Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last few years, you’ve heard about CBD.
The funny thing is, just a few years ago, hardly anyone knew about CBD oil. Today, that has changed dramatically. Now there’s a huge demand, and millions of people are trying CBD oil as a wellness supplement for a variety of reasons. Many also give it to their pets!
Maybe you’ve heard a little. Maybe you’ve heard a lot. But if you’re just getting started, it can feel a bit confusing. That’s okay! You’re not alone. Figuring out CBD oil dosage and how to take it can feel overwhelming.
We’ve created an easy guide to help you get started.
CBD Basics
CBD oil (cannabidiol) is one of the many cannabinoids found in cannabis. It can be extracted from both hemp and marijuana, the main difference being that hemp-derived CBD contains naturally less THC.
When you take CBD, it interacts with a system in your body called the Endocannabinoid System (ES). ES receptors are found throughout the body — in the brain, nervous system, major organs, and more. This system helps maintain balance in the body, and CBD can support the ES in doing that.
CBD Oil Dosage
We’re often asked: “How much CBD oil should I take?”
While CBD dosage isn’t an exact science, our Dosage Calculator is a good place to start. It provides guidance for both humans and pets based on weight. You simply choose human or pet, enter the weight, and the calculator suggests a starting dose.
Example for an 80 lb dog:
Start with a lower dose, then increase slowly until you find the right amount that works for your situation.
A few tips:
- Give it time to work in your body.
- Try taking it with certain foods to support absorption.
- Be patient — sometimes it takes a few days of consistent use to notice effects.
Trial and error is perfectly normal. Some people notice effects after a single dose, while others may need several days (or even weeks) to see the full results.
How to Take CBD
Once you know your starting dose, the next question is how to take it. There are several options:
- Ingestion: This means taking CBD with food or drinks — smoothies, gummies, or even some recipes. Capsules fall into this category too. While convenient, digestion may slow absorption and reduce the concentration slightly.
- Sublingual: This is our recommended method. Place drops under the tongue and hold for several seconds. CBD absorbs through the mucous membranes, bypassing digestion and the liver, so it can act faster.
- Inhalation: Vaping CBD provides almost immediate effects, though typically shorter-lasting than sublingual use. Ensure products are lab-tested and free of harmful ingredients like vitamin E acetate.
- Topicals: Applied to the skin, these are often used for localized issues. While this method isn’t about systemic dosing, it’s a useful option to know.
Can You Take Too Much?
Concerned about overdoing it? Clinical studies have safely used doses up to 1,200 mg daily for months without serious side effects. That’s far more than most people need. So unless you plan on taking multiple bottles a day, the risk of taking too much is very low.
