From the Guidelines
A suitable initial dose of Cannabidiol (CBD) is 5-10mg taken once or twice daily, with a "start low and go slow" approach to minimize potential side effects. This recommendation is based on the most recent and highest quality study available, which emphasizes the importance of starting with a low dose and slowly increasing until the desired effect is achieved 1. The study highlights the potential risks associated with CBD, including hepatotoxicity, and emphasizes the need for careful dosing and titration.
When considering the initial dose of CBD, it is essential to take into account individual factors such as body weight, metabolism, and the specific condition being addressed. The study suggests that adults with cancer who are considering using CBD should be aware of both common and serious side effects, and should start with a low dose to minimize adverse effects 1.
In terms of specific dosing guidelines, the study does not provide a clear recommendation, but it does suggest that products should be started at a low dose and slowly increased until the desired effect is achieved 1. Another study provides some guidance on preoperative cannabis consumption, including CBD oil, but this is not directly applicable to the initial dosing of CBD for general use 1.
Key points to consider when initiating CBD therapy include:
- Starting with a low dose (5-10mg) and gradually increasing as needed
- Monitoring for potential side effects, such as drowsiness, dry mouth, or changes in appetite
- Adjusting the dose based on individual response and specific condition being addressed
- Keeping a journal of doses and effects to find the optimal amount.
From the Research
Initial Dose of Cannabidiol (CBD)
- The suitable initial dose of CBD is not explicitly stated in the provided studies, but the following information can be gathered:
- A study published in 2022 2 suggests that low-dose CBD appears effective for chronic pain and mental health, with good tolerability and safety, and few adverse effects, making it appropriate as an initial treatment.
- Another study from 2023 3 found that therapeutic benefits of CBD became more clearly evident at doses greater than or equal to 300 mg, and increased dosing from 60 to 400 mg/day did not appear to be associated with an increased frequency of adverse effects.
- A 2021 study 4 reported that single-dose CBD pretreatment reduced anxiety in laboratory paradigms among individuals with social anxiety disorder, but the dose used was not specified.
- A 2020 study protocol 5 planned to evaluate the effects of a single dose of an oral cannabis-based medicine containing 200 mg CBD on sleep and daytime function in participants with chronic insomnia disorder.
- A 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis 6 found that adjunctive CBD at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg/day was associated with a greater reduction in seizure frequency and a higher rate of adverse events than placebo in patients with epilepsy.
Dose-Dependent Effects
- The effects of CBD appear to be dose-dependent, with higher doses (≥ 300 mg) showing more pronounced therapeutic benefits 3.
- However, the optimal initial dose of CBD remains unclear, and more research is needed to determine the most effective and safe dose for various conditions.
Safety and Tolerability
- The provided studies suggest that CBD is generally well-tolerated and safe, with few adverse effects, especially at low doses 2, 3.
- However, higher doses of CBD may be associated with a higher rate of adverse events, such as somnolence, decreased appetite, diarrhea, and increased serum aminotransferases 6.