CBD Usage Guidelines

Cannabidiol (CBD) is available in many forms, including oils, tablets, and creams. The ideal dosages vary depending on both its form and usage. There is little research, though, so doctors are not yet able to confirm the safe, beneficial dosages for each use.

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Optimizing Therapeutic Use of Cannabis

Optimizing the correct use and dosage of cannabis can often times be a challenge even for pharmacists like us. THC and CBD rations often react differently to users' physiologies, respiratory systems, and psychologies. That's why it's important to consult your pharmacist before using cannabis. However, dosing cannabis is unlike any therapeutic agent to which we are exposed to in medical training. And since cannabis comes in many different forms with a wide range of potencies its production has yet to be officially standardized, especially in states where cannabis is legal for therapeutic use.

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Where to Start? Try Micro-dosing.

One of the most common misconceptions about using cannabis is that you have to get high to experience its benefits. In fact, the therapeutic effects of cannabis can be achieved a lower dosages than those required for intoxication. The practice of micro-dosing – which entails the consumption of a sub-psychoactive or slightly psychoactive dose of cannabis – is gaining popularity among those who want the medical benefits of cannabis without the buzz.

Though cannabis medicine is banned by law in some parts of the country, it is currently accessible in the form of concentrated oil extracts, infused sublingual sprays, tinctures, edibles, gel caps, topical salves and other products.

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How to Manage Psychoactivity

Not everyone enjoys the high you get from THC. Yet often times managing its effects is the key to implementing an effective regime for treatment. CBD does not produce the intoxicating effect that THC produces in the body, but instead helps dampen its effects. Thus, a higher concentrate of CBD to THC will produce less of a high and can be present in resin-rich cannabis in generally one of  3 ways:

• Type 1, which is THC-dominant and thus, very intoxicating
• Type 2, which is a mixture of THC and CBD, and is mildly intoxicating
• Type 3, which is CBD-dominant and non-euphoric or hemp

So what's the right dosage for these 3 types of cannabis?

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"Start Low, and Go Slow"

Basically different types of cannabis require different dosages but the same general rule should always apply to start with low dosages to see how your specific physiology reacts to cannabis.

• Type 1, Titrating THC: On days 1 and 2, start with one dose of the equivalent of 2.5 mg THC; on days 3 and 4, increase to 2.5 mg THC twice a day; and, if well tolerated, up the dose incrementally to a total of 15 mg THC (divided equally throughout the day). Dosages exceeding 20-30 mg/day may increase tolerance, and also low doses tend to stimulate, and high doses tend to sedate. Always start low with THC dominant products and gradually up your dosage over time. Overdosage can often have side effects including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, spasms, tremors, anxiety, panic attacks, paranoia, dis-coordination, and disturbed sleep.
• Type 2, THC and CBD Magic: Since THC and CBD work better, amplifying each other's overall therapeutic effectiveness while reducing side effects. Cannabis therapeutics is personalized medicine. There is no single CBD:THC ratio or dosage that’s optimal for everyone. As little as 2.5 mg of CBD combined with a small amount of THC can have a therapeutic effect. If necessary, much higher doses of good quality CBD-rich formulations are safe and well tolerated. In general, it's best to administer consistent, measurable doses of CBD with as much THC as you're able to handle.
• Type 3 , Full Spectrum CBD Extracts: Micro-dosing cannabis is a feasible option for those who prefer not to leap over the intoxicating threshold. High dose CBD therapy is another way of healing without the high. Hemp-derived products are available today on our online store.

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Our Best Advice, as Pharmacists:

As pharmacists we have had the opportunity to research and study CBD products that have been tested for concentrations of all cannabinoids, including CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), by an independent, third-party lab. We extend this knowledge to you in the form of Free Consultations so you can contact us with questions regarding buying, CBD and THC levels, dosage recommendations, and expected usage effects specific to you and your individual physiology.

Click below to schedule your free consult today, and we'll call you to begin you journey with therapeutic CBD oils and products.