A Definitive Guide to the Best CBD Dosage for Pain Relief

Research shows that more than 20 million Americans suffer from some form of chronic pain. Does that include you?

Whether you’re in the throes of a debilitating, long-term condition or simply working through short-term discomfort, you deserve quick and effective pain relief.

While many people turn to over-the-counter or prescription medications to help them combat their aches, have you considered trying a more natural way?

A dose of CBD can help, but it can be difficult to get the amount right. Today, we’re sharing the ideal CBD dosage for pain, so you can start feeling better sooner.

Why Take CBD For Pain Relief?

With so many pills and potions on the pharmacy shelf, why should you turn your attention toward CBD?

Standing for cannabidiol, CBD is a type of cannabinoid. These are chemicals found naturally in cannabis. In all, there are more than 60 different types of such active compounds present in the plant, and each affects your body in a different way.

Unlike another type of cannabinoid, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not deliver a euphoric high.

However, it does contain compounds that can help ward off pain, inflammation and general discomfort. As such, it’s often recommended as an alternative to opioids, which can be habit-forming and come with a wide range of possible side effects. In addition to targeting and soothing pain, CBD can also help:

• Reduce anxiety and depression
• Improve heart health
• Improve sleep 
• Reduce seizures for epileptic patients
• Reduce symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

If you are already undergoing treatment for any of the above conditions, it’s important to speak with your physician before starting CBD. While it does not pose any significant risks on its own, it may interact with certain over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. If you’re currently taking any prescription medications or nutrition supplements, let your doctor know.

How Does It Work?

What makes CBD such an effective agent against pain?

To understand the answer, it helps to know how your endocannabinoid system (ECS) works. This is the system in your body that sends signals to your cells. In short, it helps regulate the proper functioning of your brain, endocrine system, immune tissues and more.

How does the process work?

You have endocannabinoid receptors located throughout your body, primarily in your brain and immune system. When these tiny proteins receive chemical signals from various stimuli, they help your cells respond accordingly.

When you ingest CBD, the substance binds to these receptors. The signals help trigger an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving response. If you’ve ever taken CBD before, you know firsthand how soothing and therapeutic it can be, but it helps to understand the science behind the reaction. 

As we learn more about how CBD works within the body, the research continues to be promising. According to one recent study, CBD can deliver practical pain management for those suffering from chronic pain, as well as other types of pain such as neuropathic pain, cancer pain or fibromyalgia.

What Is the Best CBD Dosage for Pain Relief?

Now that we’ve learned why CBD is a smart choice for pain relief, you might be ready to begin incorporating it into your routine. Before you begin, it’s important to know how to take it and how much to take.

There is no one-size-fits-all CBD dosage that’s ideal for everyone seeking relief from the pain that ails them. This substance is not currently regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so there isn’t an official dosing guide to follow. 

There are a few different factors that will help determine the precise amount you should take. These include:

• Your body weight
• The condition you’re treating
• Your physical makeup and body chemistry
• Your method of CBD ingestion 

You want to make sure you’re ingesting enough CBD to feel the effects, but you don’t want to take too much. Doing so could trigger adverse side effects, such as:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Changes in weight or appetite

To understand how to proceed, let’s take a look at the different ways you can use CBD for pain relief.

Topical Application

Most topical CBD products do not enter your bloodstream. These include gels, creams, lotions and salves infused with CBD oil.

You can apply these directly onto your skin where you need relief. For instance, you may rub CBD-infused lotion onto an achy shoulder or a tense back. Simply use as much as you need and stop once the area is fully saturated.

CBD Gummies, Capsules or Pills

If you are physically ingesting CBD, it’s best to start with a low dose and work your way up from there. Again, it’s best to speak to your physician before implementing this regimen. If they recommend a specific dosage, then that’s the amount to stick with.

For most people, a dose of 20 mg to 40 mg per day is usually fine to begin. If you notice that your symptoms improve but just slightly, you can increase this dose by 5 mg per week until you find the right balance. 

Most CBD gummies, capsules or pills will clearly label how much CBD is in each item. For instance, one gummy might contain 5 mg of CBD. If you already know that your ideal dose is 40 mg, you’ll need to consume eight gummies to reach that effect. 

As you adjust your dosage, keep notes of how you’re feeling. 

CBD Oil

Most CBD oil comes in a bottle, with a dropper attached to the lid. Sometimes, the package will inform you how much CBD is in one drop. This can help you determine how many drops to use.

For pain relief, CBD oil is best used sublingually. This means you’ll place the drops under your tongue, where they can enter into your bloodstream without having to pass through your digestive system as a gummy or capsule would require. For best results, stick to full-spectrum varieties that contain a range of beneficial cannabis plant extracts. 

What if the bottle doesn’t tell you how much CBD is in a single drop? In that case, it helps to know that one drop is usually around 0.05 milliliters (mL). 

If your bottle contains 10 mL of oil, then that’s around 200 drops. Check the package to see how much CBD the entire bottle contains. Then divide that amount by the total number of drops in the bottle. So, if it contains 1,000 mg of CBD, then you know that each drop has around 5 mg of CBD in it. 

Try CBD For Effective Pain Relief

You don’t have to suffer in silence. If you’re tired of starting and ending each day with painful aches, then CBD can help.

Once you understand how to find the right CBD dosage for pain, you’re well on your way toward managing and soothing the discomfort that’s keeping you down. Before you start a new program, be sure to share your intentions with your physician.

Still on the fence about trying CBD? Check out these must-know facts to help you understand more about its use and applications!