CBD gummies are an excellent way of taking CBD. They are discreet and delicious, making them perfect to snack on wherever and whenever you are. However, it is also why so many people have problems determining the correct dosage. With such a tasty snack, it is easy to get carried away; on the other hand, if you think carefully about each calorie you consume, you might not be taking enough to reap the benefits. As such, it’s no wonder that newcomers to the CBD world ask themselves: ‘how many CBD gummies should I eat?’
Sadly, the answer is not so simple. There’s no one universal CBD dosage that will work the same for everyone, and anyone who claims differently is either trying to trick you or has no idea what they’re talking about. For this reason, it’s always advised to start with the minimum CBD gummy dosage and increase it if needed. Also, it goes without saying that you should consult with your doctor before introducing any substance to your organism, especially if you take daily prescription medication.
Taking CBD gummies might seem a bit tricky in the beginning, but it doesn’t have to be this way. To help you, we have prepared an extensive CBD gummies dosage guide. Below, you will find useful information regarding determining how many CBD gummies to take and how to start.
What Determines the Right CBD Gummies Dosage?
As mentioned above, there’s no one CBD dosage that will fit everyone — there are several factors that influence CBD dosing range, including your individual characteristics and the strength of the product. Let’s go through them one by one.
Your Body Weight
It’s true for all kinds of medications and supplements; simply put, the heavier you are, the more CBD you will need for it to work as intended. Though it’s not the only factor, your body weight influences the way you process and absorb different substances.
As such, most manufacturers will include information about the recommended CBD gummy dosage according to the user’s body weight. While it’s not foolproof, it’s the perfect starting point for your CBD journey.
If you can’t find such information, you can calculate your initial CBD gummies dosage. As a rule of thumb, you should take 1-5 mg of CBD per 10 pounds of weight and slowly increase the daily dosage until you feel the desired effects, so make sure you know how much of the substance there is in your chosen CBD gummy.
Your Metabolism
Weight and metabolism are indeed connected, but what still eludes the attention of so many people is that there are other factors in play, too — your activity level and diet also play a significant role. The faster your metabolism is, the higher dose of CBD you need to experience its health benefits. On the other hand, if you have a slower metabolism, then you might be able to get away with fewer CBD gummies.
Furthermore, your metabolism affects how quickly you get used to CBD (which may require you to consume higher doses) and how long you need to wait after taking CBD before you see the results.
Moreover, as CBD gummies travel through your digestive tract, if you take them on an empty stomach, you will experience the effects faster, but they will wear off quite quickly. Conversely, if you eat them right after a substantial meal, you will have to wait longer, but the effects will be more pronounced and long-lasting.
CBD Concentration in a CBD Gummy
Not all CBD gummies are created equal. While most of them contain between 10-20 mg of CBD per gummy, some manufacturers go above and beyond. If you choose a product with a higher CBD concentration, you will need fewer gummies to feel the effects, especially if you’re a beginner.
Some products may even deliver around 60 mg of premium CBD isolate per gummy. So, before taking a gummy bear or two, ensure you know how much CBD they offer.
Consequently, it’s vital to stick to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Even if you are used to other CBD products, e.g., CBD oils, but you have decided to switch to gummies, you should still start small. Consuming too many CBD gummies (or other CBD edibles) may result in unpleasant side effects, such as drowsiness, nausea, dry mouth, diarrhea, and generally upset stomach.
Full-Spectrum CBD Gummies vs Broad-Spectrum CBD Gummies vs CBD Isolate Gummies
Another factor that can help you pinpoint the correct CBD edible dosage is the type of product you use. When it comes to CBD, there are three main types: full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate. Knowing the differences between them is vital for finding the correct dose.
- Full-spectrum CBD products include all the naturally occurring compounds found in the plant, including CBD and other cannabinoids, traces of THC, terpenes, and flavonoids. According to many CBD experts, these compounds synergize with each other to provide you with the best effects possible, creating the so-called entourage effect. As a result, according to preliminary studies, it’s the most effective type of CBD product.
- Broad-spectrum CBD products contain the same compounds as the full-spectrum but without any THC (which may be present in full-spectrum CBD, though not in quantities to get you ‘high’ in any way).
- CBD isolate is simply pure CBD, as it contains nothing but CBD and shouldn’t contain any traces of THC or other cannabinoids.
Making CBD gummies is possible with all three types of CBD.
The Bioavailability of Your CBD Gummy
The bioavailability of CBD gummies (and other products) is a concept that determines how much of a substance will actually reach your bloodstream and get absorbed. Then, it needs to stay there long enough to reach the relevant tissues and organs.
There are many different factors influencing the bioavailability of CBD – the most significant ones are the delivery method and the ingredients. When it comes to CBD gummies, they offer some of the lowest bioavailability among CBD products. It means that you’ll need more to achieve the desired results, or you won’t be able to achieve them at all.
But it’s not only about your average CBD gummy; it’s simply the way it is when you ingest CBD. This is because CBD is fat-soluble and gets excreted too quickly, making it more difficult for your body to absorb it. Your stomach’s chemistry is not without importance either; its digestive acids and enzymes and then the liver deal with CBD faster than it manages to reach other parts of your body.
CBD gummies and capsules offer the bioavailability of around 20% at best; very often, it’s even lower. For a more potent effect, you’d better off switching to vaping and smoking, or products taken sublingually.
One way to increase the bioavailability of your CBD gummies is, as we have already mentioned, to eat them after a substantial meal. You can also look for CBD strengthened with additional fatty acids like hemp oil or coconut oil.
Your Body’s Tolerance and Desired Effects
It goes without saying that your body’s tolerance to CBD affects the dosage you need. If you’re a regular consumer, you will likely need to take more CBD gummies to feel the effects. It also means that if you try CBD for the first time and experience no effects, it’s a good idea to try increasing your dosage rather than giving up.
Moreover, if you are taking CBD to achieve specific but moderate effects (e.g., pain relief or anxiety management), knowing how many CBD gummies to take is of vital importance; after all, it needs to help you with your problem but also keep you going through the day with a clear mind and right energy levels. You can always increase your CBD gummies dosage next time, but starting with too much may result in drowsiness or mental fogginess.
On the other hand, if you want to try CBD for recreational reasons or more serious conditions (e.g., severe chronic pain or mental issues), you can take advantage of high doses for more substantial effects.
The Reason Why You Want to Take CBD Gummies
This might be the most important factor of all.
If you are taking CBD gummies for recreational purposes, feel free to experiment a little with your dosage – if you feel like having more in your system, have another CBD gummy or two after a while and observe how you feel. The same goes for people who want to try CBD because they are in search of its potential health benefits.
However, if you have been prescribed CBD by a doctor and have decided to take it as part of your treatment, make sure to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations. If they advise you to start with a set dosage and stick to it, then that is exactly what you should do. If you have a medical condition, there is no sense in pushing your body beyond its limits.
A lower dosage of CBD may reduce stress, improve focus and sleep quality, calm you down, and relieve mild pain. Hence, if you struggle with severe pain, inflammation or anxiety, or chronic insomnia, you will probably need a couple of more CBD gummies.
Of course, even the high-quality premium CBD is not a panacea; the fact that it does wonders to your aunt and her sleeping problems doesn’t mean it will help you manage your pain or anxiety.
Your Body Chemistry
Taking other medications may influence the right dosage of CBD gummies. Moreover, if you have a condition that requires specific medication, it’s always best to check with your doctor before introducing CBD into the mix – some meds may not be compatible with CBD, while others will require a higher dosage.
Your body’s specific characteristics may also influence how long you will have to wait for CBD to kick in. In fact, it’s not unusual for people to start feeling the CBD benefits after two weeks of eating CBD gummies or taking the substance in any other form.
On top of that, CBD works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system. ECS is active in your body even if you have never taken any cannabis products before and supports a plethora of essential functions and processes, from sleep and mood to appetite, memory, or even fertility. While scientists don’t know much about it yet, or how CBD influences it exactly, the interactions are undeniable. As such, considering that CBD supports your already-working ECS, the efficacy of CBD oil, CBD gummy, and other products will depend on the state of your own system and its deficiencies.
Needless to say, even though it’s extremely rare with proper dosage, if you experience any unwanted reactions to CBD, be it hemp gummies or CBD oil, stop taking it immediately and consult with a healthcare professional.
As you can see, there are several different factors you need to take into account when deciding how many CBD gummies to eat. It’s not an exact science; instead, it’s a matter of trial and error.
Are CBD Gummies Safe?
CBD gummies are just as safe as any other CBD products, be it CBD oil, lotion or vape juice, providing you’re buying from a trustworthy manufacturer that sources organic cannabis plant from a reputable source. As such, it’s important to do your research, and read as much information about the CBD product you’re interested in before purchasing.Aim for the best CBD gummies made from natural ingredients, always look for third-party testing, and make sure they are free of artificial flavorings, pesticides, and chemicals. It’s recommended to check the product reviews to see what others have to say.
The CBD industry is still in its infancy. Though there are some regulations, there are still many so-called producers who try to take advantage of the high demand for cannabis products by selling low-quality, often contaminated CBD oil or edibles.
When it comes to how much CBD is safe for you to ingest, there’s also no one-size-fits-all universal dosage. However, it’s not possible to lethally overdose on CBD.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Whether you miscalcuate the dosage of CBD oil or eat a few CBD gummies more than recommended, you only risk experiencing relatively mild side effects. The most common of these are:
- dry mouth,
- dry eyes,
- irritation,
- dizziness,
- drowsiness,
- mild nausea or diarrhea,
- changes in appetite,
- lethargy (or feeling sleepy).
If you experience any of the above side effects, try to regulate your CBD gummy dosage. Watch out for signs of an allergic reaction and discontinue use if you notice anything unusual. Then, as mentioned above, there’s also a possibility of interference with your prescription drugs, so always check with your physician that there are no contraindications.
Final Note: How Many CBD Gummies Should I Eat?
There are other ways to consume CBD, but gummies are one of the most popular and convenient methods. However, they are also the source of many misconceptions due to their seemingly innocent look and taste. While CBD gummies are a delicious way to consume your daily dose of CBD, the truth is that there is no one-size-fits-all method.
CBD is a powerful supplement that, when taken correctly and responsibly, can help you maintain your health and well-being, treat certain health conditions, and improve your overall quality of life. Providing you’re buying high-quality CBD from a reputable source and can determine the ideal dosage, you can reap the rich benefits offered by the substance.
Still, answering the question ‘how many CBD gummies should I eat?’ is tricky. If you are not sure about the suitable CBD dosage for gummies, stick to the recommendations on the label and consult with a healthcare professional. At the end of the day, you need to find out what works perfectly for you. Whether you want to use CBD for recreational purposes or for medical reasons, be mindful of your reactions and adjust your CBD dosing accordingly. Remember, only you know your body best.
Sources:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6334252/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7324885/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/endocannabinoid-system
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30624194/
