Establishing Your CBD Dosage
How much should I take?
The number one question we are asked by our customers is “how much should I take?”, which is really difficult to answer. There are multiple things to consider when establishing a personalized CBD dose – what issue are you treating? How severe is the issue? How do you metabolize cannabinoids (something you wouldn't know till you start consuming cannabinoids)? What is your body-fat percentage (no judgement!), and what is your activity level? Although we cannot provide a generic dose for anyone and everyone, we can provide some guidance for establishing your personalized dose.
Establishing a recommended dose of cannabidiol (CBD) for a particular issue is difficult for a variety reasons. Firstly, the bioavailability (the proportion of a substance to have an active effect when introduced into the body) of CBD varies, depending upon how it is administered. Meaning, if you were applying CBD topically verses taking it orally, the amount of CBD to enter your bloodstream would vary significantly. Listed below are the different means of administering CBD in order of highest to lowest bioavailability:
- Inhalation (vaporizer/smokable flower): Highest bioavailability. When inhaled, the cannabinoids and terpenes pass directly into the bloodstream from the lungs. Peak blood levels are achieved almost immediately, but do drop-off faster than other applications.
- Sublingual (tinctures): The cannabinoids and terpenes diffuse into the blood through connective tissue under the tongue. Absorption rate varies (20-60min), and unlike oral applications, sublingual tinctures bypass first-pass metabolism through the liver, meaning a higher absorption rate. >>Shop our sublingual tinctures
- Oral (tablets & gummies): Slower means of consuming cannabinoids and terpenes because the active ingredients must first pass through the gastrointestinal tract during digestion before entering the bloodstream. This can take up to 30-90min. The potency of the cannabinoids and terpenes are further minimized due to “first-pass metabolism” (i.e. the concentration of a drug is greatly reduced before it reaches systemic circulation) in the digestive tract. However, at Rx Remedies, we include proprietary plant extracts to our tablets to increase the bioavailability by up to 50%. >>Shop our tablets or shop our gummies
- Topical (balms/roll-ons/lotion): Delivers active ingredients to the bloodstream through the skin. Effects generally take 5-15min, and can last up to 12hrs. >>Shop our topicals
As previously stated, how our bodies respond to cannabinoids effects how many milligrams one should consume, and how our bodies respond is based solely upon our endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is responsible for a variety of biological functions, and can be found in each and every mammalian body. It naturally synthesizes the endocannabinoids our bodies produce, and can also be activated by phytocannabinoids, such as CBD and THC. The ECS also responds to terpenes, the pungent oils secreted by the cannabis plant. CBD and terpenes work synergistically together, meaning the therapeutic benefits of each are greatly intensified when combined. Your sensitivity (or lack-thereof) to CBD is based upon your body’s individual ECS, and its response to cannabinoids and terpenes. This is why there is no universal response to cannabis, or even specific strains of cannabis.
As an example, if three different people were to consume a strain of cannabis high in THC, you could potentially have three completely different reactions. One person could feel relaxed and at ease, one could feel anxious or paranoid, and the other could feel elated and energetic. Similarly, if three different people were to consume 20mg of our sublingual drops, one could feel tired, one could feel energized, and the other could feel nothing at all. The first person may need to take less, as 20mg is too sedating. The second is probably taking the perfect dose, and the third requires a bit more.
If you have additional questions about our CBD products or need help selecting a product, contact us at support@rxremediesinc.com. We’re here to help!
