What Is Microdosing Cannabis and How Does It Work?
There’s been a lot of discussion surrounding taking small amounts of cannabis instead of a full or normal dose.
This might sound odd at first glance: why would anyone intentionally take less of something when most people want a better effect? However, many people who adopt microdosing say there are a lot of values in taking consistently small amounts.
People say they are more focused at work, calmer in stressful situations, or feel less burden from anxious thoughts, all while not feeling the strong feeling of “high” that could prevent them from functioning throughout their daily lives
This practice is called microdosing, and it is becoming more popular as a more subtle way to consume cannabis.
Microdosing emphasizes subtle changes rather than some momentous change when using cannabis. Ultimately, it helps support a person’s mood, focus, and well-being in daily life.
In general, people are starting to think of cannabis less as something that has to be consumed and more like something that works in the background of typical day-to-day life.
What Is Microdosing?
So, what does microdosing mean? At its core, microdosing is the practice of taking tiny, controlled doses of a substance.
The concept came from psychedelic drug research, where users of psychedelics experienced slight boosts of mood, energy, and focus without the overwhelming psychotropic effects of a full dose.
When people talk about microdosing today, it often refers to using cannabis or other substances in very small amounts.
Microdosing is not about getting “high” but rather about supporting your body and mind in a very subtle manner. You are not looking for a big transformation, but rather, a small, consistent change in how you feel.
How Does Microdosing Cannabis Work?
Microdosing cannabis is taking such a small amount of THC, or CBD for that matter, to very subtly turn on your endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system regulates mood, pain, sleep, appetite and other functions of the body. You may benefit from taking low doses while avoiding overwhelming your body.
Some researchers suggest the placebo effect contributes to microdosing effectiveness. Your belief that low doses will help could matter.
But then there is the anecdotal evidence of people claiming that consistent low doses have helped reduce their stress, pain, or increase their focus.
Rather than taking larger doses that smoked or ingested cannabis would induce major highs or side effects, microdosing is an effort to avoid those experiences. Basically, you want to have a balanced experience and use cannabis as a resource/tool rather than an escape.
What Are the Benefits of Microdosing?
Many people are interested in microdosing for different reasons. The research is limited, perhaps, but the known microdosing benefits are:
- Better Focus and Clarity: Microdoses may improve your ability to concentrate and work or study.
- Mood Support: The majority of people have reported being less stressed and calmer.
- Pain Relief: Patients have indicated that cannabis is effective for chronic pain relief without deep sedation.
- Sleep Regulation: Taking a low dose of cannabis in the evening may instruct your body to sleep or rest without impairment.
It is important to realize that the above benefits of microdosing cannabis may not occur in everyone. This is the reason that trying microdosing is worth it; also, check if it works for you.
The same goes for multiple people trying microdosing cannabis to treat depression and anxiety, and there is limited research to support it.
Also, just remember that effects may take some time. Long-term benefits may be evident after a week of consistent microdosing rather than accomplished in a day or two.
Dosing: How to Microdose Safely
If you’re interested in trying this, the first step to microdosing safely is to be careful about doses. A safe microdose typically falls in the range of 1 to 2.5 milligrams of THC.
For some, even this will create too strong an effect. For others, they may need more. The key is to start low, go slow, and find the dose that feels ok for you.
Here are some handy tips:
- Keep a CBD dose journal: Keep track of how much you are taking, when you are taking it, and how you feel afterward.
- Use measured products: Microdosing gummies and tinctures allow for a measured dose.
- Be consistent: Microdosing works best if done with the same lower dose regularly instead of fluctuating doses each day.
- Listen to your body: If you notice side effects, especially anxiety, grogginess, or brain fog, then you may want to reduce the dose.
If you are considering microdosing, you should always consult medical marijuana doctors in Florida to help guide you, depending on your medical history and the laws in your state.
Microdosing THC vs. CBD
When people consider cannabis, they often think about THC, the psychoactive component that creates a “high.” However, many microdosing purposes are served by CBD.
- Microdosing THC: A tiny amount of THC (usually less than 1mg) might help support mood, sleep, and mild discomfort.
- Microdosing CBD: CBD will not produce a high. Reduction dosing may assist with anxiety, inflammation, or stress.
- Microdosing Balance: Some people will utilize both THC and CBD for wider effects.
Deciding on which to use will often depend on your target goal. For someone wanting daytime focus, they would most likely choose CBD.
However, someone attempting to relax at night would perhaps choose THC. Consult a qualified medical doctor before using any professional guidance.
Is Microdosing Cannabis Right For You?
Microdosing is not suitable for everyone. Some may experience little difference in a minor dose dimension; others may feel magnitudes larger in difference. Here are some questions to consider first:
- Are you looking for subtle changes rather than strong effects?
- Do you want to manage stress, pain, or focus with minimal impairment?
- Are you open to experimenting slowly until you find the right balance?
Keep in mind, products like LSD or Psilocybin are not the same as microdosing cannabis.
The goals and effects may overlap, but the components act in distinctly separate ways. Microdosing benefits are much less aggressive, and the controllable effects are better.
If you’re unsure, contact us for guidance on where to begin. A medical professional can walk you through dosing methods and make sure it’s safe for your situation.
Balanced Way to Use
Microdosing allows you to enjoy the benefits of cannabis use while avoiding the hazy high that comes from using larger amounts.
By keeping your cannabis dosing low and only consuming small, purposeful amounts of cannabis, you may experience improved focus, mood, pain management, and stay cognitive.
If you’re interested, start low, track the results, and consider working with a professional familiar with the endocannabinoid system.
It is is a very individual process. The dose that works best for you may not be the same as the dose that somebody else finds helpful.
With a bit of time and attention to detail, microdosing can definitely be beneficial for those wanting to incorporate cannabis into their wellness.