Best CBD For Beginners
Once you decide to try CBD, you may wonder how to start using it. What is the best CBD for beginners? Before taking the first dose, consider the type of CBD spectrum, the dosage, and the product form. A wide range of CBD products is available today, so it is important to be informed before shopping.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read):
Knowing how to start using CBD as a beginner is essential to enjoying the most benefits. CBD is available in three spectrums and different potencies.
When using CBD for the first time, start with a low potency dosage and test the effects for a week before increasing the potency. CBD oils and gummies are the most popular products people consume for wellness, but CBD topicals are also available for soothing irritated skin.
Table of Contents
What is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is a cannabinoid found naturally in the cannabis plant. CBD comes from the specially grown cannabis plant called hemp. Hemp plants have less than 0.3% THC, another cannabinoid, per dry weight. The 0.3% limit was set because this is the level at which THC does not cause a high. THC and CBD are the most prevalent cannabinoids in the cannabis plant.
CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not cause a high. It interacts with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex cell-signaling system that regulates many body systems. Clinical research has shown that CBD may improve sleep quality, reduce discomfort, and promote relaxation.
CBD is generally considered safe, but as with any supplement, there is a chance some individuals may experience mild side effects. These can include fatigue, nausea, and irritability. It is also important to note that CBD can interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, due to its potential impact on liver enzymes. Therefore, it’s crucial to discuss CBD use with your doctor before starting.
Choosing the Right CBD Product
When shopping for CBD products, you will first notice the large variety. These include gummies, oils and tinctures, capsules, topicals, and more. CBD oil (including tinctures) and gummies are the most popular options, followed by capsules.
1. CBD Spectrum
What type of CBD should you take? There are three CBD spectrums. You should first understand the difference between the three spectrums to choose the right CBD product.
➥ Full spectrum CBD hemp plant extract contains CBD, all other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other naturally occurring compounds. By law, it may contain up to .3% THC.
➥ Broad Spectrum CBD hemp plant extract contains everything the full spectrum extract does except THC, which is removed during processing for those who do not want to consume THC due to personal or work reasons.
➥ Isolate CBD products contain only the CBD cannabinoid and no other hemp plant compounds.
How can you determine the spectrum of the product you’ve chosen? It’s simple, just read the label. High-quality products always include this information on the packaging and a link to the Certificate of Analysis (COA), where you can find a full breakdown of the cannabinoid content.
These Koi CBD gummies are broad spectrum with no THC added.
If you’re new to CBD, it’s best to start with broad spectrum or isolate products, as they contain no THC and offer a milder introduction to the effects of cannabinoids.
2. Potencies and dosage
CBD products are available in different potencies. Beginners should start their dosage regimen with low-dose CBD products.
A low CBD dosage for beginners would be 5 mg to 25 mg of CBD per serving.
You can test a low dose for a few days to see how your body reacts and work up to a higher dose. If 5 mg seems too low, start with 10 or 15 mg daily for a week.
A review of CBD intake limits recommends an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 160 mg per day for all healthy adults, which is decreased to 70 mg per day if you are pregnant, lactating, or trying to conceive. Remember that these dosages (up to 160 mg of CBD) are high-strength and intended only for experienced consumers.
3. Consumption method, absorption rate, and bioavailability
CBD in oils taken sublingually is absorbed faster than in gummies, because it enters the bloodstream directly through the mouth’s membranes. All edible products go through the digestive system before CBD is released into the bloodstream. Since the absorption rate for gummies and capsules is slower, the effects usually last longer than those of sublingual oils.
CBD oil and tinctures are more bioavailable than gummies because more CBD enters the bloodstream. Bioavailability refers to the proportion of a substance that enters the circulation when introduced into the body and can have an active effect. Some CBD is lost during the digestive process, so edibles, gummies, capsules, and pills have a lower bioavailability.
4. Product types
CBD gummies are more convenient to take than oils. You eat a gummy like a piece of candy. Some people choose gummies or capsules over CBD oil because they can taste the earthy flavor of CBD, even when flavorings are added.
You can easily adjust your dosage of oil or tincture with the product’s dropper. Edibles have a pre-measured amount of CBD.
CBD oil is a versatile option as it can be easily mixed with food or drinks, allowing you to incorporate it into your daily routine. This flexibility can be empowering for beginners, giving them control over how they consume their CBD as they develop a regimen.
5. Possible benefis
All CBD products are available to address specific wellness issues. Clinical research has found that CBD may help improve muscle recovery, immune system functioning, energy and focus. Many people find that CBD has calming and relaxation properties, and products for sleep will improve sleep quality. A recent study found that a low dose of 15 mg of CBD is as effective as 5 mg of melatonin.
6. Additional ingredients and pleasant flavor
Except for isolate products, many oils and gummies are made with additional ingredients, including additional amounts of minor cannabinoids, essential oils, vitamins and minerals. Suppose you do not like the earthy flavors of natural CBD in unflavored products. In that case, there are many flavor options, including orange, strawberry, peppermint, mixed berry, pear, mango-pineapple, lemon, and more.
To sum up here, gummies and capsules are the best choice for beginners when unsure about dosing. Whichever CBD product is chosen, only buy one with a Certificate of Analysis (COA). An independent third-party laboratory prepares the COA and provides a detailed product content breakdown. You can determine the concentration of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids in the product. It also shows whether there are any toxins, like heavy metals, pesticides, and solvents.
Determining the Right Dosage
Determining the correct CBD dosage for beginners requires some experimentation. Many factors influence how CBD is experienced.
- Weight
- Health status
- Metabolism
- CBD spectrum
- Reason for taking CBD
- Current medications
CBD is well-tolerated, but the best dosage is different for each person. There are no clinical guidelines, but the following are some things to remember.
➥ Clinicians agree that starting with a low CBD dose is essential. Depending on the factors mentioned, that can mean 5-20 mg of CBD per dose.
➥ For the first few days, take CBD a few hours before bedtime to assess your body’s response.
➥ Follow the dosage recommendations on the product label. A serving size is usually 1 or 2 gummies or one milliliter of CBD oil.
➥ Take a low dose of CBD for a week and increase in 5 mg increments each week until the desired effects are felt. You can then take as many servings as you like throughout the day while following the maximum guideline of 160 mg daily. However, an often-quoted study found that people can safely take up to 1500 mg of CBD oil.
Top CBD Products for Beginners
1. Medterra Calm CBD Gummies
With 0% THC and a potency of 25 mg of organic CBD per gummy, the broad spectrum CBD Medterra gummies for sleep are excellent for beginners looking to relieve tension before going to sleep. These gummies contain premium CBD and L-theanine, which is also known to help ease mental discomfort. The gummies have a delicious light flavor and are made with organic, GMO-free ingredients.
2. Pure Spectrum Cannabidiol Oil
Pure Spectrum CBD oil is ideal for anyone beginning a CBD regimen because it has minimal ingredients consisting of organic CBD oil, organic MCT oil and organic nutraceutical-grade CBD. A low dose of 16.67 mg of CBD per one ml of oil promotes general wellness. It is made with broad spectrum CBD, making it ideal for anyone seeking CBD benefits without a psychoactive effect. Pure Spectrum gets consistently high marks from customers.
3. Hemp Bombs Original CBD Capsules
If you prefer to take capsules, the Hemp Bombs isolate CBD capsules are a good choice for beginners. They are low potency at 15 mg of isolate CBD per capsule and offer a precise dosage. Other ingredients include L-theanine, magnesium, GABA, and calcium to enhance wellness benefits. Hemp Bombs has an excellent reputation for producing high-quality products because the company oversees the entire production process from CBD extraction to packaging, all conducted in an FDA-registered facility.
4. CBDistillery Oooh Distilled CBD Balm for Soothing Relief
CBDistillery developed a soothing balm for irritated skin that is Leaping Bunny Certified. Each one-ounce contains 500 mg of CBD plus other carefully chosen ingredients also known to provide targeted skin relief. They include shea butter, aloe and a host of botanical essential oils like wintergreen leaf oil, peppermint oil, sweet almond oil and many others. Full spectrum CBD offers the entourage effect, and the blend of botanicals makes the balm skin nourishing and easy to apply.
5. Endoca CBD Chewing Gum
Some people find chewing gum relaxing, making the Endoca CBD chewing gum an ideal product for promoting calm. Each piece of gum has 15 mg of CBD, enabling beginning users to assess CBD effects through oral absorption in a simple, discrete manner. The gum is sugar-free, sweetened with xylitol from Birch trees. It has a minty flavor that cools the mouth, and is made with 100% biodegradable ingredients.
FAQs
What’s the Best CBD Dosage for Sleep for Beginners?
There is no single CBD dosage for sleep for beginners because each person has a different metabolism and other characteristics. First-time users can start with a low dose of 5-10 mg of CBD and gradually increase it until the desired effects are felt. CBD spectrum also influences the best CBD dosage for sleep. Full spectrum CBD oil has up to 0.3% THC, and research has demonstrated that THC in low doses may increase sleep quality.
How Long Does it Take to Feel the Effects of CBD?
The type of CBD product influences how long it takes to feel its effects. Oil taken sublingually by placing drops under the tongue has a faster absorption rate than chewing gummies, which must go through the digestive system for absorption into the bloodstream. CBD gummies may take 60-90 minutes for the effects of a dose to be felt. It may take CBD oils or tinctures 15-45 minutes to feel the effects and gummies up to two hours. CBD topicals may soothe the skin immediately, but it can take 45-60 minutes for the skin to respond to the topical formula fully.
Each person responds differently to CBD, which is why it is so important to give the cannabinoid time to take effect and not take an additional dose right away.
Can I Take CBD Every Day?
CBD is considered safe. You can take it every day.
What’s Better for Beginners — Gummies or Oils?
Both gummies and oils are good for beginners. One is not necessarily better than the other. It depends on your needs and the reason you take CBD.
For example, when addressing to CBD for sleep, you can take a gummy two hours before bedtime to promote relaxation. It takes a gummy longer than oil to take effect, but the effects last longer. If you take CBD for general wellness, then oil has a higher bioavailability. Take a dose in the morning and another one later in the day.
Many consumers take both types of CBD products. For example, they take oil in the morning and consume a CBD gummy later in the afternoon for an energy and focus boost or to promote muscle recovery after a workout.
Should I Talk to My Doctor Before Trying CBD?
Any person who is a beginner should consult their doctor before taking CBD. It is considered safe and has a low risk of mild side effects. However, some people should not take CBD if taking certain prescription medicines, like blood thinners, that are metabolized by enzymes in the liver. CBD inhibits the metabolism of the enzymes, which leads to a higher level of the blood thinner medicine, increasing the risk of bleeding.
Women who are trying to conceive, pregnant, or lactating should avoid CBD. Researchers are still studying the potential effects of CBD on a fetus or infant. In general, people with specific diseases should consult their doctor before taking any CBD.
Taking a Careful Approach
The key to successful first-time use of CBD is to start with a low potency and increase it slowly. Also, purchase products that best fit your lifestyle and needs. CBD.market offers many CBD products in the three spectrums and low to high potencies, formulated to meet different wellness needs. The best strategy for beginning CBD is to be an informed consumer.
Sources
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0273230023001502?via%3Dihub
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37162192/
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/02698811221095356
0