Young and old are discovering CBD (cannabidiol) for the first time looking for relief from their ailments and overall wellness support. CBD is the most prominent phytocannabinoid found in the hemp plant. It is recognized for its multiple benefits for humans and animal companions alike. CBD is non psychoactive, non toxic, and taps into the receptors in the human endocannabinoid system, a vast network of receptors that help maintain the body’s overall wellness and support many physical processes. However, some users are concerned that they might experience negative side effects or develop a tolerance or even worse, an addiction, to CBD products. Luckily, CBD is not only reported to be very well-tolerated by users, the compounding effects of CBD may actually increase the benefits for its users.
CBD Dosage Considerations
Unlike many dietary supplements, CBD has been widely studied by researchers since the 1970s. There are a variety of studies that offer comprehensive results. The most notable revolves around Epidiolex, the first FDA-approved CBD drug to treat certain forms of childhood epilepsy. Clinical trials took place on children from two to eighteen years of age. During the study, the participants were given high doses of CBD that were comparable to 1,360 mg. CBD did not cause any severe side effects, even at the high doses administered during the study.
Quality CBD products will have recommended dosing on the label. This is also why products made specifically for children and pets are a better choice than using a general CBD tincture. The customized products are not only formulated for these unique purposes, but provide proper guidance for recommended dosing.
As with any daily supplement, it’s best to consult with doctors to ensure there are no known interactions of CBD with other medications a person is prescribed. And parents may wish to consult with their child’s pediatrician as well.
Can you Overdose on CBD?
As someone considering CBD, you may be worried about possibly overdosing on the herbal supplement. However, studies have shown that people tolerate doses of up to 1,500 mg of CBD well. On the risk of overdose, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found “no signs of toxicity or serious side effects observed following chronic administration of cannabidiol to healthy volunteers, even in large acute doses of 700 mg per day.” The World Health Organization (WHO) states, “CBD is generally well tolerated with a good safety profile.”
Although it is generally safe to use, like any herbal supplement, you want to use CBD responsibly. In the same way that excessive amounts of water can eventually be dangerous, consuming beyond the recommended amounts of CBD could put you at risk and wouldn’t increase the positive effects.
Tolerance of CBD
When a person builds tolerance to a substance, they might need to increase the dosage to gain the same effects they’ve experienced before. Many people confuse tolerance with addiction, but the two are vastly different. Although tolerance to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) can develop, studies and scientific reviews indicate that users of CBD do not appear to build a tolerance or develop an addiction. In fact, long-term users of CBD may develop a ‘reverse tolerance,’ requiring a lower dose of CBD to achieve the same results. This means CBD users may actually need less CBD over time to experience the same benefits.
Benefits of Regular Usage
One of the biggest mistakes some users that are new to CBD make is expecting instant results similar to taking a pain reliever or an NSAID. Because of the compounding nature of CBD, it can take a day or more to start feeling a noticeable difference. It is more of a slow simmer than a rapid boil. Some people start to feel the effects of CBD immediately and others take a little time to start noticing the benefits. Be patient, recognizing that using CBD is a whole body wellness experience, not a magic pill.
Finding the dosage, frequency, and usage method of CBD that is right for you is more of an art than a science. As CBD begins to build up in your system, you often reach what is sometimes referred to as your own personal ‘sweet spot.’ Most people start out with a low dose and then gradually increase it. Keeping a journal to log your results is beneficial for many users. You can keep track of your dosage and your body’s physical and mental response. If you’re not experiencing the benefit you desire, you might try changing your delivery. If you’re currently using a CBD skin balm, try switching to a CBD tincture. Eventually, you will have a clear picture of how CBD benefits your body and what dosage and delivery method works best for your unique needs.
FDA Regulations and CBD Safety
CBD is legal for sale nationwide with proper labeling and documentation. There are many reputable brands and retailers that offer premium products that are considered safe and beneficial by many users. However, it’s important to remember the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers CBD a dietary supplement so it does not regulate its purity. The lack of regulation means that you must remain vigilant when buying CBD to ensure its purity. Ideally, only buy from a reputable retailer who sells brands that offer solvent-free extraction methods and use only organic, naturally cultivated hemp that is free of pesticides and other harmful chemicals.
At Also Organics, we focus on purity. We use only USDA certified organic hemp grown primarily in the lush, green valleys of Oregon.
We offer products that are:
• Non-GMO
• Paraben free
• Solvent-free
• Gluten free
• Petroleum free
• Vegan
• Dye-free
We also provide a third-party lab analysis for each of our products. Simply check the LOT code batch number on your product’s label to view the lab results.
Even our product packaging is eco-friendly when possible!
Getting Started with CBD
The compounding effects of CBD make it even more beneficial for your health. However, it is imperative that you obtain your CBD products from a safe source that uses third-party laboratory testing that issues certificates of analysis for all their products. You always want to know what is going into the CBD products that you purchase prior to use.
In 2017, the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine performed a study that found that 70% of CBD products being offered did not contain the correct amount of CBD proclaimed on the product labels. Around 40% had too little CBD and 25% contained inadequate levels. Also, almost 20% were found to have higher levels of THC than stated on the labels. These findings clearly illustrate the importance of buying only a reputable brand of CBD to avoid any problems.
Nowadays, if you have an ache or pain, you don’t hesitate to take an NSAID or pain pill. In the United States, opioid addiction has never been higher. Individuals who are depressed, anxious or suffering from insomnia also regularly turn to prescription medications. However, such common treatments all have a long list of potential side effects that are unpleasant and dangerous. It’s time to return to nature that is uniquely designed to work with your body to promote overall wellness. The evidence is impressive that CBD is safer and, in many ways, far more effective than many standard treatments.
If you aren’t sure where to start when it comes to CBD, take our quiz to find the product that’s best for you. Still have questions about CBD? Contact Also Organics to learn more about our CBD products.
