Reasons CBD May Not Be Working For You

Has this ever happened to you? You heard about the benefits of CBD oil and decided to give it a try. But after taking it for a while, you aren't noticing any effects. What gives?

You're not alone. Many people try CBD but don't experience the results they hoped for. The good news is, there are some simple reasons why CBD may not be working for you - and some easy things you can try to get the benefits you seek.

What Is CBD Again?

Before diving into why CBD might not be working, let's do a quick refresher on what CBD actually is.

CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is one of over 100 active compounds found in the cannabis plant called cannabinoids. Unlike its famous cousin THC, CBD is non-psychoactive. It won't make you feel high.

Research shows CBD has a number of potential therapeutic uses, from reducing anxiety and seizures to pain and inflammation relief. It works by interacting with your body's endocannabinoid system, which regulates various processes like mood, pain, appetite, and more.

Now that we're all on the same page about what CBD is, let's discuss some potential reasons you might not be feeling its effects.

You're Not Taking Enough CBD

One of the most common reasons CBD may not seem to be working is that you're not taking a high enough dosage.

How much CBD you need can vary widely depending on factors like your body composition, the condition you're treating, and more. While some people notice benefits from as little as 5mg per day, others may need upwards of 100mg or more.

If you haven't experienced results from CBD yet, try slowly increasing your dosage over time. Pay close attention to how this makes you feel. When you find a dosage that provides relief without unwanted side effects, you've likely found your sweet spot.

You Need to Take It Consistently

Rome wasn't built in a day, and you likely won't notice CBD's benefits from sporadic use. CBD works best when taken regularly and allowed to build up in your system over time.

For the best results, set a daily CBD schedule and stick with it. Consistency is key. It may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks of steady dosing to notice the effects. Be patient and persevere. The benefits are worth it.

You're Buying Poor Quality Products

Not all CBD products are created equal. There's a lot of low-quality stuff out there. When you buy CBD from shady sources, there's no guarantee you're getting what's on the label.

Look for brands like Cibdol that independently test their products and make the Certificates of Analysis (COAs) readily available. Reputable manufacturers are transparent about their sourcing, extraction methods, and quality control procedures. Do your research to find a brand you can trust.

It's also wise to avoid cheap CBD products. High quality extraction and manufacturing processes come at a cost. Don't waste money on products likely to contain impurities or insignificant CBD levels.

Paying a little extra for potent, clean, reliable CBD is worth it in the long run. You'll have peace of mind knowing you're getting the real deal.

The CBD Isn't Getting Absorbed Properly

For CBD to work, it has to reach your bloodstream. But certain factors can impede absorption and prevent enough CBD from getting where it needs to go.

If you take CBD orally by swallowing capsules, be sure to take them with a fat source like avocado or coconut oil. CBD is fat-soluble, meaning it breaks down and absorbs better with dietary fats.

Vaping CBD oil guarantees the highest absorption rate since the CBD directly enters your bloodstream through your lungs. Just make sure to buy high-quality products designed specifically for vaping, not CBD oils.

You can also try sublingual products like tinctures or sprays. Hold the oil under your tongue for up to 90 seconds before swallowing to increase sublingual absorption.

You're Countering the Effects With Other Substances

Certain substances can inhibit CBD's mechanisms of action and prevent it from working properly. For example, caffeine counteracts CBD's calming effects. Similarly, alcohol suppresses the immune system, countering potential anti-inflammatory benefits.

If you indulge in substances known to work against CBD, try cutting back or abstaining for a while. Monitor how this impacts your experience. Limiting intake of opposing substances may help you feel CBD's full effects.

Your Expectations Are Unrealistic

CBD is powerful, but it's not a miracle cure. Some people expect overnight healing properties but are let down when this doesn't happen. The truth is, CBD can take time, consistency, and experimentation to work. But it's well worth the effort.

Be reasonable in your expectations. CBD won't abolish all your woes immediately. But used strategically over time, it can enhance wellbeing in subtle yet impactful ways. Pay attention to slight changes in sleep, mood, pain levels, etc. Appreciate small victories and stay patient for gradual improvement.

You're Not Addressing The Root Cause

While CBD treats symptoms, it may not address the root cause of larger health issues. For instance, anxiety disorders often involve unresolved trauma. Arthritis stems from overall inflammation. Chronic pain is frequently a manifestation of undiagnosed illness.

Make sure you're also tending to the root of your health conditions, not just surface-level symptoms. Lifestyle measures like therapy, nutrition, exercise, mindfulness practices, and sufficient sleep all profoundly impact health. Don't neglect self-care fundamentals and expect CBD alone to fix everything.

When layered together with a solid foundation of core wellness strategies, CBD can be infinitely more powerful. But it requires putting in work. Quick fixes don't typically lead to lasting results. Do the self-work too.

You're Using CBD Isolate

There are three main types of CBD extract: full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate. Full and broad spectrum contain a range of cannabis compounds like terpenes and minor cannabinoids that work synergistically with CBD through the “entourage effect.” This makes them more effective than pure CBD alone.

Isolate is 99% pure CBD with no other plant compounds. While very potent, isolates lack the entourage effect, which might explain why you're not feeling much.

For more well-rounded benefits, use full or broad spectrum products. The whole plant connectivity enhances therapeutic effects compared to isolate.

Your Body Doesn't Absorb CBD Well

A small percentage of people are non-responders who don't metabolize CBD efficiently. Their endocannabinoid systems lack sufficient receptors or enzymes to bind with CBD and activate its mechanisms. External factors like genetics, liver function, overall health, and more impact this.

If you still don't experience CBD's benefits after trying all the above tips, your system may not be primed for proper CBD absorption. But don't lose hope. Consider speaking to a healthcare professional about safely enhancing your response. There are often solutions to increase absorption like dosage adjustments, diet changes, lifestyle improvements, etc. Be proactive about optimizing your wellness to get the most from CBD.

Why CBD Might Not Be Working For You

• You may need a higher dosage
• Take it consistently over time
• Use high quality, tested products from reputable brands
• Improve absorption with fats or sublingual use
• Avoid substances that counter CBD like caffeine
• Have realistic expectations about effects
• Treat root causes not just symptoms
• Use full or broad spectrum instead of isolates
• Enhance your body's ability to absorb and utilize CBD

The bottom line is CBD can take some experimentation to work for you. But when you dial in the right product, dosage, and supplementation strategy, its subtle benefits can be profound. Be patient, strategic, and proactive. With perseverance, you can discover how CBD can enhance your unique wellness journey.

Now it's your turn. Have you had success using CBD? Or has it not lived up to the hype? Share your experiences and let me know if you have any other tips for making CBD more effective!

Summary

CBD is rising in popularity for its potential therapeutic benefits, but many find it doesn't seem to work for them. There are several key reasons CBD may not be effective and things to try instead. First, make sure you’re taking a high enough dosage. CBD amounts vary widely, and it often takes experimentation to find your optimal dose. Second, take CBD capsules consistently, not sporadically. It builds up in your system over time, so daily, long-term usage provides the best results.

Next, buy only lab-tested, high quality CBD from reputable brands to ensure potency and purity. Also check that you’re properly absorbing CBD by taking oils with fats or using sublingual tinctures. Avoid substances like caffeine or alcohol that may interfere with CBD’s mechanisms. Manage unrealistic expectations as well since CBD is not a cure-all and requires patience.

Additionally, consider using full or broad spectrum CBD instead of isolates for the entourage effect. Or you may be a non-responder who needs lifestyle tweaks to better metabolize CBD. Cover all your bases with strategic dosing, high value products, optimized absorption, and overall wellness support for the best chance of experiencing CBD benefits. Don’t give up; CBD can be life-changing when used strategically.