to relieving one from stress and anxiety.
CBD products can help with both things, but if you’re already seeing a professional about your anxiety or high-stress levels, you might as well leave it up to them to decide on your dosage or if CBD is the right path for your moment.
Calculating your dosage
Certain CBD products can be consumed without a strict regime or planning (meaning you can take one too many without worrying). That doesn’t mean you can consume these products without thinking it out first, but some room for error makes a big difference during a busy day.
These are usually edible products, like CBD gummies or soft gel capsules. They are all marked with precise units, so you’ll still be able to know what dosage you’re consuming, don’t worry. But these doses are usually in the 50 milligrams range, and while they’re a bit limited because you only get that one dosage, it’s easy to plan out your day by just picking out, let’s say, three gummies or capsules in the morning or evening.
But, we mentioned that oils or creams might have the edge over these products, and one of their advantages is the dosage flexibility. You have a certain amount in the bottle, and you can just take as many drops as you need. But how much does that drop weigh, and how much CBD is there in it?
Well, unfortunately, this is where one of the disadvantages starts. Well, as accurately as possible, the best option is to assume how much CBD that drop can provide you. Let’s say that you have a 30ml bottle and that that bottle has about 1,200 mg of CBD.
Well, one drop weighs around 0.05mL, according to any research you might do online, so we can calculate further with those measurements. If we divide the total 1200mg by the 30mL, we will conclude that there’s 50mg of CBD per 1mL. If we multiply that by the 0.05mL in one drop, we get the result of 2.5mg per drop.
That might not be a perfect calculation there, given that not every drop will be the same, but it’s more than enough accuracy for you to get the proper daily dosage.
All you need to do to get started is do these calculations based on the CBF concentration in your product, figure out how much there is in one drop, and start adding up the drops. We know it’s not fun to get out the paper, pen, and calculator and start adding drops – but it’s the best way to understand how much CBD you’re taking.
The alternative option is to contact the company that makes the product directly. They will probably provide you with numbers on the concentration of one drop (some will even go further than that). You can then use that to get the correct dosage.
So how much CBD do I actually need to relax?
Well, there are no rules: you must figure that out yourself. Talking to other people who have more experience helps. If you know someone who leads a similar life and has tried using CBD for stress relief and relaxation – they’ll probably be able to give you some advice.
The most important thing is to start small and up your dosage weekly (if that time frame feels comfortable). Starting with about 20–40mg is recommended, with a 5mg weekly increase (until you find your perfect dose). If you feel no differences within the first few days, you can increase the dose immediately. Keep an eye out for changes, and you’ll eventually reach your ideal number.
You’re aiming to feel relaxed but not tired; that’s also an important note. While it might feel nice to take a CBD-induced nap occasionally, you don’t want the intake to affect your energy levels. Take your time, find the correct dosage, and enjoy the CBD benefits.
What time during the day are you using CBD?
Splitting up your dose into two parts (one in the morning and one in the evening) is widely recommended, but it is understandable if you want to isolate your CBD intake to a specific part of the day. Some people might not like the possible drowsiness during a busy work day.
You can take your CBD during a stressful situation, as the effect can be immediate with the correct dosages. But please note that this won’t do you much good if you’re still looking for the mentioned dosages. If you take too little, you’ll get more annoyed that nothing is happening. And if you take too much, you’ll just get sleepy, which might be great for some, but it doesn’t help the stress.
Takeaway
Did you get all of the information you needed? We hope so! While we can’t offer you an exact amount that you should consume so that you can relax right on the spot, knowing how it all works hopefully will help you out.
You can’t go overboard with the amounts even if you only roughly follow our instructions. Some research has shown people to tolerate doses as high as 1500mg of CBD per day without experiencing any adverse effects. Stay safe and think your intake through, and you’ll be fine.
Ellen Diamond did her degree in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. She is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
