Hemp CBD edibles are easily some of the best supplement products. Consumers get their daily dose of CBD in a convenient, discreet, and delicious package.
But while we all may be eager to avoid the irritation or smoking, “hempy”-tasting oil, or bland capsules, we don’t have enough information on the dosage for any of these products.
So what’s the appropriate CBD gummy dosage – or any CBD dosage, for that matter? What’s the best method for CBD dosing? Which ones are the right CBD gummies for you? Are CBD gummies safe?
There are so many questions and – thanks to lack of conclusive research – so few answers. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a rough guideline to follow. Let’s look at how you can pinpoint the right CBD gummy dosage.
Factors Determining the Right CBD Gummies Dosage for You
When it comes to CBD, many assume the most potent dose is the correct dose. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Too many factors are at play to create a concrete CBD dosing guideline.
How many CBD gummies should you eat, then? It depends on many things, so keep the following in mind when finding your optimal dosage.
Bioavailability
Bioavailability refers to the amount of a substance (i.e., CBD) left over for your body to use after being metabolized. Depending on the consumption method, bioavailability can reach 82%.
Unfortunately, edible cannabinoids fall short in this area. When ingested, CBD gummies and similar products have a bioavailability of roughly 20%. If you take a gummy with 25mg of CBD, your body only uses 5mg.
But don’t lose hope yet. A low CBD dosage is the best way to introduce yourself to the product if you’ve never used CBD before. We’ll cover that subject in more detail shortly.
Broad-Spectrum CBD or Full-Spectrum CBD Gummies
Three categories of CBD extracts are available, each with strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong product. It all depends on your needs.
Full-Spectrum
Full-spectrum CBD is the ultimate combination. Also known as “whole-plant” extract, full-spectrum products retain the natural terpenes and cannabinoids in the original plant’s profile.
This unique combination is essential since the fragrant terpenes and minor cannabinoids work together in a synergistic effect that unlocks the full potential benefits of CBD. This is known as the “entourage effect,” which triggers stronger, longer-lasting therapeutic results.
However, there’s a severe downside. Again, full-spectrum CBD products retain all of the host plant’s compounds – including THC. Although the content is only 0.3% THC by weight, it may be enough to trigger a drug test.
Some THC-sensitive individuals may also notice mild psychotropic effects. Fortunately, this rarely occurs.
Broad-Spectrum CBD
While the adage says, “you can’t have your cake and eat it too,” broad-spectrum CBD is one exception.
Carrying all of the critical terpenes and minor cannabinoids found in the host plant, the only difference between full and broad-spectrum is that the latter contains no THC.
This product is perfect for people concerned about THC sensitivity or drug tests.
CBD Isolate
CBD isolate is the polar opposite of full-spectrum. These products contain up to 99% CBD and are entirely devoid of THC.
Unfortunately, isolates lack valuable terpenes and minor cannabinoids in broad-spectrum CBD and full-spectrum CBD products.
They do have some practical advantages. For instance, they’re flavorless and mix easily with many food products without adding an unpleasant “hempy” taste.
Isolates may be a good fit for individuals who use CBD for general wellness but aren’t recommended as therapeutic supplements.
Body Weight
Body weight also determines how much CBD to take and can impact how CBD affects you. Unfortunately, there’s no concrete guideline on how many CBD gummies you’ll need, so it boils down to trial and error.
However, the general rule is that higher body weight requires more CBD. Keep that in mind when trying to find the right CBD dosage.
Tolerance
Cannabinoid tolerance can happen, so CBD is no exception. Initially, you’ll find that a low dose is enough to help. But as your body adapts, there’s a good chance you’ll have to up your CBD intake.
CBD users may eventually need high-potency gummies to maintain their ideal dosage.
Body Chemistry
In short, body chemistry is the chemical composition of your body. This critical factor plays a huge role in finding the correct CBD dosage for your needs.
Internal factors
Body chemistry is a tricky thing to navigate. Unlike body weight and tolerance, there’s no way to outwardly know how much CBD you’ll need or how soon you’ll see results.
For some, taking CBD gummies works like a charm, showing quick results on the first day. Others may find it takes days or weeks, even if they take the right CBD dosage for their needs.
CBD works through various pathways, such as serotonin, GABA, and vanilloid receptors. However, the concentration and distribution of these pathways are entirely genetic, with no two people alike.
External factors
Biochemistry and its interaction with CBD depend on external factors, such as daily prescription medication.
Although we don’t have an exhaustive list, any medication metabolizing with the P450 category of liver enzymes could negatively interact with CBD. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) seem to be particularly concerning in this regard.
A reasonably accurate way to determine if CBD will affect your medication is via the “grapefruit test.” Many prescription labels tell patients to avoid consuming grapefruit. If your drug carries that warning, avoid oral CBD. However, the only way to be sure is to ask your pharmacist or doctor. Don’t try CBD gummies, CBD oils, or any other ingestible form of CBD until you clear it with a professional.
Another external mitigating factor is – ironically – the CBD you consume. Although you can purchase CBD gummies from reputable vendors, separating the wheat from the chaff can be difficult.
Consequently, your “premium CBD” products may contain microbes, heavy metals, pesticide traces, and more. Always check third-party lab reports to verify your product is clean.
Symptoms
We won’t dwell on this one too long since we’ll address this in more detail below. Conventional wisdom tells us that symptom severity can affect CBD dosage. This is true to an extent, but again, CBD dosing isn’t an exact science – at least not yet.
But if we consider the factors above, it’s possible that one person can address their issue with a 10mg CBD gummy, while others might need a lot more.
CBD Concentration
CBD concentration is also a deciding factor, but not in the way you may think. Assuming a higher dose of CBD provides more efficacy makes perfect sense. But CBD doesn’t work that way.
CBD is “biphasic,” meaning dosage can be inversely proportional to efficacy. In other words, too much CBD can be just as ineffective as too little. This complication is why you must start low and slow, no matter the symptoms.
If you take too many CBD gummies too soon, you’ll likely cripple the potential CBD benefits.
Take a minimal amount (no more than 5mg) and work your way up over several days until you notice results.
Benefits of Eating CBD Gummies
Ingestion is a beloved option for taking CBD.
All cannabis consumption methods have strengths. But those strengths can also be weaknesses, depending on your needs. Keep the following in mind when considering if CBD is suitable for you.
Long-Lasting Effects
Compared to alternatives like smoking or vaping, CBD edibles have the most extended duration of effect. Depending on the many factors we covered earlier, CBD gummies and similar products can maintain steady therapeutic benefits that last four to eight hours.
However, this advantage comes with a price. Edibles take longer to kick in than any other CBD option. Typically, people notice a difference within 30 to 45 minutes, but it could take as long as three hours. Consequently, edibles are impractical for sudden, unexpected symptoms.
But if you need a steady, sustained effect over a long period, CBD gummies are the perfect choice for you.
Convenient and Discreet
Let’s face it, the stigma around cannabis (the genus of plants under which “marijuana” and “hemp” belong) is still alive and well. It’s understandable why people may not want to advertise their CBD (let alone THC) consumption to the world.
While smoking is difficult to hide, CBD gummies are indistinguishable from vitamin gummies or candy. There’s no smell, mess, or smoke to make you stand out like a sore thumb.
Accurate Dosing
Correctly dosing CBD is a tricky affair. Smoking is out of the question, but edibles like oils and CBD gummies are precisely dosed. This factor makes it easy to start low and then measure your intake until you find the correct dosage.
Fun to Use
Unless you don’t enjoy the “hempy” taste of CBD oil, you’ll probably be a CBD gummy fan. These fruity-tasting products do an excellent job masking the unpleasant cannabis taste from full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD.
How Many CBD Gummies Should I Eat?
The number of CBD gummies you should eat depends on several factors you’ll only reach through trial and error.
First CBD use
When you first use CBD edibles, choose the least potent product available, then gradually increase the dose over time until you’re satisfied with the effects.
Long-term use
After gradually upping the dose of your CBD gummies, you’ll hopefully reach your sweet spot and experience the potential benefits of cannabis extract.
How Many Milligrams (MG) of CBD Gummies Should I Take?
CBD health supplements are a careful balancing act. But assuming you know your ideal dose, maintaining it is a matter of simple math.
Naturally, consumers who need a more potent dose of CBD should purchase gummies with higher levels of CBD, while milder products are the best value for lower dosage needs.
For instance, if your gummies contain 25 mg of CBD per piece and you require 50 mg, your dose would be two gummies.
CBD Gummies Dosing for Different Cases
Preliminary and anecdotal research suggests that CBD may help mitigate specific symptoms.
Before we get into this, we want to stress that the below categories refer to general symptoms, not any specific condition. Cannabinoid research is still in its early stages. Consequently, CBD has not been conclusively proven to treat any illnesses or disorders that may trigger the symptoms below.
Always speak to a doctor or other health professional before using CBD for therapeutic or wellness purposes.
CBD Gummies Dosage for Anxiety
Anxiety is a normal emotion. Many people deal with job interviews, public speaking, money worries, and introversion as part of daily life. Is CBD the answer?
One study demonstrates how difficult and imprecise CBD dosing can be. The academic review looked at several animal experiments on the calming effects of CBD. Doses ranged from 0.01 mg/kg to 100 mg/kg. Interestingly, the animals receiving 100 mg/kg showed mixed success, depending on the source. Meanwhile, lower doses were consistently effective. The maximum consistently effective dose was 30 mg/kg (Blessing et al., 2015).
When translated to humans, these dosages could be massive. We need to consider that mice aren’t biologically close to humans, so their reactions at specific concentrations won’t mirror ours.
Human Use
Unfortunately, human trials on anxiety use high doses of CBD – usually isolate – in their experiments. Many articles cite dosages based on weight, severity, and type of condition.
However, they offer no evidence to support these numbers. Based on anecdotal posts in forums, people without chronic health issues often report effects on or before the 25 mg mark.
CBD Gummies Dosage for Pain
We can’t discern an exact dose without concrete human studies on pain. But it’s clear, based on anecdotal evidence, that many people use CBD to treat aching muscles, joints, and other bothersome issues.
One 2022 study by GW Pharmaceuticals used cannabinoid mucosal spray to test its efficacy against neuropathic and cancer-related pain. The researchers found that 30 mg of CBD generated results. However, the spray also contained THC, which could have been a mitigating factor.
Nonetheless, neuropathic and cancer-related pain is chronic and often severe. While THC may skew the results for CBD, it’s safe to assume that 30 mg will effectively relieve general aches and discomfort.
CBD Gummies Dosage for Inflammation
Inflammation is another symptom that could show improvement with CBD. As is usually the case, research on CBD and inflammation is limited to animal subjects.
However, the Arthritis Foundation suggests only “a few milligrams” of ingested CBD to start. They don’t specify the exact amount, but their instructions are consistent with the general “low and slow” approach that’s most likely to generate positive results.
CBD Gummies Dosage for Sleep
Everyone has trouble sleeping sometimes, so having CBD on hand could help calm your mind.
According to a 2017 review, the authors cited a study where researchers administered 160 mg of CBD per day to patients with insomnia. Participants found that CBD helped increase sleep time and decreased the number of times they woke up at night.
Considering the clinical nature of those sleep issues, it’s safe to say that the occasional rough night will demand a 160 mg dose of CBD gummies. But this illustrates how high some people’s CBD dosage needs can get.
CBD Gummies Dosage to Relax
“Relaxation” isn’t a symptom, let alone a condition. Nonetheless, many CBD users try gummies to take the edge off after a long day or enjoy a restful afternoon. Some people are generally nervous due to a personality trait or external factors, like personal or career issues.
When it comes to CBD and relaxation, we can’t offer any specific dose. For some, as little as 5 mg of CBD (a starting dose) is enough to help them relax. Others might need a lot more.
Ultimately, follow the “low and slow” rule to find the dose that works for you.
Tips on Finding the Right CBD Edibles Dosage
While “low and slow” may be the methodology for finding your CBD gummies dosage, other factors could affect the number of CBD gummies you’ll need.
Choose High-Quality CBD
Higher-quality CBD generates more potent effects. Some vendors may use fillers, cutting agents, or dilutants to add volume and save money. This trick might keep prices low, but you get what you pay for.
Carefully read the ingredients on your CBD product and always check their third-party lab reports.
Find the Best Value
More potent edibles will deliver a larger dose. Lower-dose gummies provide the best value if your daily requirement is around 10-20 mg.
If your dosage needs are higher, opt for a more potent product. You need to find a balance between value and practicality.
Read Reviews
The best sources for unbiased feedback are forums like Reddit, TrustPilot, and Quora. You can ask questions about dosage and see the amount people use for specific symptoms there.
Odds are you’ll find different answers, but you can use these as general guidelines to make an educated guess on your expected dosage.
Find the Right Vendor
Once you find the right vendor and product, stick with it. Even high-quality CBD gummies can generate different results, depending on other compounds in the source plant (more on that next).
When purchasing CBD gummies, jumping from one product to another makes dosage expectations unpredictable. There’s no need to switch sources if you find one that works. In other words, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Full Spectrum vs. Broad Spectrum CBD Gummies
We covered each of the CBD options earlier, but one thing we need to address is how other components in full and broad-spectrum products affect how CBD gummies work.
The Importance of Terpenes
For instance, myrcene – the most common terpene found in cannabis – is known for its sedating properties. Myrcene may also help reduce aches and other related discomforts.
Linalool also offers similar benefits and a unique ability to potentially control seizures.
Meanwhile, limonene – a physically energizing and mentally calming terpene found in citrus fruits – could help relieve swelling.
Both broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD products are rich in terpenes. It’s essential to consider how they can affect the benefits of CBD gummies and other related products.
This brings us back to what we mentioned above about sticking with a single vendor. Find one that uses indoor growing methods. Growing indoors allows strict climate and nutrient control, creating consistent terpene profiles.
Terpenes are oily compounds found throughout the plant kingdom. Of the over 20,000 known terpenes, 400 have been found in cannabis – although not all will be present in each strain.
But terpenes play a critical role in CBD’s therapeutic effects.
How Long Does CBD Gummies Take to Start Working?
Edible cannabis is unpredictable. Some people notice a difference within 30-45 minutes, but it could take as long as three hours before the effects kick in.
Generally, ingested CBD’s effects peak at four hours and may last up to eight. Take the delay into account and time your consumption accordingly.
Are CBD Gummies Safe to Eat?
Yes, CBD gummies are safe to eat. The World Health Organization acknowledged that CBD is safe to use with no potential for abuse.
However, we should reiterate that prescription medications could interact negatively with CBD. If you take any medicine, you should speak to your doctor before trying CBD.
But if you decide to roll the dice, monitor yourself carefully for strange side effects or changes. If you do experience an adverse reaction, discontinue CBD immediately.
How Many Colorado Botanicals CBD Gummies Should I Take?
Colorado Botanicals CBD gummies come in two denominations. Their low-dose gummies contain 10 mg of CBD, making them ideal for people who are new to CBD or don’t require a large amount.
People who need a higher dose of CBD gummies can opt for the 25mg gummy option.
If you know your ideal dose – for instance, 50 mg – then take two 25 mg gummies. However, if you’re new to CBD, stick with the lower strength option. Start with half of a 10 mg gummy and work your way up gradually.
Where to Find the Best CBD Gummies
The best CBD gummies are all-natural, rich in terpenes, clean, and delicious. Colorado Botanicals checks all these boxes and more.
Colorado Botanicals sources its products from domestic, non-GMO, organic industrial hemp. Each batch of gummies undergoes rigorous third-party testing to confirm the product is free of chemical pesticides, microbes, heavy metals, or other contaminants.
Unlike most competing brands, Colorado Botanicals uses a proprietary cold CO2 purification method to retain valuable terpenes and minor cannabinoids, such as CBG, CBC, and CBN. This combination helps kick the entourage effect into overdrive for the best results possible.
Final Thoughts on How Many CBD Gummies to Take
CBD dosing isn’t an exact science; it isn’t even an inexact science. As we demonstrated earlier, dosages can vary from small amounts to massive helpings in the hundreds of milligrams.
This problem can frustrate new users, who often mistakenly assume that higher doses lead to better therapeutic results.
But until we have more research, a solid dosing guide based on symptoms and weight is impossible to determine. Non-medical sites are inconsistent with their information, and no studies exist to back up their conclusions.
We’d be doing you a disservice by providing CBD dosage guides with no solid references to support them. However, the studies mentioned above and some of the customer feedback we examined allowed us to set some (very) general expectations about dosage requirements for certain symptoms.
At the end of the day, low and slow is the most (if not the only) reliable way to find your ideal CBD gummy dose.
Sources
Blessing, E. M., Steenkamp, M. M., Manzanares, J., & Marmar, C. R. (2015). Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 12(4), 825–836. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1
CBD for Arthritis Pain: What You Should Know. (n.d.). Www.arthritis.org. Retrieved September 7, 2022, from https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing-pain/pain-relief-solutions/cbd-for-arthritis-pain
Sativex Oromucosal Spray – Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) – (emc). (2019). Medicines.org.uk. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/602/smpc
