CBD dosage for chronic pain: how many drops to take

As cannabidiol products grow in popularity, more questions arise about the optimal CBD dose and how many drops of CBD oil to take for chronic pain.

Today on the Cannactiva blog we answer the main questions about dosing, with the help of Masha Burelo, cannabis researcher, based on current research. If you are looking for a general overview of the topic, you can also read our guide on CBD for chronic pain.

CBD products, such as CBD oils, are not medicines or food supplements and, in most European countries, are intended for external use. This is an informational article and does not replace medical advice: consult your healthcare professional before using CBD, especially if you take medication.

The 3 key ideas:

• There is no single dose: research works with ranges from around 5 mg up to 1,500 mg a day, depending on the type of pain and the person.
• The usual approach is to start low (around 20-25 mg a day) and increase gradually; high doses are usually split into 2-3 doses.
• CBD is well tolerated, but at high doses it can affect the liver and interact with medicines: always check with your doctor first.

What is CBD?

CBD or cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive component of cannabis that is being studied for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic properties, which are useful in treating various conditions that involve pain, especially chronic pain.

Unlike cannabis, CBD does not produce euphoric effects or a “high”, because it lacks the intoxicating compound THC.

There is broad consensus on its safety: the World Health Organization (WHO) concluded that CBD is a well-tolerated compound with a good safety profile, and that it shows no potential for abuse or dependence (10).

How CBD works for pain

CBD can help relieve various types of pain because it reduces inflammation and increases the levels of natural substances in our body that help reduce the sensation of pain such as anandamide (8). This makes it particularly useful for conditions in which pain comes with inflammation.

What dose of CBD is used to treat pain?

The optimal dose of CBD is influenced by several factors, such as the type of pain, the body’s individual chemistry and weight.

Working out the right dose of CBD for pain management can be complex, as there is no amount of CBD that works the same for everyone.

Although scientific research has begun to offer some guidance, it is important to remember that the number of CBD drops that works best can vary considerably from one person to another. That is why it is essential to consult your doctor before using CBD for pain.

Quick guide: how to use CBD for pain

If you are considering CBD as an option for your pain, here is how to get started:

1- Basic information

CBD is a non-psychoactive compound extracted from hemp, known for its ability to relieve pain without making you feel high.

2- Medical advice

Talk to your doctor to make sure CBD is suitable and safe for you, especially if you take other medicines.

3- Choose your CBD product

There are many types of CBD products, and of very different quality. In terms of format, oils and capsules are ideal for general pain, while creams work well for specific areas of pain. In terms of quality, look for full spectrum products made with supercritical CO2 extraction, which ensures safety, purity and effectiveness.

4- Start with low doses and adjust gradually

According to studies, the amount of CBD used for pain ranges from 5-20 mg a day to more than 150 mg of CBD. Finding the right dose can take time. Be patient, start with low doses and wait a few weeks to see the real effect. To minimise side effects, consider splitting your daily dose into several doses throughout the day. Do not use high doses without medical supervision.

5- Monitoring and adjustment

After a few weeks, assess how your body has responded to CBD. Has your pain decreased? If you do not feel any relief, increase the dose slowly until you find the amount that relieves your pain. Drowsiness and dry mouth are side effects that can occur, and they are generally mild. Also bear in mind that your environment and other therapies, from diet to psychosocial factors or lifestyle, can influence how your pain improves. Remember that the whole process should be supervised by a doctor.

CBD for joint pain relief

Safety and adverse effects of CBD

CBD is generally considered safe, and few, minor side effects are reported.

Possible side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth and gastrointestinal discomfort such as abdominal pain and mild diarrhoea (4). However, these are usually mild and temporary. While higher doses of CBD may offer more significant pain relief, they also carry a higher risk of adverse effects. It is crucial to balance the need for effective pain management against the potential for CBD side effects.

In addition, CBD can interact with certain medicines. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before you start taking CBD, especially if you are on medication.

Combining THC, CBD and other cannabinoids

Besides the dose, another thing to consider when using CBD for pain is its possible combination with THC or tetrahydrocannabinol. THC is the phytocannabinoid found in the greatest quantity in the cannabis plant, and its psychoactive action is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis.

Many clinical studies that have shown CBD to be effective for pain have observed greater effectiveness when CBD is given in combination with doses of THC.

While some studies suggest that CBD is a well-tolerated natural compound for inducing analgesia, it has been shown that the combined use of CBD and THC produces pain relief with lower doses of both compounds, and with minimal psychoactive effects. Reducing psychoactive effects is one of the things CBD does, as CBD lessens the “high” of THC.

Does CBD reduce the effect of THC?

In addition, the type of CBD oil (full spectrum, broad spectrum or isolate) can also affect how well it works. Full spectrum CBD oil, which contains minor cannabinoids and terpenes, may provide greater pain relief thanks to the synergistic effect between the different natural compounds found in the plant.

Many studies suggest splitting the total dose of CBD into several smaller doses to improve absorption and minimise side effects. The frequency varies depending on the dose and the therapeutic goal.

In most studies, low doses of CBD have been used effectively once a day, while high doses of CBD are usually split into two or even three doses a day.

Splitting the dose over the day helps reduce adverse events and keep CBD levels steady throughout the day.

How many drops of CBD for chronic pain?

There is no fixed number: it depends on the concentration of the oil and on the person. A sensible approach is to start with 2-3 drops of a CBD oil 1-2 times a day and adjust every 3-4 days depending on the response. Consult your doctor about your case.

How much CBD can you take a day?

Studies have used everything from low doses (less than 150 mg/day) up to 1,500 mg/day in clinical settings. For self-care, low to moderate doses are the norm, starting low and increasing gradually.

Does CBD work for chronic pain?

Research suggests that CBD may help modulate pain (especially inflammatory pain) and works better when combined with THC, but the evidence is still limited and it does not replace medical treatment.

Is it safe to use CBD for pain?

CBD is considered well tolerated; the most common adverse effects are mild (drowsiness, dry mouth, digestive discomfort). At high doses it can raise liver enzymes and interact with medicines.

How often should you take CBD for pain?

Low doses are usually taken once a day; higher doses are split into 2-3 doses to keep levels steady and reduce side effects.

Anti-inflammatory CBD cream for pain

Scientific research: dosage and proven effectiveness of CBD

Scientific research has studied different ranges of effective doses: low, moderate and high. The effectiveness of each dose varies depending on the type of pain and the individual response, with some key doses standing out in the research.

Low doses of CBD (less than 150 mg/day)

Studies indicate that low doses of cannabidiol can be effective for certain types of pain. For example, low-dose CBD has shown benefits for chronic pain and improves mental health, while maintaining good tolerability and safety (1).

Moderate doses of CBD (150-500 mg/day)

Moderate doses of CBD have also been shown to relieve acute pain and some types of neuropathic pain.

This range has been investigated in clinical trials, both as single doses, that is, a single oral dose of CBD to relieve pain (2), and in treatments of up to 8 weeks, twice a day, to protect the nervous system and help with some types of neuropathic pain, with greater effectiveness when combined with THC (1, 3).

One study showed that CBD can relieve up to 70% of dental pain in an emergency when given as a single dose of 20 mg/kg of body weight (around 1,400 mg in a 70 kg adult). This dose of CBD can not only be effective but also maintains an adequate safety profile, as no significant adverse effects were observed (4).

CBD for neuropathic pain

High doses of CBD (500-1500 mg/day)

High amounts of CBD are generally used in clinical settings for severe pain or pain that does not respond to other treatments.

Doses of 600 mg a day have been studied together with paracetamol for 8 weeks in knee osteoarthritis (5). On the other hand, it has been suggested that doses above 1,000 mg (1 g of CBD) could be effective for treating pain, and although CBD doses of up to 1,500 mg/day have been shown to be tolerated (6), they can put stress on the liver, resulting in raised liver enzymes (7). See the effects of CBD on the liver.

Conclusion

It is essential to balance the need for effective pain management against the potential for side effects and possible interactions with other medicines. Although CBD may be a natural, well-tolerated compound with analgesic properties, its long-term use and drug interactions must be considered carefully.

In conclusion, there is no standard dose of CBD for pain relief; what we have are examples of the paths that can be taken. Finding the right dose of CBD for pain is an individual process. It is recommended to start with low doses and adjust according to each person’s response and needs, always under the supervision of a doctor.

Note: This is an informational article and is not intended to prevent, diagnose or treat any disease. Its content may complement, but should never replace, any diagnosis or treatment of any disease or symptom. Cannactiva products are not medicines and are intended for external use. Cannactiva accepts no responsibility for the misuse of this information. Bear in mind that new scientific evidence may have emerged since the date of publication. For all these reasons, consult your doctor before using CBD.