Exploring the Wonders of Microdosing Cannabis

If you're the kind of person who thinks you can never have too much of a good thing, slow your roll. Sometimes, just a little bit of a good thing is the best thing for you. Welcome to the wonderful world of microdosing. Microdosing is the practice of taking small doses of a drug to achieve all the benefits without the buzz. When it comes to weed, microdosing can provide subtle yet powerful effects without getting high as a Georgia Pine. But just what is a microdose? How do you do it? What benefits can you expect? We’ll answer all these questions and more in this guide to the wonders of microdosing cannabis. Are you ready to go low and slow? Let’s do this!

What Is Microdosing?

Microdosing — unless you’ve been on a five-year media fast, you’ve probably heard the term. Most attribute the origins of microdosing to Silicon Valley as a way for aspiring tech super nerds to get a creative edge over rival tech super nerds. Pretty rad. We just hope they’re not creating sentient killer robots (they probably are).

Typically, microdosing is associated with psilocybin (magic mushrooms). However, people also microdose LSD, MDMA, and cannabis. Regardless of the substance used, the term microdose refers to the practice of taking a drug in a dose less than the standard dose required to feel the full effect of the drug.

While some say that the amount of drug ingested must be sub-perceptual (unnoticeable) to qualify as a microdose, there is some controversy here. In the case of psilocybin, a typical microdose may be anywhere from .3 to .1 grams. But .3 grams is not a sub-perceptual dose. Most people will feel that. Some will feel it powerfully. With cannabis, a typical THC microdose is 2.5 mg. A new user or someone THC-sensitive will definitely feel that as well.

So what qualifies as a microdose? We’re not here to make rules or tell anyone what to do. We’re here to help. The answer to this question really comes down to what works best for you. Some people prefer a sub-perceptual dose. That’s awesome. Others like to feel it, just not so much that they blast into orbit. That’s cool too.

The only question that matters is this: What kind of microdoser are you?

Microdosing Cannabis

When you microdose cannabis, the objective is to reap the therapeutic effects of cannabis without getting high. We know what you’re thinking. Getting high is the whole point! We feel you on that. But for some people, the standard dose of cannabis can trigger paranoia and anxiety. For others, cannabis can cause lethargy, and confusion, and make it a real challenge to handle life’s day-to-day (Stop looking for your sunglasses. They’re on your head, silly.).

Cannabis microdosing should not cause a substantial change in mindset, mood, or attitude. Unless you’re in the sub-perceptual camp, any effect felt should be mild and subtle. Beyond the mental game, there is evidence that the threshold required to reap the therapeutic benefits of cannabis is lower than we thought. As a result, you may not need to get high to get well. Amazing!

Microsdosing THC

So far, we’ve talked a whole bunch about microdosing as a way of squeezing all the good we can get from weed while keeping that high low-key. Well, THC is the cannabinoid primarily responsible for that high we’re trying to manage. No, we’re not dissing the entourage effect. There’s no doubt other cannabinoids and terpenes can temper your high. But THC is the prime mover.

THC produces this feeling by interacting with the endocannabinoid system as a CB1 and CB2 agonist. When THC binds to those cannabinoid receptors and activates them, it produces the sensation of being high. This means that THC is the cannabinoid primarily responsible for that paranoia, anxiety, lethargy, and those sunglasses that you forgot on your head (Duh.). When you microdose THC, all those unwanted side effects are gone. Poof. Nothing but sunshine and the benefits of consuming cannabis remain.

Most cannabis strains are THC-dominant. This makes THC the most abundant cannabinoid and the one to be most careful with when finding the right microdose for you.

Microdosing CBD

CBD is one of the most abundant cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBD is not an intoxicant. It does not get you high. Another difference between CBD and THC is that CBD doesn’t bind to the endocannabinoid system’s CB1 and CB2 receptors. However, CBD does affect the interactions between these receptors and other cannabinoids.

By way of example, CBD may buffer the anxiety-inducing effect of THC by binding to other cannabinoid receptors, which may prevent THC from activating them. The result is less intense psychoactive effects, making products that blend CBD and THC a great choice for THC-sensitive users.

This is a clutch when considering how to microdose CBD. Remember the props we gave the entourage effect? Well, you could microdose CBD with THC as a way to temper THC’s effects. Another approach is to start your microdose mission with some full-spectrum CBD, which contains small amounts of THC. This will enable you to enjoy the health benefits of THC without that paranoia pinballing in your brain and pecking at your dome like an angry bird.

Why Do People Microdose?

Ummmm…because it’s awesome? While that’s absolutely the right answer, it may lack the specificity to be helpful. So let’s drill down on all this awesomeness. Be advised: What follows is a wild romp through purely anecdotal human accounts. If you’re looking for science to back these claims, call your congressman and demand the federal government take cannabis off Schedule I so we can get the research done.

Microdosing may increase spiritual awareness and creativity.

We’re not saying that microdosing will help you see god, but some microdosers believe the practice heightens the senses and increases their spiritual awareness. Others claim increased focus and energy and a more active creative mind. I know we said there was no research, but microdosed cannabis may improve divergent thinking, a key marker of creativity. We’re not making that up, even though we probably could because we’re feeling VERY creative. How’s that for divergent?

Microdosing may help with mindfulness.

Microdosing may improve mood and help shift perspective. Get your microdose on before going grocery shopping, doing the laundry, or cleaning the house. Be present in the moment with all of it instead of spending every minute thinking about what you want to do when you’re done. Yes, microdosing can help with mindfulness. That’s so Zen. Ohm.

Microdosing may boost your workout.

Do you like to hit the gym? Go for hikes? Mountain bike? Run like you’re being chased? Dance like nobody’s watching? Microdosing may enhance all those activities. Many microdosers report that a little bit of weed increases motivation, focus, enjoyment, and recovery when they get their sweat on. This is a good time to do the entourage thing as well. Both THC and CBD fight inflammation and can also reduce pain from sore muscles. But they work better together, so definitely go full spectrum here — especially for our chronic pain patients.

The Benefits of Microdosing Cannabis

We’ve covered so many of the benefits already. Come on. Do you really need more reasons? You do? Well then, good news! We have a whole bunch of them!

Cannabis microdosing may help your body function properly

Ever hear of the Physician Dustin Sulak? Well, he’s an expert in cannabis medicine, and when Rolling Stone Magazine asked him about the benefits of weed, he told them:

“Our bodies are already working to prevent dementia, reduce inflammation, and respond to any pathological process. If we can enhance the functioning of that system with a little bit of extra THC, we can benefit.”

Does this make THC a friend with benefits? Does that make sharing a joint awkward? Nevermind. More divergent thinking. Who’s feeling more creative? We are!

Microdosing cannabis works better with THC and CBD

One of the more significant reasons to microdose that we keep coming back to is that it’s a way to get the benefits of weed without getting blazed. But that begs the question. Why not just take CBD? That’s very clever and shows you’ve been paying attention. We love that. But there’s a problem with this line of inquiry. When you cut the THC, you cut a lot of beneficial effects of cannabis. This brings us right back to our old friend the entourage effect. Using both is best!

Microdosing cannabis saves money

One more thing. We’re curious. Would you like to have more money? Us too! Did you know that when you switch that macrodose for a microdose, you can cut your cannabis spending by 80% or more? Look, when a top-shelf eighth runs $50 plus tax, stretching that cannabis dollar is never a bad idea. And when you use less cannabis, your tolerance is less likely to build up, which means you need even less weed. Way to stack those chips!

Can Microdising Help Medical Cannabis Patients?

In a word. Yes. Some studies suggest that microdosing may treat a variety of conditions for cannabis consumers struggling with a range of medical issues.

Chronic Pain

We all have aches and pains, but did you know that chronic pain is the #1 reason people try medical cannabis? It makes sense, considering how dangerous and addictive narcotic pain pills are. Yikes!

In a University of Michigan report,“Patients using medical marijuana to control chronic pain reported a 64 percent reduction in their use of more traditional prescription pain medications…” as well as an improved quality of life. What more can you ask for? A solution that only needs a minimal effective dose of thc content to work versus a drug that we’re all too familiar with (and not because we want to be).

Anxiety

Here’s an interesting fact about THC that you might not know. While it can induce anxiety in high doses, it may reduce stress and anxiety when microdosed. With low doses, your body may be able to absorb the effects without producing an adverse reaction. This is a win for those that suffer from social anxiety, PTSD and even depression.

Traumatic Brain Injury

While we still need more research, there is a case study on microdosing cannabis to treat Traumatic Brain Injury (“TBI”) that presented promising findings. (http://dspace.unila.edu.br/123456789/6212) In this study, a woman with TBI was treated with cannabinoid microdoses for six months. The result was reduced spasms, muscle tension, hyperreflexia, and stiffness, as well as improvements in short-term memory, cognition, speech, sense of humor, sleep, and quality of life.

Anorexia and Cachexia

We know that THC increases appetite by activating CB1 receptors in the body (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5877694/). What we don’t know is just how much THC is required to fire up that appetite. But there is one study from 2004 that found very low doses of delta-8 THC increased food intake in mice.

While anorexia and cachexia are very different, both conditions benefit from consistent appetite stimulation. Microdosing THC may provide that stimulation without the impairment that some experience when high. This kind of help for a medical condition is invaluable.

What is the Best Dosage for Microdosing Cannabis?

Well, we can’t know what a microdose is without knowing what the standard dose is. According to the Marijuana Policy Project and numerous other sources, the broad consensus is that 10mg of THC is the standard dose.

As we all know by now, different people have different tolerances. They also have different ideas about how much or how little they want to feel when they microdose. This makes microdosing more art than science. To master this art it’s wise to start low and go slow.

How low should you go?

2.5mg of THC is the sweet spot. Add 2.5mg of CBD for the entourage effect, wait a couple of hours, see how you feel, and adjust as needed. That’s all there is to it. You are on your way to becoming a microdose master. Hello, Yoda.

How often should I microdose?

This is also an art, young Jedi. Just like dosage, this is a moving target that depends on the same factors: tolerance and desired effects. It’s also wise to apply the same general rule: start low and go slow. Just don’t become another Darth Vader, Okay?

What are the Best Ways to Microdose Cannabis?

We’re talking cannabinoid delivery systems here. As a general rule, smoking and vaping are not the best choice. Those methods make it very difficult to nail down precise dosing, and that’s what microdosing is all about. But don’t sweat it. We live in the magical era of legal recreational cannabis. There are so many amazing options to choose from that the hardest part is picking one. That’s so cool!

Microdose with Edibles

A class cannabis product, edibles take microdosing to the next level of precision. Sprinkle a few milligrams here and there, wait an hour or two and voila! The effects of microdosing are at your fingertips. Just remember that edibles take much longer to kick in than other delivery systems.

Several companies make gummies in 2.5 mg doses. Yum. Just grab a bag, and you’re ready to go!

Microdose with Sublinguals

Sublinguals are a great option if you want microdosing with fast effects. Like edibles, they come in pre-measured doses that make microdosing easy and precise. Most companies offer microdose tinctures, patches, and sprays. With all of them, the cannabinoids absorb quickly into your bloodstream under the tongue. There are many full spectrum options!

Microdose with Cannabis Beverages

Yes, you can drink your weed. Try a refreshing cannabis seltzer in a microdosed serving size. Some even come with CBD. Hello again, entourage effect! This cannabis consumption method is on the rise and offers many delicious microdosing options.

Microdose with Tablets or Capsules

For the no-nonsense microdoser tablets or capsules are a discrete, portable, precise, and convenient way to microdose. These offer microdoses in easy-to-handle packages, making them easy to take with you on your daily commute or long weekend.

In the past few decades, we have seen a shift in how people consume cannabis and microdosing is definitely leading the charge. No matter your choice of method, it’s important to remember that microdosing can be used to increase your living standards in so many ways. Whether microdosing to reduce stress, improve sleep, or enhance cognitive function, microdosing with cannabis is a safe and effective way to do it.

Start Your Microdosing Journey with Panacea

Every journey begins with the first step. Panacea invites you to take the first step on your microdose journey with us. Our knowledgeable budtenders can answer all your microdose questions, and our menu features all the best microdose options. Visit Panacea or order online to start your microdose journey today!