Do You Really Need to Take CBD Every Day?
Written by
Michael Levin
Medically reviewed by
Staci Gulbin
Can you take CBD every day? Some people consume CBD each day and others will consume it intermittently. The dosage that is right for you depends on the reason for consuming CBD, including for mood or sleep enhancement, for example. CBD does not remain in the system for a long period of time, so a daily dosage is instrumental in maintaining the effects of CBD. In addition, it may take a few weeks of taking CBD to feel the full effects.
TLDR:
Many people consume CBD daily because they believe it will help them improve sleep quality or experience other potential effects. CBD remains in the system for only 1-2 days, or for less than one day for some people due to factors like a person’s metabolic rate. Therefore, to maintain the effects of CBD, some people may have to take it every day. The key though is to start with a low dosage, increase it until the desired effects are achieved and then follow the producer’s recommendations for daily dosage amounts and frequency.
Table of Contents
How Long Does CBD Stay in Your System?
What happens when you take CBD? CBD (cannabidiol) comes from the industrial hemp plant and modulates the endocannabinoid system (ECS), specifically AEA levels. In simple terms, AEA is the acronym for anandamide, a neurotransmitter naturally produced by the body. AEA can help stabilize various systems in the body by signaling cannabinoid receptors throughout the body when homeostasis (system equilibrium) is not present. The body can then adjust as necessary.
CBD is called a “partial agonist” of the CB2 receptor, meaning it binds to and activates a cannabinoid receptor but does not lead to full activation like a full agonist. CBD is non-psychoactive, but research has found that it may have antioxidant properties.
CBD may also be a mood enhancer due to interactions with serotonin (feel-good hormone) receptors. Much more research is needed on the endocannabinoid system and precisely how CBD works in the ECS system. However, CBD is known to work in the peripheral immune system (PNS) and has some level of impact on the central nervous system (CNS) which includes the brain.
CBD users have written numerous reviews indicating they use CBD for relaxation, to enhance sleep and to improve mood.
CBD has a low bioavailability of approximately 6-percent when taken orally because of the first-pass effect. It is metabolized in the liver by enzymes and has a half-life of 1-2 days.
For some people, CBD may not last longer in the system than 12 hours. A lot depends on factors like the metabolic rate.
Can You Take CBD Daily?
Can you take CBD oil daily? Yes, you can take CBD daily but within limits. It is possible to take too much CBD. One study found that regular consumption of high doses of 1500 mg/day of CBD was well tolerated. However, this is much higher than people normally consume.
If you consume too much CBD daily, there is a chance you will experience side effects. Determining the right dosage depends on many factors, including your metabolism, weight, CBD product quality and reason for taking the CBD oil or CBD capsule. There has not been enough research yet in this area, which is why it is always recommended that you:
- Start with a low dose of CBD and increase the dosage over time.
- Carefully follow the recommended dosage amount as stated on the label.
- Only purchase high-quality CBD products from reliable producers so you know the labeling is correct.
- Make sure you verify the contents of the product by reviewing the Certificate of Analysis (COA).
CBD dosage is expressed in milligrams which are indicated by “mg.”
Effects of Daily Use of CBD
What happens if you take CBD everyday? Per anecdotal evidence, the positive effects of daily use of CBD include feeling more relaxed and getting better sleep. However, much more research is needed to validate these claims. Since the half-life of CBD is no more than 1-2 days, taking CBD each day will maintain the CBD level in your system. The key is to find the optimal CBD level for your body and maintain that level.
If you are just starting to consume CBD, it is also important to understand that the full effects of CBD may take several weeks to experience. Consistent dosing daily ensures that you enjoy the full benefits of CBD.
If you take too much CBD, you could experience unpleasant side effects. These side effects include:
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Reduced appetite
- Dry mouth
- Interactions with other medications, like blood thinners
Deciding When to Take CBD
A common question that people ask is “What time of day to take CBD?” The answer to this question depends on the CBD product and the reason you are taking CBD. For example, people consuming CBD to enhance energy may take it in the morning and perhaps again later in the day to maintain the energy level.
If consuming CBD for sleep, however, you will want to take it an hour before your bedtime each evening.
Use Common Sense
There is no simple answer as to how often you should take CBD. The product label will inform you as to the optimal dosage amount per use and the number of recommended dosages per day.
As a first-time consumer, you want to begin with a low dose of CBD until you determine its effects on your body. In fact, you can start as low as one or two drops of CBD oil or half a CBD gummy per dose for the first week, and then increase the dosage slowly. It is wise to keep a journal, at least for a while, to record any symptoms you may experience after taking CBD. This will help you to remember the impacts certain dosages have on you so you can adjust your dose as needed. Though CBD is not regulated by the FDA, it is considered very safe by organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO). As is true for any substance, use common sense and be a savvy consumer.
Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31881765/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7023045/
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/inner-source/201901/cbd-oil-mental-health-should-you-take-it-too
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.5698/1535-7597-14.5.250
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22129319/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7204604/
Maxine
I took CBD Oil for the first time recently. To help with ******* and sleep. I took the recommended dosage of 25mg.
– I was wide awake for hours, and had Heart ***. I feel like I just wasted $75. on a 750 MG Bottle of CBD Oil !