There Is No Universal CBD Dose
This is the honest reality of CBD dosing — the research has not yet established a standardised dose for any pain condition. Individual responses vary significantly based on body weight, endocannabinoid system baseline, the condition being treated, and the product quality.
The Start Low, Go Slow Approach
Most UK CBD experts and the FSA recommend starting with a low dose and titrating upward. Practical starting point: 10–20mg CBD per day for one week. If well-tolerated, increase to 30–40mg for the second week. Continue increasing by 10–20mg weekly until you notice benefit or plateau.
Dose Ranges in Research
Pain studies have used doses ranging from 25mg to 600mg per day. Most patient-reported benefit for chronic pain sits between 50–150mg/day. Very high doses (300–600mg) are used in some anxiety and neurological condition studies — these are typically research doses, not for self-directed supplementation.
How to Measure Your Dose
CBD oil is measured in mg, not drops or ml. Check the label: if a 10ml bottle contains 500mg CBD, each 0.5ml (typically 1 dropper) contains 25mg. Sublingual administration (under the tongue, held 60–90 seconds) provides approximately 35% bioavailability — significantly better than swallowing directly.
Safety and Daily Limits
The FSA recommends adults consume no more than 70mg of CBD per day as a food supplement in the UK. For most people using CBD for pain, effective doses fall within this limit. People with liver conditions should use lower doses and monitor liver enzymes.
If you’re on blood thinners, antiepileptics or any medication metabolised by CYP450 enzymes, consult your GP before using CBD — interactions are possible.