How Much CBD to Take the First Time?

• Last Updated: June 30, 2025

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Finding the right amount will depend on various factors, including what you’re trying to treat, the type of CBD you’re taking, your body size, how you are taking the product, and others. It will require some trial and error for you to find the right amount to help you feel good.

Why 5 to 20 mg of CBD is a Common Starting Range

Research studies have found that CBD doses as high as 1,500 mg per day are safe, but you certainly do not want to start with such a high dosage as a beginner. So, how many mg of CBD for a beginner is considered best?

To answer this question, a good place to start is with the only CBD medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The recommended standard dosage for Epidiolex is 2.5 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight, administered twice daily. After testing the effects of the CBD medication, the dosage can be increased to 10 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. Standard dosing is increased weekly by 5 mg/kg per day until week five. By the fifth week, you would be taking 25 mg/kg per day or 12.5 mg/kg twice a day.

A good start is to initially take a low dose, similar to the FDA recommendations for Epidiolex. For example, you can add CBD to your wellness routine by splitting 5 mg of CBD into two doses of 2.5 mg each.

The FDA dosage recommendation is based on body weight; however, you can start with a low-potency CBD product, regardless of your weight. The 5 mg CBD dosage is a very low-potency dose. After a few days to a week, you can increase it to 10 mg daily, taken in two doses of 5 mg each. This approach gives you enough time to see how your body responds to the CBD and if you will experience any side effects.

Limit the weekly CBD increase to 5-10 mg per day. The recommended dosage for beginners is 20 to 40 milligrams daily. It is important not to rush the dosage increase schedule because you want to determine how much CBD per day works best for your specific situation. Always talk to your doctor before you add CBD to your health regimen. CBD can interact with certain prescription medications. It is always better to be cautious.

How to Administer CBD?

There are many, many different types of CBD products on the market. You can find it in edibles, gummies, creams, drinks, capsules, tinctures and more. The upside is that with so many different products to choose from, you’re sure to find one you like and can afford.

You see, there are multiple ways to administer CBD, but the best method is to take the oil sublingually. When you place the CBD oil under your tongue and hold it there for 1-2 minutes, it is absorbed through the sublingual mucosa directly into the bloodstream. Studies have found that this method can significantly improve CBD bioavailability compared to oral CBD administration in other forms.

Other methods of administering CBD include capsules, gummies, softgels, and various edibles. When you consume cannabidiol by swallowing or chewing a product, ше must go through the digestive process. This is known as the first-pass effect, in which the CBD is metabolized in the liver before it reaches the bloodstream. This process slows down when you feel the effects, but also makes the effects last longer.

When Will I Experience the Effects of CBD?

Depending on the type of product you take, you may feel the effects within a few minutes up to 2 hours. It’s important to remember that CBD does not impact you as THC does. You will not feel a “high” when taking CBD, but you should feel calm and relaxed.

How long this moment lasts depends on the type of product you take. Vape liquids and tinctures are absorbed quickly into your bloodstream, so you may feel them working within a few minutes, but they will wear off rather quickly.

CBD Product’s Onset Time Chart

Should you be asking, “How much tincture oil should I take,” the answer is enough to feel calm and relaxed, but keep in mind that you may need to take another dose with a few hours to feel the euphoric feeling once again wash over you.

When it comes to edibles, these will take longer to get into your system because they have to go through your digestive tract. However, they will last longer, potentially up to 6 hours or more — it depends on your body type and metabolism. If you’re looking for relief that lasts all day, this might be the route you decide to take.

Newbie Tips on Taking CBD

What Else Should I Know About CBD?

Not all CBD products are created equal. As mentioned, this industry is not regulated by the FDA, so there are a lot of companies that are only in it for the money — this means they offer inferior products or have included potentially harmful substances in their products.

However, there are CBD manufacturers and producers that have your best interests in mind, and they have developed their own high standards. Look for companies that have a good reputation, source their hemp from the U.S., use clean extraction methods, and have their products tested and certified by a third-party lab.

Be Kind to Your Body

Deciding to take CBD can be a good way to do something kind for your body. If you find yourself asking how much CBD to relax, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. You need to take the time to experiment with different products and dosages to find the one that works best for you.

The process can be lengthy, but once you find the right dose and the best product, the results may change your life. In many cases, studies have not been conducted to confirm the benefits of CBD; however, many people around the world have reported positive results. It may help you too.

Sources

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (n.d.). FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products, Including Cannabidiol (CBD).
   https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd
2. Huestis MA. Human Cannabinoid Pharmacokinetics. Chem Biodivers. 2007 Aug;4(8):1770-1804. doi: 10.1002/cbdv.200790152.
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2689518/
3. Lamy FR, Daniulaityte R, Sheth A, Nahhas RW, Martins SS, Boyer EW, Carlson RG. “Those edibles hit hard”: Exploration of Twitter data on cannabis edibles in the U.S. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2016 Jul 1;164:64-70.
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4893972/
4. Bergamaschi MM, Queiroz RHC, Zuardi AW, Crippa JAS. Safety and side effects of cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent. Curr Drug Saf. 2011 Sep 1;6(4):237-49.
   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22129319/
5. EPIDIOLEX® (cannabidiol) offers flexible dosing for tolerability and response optimization.
   https://www.epidiolexhcp.com/dosing/dosing-and-administration
6. Hossain KR, Alghalayini A, Valenzuela SM. Current Challenges and Opportunities for Improved Cannabidiol Solubility. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Oct;24(19):14514. doi: 10.3390/ijms241914514. PMID: 37833962
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7. Herman TF, Santos C. First-Pass Effect. StatPearls [Internet].
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About the Author

Michael Levin

Michael Levin is a CBD enthusiast, a researcher, writer and editor in the cannabis space, experienced CBD user and educator. He believes CBD can help improve our overall health and wellbeing.

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