Cannabidiol (CBD) is available in many forms, including oils, tablets, and creams. The ideal dosages vary depending on both its form and usage. There is little research, though, so doctors are not yet able to confirm the safe, beneficial dosages for each use.
CBD is an active ingredient in the cannabis plant. Products that contain CBD may provide a healthier lifestyle.
The CBD market is growing at a fast rate, and the body of research is expanding. However, there is still confusion about the laws, how to use CBD, and its safety and effectiveness.
CBD products are legal, though their legal status varies among states. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not control most CBD products. As a result, the quality, amount of CBD per dose, and safety of the products can vary dramatically, and it is difficult to calculate an optimal dosage.
This article looks at the dosages of CBD, including the research into which dosages are safe and effective, as well as the possible risks of using CBD products.
Uses and dosages
To date, the FDA have only approved one cannabis-derived product, which is called Epidiolex, and it is only available by prescription. This approval covers the treatment of seizures in people with severe types of epilepsy called Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.
The dosage for Epidiolex, a form of CBD oil, is as follows:
- The starting dosage is 2.5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight (mg/kg) twice daily, making a total dosage of 5 mg/kg each day.
- After 1 week, people may increase the dosage to 5 mg/kg twice daily, which is a total of 10 mg/kg per day.
All other products that contain CBD fall outside FDA regulations, so there are no official guidelines for their dosage. Some manufacturers are advertising CBD products with unproven medical claims, and the quality and safety of these products can vary.
Before using any other CBD products, a person should speak to their doctor about appropriate dosages.
The dosage that a person takes will depend on the method of administration that they are using and the specific product. Methods of administration include:
- CBD oil solutions
- CBD capsules
- tablets that a person places under the tongue (sublingual)
- nasal sprays
Recently, a wider range of products containing CBD has become available. These items include food products, dietary supplements, cosmetics, and animal health products.
Research into CBD therapy is still in its early days, and scientists need to conduct many more research studies to determine the benefits and risks of CBD products. Importantly, researchers need to work out the ideal CBD dosages that are both safe and effective for each condition.
Source: MNT