Sometimes when you take CBD, you might not see the results you were hoping for. In these instances, it’s important to understand the reasons why CBD may not be working for you and the adjustments you can make to get the benefits you’re looking for.

Our friends at the Realm of Caring, a non-profit dedicated to helping people enhance their health and quality of life through cannabinoid research, education, and services, have helped us compile this list of reasons why CBD isn't working for you:

Reason 1: Poor Quality = Poor Results

Unfortunately, all CBD products are not created equal and, because of that, it’s critical to know what is in the product you are taking. Several studies have shown that some well-known brands have little to no CBD in them!

To be sure that a product contains what the label says it does, you will want to look at the Certificate of Analysis (COA). The COA is a third-party test that verifies the information on the product label. It also certifies that the product does not contain harmful levels of dangerous substances, such as molds, pesticides, or heavy metals. You should be able to easily find your product’s COA on the company’s website. 

Learn more about how to read a certificate of analysis here. 

Reason 2: You Need the Right Amount for You

When it comes to CBD, the amount you take is important. We often see people that are taking an amount that a friend or family member recommended. The issue with this is that everyone’s body is different, and we all metabolize natural products differently, whether it be caffeine or hemp extract. 

If your CBD products are not working for you, you might need to increase or decrease the amount you are taking. The endocannabinoid system balances most physiological processes in the body, including digestion, mood, and the nervous system –  to name a few. CBD can help support the endocannabinoid system, and the amount needed is not one-size-fits-all; it varies from person to person. This is why you may need to adjust the amount you take to get the results you want.

Read our other post on how much CBD you should take to learn more. 

Reason 3: It's Not the Best Form for You

Different CBD products are tailored for different applications. That means that if you’re taking the wrong form of CBD for your needs, you might not be getting all the potential benefits. For example, if you are taking CBD to alleviate stress, a topical cream might not be the best product for you. Sometimes, a combination of more than one product might be ideal. 

Another example is taking CBD isolates instead of full or broad-spectrum CBD extracts. CBD isolates are great for people who want the benefits of CBD without worrying about the minute amounts of THC found in full-spectrum extract. But you can also achieve this by using a broad spectrum extract. Ideally, we recommend consuming a full spectrum hemp extract that contains as many naturally existing cannabinoids as possible to ensure you’re experiencing what’s called the “entourage effect.” 

Learn more about the differences between CBD isolates, full spectrum extracts, and broad spectrum extracts. 

Reason 4: Unrealistic Expectations

Many people have unrealistic expectations when they first start taking CBD. One of the most common mistakes is assuming that it will start working immediately. For some people, it does. But for others, CBD takes more time to work in your body.  

Don’t be surprised or discouraged if you don’t see results in the first week that you take CBD, as it is common for it to take up to 30 days to start kicking in. For more information read our article called When to Expect Results from CBD. 

Reason 5: Not Taking it Consistently

When it comes to taking CBD, routine is everything. Tracking your progress with a journal and being consistent with your routine are keys to success with CBD. A good rule of thumb is to take two servings per day, once in the morning and once before bedtime. Read through our guide on how to establish a daily CBD routine.

Reason 6: Interactions with Other Products

It might be a good idea to consider spacing out the time between when you take CBD and when you take medications or other products. Interactions with certain products or medications could alter or lessen the effect that CBD has on you. Your doctor can help determine if there are potential interactions with medications.  

Additionally, it is recommended that you take CBD with a snack that is rich in healthy fats, such as peanut butter, yogurt, or avocado. Research has shown that CBD is lipophilic, or “fat loving”, so you’ll get better benefits when ingested alongside fat. 

If you still have questions about why CBD isn’t working for you, Realm of Caring can help guide you on a new and exciting journey with cannabinoid options with no-cost personalized care plans. Feel free to also take a look at our education blogs or contact us directly.