For many cannabis users, the higher the THC content, the better. They enjoy the feeling of getting high along with the health benefits that their chosen strain has to offer. Not everyone wants that same experience, though. Many want the benefits of cannabis without the high. That’s where microdosing comes in.
What is microdosing, you ask? It’s a method of cannabis consumption that involves taking small doses of THC. Microdosing provides you with enough of the cannabinoid to obtain the medicinal benefits of the plant, but the doses are small enough that you don’t experience the high that THC typically causes.
Microdosing is becoming increasingly more common. People microdose using a variety of products, but some options are easier than others. You can microdose a joint or vape, but accurate dosing is a bit more challenging with these methods. Tinctures, oils, and edibles provide much more control.
Now that you know what microdosing is, let’s take a closer look at some of the conditions that lend themselves to the practice, its benefits, and how to microdose cannabis.
Who Typically Microdoses?
Many conditions lend themselves well to microdosing, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- Stress
- Pain
- Insomnia
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Epilepsy
- Crohn’s disease
- Cancer
There isn’t a ton of evidence available regarding the effectiveness of microdosing, but some studies do support the idea. For instance, a 2012 study looked at the effects of a combination of THC and CBD for cancer patients with poorly controlled pain. The study found that patients who took the lowest dose experienced the most relief.
A study published in 2014 found that low doses of a synthetic cannabinoid reduced PTSD-related symptoms. Another study in 2017 found that small amounts of THC could help to alleviate stress. That same study also found that larger doses of the cannabinoid made stress symptoms worse.
Why Do People Microdose?
People choose to microdose cannabis for several reasons:
Benefits Without the High
While many cannabis users enjoy the psychoactive effects that come with high amounts of THC, there are plenty of users who would rather avoid them. For some, even moderate amounts of THC can lead to the feeling of being too high, causing extreme anxiety, paranoia, and other unwanted side effects. People microdose to get just the amount of THC they need to get relief, without any mind-altering effects.
Much-Needed Relief During the Day
Some people use cannabis to manage their symptoms during the day, but the high caused by higher THC levels can interfere with their ability to perform daily activities. Again, people microdose to get just enough THC so that they can still work and perform other essential functions without interference.
Relief From Stress and Anxiety
As mentioned above, there is some evidence that low doses of THC may help to alleviate stress and anxiety. Higher amounts, however, can exacerbate symptoms, making stress and anxiety worse. People microdose to take in the smallest dose of THC needed to achieve the desired results.
Symptom Management for Chronic Conditions
Chronic conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Crohn’s disease, and multiple sclerosis can come with some rather uncomfortable side effects, including a significant amount of pain. Some people microdose to aid in the management of these conditions. Some people who experience severe pain may use a higher dose of THC, while smaller amounts of the cannabinoid may be used to help keep symptoms under control.
What Amount of THC Is Considered a “Microdose?”
Microdosing involves taking small amounts of THC, but what exactly constitutes a “small” dose? The answer isn’t an easy one. It really depends on the user. The amount of THC that makes someone feel high varies from one person to the next. Common factors that influence how much THC makes you feel high include your weight, metabolism, previous usage, and more. Some people are also just more sensitive to the effects of the cannabinoid than others.
So if there isn’t a magic number that equals a microdose, how do you know you’re microdosing? The recommendation is to start with a small amount and find what works best for you. One recommendation is that beginners start at 2.5 milligrams of THC, while others may get optimal relief at a higher dosage. Everyone is different, so a little experimentation is necessary.
How Do You Microdose Cannabis?
Finding your ideal dose is a personal experience that requires a bit of time and patience. The key is to start low and go slow.
Start by finding a product that suits your needs best. As previously mentioned, some products are better suited for microdosing than others. Tinctures and edibles are two of the best candidates.
You can control a tincture dose by the drop. With edibles, the packaging states how much THC is in each serving. If you want to start at a lower dose than a single serving, you can break it apart.
If you currently use cannabis products, you may want to consider abstaining for a few days to reset your tolerance first. Otherwise, you can begin experimenting right away. Begin with 1-2 milligrams of THC twice a day and monitor how you feel. A journal can be very helpful here. Write down the product, how much you’re taking, and the effects, if any, that you experience. Increase your dose after two to three days and continue the pattern until you start to notice the desired effects. At this point, you can also consider increasing the number of times per day that you take your dose.
Many people find that 2.5 milligrams to 5 milligrams provides just what they need. One thing to keep in mind is that if you ever feel like you’ve taken too much, you can always decrease your dose a bit.
Find Products for Your Microdosing Needs
Microdosing offers cannabis users a different way to experience the benefits of different strains without getting high. With online medical dispensaries across the state of Florida, VidaCann offers a wide range of products to help you meet your goals. We have several cannabis products well-suited for microdosing, including edibles, tinctures, oils, and more. If you’re interested in giving microdosing a try, check out our selection and place your order today.
