Experts advise newcomers to start with a low dose of CBD oil, such as 25 milligrams a day, and gradually increase their dose to a level that provides the desired effects. It’s best to navigate this process under the guidance of a qualified health care provider, as reactions to CBD can vary per person.
For CBD oil to take effect, it must first be digested in a process called first-pass digestion. Preliminary research suggests consuming CBD oil with high-fat foods may increase CBD’s bioavailability, but further human trials are needed. CBD tinctures are taken under the tongue and are absorbed by the mucous membranes, which may mean they take effect more quickly, though more scientific evidence is necessary to support this theory.
What Strength CBD Oil Is Best for Me?
There’s no standard dose or potency when it comes to taking CBD oil. Effects vary from person to person and depend on the type of CBD used, as well as other factors, such as height, weight and metabolic function. Furthermore, the effective dose of CBD oil may change based on the intended use—for example, whether it’s being used to support sleep, improve pain levels or reduce anxiety. More research is needed to determine standard effective doses and potencies of CBD oil.
“CBD oil is used—without much supportive evidence—for the self-medication of various conditions, including pain and anxiety,” says Dr. Piomelli. “If someone decides to try it, I would recommend to start with a low daily dose (50 milligrams maximum) and make sure to monitor themselves for side effects like somnolence (drowsiness), fatigue and diarrhea. I wouldn’t exceed a daily dose of 250 milligrams, nor would I take it for more than two to three weeks.”
How Much CBD Oil Should I Take?
The amount of CBD oil an individual should take varies based on the potency of the oil, the type of CBD it uses and desired effects. What’s more, CBD oil effects and absorption rates depend on additional factors, such as a person’s body weight, height and individual metabolism.
Experts generally recommend starting with a low dose and potency and building from there to find the ideal CBD oil dose for you.
How Long Does CBD Oil Take to Work?
Some research suggests holding CBD oil underneath the tongue may lead to absorption through the bloodstream, meaning the effects may be felt sooner than other delivery methods, but additional studies are needed to support these claims.
Meanwhile, CBD oil that is swallowed may take as long as 30 minutes to four hours to take effect, according to Dr. Piomelli. Additionally, research indicates that CBD bioavailability increases when consumed with a high-fat or high-calorie meal rather than consuming CBD alone or on an empty stomach.
“A full stomach speeds up absorption, but it could still take hours for CBD to be fully absorbed,” adds Dr. Piomelli.
