Key takeaways:
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CBD gummies are an easy, pre-dosed way of taking CBD each day.
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If it’s your first time using CBD, start with a low dose of 20 to 25 mg and gradually increase if needed.
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Start with one CBD gummy per day and note how your body reacts - each person needs a different dose, depending on factors such as weight and body chemistry
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Research shows that taking CBD regularly may help to reduce stress and promote calmness and relaxation
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CBD comes from the hemp plant - it won’t get you high and isn’t addictive.
What are CBD gummies?
CBD gummies are a chewy, sweet-like CBD product that contains a pre-measured dose of CBD, often with added vitamins and botanicals. They’re simpler to dose than other CBD products, such as CBD oil, and easy to consume.
- Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a type of cannabinoid extracted from the hemp plant. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, CBD won’t get you high and isn’t addictive or habit-forming.
- THC is another type of cannabinoid, extracted from the cannabis plant, a close relative of the hemp plant, and is found in cannabis products. It does cause a high and can be addictive and habit-forming.
Each CBD gummy contains a set dose of CBD, and the dose varies between brands. CBD has various potential benefits, including possibly promoting better sleep, pain relief and less stress and anxiety. Many people use CBD gummies to relax.
Because they’re easy to consume and because they resemble sweets, one of the most common questions we’re asked is, How many CBD gummies should I take to help me relax?
There is no recommended daily amount of CBD, as it varies between individuals based on their metabolism and reasons for taking it. But there are some helpful tips on CBD dosage if you’re new to it.
How many CBD gummies should I take to relax?
CBD content is measured in milligrams, or mg. If you’re using CBD for the first time, regardless of the type of CBD product you’re using, the advice is the same - start on a low dose of 20 to 25 mg of CBD per day for a week or two to see if you notice any desired effects.
Many gummies are dosed to contain 20 to 25 mg of CBD per gummy, so it’s easy to start with one CBD gummy a day.
If you find that you feel generally more relaxed or you’re experiencing a sense of calm, you can stay on this relatively low dose. If you feel you need more CBD to feel the desired effects, you can increase your dose slowly.
How many gummies in one day?
There is no standardised dosage guide for CBD, as research into dosing is limited. Some people need more than one 20 or 25 mg CBD gummy per day.
If you feel you need more, gradually increase your dose by 5 to 6 mg of CBD per day. This may mean cutting a CBD gummy into quarters and eating one and a quarter each day. Try this increased dose for a week or so and note how your body reacts.
It’s not advised that you go straight from taking one gummy per day to two, effectively doubling your dose. Doing so may leave you feeling particularly drowsy. It’s fine to take two or more CBD gummies each day if you need to, but gradually increase your dose over a few weeks.
The effect of CBD on the body
It’s thought that CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, or ECS. The ECS is a network of cells and receptors responsible for maintaining balance in the body and regulating factors such as mood, sleep patterns and pain perception.
Natural chemicals in the body, called endocannabinoids, interact with the receptors of the ECS when required or in response to a stimulus, such as when the body experiences pain or inflammation, or when it signals that it’s time to wind down and think about sleep.
The body releases endocannabinoids to help it deal with pain or prepare for sleep. But endocannabinoids naturally deplete, and the body has to wait for more to be manufactured before it can use them again.
Studies show that CBD is a cannabinoid similar to naturally occurring endocannabinoids and can interact with the ECS receptors when it enters the bloodstream. It’s thought that this interaction is responsible for the benefits of CBD, including promoting calm, reducing anxiety and pain and aiding restful sleep.
Factors that affect dosage
There are various factors to consider when considering how many CBD gummies to take per day to feel the desired effects of calmness and relaxation. There is no one-size-fits-all recommended dose when taking CBD. What works for you may not work for someone else:
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Body weight - Your body weight can affect how well CBD works for you. You may need higher doses of CBD than someone else if you weigh more.
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Metabolism - Your metabolism also affects how quickly CBD enters your bloodstream and exerts its desired effect. If you have a fast metabolism, you may find the effects wear off more quickly.
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Tolerance level - It isn’t likely that you’ll build a tolerance to CBD, but you may need to adjust your CBD dosage if you find the effects are starting to change.
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Purpose of use - You may need a lower dose of CBD if you’re using it for everyday calmness and relaxation. Higher doses may be better suited to chronic pain, anxiety and poor sleep.
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CBD concentration - The concentration, or amount of CBD in one gummy, varies between brands, so it’s important to always read the label, even if it's a brand you’ve used before.
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Individual body chemistry - Your body chemistry impacts CBD dosage, too. It’s impossible to know your own body chemistry and what that means for how many CBD gummies are right for you until you start, so it’s best to start low and gradually increase.
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Frequency of use - It’s advisable to consume CBD gummies every day to ensure CBD builds up in your body to have a consistent effect.
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Other medications - Other medications may interact with CBD, and drinking alcohol at the same time as taking CBD may make you feel drowsy. If you’re taking any medications, speak to your doctor.
It’s also worth considering the type of CBD contained in CBD gummies, too. There are three types:
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Full-spectrum CBD - contains all of the cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, including terpenes, flavonoids and very low levels (0.2% or lower) of THC (this isn’t enough to cause a high)
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Broad-spectrum CBD products - contain terpenes and flavonoids and have had the THC removed.
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CBD isolate products - contain CBD alone and are the purest CBD products available.
There is emerging evidence for the ‘entourage effect’, a theory suggesting that CBD works synergistically with flavonoids and terpenes to produce a more significant therapeutic effect. But this evidence is currently weak, and other studies suggest it isn’t stable or predictable enough for any credit.
Steps for gummy dosage
To get your personal CBD dosage right, there are a number of other factors to take into account, from your first time and as you continue, to find the right amount of CBD for you:
- Identify your goal - If you want to feel generally more relaxed, you may need a lower dose of CBD. If you’re using CBD to manage chronic pain or sleep problems, you may need CBD in higher doses.
- Check CBD strength per gummy - Always check the label for the amount of CBD in each gummy.
- Start with a low dose - Start low, on 20 to 25 mg per day, and take note of how your body reacts.
- Consider body weight - The heavier you are, the more CBD you may need to achieve the desired effects.
- Factor in tolerance - You may need to adjust your CBD dosage over time, so it’s important to keep checking in with your body.
- Take consistently - Using CBD every day, preferably at the same time each day, will help it build up in the body and produce the desired effects.
- Monitor effects - Keep mental or written notes about what amount of CBD gives you benefits, how quickly you feel the effects and if you experience any side effects.
- Adjust gradually - Start on a low dose of CBD and only increase to higher doses gradually.
- Consult a professional if needed - Speak to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or you’re taking any medications.
Tips
To get the best from your CBD gummies, there are two important considerations.
Choose good-quality gummies
Always buy from quality, reputable CBD brands and retailers that test their products for quality and contaminants using an external, third-party testing facility.
This ensures that you’re getting a pure CBD product that contains the stated dose, and you know how much CBD you’re taking with each gummy.
Listen to your body
When you’re taking CBD, check in from time to time to see how your body reacts and note how you feel. How many gummies have you taken? Do you feel relaxed and calm? Do you feel like you could benefit from a higher dose to reach the desired effects?
Getting your CBD dosage right may take a while, but taking the time to find the right CBD dose for you will benefit you in the long term.
Are CBD gummies safe?
Yes, like all CBD products bought from reputable retailers, CBD gummies are considered safe and well-tolerated by most people. A 2017 World Health Organisation (WHO) report concluded, “cannabidiol does not appear to have abuse potential or cause harm”.
If you’re taking any medications, you’ve been diagnosed with a health condition, or you have any doubts about taking CBD at all, speak to a healthcare professional.
Studies and research
Studies into the effects of CBD on the body are ongoing, but the evidence so far suggests that CBD could be helpful for various conditions.
A literature review in 2020 concluded that CBD “might have a role in the treatment of mood disorders” such as depression and anxiety. The authors suggest that more studies be conducted to further explore the possibilities.
In 2021, a study looking at the link between chronic pain and the potential anti-inflammatory properties of CBD found that regular CBD use could provide pain relief. It’s thought this is linked to CBD's effects on the endocannabinoid system.
A 2024 study found that CBD supports better, more restful sleep in those who regularly experience disturbed sleep and may be as effective as melatonin for promoting good sleep and regular sleep patterns.
References
Swenson, K. (2025). Beyond the hype: a comprehensive exploration of CBD’s biological impacts and mechanisms of action. Journal of Cannabis Research, 7(1), 24. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-025-00274-y
Henson, J., Vitetta, L., Quezada, M., & Hall, S. (2021). Enhancing Endocannabinoid Control of Stress with Cannabidiol. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10(24), 5852. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10245852
Raypole, C. (2025d, April 28). A simple guide to the endocannabinoid system. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/endocannabinoid-system
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking other medications.
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