CBD Dosing Guide for Sleep

General Guidelines:

1. Start low and go slow: Begin with a low dose and gradually increase until you find relief.
2. Consistency is key: Use CBD regularly for best results.
3. Consult your doctor, especially if you’re on other medications.

Dosing by Product Type:

CBD Oil/Tinctures

CBD oils and tinctures are versatile and fast-acting. They offer precise dosing and are absorbed quickly when taken sublingually (under the tongue). There are several types of CBD and cannabis-derived oil/tincture products:

• CBD Isolate Oil: Contains pure CBD extract, with no other cannabinoids or plant compounds. It’s ideal for those who want to avoid any trace of THC or other cannabinoids.
• Full-Spectrum CBD Oil: Contains CBD along with all other cannabinoids and terpenes found in the hemp plant, including trace amounts of THC (usually <0.3%). This may provide enhanced benefits due to the “entourage effect”.
• Broad-Spectrum CBD Oil: Like full-spectrum but with THC removed. It contains CBD and other beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes, but no THC.
• CBD:CBG Oil: Combines CBD with CBG (cannabigerol), another non-psychoactive cannabinoid that may have additional anti-inflammatory properties.
• CBD:CBN Oil: Blends CBD with CBN (cannabinol), which is believed to have sedative properties and may be beneficial for sleep and pain relief.
• Delta-8 THC Tincture: Contains Delta-8 THC, offering mild psychoactive effects and potential pain relief. Effects are generally less intense than Delta-9 THC.
• Delta-9 THC Oil: Contains Delta-9 THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. It can provide strong pain relief but also produces a significant “high”. Only legal in certain regions.
• Balanced CBD:THC Oil: Contains specific ratios of CBD to THC, aiming to balance the therapeutic effects of both compounds. Common ratios include 1:1, 2:1, or 5:1 (CBD:THC).

The Dosing Guidelines:

• Starting Dose: 10-20 mg per day
• Maintenance Dose: 20-50 mg, taken 30-60 minutes before bedtime
• Adjustment: Increase gradually based on your response.

CBD Capsules/Softgels

Capsules and softgels provide a convenient, pre-measured dose of CBD. They’re ideal for those who prefer a tasteless option and want consistent dosing. They do, however, take a bit longer to kick in since they have to be digested first. And there are several types of CBD and cannabis-derived capsule/softgel products that come in different varieties from straight-out :pure” isolates to blends if different Deltas and cannabinoids. 

• CBD Isolate Capsules: Contain pure CBD extract, with no other cannabinoids or plant compounds. These are suitable for those who want to avoid any trace of THC or other cannabinoids.
• Full-Spectrum CBD Softgels: Contain CBD along with all other cannabinoids and terpenes found in the hemp plant, including trace amounts of THC (usually <0.3%). This may provide enhanced benefits due to the “entourage effect”.
• Broad-Spectrum CBD Capsules: Like full-spectrum but with THC removed. They contain CBD and other beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes, but no THC.
• CBD:CBG Capsules: Combine CBD with CBG (cannabigerol), another non-psychoactive cannabinoid that may have additional anti-inflammatory properties.
• CBD:CBN Softgels: Blend CBD with CBN (cannabinol), which is believed to have sedative properties and may be beneficial for sleep and pain relief.
• CBD with Melatonin Capsules: Combine CBD with melatonin, often used for improving sleep quality alongside pain relief.
• Delta-8 THC Softgels: Contain Delta-8 THC, offering mild psychoactive effects and potential pain relief. Effects are generally less intense than Delta-9 THC.
• Delta-9 THC Capsules: Contain Delta-9 THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. They can provide strong pain relief but also produce a significant “high”. Only legal in certain regions.
• Balanced CBD:THC Capsules: Contain specific ratios of CBD to THC, aiming to balance the therapeutic effects of both compounds. Common ratios include 1:1, 2:1, or 5:1 (CBD:THC).

Dosing Guidelines:

• Starting Dose: 15-25 mg, taken 30-60 minutes before bedtime.
• Maintenance Dose: 25-50 mg as needed
• Adjustment: Increase gradually for effectiveness (about 10 mg each week as needed).
• How to use: Swallow with water.
• Duration: Depends on the mg dose, but usually, the effects will last anywhere from 6-8 hours.

CBD Edibles (Gummies, etc.)

Edibles offer a tasty and discreet way to consume CBD. They’re pre-dosed but take longer and have delayed effects due to digestion. There are several types of CBD and cannabis-derived edible products but he more popular choice comes in the form of gummies (and the flavors have come a long way in the past couple of years).

• CBD Gummies: Chewy, often fruit-flavored candies infused with CBD. They’re popular due to their ease of use and precise dosing.
• CBD Chocolates: Chocolate bars or pieces infused with CBD, offering a more indulgent option for CBD consumption.
• Full-Spectrum CBD Edibles: Contain CBD along with other cannabinoids and terpenes from the hemp plant, potentially offering enhanced benefits through the “entourage effect.”
• CBD Isolate Edibles: Made with pure CBD isolate, these contain no other cannabinoids or hemp compounds. They’re ideal for those who want to avoid any trace of THC.
• Delta-8 THC Edibles: Contain Delta-8 THC, offering mild psychoactive effects with calming properties. Effects are generally less intense than Delta-9 THC.
• Delta-9 THC Edibles: Contain Delta-9 THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis.  Like Delta-8, these can have a calming effect but also produce a significant “high”. Only legal in certain regions.
• CBD:THC Combination Edibles: Contain specific ratios of CBD to THC, aiming to balance the therapeutic effects of both compounds. Common ratios include 1:1, 2:1, or 5:1 (CBD:THC).

CBD/CBN/THC Edibles Gummies

Dosing Guidelines:

• Starting Dose: 10-20 mg per edible
• Maintenance Dose: 20-50 mg, consumed about an hour before bedtime
• How to use: Chew and swallow
• Adjustment: Assess your response and increase as needed.

For optimal results and safety, start with the lowest effective dose and adjust gradually based on your individual response. These gummies contain a combination of cannabinoids that work together:

Begin with 1/2 to 1 gummy containing:

• CBD: 10-20mg
• CBN: 2-5mg
• THC: 2-5mg

Once familiar with the effects, you may increase to 1-2 gummies. Take about 1-2 hours before bedtime to allow for onset. Effects typically last 4-8 hours.

Important notes:

• First-time users should start with half a gummy
• Wait at least 2 hours before considering additional doses
• Store in a cool, dry place away from children
• Do not operate vehicles or machinery after consumption
• Individual responses vary; find what works best for you
• Consult your healthcare provider before use, especially if taking other medications

CBD Topicals (Creams/Salves/Balms/Soaks/Massage Oils)

Topicals are applied directly to the skin or in soaks, for overall calming effects. They’re great for targeting specific areas of pain without systemic effects. Some popular topical to look for are calming soaks and massage oils.

Delta-8 THC

Overview: Delta-8 THC is a milder cannabinoid that can help with relaxation and sleep without the stronger psychoactive effects of Delta-9 THC.

Dosing Guidelines:

• Starting Dose: 5-10 mg, taken an hour before bed
• Maintenance Dose: 10-20 mg based on tolerance
• Adjustment: Monitor effects and adjust accordingly.

Delta-9 THC

Overview: Delta-9 THC is the most well-known cannabinoid and can induce strong relaxation and sedation. Use it with caution, especially if new to THC.

Dosing Guidelines:

• Starting Dose: 2.5-5 mg for beginners, taken 1-2 hours before sleep
• Maintenance Dose: 5-10 mg as needed
• Adjustment: Increase based on comfort level and effectiveness.

CBG (Cannabigerol)

Overview: CBG is gaining attention for its potential calming effects and may complement CBD for enhanced sleep.

Dosing Guidelines:

• Starting Dose: 5-10 mg, taken an hour before bed
• Maintenance Dose: 10-20 mg based on individual needs
• Adjustment: Increase gradually based on effects.

Final Tips

1. Consult with a Healthcare Provider: Before starting any new supplement, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or take medications.
2. Consistency is Key: It may take time to find the right dose and product for you. Keep a journal to track your response.
3. Quality Matters: Choose reputable brands that provide third-party testing for purity and potency.

Factors Affecting Your Dosage:

– Body weight: Heavier individuals may need higher doses

– Metabolism: Faster metabolisms may need more frequent dosing

– CBD concentration: Higher potency products require smaller amounts

Tips:

– Keep a journal to track your dosage and effects

– Allow 1-2 weeks at a consistent dose to evaluate effectiveness

– If you experience side effects, reduce the dosage

Note that everyone’s optimal dose is different. Adjust as needed and be patient in finding your ideal dosage.