Microdosing allows you to get more for less
Whether you’re just getting started with CBD or consuming it daily, you want to get the most benefit from the cannabinoid. With this goal in mind, it won’t be long before the term “microdosing” appears. It is not exclusive to CBD, it is a method of consumption that is appreciated in the drug development process as a very useful analysis tool.
Microdosing has gained a lot of fans because it allows for consistent absorption of a compound in small amounts, rather than one large dose consumed once or twice a day. Although microdosing gained prominence thanks to Swiss chemist Dr. Albert Hofmann and his study of LSD, the technique has been extended to the non-toxic, non-psychotropic cannabinoid CBD.
Microdosing with CBD is easy
As Dr. Douglas Jorgensen explained, “Microdosing, in general, is a means of manipulating receptors to get the physiological response we want, with less substance.” By applying the concept of microdosing to CBD, it’s easy to understand why the technique is becoming so popular.
The endocannabinoid system presents an extensive network of CB1 and CB2 receptors. Linked to major organs, parts of the brain, and the immune system, these receptors are responsible for catalyzing a wide range of biological outcomes. Through microdosing, CBD can be consumed to support optimal ECS function, promoting an overall state of homeostasis.
However, every CBD user is different, and so is their endocannabinoid system. The ideal microdose will depend on what you want to achieve with CBD, your metabolism, and the bioavailability of a product, among other things. The good news is that just because you don’t know where to start with microdosing doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from it – the trick is to find your “sweet spot”.
How to microdose CBD
The ideal time is the point where you get the most benefit from CBD, without feeling overloaded and without experiencing any side effects. But don’t worry, getting high is not a side effect of CBD. However, some users report experiencing some stomach upset or mild drowsiness when consuming high amounts of CBD.
The best way to test your cannabinoid tolerance is to start small, and go slow. This translates to a low concentration CBD oil and only a drop or two at a time. In fact, CBD oils are ideal for microdosing because you can split your intake into just a few drops, and track how you react during the process.
If you want to microdose CBD, try the following:
1. Start with 1 milligram of CBD. For our 2.5% CBD oil, this is approximately one drop.
2. After about 45 minutes to an hour, see how you feel. Have you achieved the desired effect of CBD? If the answer is no, increase the dose by another milligram.
3. Repeat this process for 2-5 days and monitor your general well-being, sleep quality and whether the CBD has had the desired effect.
When you achieve the right dose for your circumstances, you can continue using the micro-dosing technique (your ideal dose is divided evenly throughout the day) or move to your ideal dose divided 2-3 times throughout the day. The decision will depend entirely on why you are consuming CBD. For more information on CBD dosing, click here.
Other Factors to Consider When Microdosing CBD
If you are a regular CBD user who wants to resort to microdosing to better understand your sweet spot, going through a period of withdrawal will help. In theory, you should stop taking CBD a few days before starting a microdosing regimen.
It is also worth considering the type of CBD product you are consuming, as CBD oils, tinctures, capsules, and lotions all have different bioavailabilities. For effective microdosing, you need to stick to one type of product. As we have already mentioned, CBD oils are perfect for microdosing because you can measure your sweet spot through the drops. The drops are much easier to control compared to the calculation in milligrams.
Microdosing is a prominent feature of the drug development process, and a technique that need not be reserved for clinical trials. Still, it’s a simple but effective way for people to get the most out of CBD.
