So, you’ve started adding CBD to your daily routine, but with all the various products out there now you’re wondering: How many CBD products should I be using?
You’ve come to the right place! We know it can be overwhelming to start using a new product — especially when there are so many varieties to choose from. Topicals, capsules, oils, tinctures… what does it all mean? Do they work together? Where should I start?
It’s safe to assume that any time you mix two substances that affect your body, you should use caution — and always consult your doctor.
Research is still new on the effects of combining CBD products, but the general consensus is that you should use what works for you. Here’s what you need to know before deciding how many CBD products you should take.
How does CBD work?
CBD (Cannabidiol) is one of the many compounds that occur naturally in the Cannabis sativa or hemp plant. CBD has a lot in common with essential oils – such as the benefits of the terpenes found in both – but they are not quite the same.
Because they come from the same plant, many people associate CBD with THC, and assume that it works through the same psychoactive effects to relieve pain — but that’s not the case! CBD is an entirely different compound from THC, and its effects are very complex.
CBD influences the body’s endocannabinoid system to work more effectively. It activates or inhibits compounds within the system to stimulate a natural response that soothes pain or anxiety. For example, CBD stops the body from absorbing anandamide, a compound associated with regulating pain, which leaves more anandamide in the bloodstream to reduce the amount of pain a person feels.
There is a significant amount of research that shows CBD may help treat a range of illnesses or symptoms, like headaches, joint pain, nausea, anxiety, stress, and more through its interactions with the endocannabinoid system.
How many CBD products can I use?
Okay, now that you know how they work, how many CBD products can you use at once? While research is still new on the subject, there’s no evidence to suggest that combining your CBD topical balm with a sublingual CBD tincture would have ill effects.
That being said, it’s safe to assume that any time you mix two substances that affect your body, you should use caution. Always talk to your doctor before adding CBD to your daily routine as they’ll know better how it interacts with your current medications and lifestyle.
Always keep in mind that CBD produces highly individual effects — it treats every person in an entirely different way, so it’s important to find what works best for you.
It is recommended that with all CBD products you start small. Try one product and take the smallest recommended serving. After several days, up the serving, if you aren’t seeing any improvement in your symptoms. Start adding other supplements, perhaps a topical gel or bath bomb to target persistent joint pain, if symptoms continue.
Just remember to not overdo it. Always monitor how your body is reacting to your routine before adding more products. CBD has no known adverse side effects, but an excessive amount of CBD could be less effective therapeutically than a moderate serving.
Can CBD be combined with other things?
Due to the nature of chemical compounds, virtually every substance, including CBD, will interact with other substances. Because of this reaction, it’s important to know of any negative effects before combining CBD products not only with each other but also with alcohol and other medications.
- Alcohol – Again, CBD is very personal in how it works, so make sure you know how you respond to both CBD and alcohol separately before combining the two. Research is still limited on the safety and potential side effects of CBD and alcohol. Depending on how you react to one or the other, it may be advisable to avoid combining them. Although some research shows that CBD may protect against some of alcohol’s negative effects, it’s ideal to stick to low amounts of both until you know how you react.
- Medication – CBD has been known to reduce or increase the effects of some prescription medications. By inhibiting the activity of cytochrome P450, a group of liver enzymes responsible for breaking down drugs and toxins, CBD can alter how the body metabolizes a wide range of compounds. This could cause your medication to become ineffective or enhance certain side effects.
