How Many CBD Gummies Should I Eat? - January 2025

Why People Take CBD Gummies

CBD gummies are candies that have cannabidiol. These treats have been increasingly popular among CBD users as the gummies come in various flavors, colors, shapes, and CBD concentrations⁽⁴⁾.  

CBD manufacturers stated that these gummies may also help relieve anxiety, pain, inflammation, and sleep problems⁽⁵⁾. 

Studies suggest that CBD may contain analgesic (anti-pain) and anti-inflammatory properties that may help relieve chronic pain and improve quality of life⁽⁶⁾.

CBD’s purported anti-inflammatory benefits make the compound a potential option for managing different types of pain⁽⁷⁾.

The benefits of CBD may include managing pain linked to the following health conditions:⁽⁸⁾

• Arthritis
• Inflammation
• Migraines
• Multiple sclerosis 
• Fibromyalgia
• Diabetes
• Parkinson’s disease
• Cancer

Research shows that CBD may induce potential anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects⁽⁹⁾.  

CBD is the main active component of cannabis (marijuana). Although CBD is an essential element of medical marijuana, the compound is mainly derived from hemp plants, a relative of marijuana, or is synthetically created⁽¹⁰⁾. 

CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS)⁽¹¹⁾. The ECS is found in most parts of the body and maintains homeostasis or balance⁽¹²⁾. 

Moreover, the ECS consists of cannabinoid receptors 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2), which are found on cells throughout the body⁽¹³⁾. 

CB1 receptors play a significant role in regulating pain sensation, whereas CB2 stimulates an anti-inflammatory⁽¹⁴⁾. 

Cannabidiol also interacts with the 5-TH1A receptors or serotonin receptors⁽¹⁵⁾. 

Serotonin or “happy hormone” is a neurotransmitter that regulates mood and creates feelings of happiness. 

CBD has a low binding affinity for CB1 and CB2 receptors. However, the compound may antagonize the receptors in the presence of THC⁽¹⁶⁾. 

THC or delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol is the mind-altering compound in cannabis⁽¹⁷⁾. This compound produces the feeling of a euphoric high. 

On the other hand, cannabidiol is nonpsychoactive⁽¹⁸⁾. Researchers believe that CBD decreases the potency and efficacy of THC and regulates the perception of pain⁽¹⁹⁾. 

How Many CBD Gummies Should People Eat?

The FDA (the Food and Drug Administration) has only approved one cannabis-based drug, Epidiolex. This medicine treats tubular sclerosis and two rare forms of childhood epilepsy⁽²⁰⁾. 

There is no standard dosage on how many CBD gummies individuals should eat. It may depend on factors like the user’s body weight, potency, and the condition the individual wants to address. 

CBD edibles like gummies go through the digestive system, so it may take from one to three hours for users to feel the effects of the compound, which may lead people to eat more. 

While ingesting higher doses of CBD  does not usually cause adverse effects, the compound’s effects may last for up to eight hours or more⁽²¹⁾.

Various CBD manufacturers state that each CBD gummies may contain 10 to 15 mg (milligram) of CBD. However, it may still vary depending on the CBD brand. 

According to a 2018 journal article in the European Journal of Internal Medicine, the general rule of thumb for beginners is to consume low doses and incrementally increase the amount if the individual does not experience any adverse side effects⁽²²⁾.

In clinical studies, researchers have utilized different dosages of oral CBD, ranging from 100 to 800mg per day⁽²³⁾.

Some studies even involved the use of higher dosages. According to a report, an individual noted an improvement in symptoms of psychosis after taking 1,200 mg of CBD per day for a few weeks⁽²⁴⁾.

In another study, an individual diagnosed with schizophrenia reported a reduction in psychotic symptoms after taking up to 1500mg of CBD per day for four weeks⁽²⁵⁾. 

Furthermore, CBD was well tolerated as the individual experienced no side effects even up to the maximum dosage⁽²⁶⁾.

Factors to Determine the Right CBD Gummies Dosage for Individuals

Without a standard dosage guide approved by the FDA, CBD dosage may vary depending on each person. Some factors that may impact CBD dosage include the individual’s:⁽²⁷⁾

• Overall health
• Diet and exercise regimen
• Sleep patterns
• Stress levels
• Genetics

Other factors that may affect CBD dosage are:

Body Weight

Changes in the digestive system and body weight may influence how fast medicines enter the bloodstream to be absorbed and used by the body. Weight changes may also affect how much medicine is required for an individual to take and the duration of these drugs in the body⁽²⁸⁾.  

The slowing down of the circulatory system may also influence how fast medication gets to the kidneys and liver. If these organs work slowly, such an occurrence may affect how drugs are broken down and eliminated by the body⁽²⁹⁾.

Moreover, as individuals age, they may experience bodily changes caused by aging or weight gain, which may cause unwanted or detrimental drug interactions. Thus, consulting health care professionals is essential to avoid medication issues⁽³⁰⁾.  

The Condition or Ailment Being Addressed

It is highly suggested that individuals consult a healthcare practitioner experienced in CBD or medical cannabis use. These professionals can develop dosage and delivery methods specifically for each individual’s needs⁽³¹⁾. 

According to a study in 2017, 300 to 600mg of single-dose CBD has been shown to decrease the anxiety of individuals who have undergone a simulated public speaking test⁽³²⁾. 

Moreover, a crossover study noted that a high-dose CBD at 160mg may have therapeutic benefits that help with insomnia and social anxiety disorder⁽³³⁾. 

Full-Spectrum CBD vs. CBD Isolate

There are three primary types of CBD extracts: CBD isolate, broad-spectrum CBD oil, and full-spectrum CBD oil. It is vital for consumers to understand the differences.

Full-spectrum CBD oil possesses all of the cannabinoids and compounds that are extracted from the cannabis plant. This CBD extract also offers a broader range of benefits than pure CBD isolate.

CBD isolate is pure CBD only and does not contain other types of cannabinoids.

However, CBD isolate cannot compare to the combined effects of the various cannabinoids in full-spectrum CBD oil products.

Full-spectrum CBD oil contains a full range of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other naturally occurring compounds in cannabis, including THC and nutrients like fatty acids. 

Flavonoids are plant compounds with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory health benefits⁽³⁴⁾. Meanwhile, terpenes are compounds in cannabis that gives the plant its distinctive fragrance and flavors. 

Combining all these components creates a phenomenon known as the “entourage effect.” 

The entourage effect is a concept wherein all of the compounds that work together are more efficient than their isolated elements⁽³⁵⁾.

Individuals may take full-spectrum CBD oil in various ways. There are full-spectrum CBD gummies, CBD tinctures, CBD capsules, CBD topical products like balms and creams, and vapes. 

However, it is crucial to note that vaping may pose potential health risks such as chemical irritation or pulmonary diseases, so caution should be exercised⁽³⁶⁾. 

Topical CBD products are directly applied to the skin for localized relief from mild to chronic pain and skin irritations⁽³⁷⁾.

These various forms of CBD products may give individuals more options and allow them to customize their method of use that best fits their lifestyle, preference, and need.

Age and Metabolism

Children and adults metabolize drugs differently. Younger people can tolerate high doses of cannabis oil concentrates and formulations containing THC. Hence, calculating the CBD dosage for adults may not work for children⁽³⁸⁾.

Even though CBD may not cause adverse side effects at high doses, an incredibly high amount of CBD may have reduced therapeutical benefits compared to moderate doses⁽³⁹⁾.

How to Calculate the Proper Dosage of CBD Gummies: Tips for Correct Dosing

Most CBD edibles, such as CBD gummies, chews, tablets, and capsules, usually have dosage information that specifies the CBD content per serving size. This information enables users to quickly determine the CBD dosage of these products⁽⁴⁰⁾.

Other tips for correct CBD dosing include:⁽⁴¹⁾ 

• No dosing recommendation will fit every single person.  

• Individuals should decide which form of CBD products they prefer or fits their needs best. CBD products are available in oils, tinctures, capsules, sprays, edibles, gummies, and vaporizers.
• Look for a product that possesses the correct balance for an individual’s condition. If one is not sure which product to choose, they may start with CBD products containing little to no THC. Later on, they may use THC to see how they respond to the mind-altering compound.  
• Opt for products that identify the CBD potency and THC content. 
• First-time users should start with a lower dose of CBD and gradually increase the dose until the individual achieves their desired effect. This method allows users to find what works best for them.
• The right dosage of CBD for an individual may depend on many factors, such as body chemistry, body weight, the symptoms the user is treating, and the CBD product concentration⁽⁴²⁾.
• If a user has a history of alcohol or drug abuse, mental illness, or is pregnant and breastfeeding, they should proceed cautiously.
• Individuals should speak with their physician if they have any questions or concerns regarding their medical condition and the use of CBD. 

Timing CBD Gummy Dosage

One of the most common side effects of CBD is drowsiness⁽⁴³⁾. Therefore, unless a medical professional advises against it, taking CBD before bedtime may be a good idea. 

Most orally administered CBD, such as CBD gummies, have a long duration of effects. These effects may last all day or all night⁽⁴⁴⁾.  

What Are the Side Effects of CBD Gummies?

Currently, there is a lack of clinical studies that determine what side effects may arise from specific doses of CBD. 

However, in general, CBD may produce side effects such as loss of appetite, sleepiness, dry mouth, fatigue, and diarrhea⁽⁴⁵⁾.

A study in 2020 investigated the effects of CBD on patients prescribed CBD oil. Researchers noted that some patients experienced adverse effects such as vivid dreams and sedation⁽⁴⁶⁾.

Another study indicated that some commonly reported side effects of CBD in humans include appetite and body weight changes, tiredness, and diarrhea⁽⁴⁷⁾.

Further human clinical trials are needed to conclusively determine the specific CBD doses that may cause negative side effects on humans. 

Moreover, CBD may inhibit the cytochrome P450 enzymes at certain doses⁽⁴⁸⁾.

This inhibition may negatively affect how the user’s body metabolizes various prescription medications. Some of these pharmaceutical drugs include:⁽⁴⁹⁾

• Antihistamines
• Antibiotics
• Antidepressants
• Anesthetics
• HIV antivirals
• Beta-blockers
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Individuals should consult a doctor for medical advice regarding the treatment of diseases or medical conditions before taking CBD.

CBD Gummies Overdose: Can People Take Too Many?

Currently, there is no clinical data on humans regarding the effects of taking too many CBD gummies. However, research on laboratory animals suggests that the oral toxicity of CBD is low⁽⁵⁰⁾.

In a study about physical dependence on drugs, researchers gave individuals 1,500mg of CBD per day for four weeks. The results indicate that the participants did not experience withdrawal after the 28-day trial period⁽⁵¹⁾.  

Another study found that doses up to 1,500mg of CBD per day were well tolerated⁽⁵²⁾. 

These findings may suggest that individuals taking more than 1000mg of CBD gummies may not experience any adverse effects.

Furthermore, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that CBD does not cause a euphoric high, and the compound does not possess the potential for substance abuse⁽⁵³⁾.

Are CBD Gummies Safe?

CBD is safe and well tolerated by people, according to a WHO report⁽⁵⁴⁾. 

However, CBD users may experience mild side effects like dry mouth, drowsiness, fatigue, diarrhea, and reduced appetite⁽⁵⁵⁾. 

Presently, the FDA has only approved the cannabis-based drug Epidiolex for treating seizures due to two rare forms of childhood epilepsy⁽⁵⁶⁾.

Still, more studies and clinical trials are needed to determine CBD’s safety and efficacy officially. 

Choosing the Best CBD

When choosing the best CBD gummies, especially for new users, individuals should consider some important factors.

Manufacturers use different methods like carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrocarbon, or ethanol extraction to extract CBD from the hemp plant.

Consumers may opt for high-quality CBD gummy bears made with non-GMO (genetically modified organism) and natural ingredients, and sweeteners. 

Some CBD gummies may also contain melatonin, which may provide wellness and health benefits for sleep problems and anxiety⁽⁵⁷⁾. 

Trusted CBD brands have a certificate of analysis (COA). These documents are given by third-party labs and contain the lab reports of the product’s actual CBD content.

Moreover, lab testing determines if the product contains contaminants like pesticides that may be harmful to consumers.

Some CBD brands may also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee for their customers’ satisfaction. 

In 2018, the Farm Bill declared that CBD products are federally legal in the United States if the product contains less than 0.3% THC concentration⁽⁵⁸⁾.

Before purchasing and using CBD, individuals must check their state’s laws to avoid possible legal repercussions.

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1. What are CBD gummies? Are there any health benefits?
   https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/cbd-gummies-health-benefits-3515165/
2. CBD dosing
   https://www.projectcbd.org/guidance/cbd-dosing
3. page 223 of Healing With CBD
   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
4. What are CBD gummies? Are there any health benefits?
   https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/cbd-gummies-health-benefits-3515165/
5. Ibid.
6. A Balanced Approach for Cannabidiol Use in Chronic Pain
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7204604/
7. page 167 of Healing With CBD
   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
8. page 167-168 of Healing With CBD
   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
9. Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604171/
10. Cannabidiol (CBD)-what we know and what we don’t
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
11. The Endocannabinoid System, Our Universal Regulator
    https://www.jyi.org/2018-june/2018/6/1/the-endocannabinoid-system-our-universal-regulator
12. Ibid.
13. Ibid.
14. Cannabinoids and Pain: New Insights From Old Molecules
    https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.01259/full
15. Antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like effects of cannabidiol: a chemical compound of Cannabis sativa
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24923339/
16. Ibid.
17. What Is Marijuana?
    https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/what-marijuana
18. Cannabidiol and Other Non-Psychoactive Cannabinoids for Prevention and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Disorders: Useful Nutraceuticals?
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7246936/
19. Cannabinoids and Pain: New Insights From Old Molecules
    https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.01259/full
20. FDA Approves New Indication for Drug Containing an Active Ingredient Derived from Cannabis to Treat Seizures in Rare Genetic Disease
    https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-indication-drug-containing-active-ingredient-derived-cannabis-treat-seizures-rare
21. A Patient’s Guide to Medical Cannabis page 107 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MILU_6ZjYkII-XMUPHLFPiPQbrz__5Sh/view
22. CBD dosing
    https://www.projectcbd.org/guidance/cbd-dosing
23. CANNABIDIOL (CBD) Pre-Review Report page 11
    https://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/5.2_CBD.pdf
24. Current Status and Prospects for Cannabidiol Preparations as New Therapeutic Agents page 786
    https://www.alchimiaweb.com/blogfr/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Current-Status-and-Prospects-for-Cannabidiol-Preparations.pdf
25. Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for psychosis
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6843725/
26. Ibid.
27. CBD dosing
    https://www.projectcbd.org/guidance/cbd-dosing
28. As You Age: You and Your Medicines
    https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-consumers-and-patients-drugs/you-age-you-and-your-medicines
29. Ibid.
30. Ibid.
31. As You Age: You and Your Medicines
    https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-consumers-and-patients-drugs/you-age-you-and-your-medicines
32. Inverted U-Shaped Dose-Response Curve of the Anxiolytic Effect of Cannabidiol during Public Speaking in Real Life
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28553229/
33. Cannabidiol in humans-the quest for therapeutic targets
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24281562/
34. Flavonoids as antioxidants
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10924197/
35. The Case for the Entourage Effect and Conventional Breeding of Clinical Cannabis: No “Strain,” No Gain
    https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpls.2018.01969/full
36. Can vaping damage your lungs? What we do (and don’t) know
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-vaping-damage-your-lungs-what-we-do-and-dont-know-2019090417734
37. Healing with CBD. page. 210.
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
38. CBD dosing
    https://www.projectcbd.org/guidance/cbd-dosing
39. Ibid.
40. page 219-220 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
41. A Patient’s Guide to CBD page 135 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MILU_6ZjYkII-XMUPHLFPiPQbrz__5Sh/view
42. CBD dosing
    https://www.projectcbd.org/guidance/cbd-dosing
43. What are the benefits of CBD — and is it safe to use?
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700
44. Healing with CBD. page 202. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
45. What are the benefits of CBD — and is it safe to use?
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700
46. Cannabidiol prescription in clinical practice: an audit on the first 400 patients in New Zealand
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7330185/
47. Dosage, Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol Administration in Adults: A Systematic Review of Human Trials
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7092763/
48. CBD user’s guide
    https://www.projectcbd.org/guidance/cbd-users-guide
49. page 115 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
50. Cannabidiol hazard profile – Proposal P1042
    https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/code/proposals/Documents/P1042%20Low%20THC%20hemp%20CFS%20SD2%20Cannabidiol%20hazard.pdf
51. DRUG LABEL INFORMATION: DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE
    https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=8bf27097-4870-43fb-94f0-f3d0871d1eec#section-9
52. Safety and side effects of cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22129319/
53. CANNABIDIOL (CBD)
    https://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/5.2_CBD.pdf
54. Cannabidiol (CBD), page 5.
    https://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/CannabidiolCriticalReview.pdf
55. What are the benefits of CBD — and is it safe to use?
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700
56. Ibid.
57. Melatonin: What You Need To Know
    https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/melatonin-what-you-need-to-know
58. Hemp Production and the 2018 Farm Bill
    https://www.fda.gov/news-events/congressional-testimony/hemp-production-and-2018-farm-bill-07252019

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