How Much CBD to Relax? Dosage Guide for Relaxation

Introduction

In a world where stress seems to be a constant companion, many individuals are turning to cannabidiol (CBD) as a potential natural remedy for relaxation. CBD, a compound derived from the cannabis plant, has gained popularity for health benefits such as sleep support, relief from aches and pains, and stress relief, but can it help with relaxation? In this article, we'll explore the nuanced relationship between CBD and relaxation as well as offer an ideal dosage for those seeking the calming effects of cannabidiol. 

Does CBD Make You Relaxed?

Many individuals use CBD with the aim of experiencing relaxation, both in terms of mental stress and potential physical tension. While the research on CBD is still evolving, some studies suggest that CBD may have calming effects, which can help relieve stress, improve mood, and relieve occasional sleeplessness. While we still have yet to understand the exact mechanisms, it's believed that the connection between CBD and relaxation has to do with the way CBD interacts with receptors in the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

CBD and the Body’s Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex cell-signaling system located throughout our bodies that plays an important role in regulating a variety of physiological processes, including mood, sleep, and stress response, just to name a few. The ECS gets its name from cannabinoids, which were originally discovered in the cannabis sativa plant, where they're known as “phytocannabinoids” (from "phyto," meaning "plant"). Two of this plant’s most famous cannabinoids include THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD. But while THC is known for its psychoactive effects, the latter is non-intoxicating.

One of the key things to know about the endocannabinoid system is that it plays a major role in maintaining homeostasis — the body's internal balance — by responding to changes in the external environment to help the body adapt.

Where does CBD fit in in all of this? CBD is believed to interact in various ways with the ECS. One of these ways is through inhibiting the breakdown of anandamide, a naturally occurring cannabinoid in the body. Anandamide has been called the “bliss molecule” and is involved in regulating mood, pain, and other functions. By slowing down its elimination from the body, CBD helps increase anandamide levels, potentially leading to therapeutic effects.

This is all to say that CBD, through its modulating effects on the ECS, can help promote relaxation as part of creating balance in the body, but the benefits of CBD will vary depending on the individual.

CBD Muscle Relaxer Benefits

CBD may help promote a sense of calm that can help support a restful sleep, reduce stress, or improve one’s mood, but does CBD have something to offer users who want to alleviate muscle tension? 

Due to the way that CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, CBD may indeed have the potential to reduce aches and pains associated with exercise-induced inflammation. However, it's important to note that individual responses to CBD can vary, and more scientific research is needed to establish a clear connection between CBD and muscle relaxation.

How Much CBD to Relax? CBD Dose Recommendations

Ready to kick back with the help of a cannabidiol supplement? Here's how to calculate CBD dosage:

CBD dosage guidelines are typically based on body weight. A common recommendation is to take 1-6 mg of CBD for every 10 pounds of body weight. We usually suggest starting with a dosage of 25 mg and observing how your body responds. Every couple of weeks, if you're still looking for stronger effects, increase your dose a little bit. Keep doing this every couple of weeks until you feel you've hit an effective CBD dosage.

Here are some tips to keep in mind along the way:

• Product strength matters: Keep in mind that CBD products come in various concentrations. Pay attention to the product's potency, expressed in milligrams (mg) of CBD per serving. Start with a lower potency and adjust as needed.

• Consistency is key: Once you find a suitable CBD oil dosage that works for you, it's essential to be consistent in your CBD consumption to maintain the desired effects over time.

• Remember that individual responses to CBD can vary: There's no one-size-fits-all approach. It's crucial to be patient, listen to your body, and make adjustments little by little as needed.

• Consider the impact of dosage times: Individuals using CBD oil primarily for relaxation or stress relief throughout the day might prefer to spread out their dosage to include both a morning and evening dose. Conversely, those using CBD products to promote better sleep might do better to take one larger dose right before bed.

• Consult with a healthcare professional: If you're uncertain about the appropriate CBD dosage for your specific needs or if you're taking other medications, consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

CBD Dosage Considerations

Keep in mind the CBD dosage recommended above is a general guideline. There are actually several factors involved in determining CBD dosages, including:

1. Your Body Mass

One of the ways your body is unique is how it metabolizes nutrients. Your metabolic rate will dictate how quickly CBD is absorbed, processed, and eliminated from the body. Individuals with higher metabolic rates generally process CBD more rapidly, potentially requiring more frequent or higher doses to maintain the desired effects.

Another way bodies differ is in their fat percentage. As CBD dissolves in fat, those with higher body fat percentages typically need higher doses. This might delay cannabidiol's effects, necessitating a higher dosage for a noticeable impact.

Lastly, people vary by size irrespective of body weight. Some people simply have larger-volume bodies, which means that more CBD is needed to achieve similar concentrations in the bloodstream compared to smaller individuals.

All that being said, these factors don't necessarily mean that a person with more body weight needs significantly more CBD than someone with less weight. It is, however, advisable to consider these factors in determining an appropriate dosage.

 2. Individual Responsivity

There are many biological factors having nothing to do with how big or small or metabolically blessed (or cursed) you are that play a role in how CBD affects you. These include:

Your DNA

Genetic differences influence how individuals respond to cannabinoids in ways far too numerous to cover comprehensively in this article. But one example is the enzymes in our bodies, such as cytochrome P450, which can have varying activity levels based on our genetics. This can affect how CBD is processed in the body.

Endocannabinoid system variations

Variations in the ECS, including the density and function of cannabinoid receptors, can affect how someone responds to CBD. These neurological differences explain much of why otherwise physiologically similar people have varying sensitivities to cannabinoids.

Overall health

Individual health conditions, such as liver function, gastrointestinal health, or the presence of other medications, can impact how CBD is absorbed, metabolized, and utilized in the body. Some health conditions may affect the body's ability to process CBD efficiently, altering its effects.

Tolerance

Individuals with significant prior exposure to cannabinoids develop a tolerance to CBD, affecting their dosage.

3. Delivery Method

Not so long ago, the only way to introduce CBD to your system was to get your hands on hemp flowers and smoke them. Well, a trip to your local grocery store (or even your gas station) is enough to prove that times have changed. Today, there are CBD gummies, oil drops, tinctures, capsules, vapes, skin creams, adhesive patches, and even suppositories. You name it — someone has thought of putting CBD in it.

The duration of CBD’s effects and overall bioavailability — that is, the amount of CBD that actually enters the bloodstream — can vary substantially among these different delivery methods. Below is an overview of the most common methods of consuming CBD, with an eye to how they impact CBD’s effects on users.

Oral ingestion

CBD can be ingested orally in the form of capsules, gummies, or edibles. When swallowed, CBD passes through the digestive system before entering the bloodstream. This method usually results in a slower onset of effects — 30 minutes to a few hours. Some of the CBD can be lost during digestion, however, making it less bioavailable, but ingestion typically provides longer-lasting effects.

Sublingual administration

Taking CBD oils, tinctures, or sprays involves placing the CBD product under the tongue, allowing it to be absorbed directly into the bloodstream via the mucous membranes in the mouth. This method typically has a faster onset — no longer than 30 minutes, and often sooner — compared to oral ingestion. It also bypasses the digestive system, potentially leading to higher bioavailability (absorption).

Topical Application

CBD-infused lotions (or creams or balms) can be applied directly to the skin. While these products might not directly impact relaxation through systemic effects — not much CBD makes it through the skin’s water barrier — they can provide localized relief for aches and pains, which in itself can promote relaxation.

4. CBD Oil Quality

Finally, the quality of a CBD product can substantially affect what ends up being the best CBD dosage for you. Keep these factors in mind when shopping for CBD:

Consistency and Reliability

Quality products maintain consistency in their CBD content from batch to batch. This consistency ensures that the effects experienced by an individual with a specific dosage remain reliable over time and allows for a more predictable experience when adjusting dosages. The best gauge of a product's consistency is the COA (certificate of analysis). If for some reason the COA isn't available online (or via a QR code on the packaging), you should find another CBD manufacturer — such transparency is critical for ensuring the quality and safety of the CBD product you're considering.

THIRD-PARTY TESTING

A high-quality CBD product should provide accurate information about its CBD concentration on the label. This clarity allows users to measure exactly how much CBD is in a single dose. Make sure the labs that conduct testing for the product's COAs are independent with no direct affiliation with the manufacturer or seller of the CBD product.

Type of CBD Oil

Another factor to think about when determining your dosage is the type of CBD oil you're consuming. While it might seem like there are dozens of kinds of CBD out there, there are actually three main types, which are described below:

Full spectrum CBD oil includes diverse cannabis plant compounds, including other cannabinoids (not just CBD), terpenes, and flavonoids, which contribute to the plant's color, taste, and aroma. While CBD is the primary compound, full spectrum CBD oil also contains minimal levels of THC (not exceeding 0.3%— far below the amount that causes the “high” associated with medical cannabis, or medical marijuana).

Broad spectrum CBD oil is similar to full spectrum CBD oil, sharing many identical compounds. The key distinction lies in its absence of measurable THC. This narrower spectrum appeals to individuals who wish to avoid any and all THC in their CBD oil.

Finally, CBD isolate refers to pure crystalline CBD in powder form. This is used as a base for CBD oil, without any other elements added from the cannabis plant — no THC, nothing but CBD.

It's worth noting that of these three types of CBD oils, full spectrum is considered the most therapeutically effective, owing to the "entourage effect." The term describes the enhanced reported benefits when multiple cannabinoids work together synergistically.

How Much CBD to Relax Muscles

While some CBD users are interested in CBD as a muscle relaxer, more research is needed in order to support this use of cannabidiol. As of now, there are no clear guidelines for using CBD as a muscle relaxer. However, for those seeking general well-being and balance, the dosage guidelines above should be sufficient for experiencing the effects they’re looking for. 

High-Quality CBD for Achieving Your Wellness Goals

We understand that CBD users turn to cannabidiol in order to achieve results — whether it's relaxation, improved sleep quality, or other health goals. That’s why we’re committed to providing the highest quality full spectrum CBD products, which are all made from Flower-Only extract and USDA certified organic through each step of the process. We use third-party lab testing and provide the results on our website so our customers know exactly what's in our cannabinoid products. Shop our full-spectrum CBD products now.