While the research of cannabidiol (CBD) is still in its infancy, the existing studies have shown a promising sign of alleviating symptoms of ailments such as chronic pain and anxiety. While CBD treatments for chronic pain can be applied topically to the local area, treating symptoms related to the central nervous system, such as anxiety, can be a little more complicated.
This article we’ll explore some of the science behind CBD as an aid for anxiety, and how to determine an accurate dosage.
How CBD Can Help Anxiety
In addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD has a heavy influence on our nervous systems. When CBD is ingested, vaped, or applied topically, it is absorbed into the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a big role in reducing stress in our bodies. When CBD interacts with the ECS, this stress-reducing function becomes stronger and more efficient, as shown by this study.
Still, CBD still requires further research and more regulation, so a lot of guesswork is left to the consumer.
In truth, there is no answer that will be absolutely correct. However, you can gauge a dosage based on a series of factors as a starting point, and then adjust from there if need be.
Selecting CBD Beforehand
The dosage won’t matter if your CBD product is poor quality, so make sure to only buy from a reputable company. Reputable companies won’t make false or overreaching claims about their CBD’s results, and their products should come with a certificate of analysis from a third-party lab.
Key Factors in Determining Dosage
Body Weight
Body weight is a factor that directly affects the intensity to which CBD will affect the individual. As a general rule, those with a lower body weight will require less CBD than those at a heavier weight. Generally, those who weigh less than 130 lbs should take 11-15 mg a day, those weighing between 130 and 230 lbs should take 18-24 mg, and those who weigh more than 230 lbs should be taking a dosage between 23 and 31 mg.
Desired Effects
A factor to take into mind is what kind of pain you’re treating and how intense the pain is. If you are taking CBD for chronic pain, you may need a higher dose within your recommended range. Likewise, if you’re seeking relief for occasional muscle aches, you may only need a dose on the lower side.
Tolerance
When taking CBD, there is a chance of tolerance building over time. If you plan to use CBD on a long-term basis for chronic pain-cases such as arthritis, it’s best to start out with the lowest dose possible. This way, if you do build tolerance over time, you have room to increase your dosage.
Concentration
Before doing anything, it’s important to understand how to read the concentration on a CBD product. As you’ve likely seen already, CBD products are typically labeled as 1000, 1,500 and 2,000 mg. To clarify, this does not indicate the concentration of CBD per drop, but rather how much is in the entire container. This means that if a CBD tincture is said to contain 500 mg of CBD, and it’s in a 30 mL bottle, the concentration will be a little over 16 mg per 1 mL serving.
Experiencing Side Effects?
If you find yourself experiencing side-effects like fatigue, nausea, or dry mouth, don’t rule out CBD as a treatment for anxiety just yet, as there is a good chance that your adverse reaction isn’t caused by the CBD itself, but the carrier oil in the product.
Ensure that there are no other causes of your symptoms first, by abstaining from CBD for 3-5 days. If the symptoms go away and you’ve determined the CBD product to be the cause, try reducing the dosage by half. If even then symptoms persist, try a product made with a different carrier oil.
I am deeply convinced that each patient needs a unique, individual approach. Therefore, I use different psychotherapy methods in my work. During my studies, I discovered an in-depth interest in people as a whole and the belief in the inseparability of mind and body, and the importance of emotional health in physical health. In my spare time, I enjoy reading (a big fan of thrillers) and going on hikes.
[email protected]
- What’s the Correct Dosage of CBD for Anxiety? - January 7, 2023
- Cibdol CBD review - October 25, 2022
- Best CBD skincare products for 2021 - October 25, 2022
