If you are new to the world of CBD, your experience may be both exciting and overwhelming. As a newbie to the game, you probably have many questions, including how much CBD you should begin with.
But we have your back because this post provides insights and tips to help you navigate the process with confidence and clarity. Ready? Let’s begin.
The General Rule: Start Low and Go Slow
Almost every seasoned CBD user will give this sage advice to newcomers to the scene: “Start low, and go slow.” This is a specific mantra that reigns supreme among CBD and THC circles. It might sound like a catchy phrase, but it is actually a fundamental principle that can make or break one’s journey to the CBD industry.
Since there is no universally appropriate dosage for everyone, the recommended low dose is 5 – 10mg daily. Then, see how your body responds to this small dosage.
After a week of this dosage, you can gradually increase it by 5mg. Sustain this increment until you attain the desired effects of CBD, such as its potential benefits. Then, you have probably attained the right dosage.
Why start low?
Our bodies are as unique as our fingerprints; we have our own individual body chemistry. Whatever works for one individual may not produce the same satisfactory outcome for another. CBD affects everyone differently, which perfectly explains why beginners must start with lower doses to mitigate any unwelcome reactions.
Why go slow?
Here is where the true magic happens, in the “go slow” part. After about a week of taking a small dose of your preferred hemp-derived CBD products, you should be able to observe how they have affected your body.
Suppose you are ready to improve your lower dose; adding CBD by just 5 milligrams is recommended. Some brands may provide a recommended schedule on their product labels, but the 5-milligram increase can be a safe starting point to achieve higher doses.
It is important that CBD beginners acknowledge the fact that there is no need to rush this process. As the common saying goes, “Slow and steady wins the race.”
Factors to Consider for Beginner’s CBD Dosage
Based on health professionals and CBD veterans, several factors need to be taken into account to achieve the precise dosing. Below are some of what we can share with you:
Body weight
One factor to consider when finding the ideal CBD dosage is a person’s body weight. Many may find this simple, but it can actually significantly influence how much CBD your body can handle.
Now, let us give you an essential scoop: typically, individuals with higher body weights may find that they require a larger dose of CBD to achieve the desired effects, and vice versa. Clinical data tells us that a larger body mass often means more cells with a greater surface area for absorption.
Conversely, a person with less body weight will realize that they need a smaller CBD dosage to attain their optimal dose. However, with fewer cells to cover and a smaller surface area to penetrate, a smaller dose can still pack a powerful punch.
What you are using it for
CBD oil is a versatile plant extract, meaning its optimal dosage varies depending on the specific health condition or outcome that users aim to achieve.
Let’s consider a sample scenario. Suppose people use potent CBD oil to alleviate joint and muscle pain. In this situation, a conservative dosage (a few milligrams of sublingual CBD oil twice a day) is the most logical option to attain the correct dosage and avoid the side effects of too much CBD concentration.
Such a cautious approach allows the body to acclimate to the CBD product being administered to it. If, after a week, the desired effects are not met, consumers may increase the dosage by a small increment.
How will you take it?
For beginners, the form in which they consume CBD products can substantially influence their ideal dosage of CBD. The type of CBD products you prefer to use also affects how effectively your body absorbs it and how quickly you’ll feel its effects.
Let’s unpack this further.
CBD Oils and Tinctures
These are consumed by placing the extracts under the tongue, which could lead to faster absorption into the bloodstream. Some brands sell CBD sublingual sprays.
CBD Edibles
The digestive system ingests and metabolizes CBD-enriched foods such as CBD gummies or chocolates. Edible CBD products, like CBD Gummies, have a delayed onset, yet they produce prolonged effects. In the case of CBD gummies, some provide energy, empower the immune system, and help people sleep.
CBD Capsules
Like Gummies, CBD capsules are swallowed and travel through the digestive tract. Later, the digestive system processes the CBD, resulting in a delayed onset of effects.
CBD Creams and Lotions
Applied directly to the skin, these CBD topicals are famous for their targeted relief to specific body parts. Stirling has a unique lineup of CBD creams and lotions that produce a calming effect or even usher the person to a state of renowned relaxation.
CBD Vapes
Taking CBD using vape allows for rapid absorption into the bloodstream through the human lungs. CBD smokables result in a quicker onset of effects compared to oral ingestion.
Here’s where it gets interesting: doses can vary among different forms of CBD products. For example, a standard dose in CBD gummies might hover around 5 milligrams per gummy, whereas tinctures and oils may contain approximately 1 milligram per drop.
To put it simply, understanding the form in which newbies are taking CBD is essential for determining the proper dosage.
Ongoing medications
High-quality CBD products are typically well-tolerated. However, it is still vital to understand how it might interact with the drugs a specific patient is using.
Here’s the deal: CBD can potentially influence the body’s manner of metabolizing certain medications. This suggests that the cannabinoid could affect how the body processes and utilizes other drugs. The outcome may potentially interact with or alter the effectiveness of the mentioned drugs.
Some animal studies conclude that CBD may influence the metabolism of some blood thinners and immune-suppressant drugs. Considering this possibility, first-time CBD consumers who have ongoing medications should seek advice from a certified healthcare provider.
More Tips for Beginners
- Always go for reliable sellers.For CBD newcomers, take note of this golden rule: Only buy from reputable CBD sellers. Remember that the CBD market in the US is largely unregulated. This means there’s a risk of encountering mislabeled or low-quality products. To avoid this pitfall, shop from trusted brands known for the safety and effectiveness of their inventory, such as Stirling CBD.
- Approach a professional.First-timers in the CBD world may benefit more if they seek advice from certain professionals. An expert opinion from a healthcare professional is a key factor because they offer guidance on the right dosage tailored to your needs. The staff at CBD stores can also help you experience an outcome by suggesting the best CBD products.
- Take CBD products before bedtime.Why is this step a good tip? Drowsiness is one known side effect of CBD gummies, oils, and other ingestibles. Unless your healthcare provider suggests otherwise, using CBD before sleep—or during your downtime—can be smart. Some experts agree because this tip helped them while they were still learning how their body reacts to all different types of CBD, including CBD gummies.
- Vape CBD instead of smoking it.In the ongoing debate of whether users vape CBD or not, the majority of the available evidence seems to suggest vaping as the safer approach. One reason for this is that smoking can destroy some of the natural plant oils due to incineration. Vaping, on the other hand, heats substances without burning them, preserving more of their beneficial properties.
Getting to Know CBD More
What is CBD?
CBD, abbreviated from Cannabidiol, holds a significant position among the various compounds found within cannabis plants. With an array of more than 100 cannabinoids recognized, CBD serves as a central focus of scientific investigation, prompting numerous studies into its potential impact on human physiology.
Although THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) often shares the spotlight with CBD, it represents merely a singular facet of the extensive cannabinoid spectrum. Other notable cannabinoids encompass:
CBN (Cannabinol)
Arising from the degradation of THC, CBN displays mild psychoactive characteristics and is occasionally employed for its potential to induce relaxation, especially in promoting sleep.
CBG (Cannabigerol)
Often revered as the “parent cannabinoid,” CBG acts as a precursor to other cannabinoids like THC and CBD. It holds potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
CBC (Cannabichromene)
Lacking psychoactive effects, CBC exhibits potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
THCV (Tetrahydrocannavibarin)
Sharing structural resemblances with THC, THCV produces distinct effects. It may act as an appetite suppressant and has attracted attention for its potential involvement in weight management.
CBDA and THCA (Cannabidiolic Acid and Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid)
These acidic variations signify the unaltered forms of CBD and THC within cannabis. Upon exposure to heat, like during smoking or cooking, they undergo decarboxylation, transforming into their active counterparts (CBD and THC).
As CBD continues to captivate interest due to potential therapeutic benefits, its intricate interaction with the body and its array of cannabinoids underscores the multifaceted nature of cannabis and its possible contributions to health and well-being.
What are the different CBD products out there?
Shops all over the country have shelves full of CBD – like tinctures, gummies, tablets, hemp pills, and topicals.
Three primary varieties of CBD extracts dominate these categories:
Full spectrum – Full spectrum extracts contain trace levels of THC (0.3% or less) and every other naturally occurring cannabinoid, terpene, and flavonoid found in hemp plants. Studies indicate that the amalgamation of these constituents could lead to the “entourage effect,” augmenting the comprehensive influence of cannabidiol (CBD).
Broad-spectrum –Â Designed to be a THC-free alternative, broad-spectrum CBD has all the terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids present in hemp, with the exception of THC. Users of broad-spectrum CBD may continue to gain other components’ synergistic effects even in the absence of THC, which is known as the “entourage effect.”
Isolate –Â This is the best option if you’re looking for pure CBD. With a high concentration of CBD, this type of CBD oil is free of terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids.
There is a CBD product out there to fit your preferences, whether you’re drawn to the full spectrum comprehensive blend, the broad spectrum THC-free promise, or the pure simplicity of isolate CBD.
How is CBD extracted from an industrial hemp plant?
Extraction of CBD from industrial hemp plants employs various methods, each with distinct procedures and factors to consider.
Post-harvest, the material undergoes one of four primary extraction methodologies:
Carbon dioxide extraction:Â Recognized widely as one of the most effective and accurate methods, this process employs CO2 to separate CBD oil from the plant material. It yields CBD extracts with concentrated potency and minimal contamination risk.
Steam distillation:Â Although less efficient, this technique involves extracting CBD by subjecting the plant material to steam. Relying on heat and vapor isolates desired compounds but may yield lower potency and quantities than other methods.
Solvent extraction:Â Utilizing solvents like ethanol, acetonitrile, or hexane, this approach dissolves CBD oil from the plant material. While effective, it can be contentious due to potential residual solvent contamination and safety hazards posed by flammable solvents.
Solventless extraction:Â Some manufacturers prefer solventless extraction due to its amazing advantages. The process does not involve using solvents or any other chemical to separate the cannabis compounds. It is an innovative approach that uses traditional Hash and Rosin processing and efficient machinery to extract cannabinoid compounds. Stirling exclusively utilizes the cavitation method to obtain essential hemp cannabinoids.
Is CBD legal?
CBD’s legal status is intricate, influenced by federal and state legislation, it’s origins, how it’s consumed, and marketing strategies.
On a national scale, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 excluded hemp from the legal classification of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This bill facilitated CBD product marketing by permitting the cultivation of industrial hemp with under 0.3% THC. However, exceeding this THC limit categorizes hemp as marijuana, illegal federally.
State regulations are pivotal, with some upholding stringent cannabis laws despite federal shifts. In Texas, for instance, CBD is lawful if THC content is under 0.3%, in line with federal criteria.
Consumers navigating CBD legality should stay informed about evolving cannabis laws and seek legal guidance if needed. With rapid changes in legislation nationwide, understanding state-specific CBD regulations is crucial to compliance and avoiding legal repercussions.
How to Choose Safe and Reliable CBD Products
Check how CBD is sourced.
Best CBD brands source their products from USA-grown hemp plants. One good reason is that American hemp farmers are bound to observe strict guidelines regarding pesticide use, cultivation practices, and quality control. Thus, when you buy CBD products, they must have their origins from USA-cultivated hemp plants.
Choose a brand that prioritizes organic ingredients.
Organic farming avoids the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers. By choosing CBD goods that are the byproducts of organic farming, you minimize your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
Certificates of analysis are crucial.
These documents are proof that the product has undergone third-party lab testing. Also called COA, a certificate of analysis tests for the presence of contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, and microbial contaminants. Reputable CBD companies where Stirling CBD belongs provide COAs to demonstrate transparency and accountability to their customers.
Go for a brand that has knowledgeable and responsive customer support.
This factor ensures that clients’ concerns and questions are addressed properly and promptly. If customers can access responsive customer care, it cultivates peace of mind and builds trust in the CBD brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much CBD should a beginner take?
A beginner can consume 5 – 10 milligrams a day.
Are CBD Gummies a good choice for beginners?
CBD gummies are a good choice for beginners, as they have specific dosages. CBD gummies are “fine-tuned” and tested to ensure the exact amount of cannabinoids in each product. Like all products, when taking CBD gummies, start off slow and work your way up.
Is CBD similar to medical cannabis?
CBD is not similar to medical cannabis since the latter contains high concentrations of THC. However, both compounds can deliver certain therapeutic benefits.
Does CBD offer pain relief?
Emerging research studies suggest that CBD can offer specific pain-relieving properties. Some types of pain it can address involve joint and muscle pains.
Is too much CBD bad?
While CBD is generally well-tolerated, taking too much can lead to side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, and changes in appetite.
What is a CBD isolate?
CBD isolate is the purest CBD product you can avail yourself of. It typically comes as a crystalline powder or solid and contains no THC.
Is ingesting CBD better than inhaling it?
Ingesting CBD could lead to a slower onset of effects. However, these could last longer. On the other hand, inhaling CBD results in a faster onset of effects, but they typically last for a short period only.
What are the potential health benefits of CBD?
Scientific investigations suggest that CBD can lead to certain health benefits such as inflammation reduction, improved sleep, pain relief, and neuroprotective effects.
Conclusion
Now that you know the “Start Low, Go Slow” principle, you must feel empowered on how you can begin your CBD journey. By following the guidelines we set in this post, discovering the right dosage for you is just within your reach. Combining patience and safe experimentation, you are all set to embark on an exciting adventure. Cheers to a fulfilling journey with CBD!
