Cannabidiol (CBD) is available in many forms, including oils, tablets, and creams. The best amounts depend on the form and how it is used. CBD is an active ingredient in the cannabis plant. Products containing CBD may provide some health benefits, but they can also pose risks.
The legal status of CBD products varies among states. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not control most CBD products. It is challenging to determine the most effective dosage because the products’ quality, the amount of CBD in each dose, and their safety can all vary significantly. More research is necessary for doctors to confirm the safe, most effective dosages for each use of CBD.
This article examines CBD dosages, including the most recent research, influencing factors, and potential side effects of CBD products.
Is CBD Legal?
Hemp was removed from the Controlled Substances Act’s legal definition of marijuana in the 2018 Farm Bill. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws.
Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.
Dosages
Epidiolex Dosage
Has only approved one cannabis-derived product, called Epidiolex, an oral solution available by prescription. This approval covers the treatment of seizures in people with severe types of epilepsy called Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.
The dosage for Epidiolex to treat seizures is as follows:
- The starting dosage is 2.5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight (mg/kg) twice daily, making a total dosage of 5 mg/kg daily.
- After 1 week, people may increase the dosage to 5 mg/kg twice daily, to a total of 10 mg/kg daily.
- Doctors may increase this dosage to a maximum of 10 mg/kg twice a day if the affected person tolerates the initial dosage but still experiences seizures.
Possible Side Effects Of CBD
Further research on the safety of CBD is necessary. However, there is some information about potential health risks.
FDA-Listed Side Effects
The FDA lists the following potential side effects of CBD:
- Drowsiness or other changes in alertness
- Digestive issues, such as diarrhea and lower appetite
- Changes in mood, such as irritability and agitation
- Liver failure or injury
- Interactions with other medications
- Injuries that result from mixing alcohol or other depressants and CBD
Several factors determine what CBD dosage a person can take, including the usage, the administration method, and the person’s weight. Although more evidence is necessary, researchers highlight that some medications and substances can interact with CBD, which may also affect the dosage that a person can tolerate.
The FDA has only approved one CBD product. Research on the possible uses, dosages, benefits, and safety of CBD is ongoing. All other CBD products fall outside FDA regulations, so there are no official guidelines for their dosage. Some manufacturers may advertise CBD products with unproven medical claims, and the quality and safety of these products can vary.
Before using CBD products, a person should speak with a qualified healthcare professional about appropriate dosages.
Administration Method
The method of administration and the particular product determine the ideal CBD dosage. Methods of administration include:
- CBD oil solutions
- CBD capsules
- Sublingual, when a person applies CBD under the tongue
- Sprays
Research into CBD therapy is still in its early days, and more research is necessary to determine the benefits and risks of CBD products, including the ideal dosages for various health conditions.
Uses
Evidence supports CBD as part of a treatment for epilepsy. However, the authors highlight mixed results on CBD’s benefits for other health conditions, including anxiety, pain and inflammation, schizophrenia, and more.
The authors emphasize the need for more research, particularly focusing on the potential adverse effects of CBD and the lack of regulation in retail products containing CBD.
Research Into Dosage
As the FDA has only approved the use of CBD for specific forms of epilepsy, doctors may not know what dosage people should take when they use it for other reasons. Dosages in clinical research vary considerably depending on the administration method and the health condition. Daily dosages ranged from less than 100 mg up to 900 mg.
The following table lists some administration methods and dosages from studies in the above review that examine CBD’s therapeutic effects on different medical conditions.
What Dosages Are Safe?
World Health Organization (WHO) Statement
By the World Health Organization (WHO) states that CBD research suggests a low toxicity level in CBD. However, the report emphasizes that research has not yet explored all potential effects. Addictive properties. It may also contribute to respiratory depression in some people, which can require respiratory support.
Since there is no cure for CBD toxicity, avoiding it is essential.
CDC Warning
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also emphasizes that some CBD products may contain other potentially harmful ingredients,
such as:
- Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
- Fungi
- Heavy metals
- Pesticides
- Bacteria
What To Know About CBD Distillate
Cannabidiol (CBD) distillate is a liquid containing a refined form of CBD. The distillation process helps to remove some other compounds from the cannabis plant, providing a higher concentration of CBD. Cannabinoids are one of hundreds of phytochemicals, or plant compounds, found in the cannabis plant. CBD is a cannabinoid that may possess several potential health benefits. While more research is still necessary, this could include reducing inflammation, pain, and anxiety.
Many CBD products contain other cannabinoid compounds, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), or other cannabis plant compounds called terpenes. These may cause unwanted side effects in some people. However, in some cases, cannabis plant compounds may work together to strengthen CBD’s benefits. Some production methods can extract a purer form of CBD into a liquid called CBD distillate. This article explains CBD distillate, compares it to CBD isolate, and breaks down the potential benefits and risks.
