CBD oil dosage

How is CBD oil properly dosed?

When taking CBD, one usually starts with a low dose. For example, 2.5 mg per kilogram of body weight or 200 mg per day. The increase takes place after three to four days. The daily dose is usually divided into two administrations after meals. However, it can also be taken all at once, for example after dinner. As already mentioned, a fatty meal significantly increases bioavailability. A response often appears after one to two weeks. Tapering the dose at the beginning and end of a CBD oil treatment is not necessary. CBD is effective over a wide dose range. Due to individual differences in absorption and metabolism, dosing and effects of CBD oil vary. Therefore, one should always start with a low dose. CBD is mainly given as a supportive medication. Therefore, when gradually increasing the dose, attention should be paid to desired as well as undesired effects, especially to a possible adjustment of the accompanying medication. The general motto is: “Start low, go slow, stay low,” meaning start slowly, increase slowly, and avoid overdosing. Nevertheless, it is important to find an effective dose, as otherwise the desired effect cannot occur.

How do I determine the right CBD dose in drops?

Many people wonder how to determine the right number of drops of CBD oil. The question cannot be answered clearly. It depends on the CBD concentration, the concentration indication, the properties of the oily solution, and the type of device used for dropping. The best way is to weigh the dose with a fine scale. You can also ask the manufacturer how many drops are in a bottle. However, this is often not very precise.

Examples for determining the CBD oil drop dose

1. If 1 g of CBD oil with 10% CBD is weighed, the dose would amount to 100 mg CBD. You can count the drops, write them down, and dose precisely at the next intake.

2. The manufacturer states that the 10 ml bottle of 10% CBD oil contains 250 drops – then 25 drops correspond approximately to 100 mg CBD. Please note that an oily solution does not have a density of 1, but 0.9–0.95.

What dosing information do medical studies provide about CBD?

This table can help determine the dosing range of CBD oil for certain medical indications. The dosages listed in the studies serve only as guidance and do not represent a direct dosing recommendation. We recommend always dosing in consultation with a doctor and adjusting if necessary.

What side effects can be expected when taking CBD oil?

Side effects when taking pure CBD are very rare and usually manifest as diarrhea or soft stools. Since the first use in 1972, no serious intolerances have been reported with therapy using only cannabidiol. Likewise, no cases of overdose are known. Occasionally, side effects such as elevated liver transaminases or sedation, lethargy, and upper respiratory infections have been reported. These are usually due to accompanying medications (transaminases especially valproate, sedation especially clobazam). Since clobazam, like CBD, is metabolized by CYP3A4 and CYP2C19, simultaneous administration leads to about three times higher bioavailability of clobazam/norclobazam. This can lead to increased side effects from clobazam. To a much lesser extent, this also applies to topiramate and stiripentol. No interaction was observed with valproate. Overall, it can be concluded that the risk of interactions can largely be reduced if the CBD dose is slowly adjusted based on clinical effect and any side effects. At low doses, CBD increases alertness and has no or a negligible effect on driving ability and the ability to operate machinery. At higher doses, sedation is possible, especially when given alongside antiepileptics. This should be considered when increasing the dose. CBD should not be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As a fat-soluble substance, CBD passes into breast milk. Before vaccinations, if possible, CBD intake should be stopped, as it may impair antibody formation.