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It’s true that different THC consumption methods yield different results. So what’s the deal with microdosing marijuana?
It’s no secret that discovering your optimal dose is the key to a pleasant cannabis experience. And as more patients discover the power of our favorite herb, microdosing THC is quickly becoming a preference among consumers.
Microdosing cannabis refers to the art of taking small amounts of THC — just enough to reap the potential benefits without the heavy psychoactive effects.
But in a world where most people choose their favorite strains based solely on a hefty THC percentage, why limit yourself to small doses? Let’s explore.
Why Microdose?
Originally associated with psychedelics such as LSD, microdosing quickly made its way into the world of weed. More specifically — microdosing THC products.
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is among the main compounds (cannabinoids) found in the marijuana plant. It binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain to produce intoxicating effects by way of the endocannabinoid system.
Other cannabinoids include CBD, CBG, and CBN, all of which are compounds praised for their therapeutic effects.
More often than not, stoners—especially those with a high tolerance to cannabis—tend to gravitate toward higher doses of THC.
However, more and more cannabis experts are discovering both the health benefits and medical benefits associated with low doses, such as relief from stress, anxiety, and pain — just to name a few.
The Benefit of Mircrodosing Marijuana
Microdosing cannabis offers many benefits for new consumers, bonafide stoners, and medical patients alike.
As mentioned earlier, relief from stress, anxiety, and pain have all been associated with small-dose cannabis consumption.
And while these benefits are notable, especially for medical patients hoping to subside side effects, they only just scratch the surface. Other effects include:
1. Enhanced Mood and Well-Being
Microdosing cannabis may contribute to an improved mood, increased relaxation, and a greater sense of well-being thanks to a lower dose of THC.
2. Increased Focus and Creativity
Microdosing cannabis has been found to heighten focus and enhance creativity. Due to the fact that it stimulates cognitive function without impairing mental clarity, many individuals may microdose cannabis to get the creative juices flowing.
3. Pain Relief and Relaxation
Cannabis is well-known for its analgesic properties, meaning its ability to act as a pain reliever. A low dose may provide mild pain relief and induce relaxation, potentially helping individuals manage chronic pain or discomfort, but without any additional psychoactive effects that could prevent normal day-to-day function.
4. Improved Sleep
Some people find that microdosing THC before bedtime can help them to fall asleep faster and experience a more restful night’s sleep. Given that so many individuals consume cannabis for sleep, lower doses encourage sleep without the risk of over-intoxication.
5. Reduced Side Effects
Speaking of avoiding intoxication…
By consuming small amounts of THC, individuals may minimize the potential side effects associated with higher doses of cannabis. Common side effects include paranoia, grogginess, and impaired cognitive function.
6. Enhanced Social Interactions
Cannabis microdosing may even help some individuals feel more sociable, relaxed, and open to social interactions. A low dose could potentially reduce social anxiety and enhance interpersonal connections, especially compared to a higher dose.
7. Increased Introspection and Self-Reflection
Microdosing THC may promote introspective thinking, leading to self-reflection, insight, and a greater sense of self-awareness.
What is the best dosage for microdosing cannabis?
The average daily dose of cannabis largely depends on the consumption method. For example, the average THC dosage for cannabis flowers ranges between 10% to 20% THC.
However, cannabis edibles are measured in milligrams and typically range from a microdose of 2 milligrams of THC to a heftier dose of 10mg – 15 milligrams of THC.
Though please keep in mind that individuals with a higher tolerance may consume much stronger cannabis products or even several small doses.
Ultimately, there’s no ‘right dose’ for microdosing cannabis as the dosage is highly individualized.
For example, somebody with a higher tolerance may require a larger dose of cannabis, while a new consumer may want to begin with one milligram before gradually increasing the dosage.
How To Start Microdosing Marijuana
So, have we convinced you?
If you’re ready to start your microdose journey, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for our top tips and tricks for successful (and responsible) cannabis microdosing.
1. Start with a Low Dose
It’s important to begin your microdosing journey with a very small amount of cannabis. This can vary depending on the potency of the product, but a common starting point is 2.5 milligrams of THC.
You can use a cannabis product designed explicitly for microdosing, such as low-dose edibles, or adjust the dose by breaking down larger quantities.
2. Use a Consistent Strain
You may want to consider sticking to a specific strain or cannabis product to establish a consistent baseline. This method may allow you to better understand the effects and adjust your dosage accordingly.
Note that different strains produce different effects based on the THC percentage, cannabinoids, and terpene profile. That said, be sure to choose a strain that aligns with your ideal experience.
3. Choose a Suitable Method of Consumption
Consider using methods that allow for precise dosing. Common methods to microdose THC include tinctures, oils, capsules, or edibles. Compared to smoking or vaping, these methods allow for more precise microdosing.
4. Wait and Assess the Effects
After consuming the initial dose, give it time to take effect. You know what they say: start low and go slow. It’s important to wait for at least an hour or two before considering additional consumption. During this time, pay attention to the subtle effects you experience and how they align with your desired outcome.
5. Adjust the Dose Gradually
So maybe you’ve followed the age-old advice to start low and go slow. But if you feel that the initial microdose was too low and did not provide the desired effects, you can gradually increase the dose in small increments. However, the goal of microdosing is to find the minimum effective dose that suits your needs — so proceed with caution.
6. Maintain a Journal or Notes App Page
Keep a record of your microdosing experiences. Consider jotting down the dose you took, the method of consumption (edibles, tinctures, etc.), the specific time of consumption, and the effects you experienced. Ultimately, this can help you refine your microdosing cannabis routine and find that ‘sweet spot.’
FAQ
1. How does microdosing differ from regular marijuana consumption?
Microdosing refers to the act of intentionally consuming a small amount of marijuana at a single time. Often by way of edibles or tinctures.
Compared to regular consumption, microdosing is meant to offer the many benefits of marijuana, but without the heavy psychoactive effects associated with a higher, or ‘regular,’ dose.
2. How do you know how much to microdose?
The exact dosage solely depends on individual tolerance levels. However, many new consumers may choose to consume between 1mg to 2.5 milligrams of THC per microdose.
3. Can you still get high from microdosing marijuana?
Yes, you can still achieve psychoactive effects from microdosing; however, they’re often much milder compared to higher doses.
4. Is microdosing marijuana legal?
Microdosing marijuana is legal in states and jurisdictions that allow for medical or recreational marijuana consumption.
5. What are the best ways to microdose marijuana?
Though there are many ways to microdose marijuana, the ‘best ways’ allow for precise dosage. These consumption methods include edibles, tinctures, or capsules. Low-dose edibles are commonly found in both the recreational and medical marijuana markets.
