Every journey with cannabis is unique. Prior to recent legalization, locating high quality cannabis, including hemp-derived CBD, was a difficult process. Unless you were located in a city with cannabis culture or connected with someone with the word-of-mouth knowledge - you got what you could find. Luckily, times have changed.

At Modern Monk, we evaluate vendors based on a variety of factors when specializing in cannabidiol, also known as CBD. Starting with the grow process, we look at how the plant is cultivated, as well as the process by which the CBD (and additional valuable matter) is extracted. We have found that C02 and solvent-less extraction methods are the safest, preventing even trace amounts of solvents remaining from modern day processes like butane extraction. From there, we consider the formulation and potency of the final product, its’ targeted effectiveness, confirmed by sound expertise and guidance from medicinal and development resources. Last but not least, we consider the quality of all ingredients, sustainability impacts and accessibility for our patrons.

Today, there are a variety of products to serve a variety of needs. Tinctures are proving to be popular due to their potency control and simple formula. Tinctures are typically consumed sublingually - meaning its placed under the tongue and absorbed through capillaries. But tinctures are also versatile - whether used as an additive in coffee or applied directly to skin, tinctures can deliver precise doses of concentrated CBD via a single carrier oil.

But how much should you take ? That depends.

Every person is different, so consider the existing history with cannabis, level of tolerance, and needs. For new users, utilize a journal to document and track the individual experience. This will help to fine tune dosages and usage routines. 10mg of CBD is a great place to start for many adults. Maybe you’re looking to reduce anxiety or maybe just a better night’s sleep; tracking the differences in dosages and serving times will better help you understand your body and your needs. Additionally, using CBD on a daily basis will help to “build up” cannabinoids in the system, compounding the effects over time. As one’s tolerance and needs adjust, so too can the dosage.

When it comes to topicals, dosing depends on what you’re looking to achieve. For daily skincare routines, we find 150 mg per 1-2 fluid ounce products to be most effective in reducing redness, irritation, and promoting healthy cell growth. For pain relief, look for a minimum of 150-200 mg of CBD in your 1-2 fluid ounce products. For deep rooted and heavy pain relief, seek beyond 150 mg and consider using a combination of topicals and tinctures.

For those who do not care for the taste of tinctures, edibles and capsules are also available. Edibles typically react differently with the body, as the CBD is broken down by the stomach, versus direct access when consuming sublingually with a tincture. For this reason, for faster results, many opt for sublingual tinctures.

So whether you’re just beginning your journey with CBD or looking to improve your experience, explore your options. Experiment and document your journey as you learn and grow with the plant.

Visit our Dosing Guide for tips regarding how to calculate and measure doses.