Have you heard about microdosing CBD and wondered if it's right for you? CBD, or cannabidiol, has become incredibly popular in recent years due to its many touted health and wellness benefits. While some enjoy taking larger doses of CBD, others are exploring the benefits of taking smaller, micro doses throughout the day. Keep reading to learn all about what microdosing CBD is, its many potential benefits, safety considerations, and how to get started with this trendy practice.

What is CBD?

Before we dive into microdosing, let's start with the basics - what exactly is CBD? CBD is one of over 100 active compounds called cannabinoids that are found in the cannabis plant. The most well-known cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for the "high" feeling caused by marijuana. In contrast, CBD is completely non-psychoactive, meaning it will not make you feel intoxicated or impaired in any way.

CBD can be extracted from both hemp and marijuana, though hemp-derived CBD contains less than 0.3% THC and does not produce mind-altering effects. With the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, hemp-derived CBD was legalized in the United States and can now be purchased over-the-counter without a prescription. When sourced properly, CBD is a very safe supplement free of adverse side effects, making it appealing for health purposes.

While research is still limited, early studies show CBD has a wide range of potential therapeutic uses due to the way it interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system. This complex cell-signaling system regulates various functions and plays a role in many biological processes. CBD may help bring the endocannabinoid system into balance, which is why it's believed to have so many possible benefits.

What is Microdosing?

Now that you know what CBD is, let's discuss the concept of microdosing. Microdosing involves taking very small, sub-therapeutic doses of a supplement on a frequent basis - typically daily or a few times per week. Rather than taking one large dose, microdosers split the total dose into multiple microdoses evenly distributed throughout the day.

The microdosing philosophy is that small, incremental doses can have a subtle yet powerful positive effect on health and performance. Instead of aiming for a dramatic response, the goal is gentle yet consistent modulation of the endocannabinoid system. Think of it as nourishing your body's natural systems every day for long-term results.

Microdosing CBD allows CBD's effects to build up slowly in your system over time. This leads to sustained enhancement versus the temporary spike you'd get from one large dose. It also helps avoid unwanted side effects that can come from taking too much CBD at once. Many people enjoy integrating microdoses of CBD into their daily routine for the multiple potential benefits discussed next.

The Benefits of Microdosing CBD

A growing body of research shows CBD has a multitude of science-backed therapeutic uses. While studies are ongoing, both anecdotal reports and preliminary research suggest there are many possible benefits to consistently microdosing CBD:

Physical Benefits

• Pain relief - CBD activates receptors involved in regulating pain and inflammation. Microdosing helps maintain steady CBD levels for ongoing pain relief. Studies show CBD may help relieve difficult-to-treat pain from conditions like arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and neuropathy.
• Anti-inflammatory effects - Chronic inflammation contributes to many diseases. CBD's anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce inflammation and associated issues when taken regularly.
• Improved sleep - CBD microdosing promotes more restful sleep and helps regulate sleep-wake cycles by interacting with endocannabinoid receptors involved in sleep regulation.
• Appetite regulation - CBD releases appetite regulating hormones and interacts with CB1 receptors involved in appetite control which may help regulate appetite and weight.

Mental Health Benefits

• Reduced anxiety - Microdosing CBD calms excessive activity in brain areas associated with anxiety and fear. It also boosts mood-regulating neurotransmitters. Together this provides ongoing anxiety relief between doses.
• Balanced mood - By mildly activating serotonin receptors, CBD can elevate and stabilize moods, have antidepressant-like effects, and promote emotional wellbeing when microdosed.
• Focused cognition - CBD stimulates hippocampal neurogenesis which may counteract age-related cognitive decline. Microdosing also seems to enhance focus and productivity.
• Relief from PTSD symptoms - Studies show CBD can improve memory processes and reduce traumatic memory expression. Microdoses keep endocannabinoid receptors engaged to support PTSD management.

Clearly the long list of potential microdosing benefits is impressive. While individual results will vary, many people report life-changing results from adding microdoses of CBD into their health regimen.

CBD and Inflammation

Research indicates CBD has potent anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is the immune system’s response to harmful stimuli and a key component of many different diseases. Studies show CBD can reduce various inflammatory markers involved in conditions like arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, MS, and others.

By activating the endocannabinoid system, CBD may regulate how immune cells respond, reducing excessive inflammation. The anti-inflammatory effects may be one reason behind CBD’s therapeutic potential for so many inflammation-driven health conditions.

The Endocannabinoid System and CBD

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex cell-signaling system in the body that helps regulate various functions and maintains homeostasis. It consists of endocannabinoids produced within the body, cannabinoid receptors found throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems, and enzymes that break down endocannabinoids after they are used.

CBD interacts with the ECS by indirectly stimulating cannabinoid receptors. It has little binding affinity for the receptors but appears to modify how they respond to and bind with endocannabinoids. Through these receptor interactions, CBD may bring the ECS into proper balance and help the body achieve more optimized functioning.

Is Microdosing CBD Safe?

One common concern about taking CBD is safety. Research shows that daily microdosing of pure CBD isolate derived from hemp appears quite low-risk for most people. However, there are some considerations:

Unlike THC, CBD is non-intoxicating and has no potential for addiction or abuse. There are also no evidence of serious side effects. However, minor side effects like drowsiness, diarrhea, and appetite changes may occur.

• CBD can interact with certain medications like blood thinners and antidepressants.
• Anyone on medication should consult a doctor before microdosing.
• Avoid microdosing CBD if pregnant or nursing.
• While generally well tolerated, too high of a CBD dose can lead to side effects.
• Most experts recommend starting with 1-5 mg CBD per dose for microdosing.
• Total daily doses should not exceed FDA guidelines of 50 mg/day. Look for broad spectrum CBD products formulated without THC to avoid risks from THC exposure as well as potential false positive drug test results.
• Products should have independent lab test reports showing exact CBD and THC levels.

With a high-quality CBD isolate and proper dosing, most healthy adults should have no issues safely incorporating CBD microdoses into their routines. However always discuss microdosing with your medical provider if unsure.

How to Microdose CBD

Microdosing CBD is easy once you determine your optimal method of administration and dosage. Consider your health goals and lifestyle when selecting a CBD microdosing product.

• CBD Oils/Tinctures: The most popular way to microdose CBD is with oils and tinctures. They offer precise CBD dosing by allowing users to measure out exact drop amounts. Tinctures are fast-acting and effects are felt within 15 to 30 minutes. Start with 1-2 milligrams of CBD per dose and take 1-2 doses per day. Gradually increase by 0.5 to 1 mg until desired effects are reached.
• CBD Capsules: Capsules provide consistent, premeasured CBD doses for simple microdosing. However, effects may take longer than oils as capsules must digest. Capsules come in 5 to 25 mg doses. Take 1-2 capsules in morning and evening.
• CBD Edibles: Gummies, chocolates, and other infused edibles can be divided into microdoses. A little trial and error is needed to find ideal edible type and portion size for your needs. Consume edibles with food for better absorption.
• CBD Vapes/E-Liquids: Vaping or using CBD e-liquids allows CBD to be rapidly absorbed for fast effects. However, dosing can be trickier with vapes. Start with 1-2 mg CBD vape cartridges and take 1-2 puffs every few hours.
• Topicals: CBD topicals like balms and lotions can be microdosed by applying small amounts throughout the day. This allows for localized relief versus whole-body effects. Use topicals as needed on affected areas.

The key with microdosing is finding a routine you can stick to consistently. Consider keeping a journal to track CBD doses along with any results and side effects you notice. Gradually adjust your dose and schedule until you find your optimal regimen. Be patient - microdosing takes some trial and error but can be life-changing!

Comparing THC and CBD

While both derived from cannabis, THC and CBD have distinct differences. THC produces psychoactive “high” effects by directly stimulating CB1 receptors. CBD does not create a high and can actually counteract some of THC’s psychoactivity. THC has high binding affinity for CB1 receptors, while CBD binds only weakly.

THC is associated with anxiety, paranoia, appetite stimulation, and drowsiness. CBD promotes calmness and focus without impairment. While THC carries abuse liability, CBD does not appear addictive itself. When used together, CBD may help offset negative effects of THC. More research is still needed, but CBD offers psychoactivity-free therapeutic potential compared to THC.

Microdosing CBD with Jeng

If you're looking for a fun way to incorporate CBD microdoses into your day, check out Jeng CBD cocktails! Jeng expertly blends cannabidiol into deliciously complex cocktails.

Jeng cocktails feature 11 mg microdoses of CBD derived from premium hemp. The CBD offers the potential benefits discussed in this post, while the unique cocktail formulas provide an exciting flavor experience.

Some advantages of microdosing CBD with Jeng cocktails include:

• Easy, consistent CBD dosing in a tasty beverage
• Fast oral absorption compared to edibles
• Avoidance of health risks of alcohol while still being social
• Fun way to incorporate CBD into occasions and gatherings
• Masks the natural hemp flavor of CBD oil or tinctures
• All cocktails crafted with high-quality, natural ingredients

Jeng offers three cocktail formulas to suit any palate and mood. For creative CBD microdosers, Jeng provides an intriguing new way to enjoy this trendy supplement. Learn more about our cocktail collection and try CBD microdosing for yourself today!

The Takeaway

Microdosing CBD is growing in popularity due to its convenience, versatility, and many touted health and wellness benefits. When using high quality hemp-derived CBD isolate at recommended doses, CBD microdosing appears to be relatively safe for most people. Make sure to choose legitimate CBD products tested for purity and potency.

While studies are still ongoing, current research and countless anecdotal reports point to CBD microdosing as an effective preventative wellness practice. If you deal with pain, anxiety, poor sleep, or other issues CBD may help with, microdosing could provide just the gentle support your mind and body needs, without unwanted side effects.

We hope this beginner’s guide gave you useful information to decide if integrating CBD into your microdosing routine is the right choice for you. Always discuss CBD use with your healthcare provider before starting, especially if taking medications or if pregnant/nursing. If you try microdosing CBD, keep notes on your personalized optimal dosage and schedule. With a little experimentation, you’ll be on your way to uncovering the many potential benefits of CBD for your mind and body.