Cannabidiol is one of over a hundred unique compounds (known as cannabinoids) found in the cannabis plant. Because THC (tetrahydrocannabinol: another cannabinoid) gives MMJ patients the euphoric “high” associated with cannabis, CBD and it’s usefulness to the human body has been largely overlooked for many years. Recently, studies are being conducted into the effects of CBD, and much has been made of its potential medical applications.
Medical research into CBD is in its infancy due to the federal classification of marijuana as a schedule 1 controlled substance. More studies are being conducted daily, but for now, experts at the World Health Organization cite limited research and empirical evidence to determine that the regular use of CBD oil seems to have a positive effect on people that are suffering from:
- Epilepsy
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Inflammation
- Pain
How Do I Take CBD Oil?
- Smoking: CBD oil can be mixed with marijuana flower and smoked.
- Vaping: The compound is injected into a cartridge and inhaled or “dabbed” from a nail.
- Eating: Cooked into your favorite foods or swallowed.
- Sublingually: CBD oil is suspended in alcohol and placed under the tongue for rapid absorption.
- Topically: CBD oil can be applied to the skin directly via topicals.
Dosing is largely dependent on how CBD is consumed and what it is being used for. For example, for muscle pain, a large dose of CBD taken orally can be less effective than a small dose inhaled. Neither may be as effective as a topical application. Dosing is further complicated by the fact that potency can be inconsistent from one product to the next. Cannabis is a new (and still federally illegal) industry, so there are no universal standards from provider to provider.
How Long Does CBD Oil Take To Work?
This is another tricky question. Age, sex, BMI, diet, metabolism, the condition being treated, and the severity of your symptoms can all impact how long it takes for you to see the effects of CBD oil. CBD oil may bring you relief instantaneously, or you may have to wait an hour or more to feel its effects. Also, different methods of consumption can produce different timetables. Oral ingestion takes the longest while vaping and sublingual can be immediate.
How Much CBD Oil Should I Take?
The simple and frustrating truth is that there is no “magic dose” of CBD oil that is consistent for all patients, products, and symptoms. Even pharmaceutical medications merely offer dosages as a guide. Only through close monitoring over a long period can a physician determine your effective dosage.
The good news is you can’t overdose on CBD, so experimenting with CBD oil is relatively risk-free. Keep a record of how much CBD oil you take, what time you take it, and how you feel throughout your day. For more accuracy, you can include variables such as your weight, diet, sleep schedule, and exercise. The more detailed your entries, the more you’ll learn about your overall health with and without CBD therapy.
Start by taking a low dose one or two times a day and slowly increase over time until you reach your “sweet spot.” Be patient! Even though you can’t overdose on CBD, you can build a tolerance if you consume too much too quickly. This could prove expensive in the long run and could lessen CBD’s efficacy in the short term. CBD is biphasic, meaning that consuming too much may have the opposite effect of taking a small dose.
The staff at All Greens Clinic are well educated in CBD and look forward to helping you find the CBD regimen that’s best for you. Contact us to make an appointment for your medical marijuana evaluation and certification. We are happy to address any questions you may have about CBD oil and its effects on your body. In the meantime, check out our blog to learn more about how cannabis can help improve the quality of your life.
