It is a common complaint: “I have been using CBD for weeks, but I do not notice anything.” This frustration is understandable, especially if you have heard a lot of positive stories about CBD. To be fair: there are no EU-approved health claims for CBD, and people respond to it differently. If you notice nothing, that may be down to the product, to how you use it, or to the fact that CBD is simply not for you.
Before you write CBD off, you can check these seven things.
1. Your expectations are too high or unrealistic
One of the most common reasons for disappointment is that people have the wrong expectations. CBD is not a medicine and does not get you high.
The problem: Many people expect immediate, drastic changes, as if they were taking a painkiller. Anyone expecting that from CBD will not find it.
The solution: Adjust your expectations. See CBD for what it is: a food supplement. Keep to a set routine for a few weeks before you draw conclusions.
2. You do not know how much CBD you are taking
Many people do not know exactly how much CBD they are actually taking.
The problem: The percentage on the bottle says little without the number of drops.
The solution: Work out how many milligrams of CBD you are really taking. Start low, for example with 2 to 3 drops of 5% CBD oil, and stick to the dose on the label. More is not better.
3. You have not paid attention to the type of CBD
Not all CBD products are the same. The types of CBD differ in composition.
The problem: CBD isolate contains only pure CBD, while full spectrum CBD oil also contains other cannabinoids and terpenes.
The solution: Know which type you are using: isolate, broad spectrum or full spectrum. Also consider different forms of intake. A balm on the skin is something different from oil under the tongue.
4. The quality of your CBD product is poor
Unfortunately not all CBD products are of good quality. Research shows that many products do not contain what is on the label.
The problem: Some products contain far less CBD than advertised, or no CBD at all. Others can contain contaminants or are labelled incorrectly. The CBD market is still relatively young and not all suppliers apply the same quality standards.
The solution: Buy only from reliable suppliers who publish laboratory tests, such as Dutch Balance. Check whether the product has been tested for purity, CBD content and harmful substances. Dutch Hemp and Wedihemp have every batch tested externally.
5. You are not using CBD consistently enough
After a few one-off uses there is little to say yet.
The solution: If you want to give CBD a fair try, use it for a few weeks at set moments. Treat it as a routine, like taking vitamins.
6. The timing and way of taking it is wrong
How and when you take CBD can strongly influence how well it is absorbed.
The problem: CBD on an empty stomach can be absorbed less well.
The solution: Preferably take CBD oil with a meal for better absorption. Choose a set moment that suits your day. When taking it under the tongue, hold the oil for 60 to 90 seconds before you swallow for optimal absorption.
7. You also take medication
The problem: CBD is broken down by the same liver enzymes as many medicines. As a result, CBD can affect medicines, and the other way round.
The solution: Discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist.
Frequently asked questions about noticing nothing from CBD
Does CBD oil really work?
We cannot promise that. There are no EU-approved health claims for CBD, and people respond to it differently. CBD is a food supplement, not a medicine. What you can check is the product itself: which type it is, how much CBD it contains and whether there is a lab report from an external laboratory.
What is the best time to take CBD?
Choose a fixed moment that fits your day and keep to it for a few weeks. Preferably take CBD oil with a meal, because CBD is absorbed less well on an empty stomach. If you use the oil under the tongue, hold it there for 60 to 90 seconds before you swallow.
How many drops of CBD oil can you take per day?
Start low, for example with 2 to 3 drops of 5% CBD oil, and stick to the dosage on the label. The percentage on the bottle says little without the number of drops, so work out how many milligrams of CBD you actually take. More is not better.
What should not be combined with CBD oil?
CBD is broken down by the same liver enzymes as many medicines. As a result CBD can affect medicines, and the other way round. If you take medicines, discuss it with your doctor or pharmacist.
Still noticing nothing?
Have you checked everything and still notice nothing? Then CBD may simply not be for you. That is an outcome too. If you have health complaints, discuss them with your GP.
