So, you finally gave in to the hype and started taking CBD, but you haven’t been seeing the results you were expecting. If you’re wondering, “Why is CBD not working for me?” there are many reasons why.
But, don’t let this setback make you think that CBD is a scam. It may be that you need to make a few adjustments to see the desired results. So, before you quit CBD altogether, consider a few ways you can make it work for you.
CBD has endless benefits, including chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety, insomnia, and seizures.
If CBD isn’t helping you with any of these issues, keep reading. Here are ten reasons why CBD isn’t working for you, along with what you can do to achieve these benefits.
10 Reasons Why CBD Isn’t Working
Here are the top reasons that answer your question, “Why is CBD not working on me?” Keep reading to find out how you can fix those CBD-related blunders.
You Haven’t Given It Enough Time
The first mistake to make with CBD is expecting instant results. Immediate results are nearly impossible when taking a natural remedy like CBD. In fact, it can take anywhere between two to four weeks for CBD to show results when used as a dietary supplement.
Since CBD is 100% organic, it won’t give you desired results at the same time as a painkiller. Depending on what you’re taking CBD for, it can even take months for you to see any changes.
When exploring the effects of CBD, patience is key. The effects may show up faster while using topical CBD products than dietary supplements.
You Aren’t Using the Right Amount
It’s important to take the right dosage if you want to see real and sustainable results from CBD.
However, finding the suitable dose can be tricky; how do you know what works for you? Since everyone has different body chemistry, there’s a different perfect dose for everybody.
The key is to start with a small dose, then slowly build it up. Not only will this help you feel more comfortable with taking CBD, but it’s also a healthy way of determining how your body reacts to CBD.
The ideal low dose to start with would be somewhere between 10 to 15 mg a day.
You can up the dose slowly if you do not see any results after this amount. We would recommend increasing your dose on a weekly basis, as it would be too fast-paced to increase it daily.
Another way to improve your CBD experience is tracking the effects and dosage. Include information such as your dosage, time of day, how you feel before and after the dosage, effect over several time intervals, and changes in symptoms.
Remember: the process of finding the right dose of CBD is simply trial and error.
So, you have to be patient. It’s also important to remember that you can build a tolerance to CBD.
If you’ve reached a high dosage, you should take a break for a few days to reset your system. Then, you can start again with a low dose.
Your CBD Product Isn’t From a Reputable Source
If you do not see the effects the product description promised, it may be that your CBD product isn’t from a reputable source.
Unfortunately, not all CBD brands are honest about their products, which is why it’s important to be careful when picking which product to invest in.
This 2017 study tells us that only a fraction of CBD products on the market are trustworthy and contain an effective concentration of CBD oil.
While the packaging says there is 10mg in each serving, you might only be consuming a few mg in reality.
Not only can unreliable products be harmful to your health, but they also often contain fillers that add no value to the product. To ensure you’re buying from a reputable source, remember to do your research and read as many reviews as possible.
Other than that, look through the product’s ingredients thoroughly, so you know what you’re getting into.
You’re Taking CBD Isolate
CBD isolate is also known as “pure CBD,” which you’ll find in a powder, crystallized form. CBD isolate indeed contains the highest concentration of CBD per serving, with 990 mg per gram. But, it’s still considered less efficient than whole-plant extracts.
So, if you’re not achieving the desired results, it could be because you’re taking CBD isolate. It may help to go for a different strain to see if it works better for you.
It’s Interfering With Other Medication
CBD works inside your body by interacting with the endocannabinoid system.
However, other medications you may be taking can interfere with the metabolization of CBD. Unfortunately, not only can it intensify the side effects of CBD, but it can also minimize its efficiency.
If you’re taking antidepressants, antipsychotics, HIV antivirals, or steroids, it’s not wise to take CBD along with them. Antihistamines, antibiotics, and beta-blockers can also hamper the effects of CBD.
If you’re unsure how to take CBD with other medication, consult your doctor.
You Need a Different Delivery System
Another reason CBD’s effects aren’t showing up could be that your current delivery system isn’t working for you. The way you take CBD is mainly a matter of preference and diet, but it can also affect the bioavailability of CBD.
The term bioavailability refers to how much CBD actually reaches your bloodstream, compared to your original CBD intake.
For example, CBD gummies and snacks go through your digestive system before your body can actually absorb any CBD.
That means the bioavailability of CBD gummies and snacks is low. But, on the other hand, the bioavailability is much higher due to the way you ingest them. Instead of going through your digestive system, they’re simply absorbed through the tiny capillaries under your tongue.
As a result, the CBD goes directly into your bloodstream, working more efficiently.
The fastest way to get CBD into your system is by vaping. However, since it can be injurious to your lungs, we wouldn’t recommend this method.
There are many different ways you can consume CBD, including:
You Need a Different Type of Extract
It may be that CBD isn’t working for you because you need a different type of extract. There are a few different types of CBD extracts that have different effects and, most importantly, legal statuses.
Full Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD oil contains a full spectrum of all the hemp plant’s compounds. That includes CBD, THC, chlorophyll, terpenes, minerals, and more. It comes raw from the hemp plant and is a healthier option due to the entourage effect.
Broad Spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum CBD oil differs from full-spectrum CBD oil since it doesn’t contain THC. This is a better option for those that live in states with THC restrictions since the legal status of that compound is in flux.
You May Benefit From THC
People are often hesitant to use a CBD oil that contains THC due to the psychoactive side effects of the compound. However, since the legal amount of THC is only 0.3%, you won’t have to worry about getting “high” off of it.
When CBD and THC work together, they provide better and quicker results due to the entourage effect. In addition, while THC provides pain relief, CBD minimizes any negative side effects of THC.
So, if your state has no THC restrictions, you can opt for a CBD product that contains THC too.
You’re Expecting Too Much From CBD
If you still find yourself asking, “Why is CBD not working for me?” you may be expecting miracles from CBD oil. CBD products only promise to help with anxiety, chronic pain, inflammation, and similar conditions.
So, you can’t expect these products to cure cancer or mend broken bones.
In addition, CBD only minimizes the side effects of mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, or insomnia. Therefore, it cannot be used to cure the disease entirely or work in place of antipsychotics or antidepressants.
Although this compound has many benefits that may even shock you, it’s still 100% organic and has its limitations.
It’s Not for You
If none of these tips helped you get the desired results, it might be that CBD just isn’t for you.
As we mentioned, CBD has certain limitations, and it can’t be used to treat every disease out there. Perhaps the condition you’re trying to fix isn’t in CBD’s field of expertise.
Other than that, CBD just isn’t compatible with your body. Since your metabolism, genetics, and biochemistry affect how your body responds to CBD, so you may not get the same results as everyone else.
Conclusion
There’s major hype around CBD, which is why it can be quite disappointing if you don’t see the results everyone’s been raving about. But don’t let that discourage you!
All you need to do is adjust your dosage, opt for a different strain, or follow any of the tips on our list.
If you’re still not seeing the desired results, it may be that CBD doesn’t have a solution for the disease or issue you’re dealing with.