CBD Not Working: Why and How to Fix That

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The Truth About CBD: Not All Products Are Created Equal

We know CBD has the potential to improve health and overall well-being, and there are current and ongoing studies that support this. These potential benefits range from reducing anxiety and depression to relieving pain and inflammation, as well as improving sexual function and pleasure


However, for some people, their initial experiences with CBD may have left them feeling underwhelmed or even skeptical of its effect.


Unfortunately, CBD hit the market rapidly without proper regulation or accountability to safeguard against low-quality products and misleading claims. These factors, in addition to individual differences in metabolism, method of consumption, and dosage, can all impact the effectiveness of CBD. By making some adjustments to your approach, you may be able to find a CBD regimen that works for you. In this article, we will explore why CBD may not have worked for you in the past and what you can do to ensure that it does.

The CBD is Low-Quality and Not From a Reputable Brand

Unfortunately, the lack of regulation in the CBD industry has led to the proliferation of low-quality products that may not contain the advertised amount of CBD or may even contain harmful additives. And so CBD not working has become meme-able.


When shopping for CBD products, it is important to look for companies that source their hemp from growers who value plants rich in pure cannabinoids that have been grown sustainably and without pesticides. Many CBD companies make claims about having the purest product and highest concentration, but fail to share their test results and/or mislabel their products. Recent testimony during the FDA hearing about CBD revealed severe inconsistencies in CBD products.


At Mello, we prioritize transparency, quality sourcing, and third-party testing to ensure the safety and effectiveness of our products. We vet our suppliers to ensure that they meet our safety requirements and require them to share their ingredient sources and processes. We also believe in educating our customers on the proper use of CBD and the science behind its effects. We have a detailed guide on our website to help customers make informed decisions about buying and using CBD —to optimize its benefits and efficacy. 

You May Require a Larger Dose of CBD to Replenish Your Endocannabinoid System

Your body may have a deficiency of cannabinoids in the Endocannabinoid System (ECS), which can lead to a "CBD dehydration" effect. In such cases, starting with a larger initial dose of CBD may be necessary to help replenish the ECS and bring it back to baseline levels. 


Endocannabinoid Deficiency is a theory that suggests that some medical conditions may be caused by a lack of endocannabinoid activity in the body. This occurs when the body does not produce enough endocannabinoids or fails to use them effectively, leading to various symptoms and medical conditions. Our body only produces endocannabinoids on demand and does not store them, which means people with chronic illness or injury or genetic disposition to produce fewer endocannabinoids may need to top up with a heavier CBD dose to reach their baseline. 

Individual Differences in Metabolism and Biochemistry Can Affect CBD Absorption

Individual differences in metabolism and biochemistry can affect how CBD interacts with the body and whether it works or not. For instance, some people may metabolize CBD more quickly than others, leading to a shorter duration of effects. Others may have certain genetic variations that affect how CBD interacts with their body, leading to varied effectiveness.


Body weight can also have an effect, much like alcohol. A general guideline for determining the initial dosage of CBD is to start with 4-6 mg of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight. So, if you weigh 150 pounds, a starting dose of 60-90 mg of CBD is recommended. 


Your unique biochemistry and metabolism could affect the results, so it's recommended to start with a low dose and gradually increase until you find the sweet spot. It can be helpful to keep a diary and jot down how you feel before and after, so you can track your progress. 

CBD Effects Vary from Person to Person and Dosage Adjustments May Be Needed

CBD effects can vary greatly from person to person, and it is a common misconception that CBD works the same for everyone. Therefore, a daily dosage that works for one person may not work for another. If you are taking the recommended dosage of CBD and do not feel any effects after three days, it may be necessary to adjust your dosage. Slowly increasing your dosage daily and keeping a journal to track your response can help you determine the optimal dosage that works best for you.


Alternatively, if you have been taking CBD For a while now, and feeling the benefits, you could experiment with tapering down in dosage. Your body may not require as much CBD anymore as you have achieved your baseline for the ECS and your body is replenished. By tapering down, you can save money and feel good about getting closer to optimal health.

There are Various Ways to take CBD and Experimentation is Needed for Targeted Benefits

CBD can be consumed in various forms including edibles, capsules, oils, suppositories, balms, patches, and more, making the options virtually endless. Using a single method to consume CBD can be effective for some people, but we recommend trying out different methods to find what works best for you. It's possible that you may be using the wrong method for your concern. For example:


  • Anxiety relief: CBD oil can be a great option for daily dosing to manage anxiety symptoms. The oil can be easily added to food or taken sublingually for quick absorption into the bloodstream.

  • Sexual health and hormonal relief: CBD suppositories are best for targeted relief of symptoms related to sexual health and hormonal imbalances. The suppositories are designed for insertion and can be used for both internal and external applications.

  • Sleep aid: CBD gummies or edibles may be a good option for promoting relaxation and improving sleep quality as they have a longer onset time and duration, making them a great option for nighttime use.

  • Surface Skin Rashes: CBD topicals, such as creams, salves, and balms, may be a good option as they are applied directly to the skin and may provide relief.

Also, combining different methods of CBD consumption can be a great way to achieve a more comprehensive approach. For example, if you are already taking a daily oil for anxiety, try adding a CBD suppository once a week for deeper relaxation and stress relief. If capsules are your preferred method, try a small edible before bed to help you stay asleep and sleep deeper. Mixing up your consumption methods can also help prevent tolerance to any one method.

Avoid CBD isolate: The difference between Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum & Isolate

Full spectrum CBD contains CBD, THC, and other natural components of the hemp plant, such as terpenes, phytonutrients, antioxidants, and fatty acids. This combination is believed to create an "entourage effect," where the various components work together to enhance the overall effectiveness of the CBD. Full spectrum CBD may be beneficial for those looking for maximum benefits from the hemp plant.


Broad-spectrum CBD is like full-spectrum CBD, but without THC. It is a great option for people who desire the benefits of various components of the hemp plant without the psychoactive effects of THC. It can also be beneficial for individuals who are regularly drug tested for THC.


Isolate CBD contains only CBD and no other components of the hemp plant.


At Mello, we value full-spectrum CBD because it contains all of the natural components of the hemp plant, including CBD, THC, terpenes, and other cannabinoids. Much like comparing an orange to taking a vitamin C tablet. When you eat a whole orange, you get not just vitamin C, but also fiber, antioxidants, and other vitamins and minerals that work together to provide numerous health benefits. Similarly, full-spectrum CBD provides a range of benefits beyond just CBD alone, thanks to the other components of the hemp plant working together synergistically.