Whether you are using it to sleep, to relax or manage anxiety, the right dose is key to your success

CBD seems to be everyone and has some benefits.  But it is difficult to figure out how much to take to manage the condition you are treating.  Science says CBD can help with anxiety, insomnia and chronic pain.  Like medical marijuana, it can reduce inflammation, including with arthritis.  Other research identifies how it might how help with neuropathic pain, which is difficult treat. So what is the best CBD dosage for you?

While some companies have produced kits whichcan test one’s endocannabinod system, testing is not readily available to the general public or covered by insurance. This means your doctor or nurse cannot measure the amount of endocannabinoids present in your body like they can test for, say, deficiencies in Vitamin C or assess your cholesterol levels.

Like other chronic diseases (high blood pressure, headaches, high cholesterol), there is a certain amount of trial and error in to find the right mix. Most of the human studies use dosages anywhere between 20 and 1,500 milligrams (mg) per day.  But it may take a bit to figure out where you are on the spectrum.

Start low and go slow. Start with 5mg of CBD and then slowly increase the dosage as needed until you feel the optimal effects. Most people find that 5-30mg of CBD represents the sweet spot that works best for them. 

Be patient. Realize that it could take up to a few weeks of consistent supplementation to feel the effects from CBD. If you run into unwanted side effects, back off a bit and then try a slower increase. Also, the lower amount of CBD might be your ideal portion.

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Like most medicines, you should not combine CBD with other substances, such as over-the-counter medicine or pharmaceuticals, without consulting with your health care provider. Also, leave at least a two hour window before and after consuming CBD in order to minimize the risk of any potential interactions.

CBD can naturally lower blood pressure and reduce the need for insulin in the body. So if you’re already on any medication for those purposes, be sure to work with your healthcare providers to keep an eye on their levels.

The Fresh Toast is a daily lifestyle platform with a side of cannabis. For more information, visit www.thefreshtoast.com.

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