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How do I know if my CBD oil is working? What do I need to do if my CBD oil is not working? Do you find yourself asking these questions?
Whether you are a current user or a potential user, the proper understanding of CBD oil is essential to determine its potential success.
If you are having trouble identifying how CBD is working then this post is here to help you. The purpose of this post is to give a simplified answer to what to expect when you are taking CBD oil.
I Want To Try CBD Oil – Where Do I Start?
The most important thing you need to do when you are wanting to try CBD oil is to make sure you do your proper due diligence and select high quality CBD oil. Not all CBD is created equal. There are some high quality products from reputable companies and others that aren’t so great.
Some quick tips are that you want CBD produced from organic hemp harvested in the United States. You also want to have a products produced from a company that also utilizes independent 3rd party testing. This verifies the potency and ingredients in the product. Failure to do so can be a total waste of money or potentially dangerous. There could be potential dangers lurking in your CBD Oil.
There are numerous products that are on the market. If you are taking it orally you will most likely be looking at CBD edibles or a sublingual extract. The CBD edibles can be very popular and people have seen results from them. However, there are a lot of problems currently with the FDA on having CBD oil added to food items.
Additionally, dosing can be a potential problem since it goes through your digestive tract. Some of the CBD can deteriorate and not be absorbed once it goes through your digestive tract. This can vary upon the individual. There are some pros and cons to edible CBD products. If you are seeking the most effective means in order to take CBD oil you cannot beat the optimal efficiency of a sublingual extract.
Drop under the tongue allow the best means to be absorbed and get into your bloodstream. They may not be as fun and trendy as the edibles but they are the most effective.
How Do I Know My CBD Oil Is Working?
CBD works in conjunction with your endocannabinoid system (ECS). It helps create a balance with deficiencies and depending how deficient your ECS is will determine how much CBD you will need in order to restore the balance.
Remember each person is different and we all have slightly different body chemistry. First be sure to speak with your physician, especially if you are taking any other medications. If you are given a specific dose from your provider then begin with that.
The most likely scenario is you will have to find the right dose for you. There is a technique for this. I will guide you through the sublingual extract dosing strategy (as this is the optimal and most effective means to take CBD).
**Important** If you are looking at a sublingual extract bottle you will see concentration level. For instance it may say 500mg, 750mg, 1000mg etc. This just tells you how much CBD is in the bottle. Simple mathematics will mean that a 1000mg bottle will have more CBD in one dropper than the 500mg bottle (twice as much). So when you begin to figure your dosage just bare that in mind so you can begin to calculate the dosage that works for you.
There are full spectrum varieties that typically the best. The have CBD oil along with other cannabinoids (including very low amounts of THC) which optimize its effects. However, some may opt for a THC Free (Isolate). These contain just CBD. You can read the pros and cons here.
Step #1: Be sure to agitate the bottle and mix the ingredients so the all are distributed evenly.
Step #2: You want to start low and slow. Start with smaller doses. Don’t use the entire dropper. Start with ¼ of a dropper. Put it under your tongue (don’t swallow). Allow it to sit under tongue for 60-90 seconds. This will allow it to be absorbed (then you can swallow). Repeat this small dose 2 times a day for the first day.
Be mindful or make notes of how you feel. If you are trying CBD for pain, chart any changes of pain. If you are trying CBD for relaxation and sleep, make notes for that as well. Regardless of what you use just keep notes. This will help you find your individual sweet spot.
Step #3: Repeat this process over several days and gradually increase the dose. You can do this every 2-3 days. Just chart the dosing in your notes. This is helping you to get your individual dosage. This strategy of starting low and gradually moving up helps your body to proper acclimate while also allowing the individual to chart the amount that helps relieve their symptoms.
Step #4: Over some time you will eventually find the amount that works for you. This will be the dosing that you need. Now that you have established your individual therapeutic sweet spot you know the proper amount that meets your needs. If you are working with your physician you also have the amount you are taking. This will help with follow-up visits that you may have scheduled in the future to track the progress.
I Don’t Think My CBD Oil Is Working – What Should I Do?
CBD oil may not be all things to all people. However, its very important that you have a high quality CBD oil. Secondly, you have to be patient and follow the process. Do not always expect to take it once and expect it to immediately begin to work. Do not get discouraged if you see others get relief sooner. Everyone’s body chemistry is different and some may need more time than others.
That is the reason behind the dosing logic. This will allow you to find the spot that works for you. A friend or family member may have theirs, you will need to be patient and find yours.
Important! Most of the time people are unable to see the benefits because they did not follow the process and take the dosage each day gradually to establish their therapeutic level.
Now its still possible that it may not work for you specifically. If you have followed the process (honestly) for several weeks, then it may not be the right option for you. Its very important to understand that you need to give it proper time.
Conclusion
Be sure to do the proper due diligence and find a high quality product. Second follow the process to find your correct individual dose. Speak with your physician, especially if you are taking other drugs and medications.
Finding your dose can take some time and its advise to go low and slow. This allows your body to individual acclimate and for you to easily chart the dose that works for you. Most of the time those who fail to find that CBD oil works for them did not give adequate time during the process.
I wrote a previous post that included new dosing guidelines from the Arthritis Foundation. It also included some very insightful survey information about CBD Oil. You can check it out here.
If you have questions I am here to help, seriously. Leave a comment below or contact me.
