Here are some some basic principles and best practices to help you ascertain effectively the correct CBD dose that works for you. 

CBD can affect each individual differently, with some people finding a bit of relief with a 5mg microdose (or even less) while others need 50mg of CBD in order to feel any discernible effects. So how can you ascertain how much CBD you need to consume? 

While some companies have produced kits that can test one’s endocannabinod system, testing is not readily available to the general public or covered by insurance. This means that your doctor 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.

As such, your doctor cannot determine how much CBD you need to take given your particular body chemistry. This is why you need to engage in the process of self-titration by testing yourself to achieve your own personal optimal dose.

Anna Symonds, Director of Education for East Fork Cultivars, offers some some basic principles and best practices to help you ascertain effectively the correct CBD dose that works for you. 

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.

Symonds also advises not to 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.