Will CBD Work for Everyone?
6 min read
We love hearing stories from all of you about how our CBD products have helped you extract more out of life. There’s a lot of research out there that indicates CBD is consistently showing the ability to ease social anxiety, insomnia, stress, inflammation and other symptoms associated with chronic conditions. And while the overwhelming majority of feedback we receive is positive, every once in a while we get a message from someone expressing that CBD didn’t work for them.
We never like hearing this, but the truth is that CBD is not a cure-all product that can solve every problem for everyone, and we’re the first to admit it. In some cases, CBD oil doesn’t give someone the results they want.
There are a few reasons why this could be happening. Let’s break them down.
You may not have figured out the right timing or amount of CBD for you.
Choosing the right amount of CBD to take isn’t an exact science. It can often mean taking time to learn how your body responds to certain amounts or during specific times of the day.
To learn more, check out our blog post on how to determine the right amount of CBD to take and when to take it.
If the CBD you’re using is from a brand other than Onyx & Rose, it’s possible that the product hasn’t been produced correctly.
We don’t like pointing fingers, but sometimes the problem isn’t you. At Onyx & Rose, every product we produce is required to stand up to our sky-high standards and rigorous testing.
If you decide to purchase a product from a different CBD oil brand, make sure that the company is willing to provide easily accessible third-party lab results. Then review them to help ensure that the CBD oil you’re getting is quality. Verified lab results also validate that the amount of CBD in the product is actually what’s listed on the label
Your genetics may not jive well with CBD.
CBD is so effective because it interacts with some of your body’s most intricate systems. But just like people, everyone’s endocannabinoid system is slightly different, and that means some people are born with more endocannabinoids than others. In fact, it’s estimated that 20% of people living in the US have a genetic mutation that increases the amount of cannabinoids naturally occurring within their bodies. If you’re one of these people, it may mean that you experience less anxiety and stress than most individuals – but it also means that CBD will be less effective for you.
Males and females may experience the effects of CBD differently.
Studies have found that women often show a greater sensitivity to cannabinoids, including CBD. That means some women may need to take lower doses than some men. Interestingly, research shows that CBD works most effectively when estrogen levels in a woman’s body are at their peak, meaning the menstrual cycle likely affects how CBD works. If you’ve found that taking CBD during the first week of your menstrual cycle seems ineffective, try taking it during a different time of the month – like during your period – and compare results.
CBD effectiveness may come down to your diet.
Research also suggests that there could be a link between the endocannabinoid system and the amount of fatty acids you consume. If you’re not getting enough omega-3s in your diet, it makes it difficult for your endocannabinoid system to function optimally. If you do not get enough omega-3 in your diet or through supplementation, chances are that you won’t receive as great a benefit from taking CBD.
Your physical health may have an impact on CBD.
We have come to understand that CBD works best in individuals who have significant endocannabinoid gaps. If you’re not suffering from ailments or are in great shape, CBD oil doesn’t have as much of a gap to cover, and the results won’t be as noticeable. Keep in mind that for most people, the goal of taking CBD is to help them feel their best. If you’re already feeling great, CBD oil may add to your wellness, but it also may not be as noticeable of a shift.
Psychological health also plays a role in CBD effectiveness.
If you suffer from anxiety, depression or another challenge that affects your mental health, CBD may be highly effective in helping you manage the symptoms. That’s because in these cases, there’s a chemical imbalance within the body and the brain that CBD may help to neutralize. But if you’re not suffering from a chemical imbalance within your body, you may find that the effects of CBD aren’t as noticeable.
You may have developed a tolerance to CBD.
As with anything, it is possible to develop a tolerance to CBD over time. The more CBD you use, the more your tolerance has the potential to develop. If you’re using CBD for the first time, you will generally find that the effects are greater than they will be after using a consistent amount every day for 5 years. If you find that you’ve developed a CBD tolerance, we recommend taking a short break from CBD. Within a couple of weeks, your body should return to its original state and will react positively to newly introduced CBD.
If you’re using a brand other than Onyx & Rose, it may be a CBD isolate.
It’s well-documented that CBD works best when it can partner up with the other naturally occurring compounds in hemp. These synergistic benefits are referred to as the entourage effect, and they can provide powerful relief from a lot of symptoms, If you’re taking an isolate, you’re not getting the full range of terpenes and cannabinoids that are available in full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD products.
When in doubt, try again.
While it’s possible CBD oil just doesn’t work for you, we don’t recommend giving up. If it’s not giving you the results you want, or if you’re new to CBD, we recommend starting with 10-15 mg a day.
From there, pay close attention to how your body reacts and how long the effects last. If you find that you’re not achieving the results you want, before increasing the amount you’re taking, try consuming your CBD at different times of the day. You may find that a specific time works best for you, and if you do, start consistently taking the CBD at this time of the day.
If you find that changing your time of consumption isn’t making a noticeable impact, try increasing your serving size by 10 mg intervals. You might also find it helpful to take your CBD through different delivery methods – if capsules aren’t working for you, for example, try switching to our Full spectrum or Broad Spectrum CBD oil, where you have more flexibility when it comes to serving size. Or if you’re seeking relief in a specific muscle or joint, try applying Onyx & Rose CBD Balm to that area.
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