Though they’re both found in a cannabis plant—meaning either hemp or marijuana—using CBD is a far cry from smoking weed. Like THC , CBD is a cannabinoid—a molecule that helps the functioning of our endocannabinoid system, which regulates our mood, sleep cycle, inflammation, immune response, and more. But unlike THC, CBD isn’t intoxicating.
With a tincture, Capano recommends starting with 10mg of active cannabinoids . In some products, 10mg is a few drops; in others, it’s a whole milliliter. Put the oil under your tongue and hold it there until it absorbs. If taking orally , you’re going to need more, says Capano, because you lose a bit of the active ingredients to something called first-pass-metabolism by the liver. A pill with 15 or 20 mg of CBD might be comparable to 10 mg of a tincture.
But as a general rule? “Start low and go slow,” recommends Capano. “More isn’t always better, it’s like a bell.” Start with 10 mg worth of active ingredient a couple hours before bed. Each day, you can increase the amount slightly and take note of how you feel; dial it back when you don’t feel any extra benefit from additional milligrams. The sweet spot will likely be between 10 and 40 mg a day.Unlike smoking a joint, using CBD won’t leave you with a giggling fit or the munchies.
“There’s some evidence out there that CBD can adversely affect a damaged liver, and there’s other evidence that shows it can be helpful—it seems to depend on the underlying cause of liver damage,” Capano adds. If you already have liver issues, talk with your doc, keep a close eye on your dosage, and be sure to monitor hepatic enzymes every three months.
It also helps cell turnover, which can improve acne prone skin and brighten your complexion. Plus, because of its potent inflammatory properties, CBD can even lessen overactive sebum production and breakouts, and can reduce the frequency and severity of eczema and psoriasis flares.