CBD doesn't work? 8 reasons why it might happen
You bought CBD oil, but it doesn't work? This is a very real situation sometimes you may not see the results you were hoping for. In these cases, it is important to understand why CBD may not work and what you can change to get the results you want. Lets try to find out why this happens.
There are several reasons why CBD might not be effective. The main ones include using an incorrect (too low) CBD dosage, choosing the wrong type of CBD, poor-quality products, inconsistent use, or simply having overly high expectations.
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Note: This and other articles on Hempo's blog are for informational purposes only. According to the directive of the European Commission, cannabidiol is classified as a 'novel food', therefore CBD products should not be used as a food supplement in Lithuania.
Using the wrong dose of CBD
When it comes to CBD, the dose you take is very important. Sometimes people use the same dose of CBD as their friends or family members who are cannabidiol users. At first glance, this seems like a good and safe strategy. But the problem is that everyone's body is different, so every person or animal metabolizes natural products differently, whether its caffeine or hemp extract.
CBD works in your body by interacting with the endocannabinoid system ( ECS). It is a biological system found throughout the body. It helps regulate and balance most physiological processes, including digestion, mood and the nervous system.
CBD can support the endocannabinoid system and its functions, but each person often needs different amounts of this cannabinoid. Thats why you may need to adjust the amount you use to get the results you want.
You chose the wrong form of CBD oil
Different CBD products are tailored to different needs. In Lithuania, you can choose from the following types of cannabidiol oil.
- CBD isolate is a concentrate that contains only pure cannabidiol in addition to other cannabinoids and beneficial components found in hemp. Compared to other types of oil, the effects of CBD isolate are the mildest, but also the weakest.
- Full-spectrum CBD oil is a product that contains all the cannabinoids and compounds that are naturally found in the hemp plant. Also, full-spectrum oil has a small amount of THC (in Lithuania, only products that do not exceed 0.2% THC are allowed).
- Broad-spectrum CBD oil. This category includes CBD oils that contain virtually all of the beneficial cannabinoids (CBC, CBN, CBG, etc.), terpenes and flavonoids, but no THC. Its a middle ground between full-spectrum oil and isolate.
You may be using the wrong form of CBD for your needs. In this case, you may not get the desired benefits. For example, you use CBD isolate instead of full- or broad-spectrum CBD oil.
CBD isolates are perfect for people who want to get the benefits of CBD without worrying about the small amount of THC found in full-spectrum extract. However, many people claim that isolate does not provide the desired more intense effect. You can achieve it by using a broad-spectrum cannabidiol extract.
Ideally, you should use a full-spectrum hemp extract that contains all the beneficial cannabinoids to induce the so-called entourage effect.
The entourage effect is a phenomenon where the cannabinoids in CBD oil interact with each other and enhance the positive effects of cannabidiol on the body. It leads to better, stronger and longer-lasting results than CBD alone without additives. Read more in the article Full-spectrum CBD and entourage effect.
Unrealistic expectations
Many people have really high expectations when they start using CBD. One of the most common mistakes is to think that it will start working immediately and the very next day you will enjoy great results: reduced pain, improved mood, better sleep, radiant skin, etc.
Some people feel the desired result very quickly. But this is rather an exception to the rule. Most people need a little more time for their bodies to feel the effect of CBD.
So don't be surprised or discouraged if you don't see the results you want in the first week of using cannabidiol oil. They usually appear within 10 to 15 days from the start of use.
CBD Cannot Cure an Unhealthy Lifestyle
Body Tolerance and Sensitivity
CBD Tolerance
CBD Sensitivity
Inconsistent use of CBD
When it comes to the use of cannabidiol oil, regularity and consistency are very important aspects to achieve and maintain the therapeutic effect of this product. Like any other product, cannabidiol fully unfolds only when it is taken consistently, at the same time every day.
Many experts recommend taking CBD twice a day once in the morning and once before bed. To stay consistent, you can track your results with cannabidiol in a journal or on your smartphone.
Interactions of cannabidiol with other products
If you are using prescription medications, antibiotics or other topical products, you should allow a time gap between CBD oil and those products. Experts warn that the interaction of cannabidiol with specific products or medications can change or reduce the benefits of CBD for your body or even cause unwanted side effects. Your doctor can help determine if there are possible interactions with your medications.
Poor oil quality = poor results
While the shelves of physical and online shops are almost overflowing with CBD oils, cannabidiol products are very different in terms of properties and quality. So, before buying some oil you are interested in, you should know all its ingredients. Sometimes, even well-known and widely advertised brands have a very small amount of real CBD, so you don't get the desired result.
To make sure that the product contains what it says on the label, you should find out if the product has been tested by an accredited laboratory, allowing you to verify that the information on the product label is correct and meets all quality standards. The analysis also confirms that the product does not contain harmful hazardous substances such as mold, pesticides or heavy metals.
Using CBD Isolate
Another reason why CBD might not be working is that you are using CBD isolate. CBD isolate is pure CBD - although this type of CBD has the highest concentration of CBD (cannabidiol) per gram (~990 mg per gram), it is considered less effective compared to broad-spectrum or full-spectrum CBD oil. This is because CBD isolate does not contain other beneficial cannabinoids (e.g., CBC, CBN, CBG, etc.) and natural terpenes that work synergistically to create the so-called "entourage effect," which significantly enhances the effectiveness of CBD oil.
CBD isolate is commonly used in the production of food products (gummies, gum, various drinks, etc.) because this form of CBD is easily water-soluble. However, to achieve the greatest effect, it is recommended to consider using other forms of cannabidiol oil, such as full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD.
How to ensure better CBD absorption?
That's why many brands mix CBD with MCT oil the specific molecular composition of MCT improves and accelerates the absorption of cannabidiol!
Summary
So, it is very important to understand that the effectiveness of CBD depends on its quality, the individual dosage, the body's reaction, tolerance and sensitivity to this natural substance, as well as the type of CBD you use. Remember that unrealistic expectations can lead to unintentional disappointment with the effects of CBD - it is important to understand that a holistic approach to a healthy lifestyle is key, and that more effort is likely to be required to improve your wellbeing, such as exercising or adjusting your eating habits. We hope that we managed to answer the question Why does CBD not work?, and you have avoided the described mistakes and will soon enjoy the positive effects of cannabidiol!