A Few Reasons CBD May Not Be Working For You
According to recent estimates, global CBD sales will reach about $20 billion by 2024. There are nearly 900 brands on America’s market, and approximately 40% of adults have shown interest in cannabidiol. Though most consumers believe in the healing benefits of cannabis and its derivatives, CBD does not work for everyone. Here, we’ll explain a few of the most common reasons why CBD products may not work to treat your condition.
Using Low-Quality Products That Don’t Have the Right CBD Content
Insufficient regulation is one of the biggest problems in the CBD industry. As these products are not approved by the FDA, they’re not subject to the same rules as conventional medicines and health products. The best CBD products come from organically grown hemp without insecticides, pesticides, and other chemicals. However, not all brands practice good quality control.
According to a study from JAMA, less than one-third of tested products contained the advertised CBD content within a 10% margin. Shockingly, over 21% of those products contained high levels of THC. If CBD isn’t working for you, the quality of the product may be to blame. Start your search for cannabidiol products by buying them from trusted brands that back their claims with unbiased lab reports.
Taking the Wrong Dosage or Choosing a Product With a Low Potency
Like many other synthetic and natural medicines, CBD affects each user differently. Factors such as gender, age, weight, health, and lifestyle all play a crucial role. Therefore, it’s best to start with a relatively low dose until you see how the product affects you. If the results aren’t satisfactory, increase the dosage gradually until the minimum threshold is reached. Generally, users should start with one to six milligrams of CBD for every ten pounds of body weight, with the dosage depending on their pain level.
Developing a Tolerance
Long-term cannabis enthusiasts often take tolerance breaks when they feel as if the plant isn’t giving them the benefits to which they’ve become accustomed. After the break, they resume consumption and rediscover those perks. Though you’d need to take a lot of CBD for a long time, it is possible to develop a tolerance to the compound.
Of the reasons on this list, the development of a tolerance among the least likely. However, if you’ve been using CBD for a while and feel as if you’re not getting the full benefit from it, consider taking a few days off before resuming consumption.
It’s All in Your Genes
As prevalent as cannabidiol products are, there’s no proof that it’s right for everyone. Some people’s genetic makeup mitigates the positive effects of CBD. Up to 20% of users carry a genetic mutation that increases their cannabinoid processing power, and those people tend to need higher doses to feel the effects when using CBD products.
Being in Good Health
Somewhat surprisingly, those in good psychological and physical health may not see many benefits from CBD use. From what we’ve learned about this cannabinoid, it tends to work best in those with conditions that lead to endocannabinoid deficiencies. When cannabidiol is used medicinally, it initiates chemical reactions that bring the body back into balance. If you’re already healthy, then, it makes sense that CBD wouldn’t offer many benefits.
It’s much the same where mental health is concerned. Those with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues typically suffer from brain-based chemical imbalances. When they consume CBD products, that balance is restored, and they notice an improvement in their symptoms. The use of CBD by mentally healthy individuals will, therefore, result in few if any benefits.
Not Using Full-Spectrum CBD Products
Many of today’s sellers offer CBD isolate products. While there’s nothing dangerous about or wrong with these, research suggest that they don’t work as well as full-spectrum options. These products typically contain several cannabinoids other than CBD, such as CBN, CBC, and CBG, as well as beneficial terpenes.
Science shows that flavonoids, terpenes, and cannabinoids are at their best when combined, via a process called the entourage effect. It’s even possible to combine cannabidiol with THC as long as you don’t mind the well-known after effects.
You’re Impatient and Have Unrealistic Expectations
Again, the CBD industry’s insufficient regulation is a big problem. Many users buy into the hype, believing that cannabidiol is a cure-all. However, that’s not the case, and it’s best to set realistic expectations. If you’re suffering from long-term pain, don’t be too disappointed if CBD doesn’t provide powerful results. If you expect the pain to be completely gone and only manage to reduce it by 50% with CBD, it’s only natural to feel disappointed. However, that’s a significant improvement!
Also, it’s best not to take CBD with the expectation that you’ll feel instant results. Many of the cannabinoids effects, such as its anti-inflammatory aspects, take several weeks of consistent use to appear. Keep in mind that CBD works within the endocannabinoid system and the immune system to elicit a response from the body’s cells. Homeostasis, or balance, doesn’t happen overnight. Be patient enough to use the product for a month or so before assessing its efficacy.
Final Thoughts on Why CBD Doesn’t Work for Every User
If you’ve used cannabidiol products and you’re disappointed in the effects or the lack thereof, re-read this list to see if any of the reasons apply to your situation. It may be as simple as your choice of products or the dosage you are taking. Alternatively, your genetic makeup may mitigate the effects of CBD. If you’re already in good health, cannabidiol may not do much—but that’s not the worst thing to think of.
Every person is unique, and like all other health supplements and medicines, CBD has different effects on each user. By buying high-quality cannabidiol products, assessing their effects after a period of time, considering your genetic makeup, and taking an occasional break from consumption, you’ll learn how to use these products in a safe, responsible, and health-conscious way.