Navigating CBD Strengths and Consumption Methods: Your Ultimate Guide

In recent years, cannabidiol (CBD) has become increasingly popular for its purported health and wellness benefits. However, with various CBD products and strengths available, determining the appropriate dosage can be confusing. We're here to provide some guidance on what you need to consider if you're a newbie to CBD, in line with the FSA's daily dosage recommendations.

Understanding the Endocannabinoid System

The first step is understanding the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is your body’s own built-in regulatory network. It’s made up of receptors found all over your body that help modulate everything from pain to appetite to mood.  

CBD is non-intoxicating, and interacts with the bodies natural ECS system to ramp up your natural endocannabinoid levels. It may help treat conditions like anxiety, seizures, and pain by increasing endocannabinoid signalling and helping to block pain receptors.

How do I take CBD?

CBD can be consumed in various ways, including orally and through topical application. Each method has its own set of advantages depending on the user's needs and the desired effects.

Topical application of CBD involves applying it directly to the skin. This method is particularly beneficial for targeted relief, as it allows the CBD to interact with receptors in the localised area. It's important to note that the skin is the most absorbent organ in the human body, making topical products an effective way to target specific areas. 

Oral consumption of CBD, on the other hand, includes methods such as swallowing CBD oil, capsules, edibles, or drinking CBD-infused beverages. This method allows CBD to be absorbed through the digestive tract and be metabolised by the liver, sending its active compounds throughout the body over several hours. Oral consumption is ideal for those seeking long-lasting effects and ease of use. However, it's important to remember that this method might take longer to kick in compared to others, as the CBD needs to pass through the digestive system before reaching the bloodstream. Therefore, those looking for quick relief might consider other methods, but for sustained impact, oral consumption is an excellent choice.

What Does CBD Strength Mean?

CBD strength refers to the amount of CBD per dose, measured in milligrams (mg). Lower-strength CBD generally has 250-500mg per bottle, medium-strength has 500-1,000mg, and high strength is anything over 1,000mg per bottle. Typically, those choosing high-strength CBD will be looking to treat more intense symptoms.

How to Calculate the Potency of Your Products

Understanding the potency of your CBD products is crucial for determining the appropriate dosage and achieving the desired effects.

CBD potency refers to the concentration of CBD in a product, typically measured in milligrams (mg). This measurement indicates how much CBD is present in each serving or dose of the product. 

This information is typically provided on the product label or packaging. Look for the total amount of CBD in milligrams (mg) and the serving size or number of doses per container. We've put together a handy guide for calculating the dosage amounts for our Isolex Oil Drops, which are consumed orally.

Taking 1 dose daily is estimated to last roughly 37 days.

Consider Your Body Weight and Metabolism.

When determining the perfect CBD strength for your body, it's important to consider factors such as your body weight and metabolism. These factors can play a role in how your body processes and responds to CBD.

Heavier individuals may need a higher strength to feel CBD's effects. Faster metabolisms also process CBD quicker, so a slightly higher dose may be required if you do not initially feel the effects.

Assess Your Level of CBD Experience & Consider Your Desired Effects.

If you're new to CBD, it's generally recommended to start with a lower strength and gradually increase as needed. This allows your body to acclimate before potentially increasing the strength once you're comfortable.

Before choosing a CBD strength, it's also important to determine what effects you are looking to achieve. Are you seeking relief from pain or inflammation? Do you want to reduce anxiety or improve sleep? Understanding your desired effects can help guide you in selecting the appropriate CBD strength.

For example, if you are using CBD for mild pain relief, a lower strength may be sufficient. However, if you are dealing with chronic pain or severe symptoms, a higher strength may be more effective.

What CBD Strength Should I Take?

Determining your ideal CBD strength is a personal journey that requires listening inward, being patient with yourself, and finding what works best for your individual needs. While guidance and research can help point you in the right direction, only you can decide what makes you feel balanced and well.

Remember that your optimal dose depends on your body chemistry, the severity of your symptoms, the condition you're treating and the concentration of CBD you'll be consuming. It's also important to note that CBD affects everyone differently, so what works for one person may not work for someone else. 

Remember to honour where your body is now, start slowly, and remain open. Allow yourself to be curious, responsive and flexible as you discover your perfect CBD match. View it not as a single fixed destination, but as an ongoing exploration toward holistic wellbeing.

You may find that your ideal strength changes over time as your body's needs evolve. That's normal too. Keep checking in with yourself, and remember that optimal health is a winding path, not a straight line. Most importantly, remember to treat yourself with compassion every step of the way.