A Guide for Cannabis Microdosing

Microdosing marijuana is a relatively new practice among the cannabis community. Microdosing is taking a minimal amount of a substance throughout the day to maintain a long-lasting mild to moderate effect. This method is referred to as “low and slow” and is preferred by some individuals.  Read on to find the answer to the question, “what is microdosing?”

What is Cannabis Microdosing? 

Microdosing THC involves taking small doses of psychoactive drugs that produce a noticeable effect without being super intense. It is said that microdosing cannabis can be beneficial for people looking to boost their creativity, enhance focus, or ease chronic pain. Some of the most common substances used for microdosing are LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, ketamine, MDMA, and DMT. 

Microdosing cannabis is a relatively new concept but is increasingly popular. Rather than reaching a point of intense high and then coming down, microdosing allows for a more functional high that lasts all day. Microdosing is said to produce a less overwhelming high. 

Why Microdose?

Many people microdose for the same reason they take other drugs or medication. They want to feel better. The most common causes people microdose are to relieve chronic pain, combat anxiety, and depression, and help boost creativity. 

Microdosing THC or CBD can be especially beneficial for people who need to be productive in their work or creative in their art. Alternatively, many people use microdoses because it is a safer alternative to overdoing it with a larger dose, which can cause the user an adverse experience.  

Microdoses are often described as “sub-perceptual,” so the user will experience effects without feeling out of control. This means there is less risk of adverse side effects like anxiety or paranoia than when someone takes a much larger dose of cannabis flower.

Microdosing as a Tolerance Break

If you’re not ready to take a complete tolerance break from cannabis consumption, try lowering your daily dose of THC by taking two-thirds of your usual amount. It may still be challenging but more manageable than getting rid of THC completely, and you’ll see your tolerance decrease in a week or two. Microdosing is a perfect way to reset your tolerance and not experience cannabis withdrawal symptoms.

How To Microdose Cannabis

The process of cannabis microdosing is relatively simple. You take a small amount of a substance, whether a psychedelic, hallucinogen, or tranquilizer, and wait for the effects to set in. It is essential to note that there are no fixed doses or schedules for microdosing with psychedelics. 

Listen to your body and find the best dosage. Some people prefer to take their dose daily, while others may only do it once weekly. It all depends on your schedule and what you can handle. 

To avoid any unwanted side effects when you consume cannabis, it is best not to mix psychoactive substances or use them with alcohol or other drugs. This will reduce the chances of an overdose and unpleasant experiences like paranoia and psychosis. 

How do Cannabinoids Work? 

Cannabis plant medicine has been used for centuries. Cannabinoids are molecules found in cannabis plants that affect the mind and body. Cannabinoids may help manage pain, nausea, vomiting, and other conditions. They can also improve mood and relieve anxiety for chronic pain patients.

The two main cannabinoids are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC causes the “high” feeling associated with marijuana. It is responsible for mood changes, increased heart rate, bloodshot eyes, dry mouth, numbness of the tongue, slower reflexes, difficulty concentrating, and disturbed sleep patterns. 

CBD does not cause any psychoactive effects or feelings of getting “high.” The benefits of CBD include its anti-inflammatory properties, which can be used to treat chronic pain disorders like arthritis. It is also used to treat epilepsy by helping control seizures. 

The Popularity of Microdosing Marijuana  

Cannabis has recently become one of the most popular drugs for microdosing. Many people report that it can help ease chronic pain, increase focus, and boost creativity. The idea is to take the lowest effective dose rather than the highest dose for the most potent effect. The idea is to get the most benefit while taking the lowest amount needed.  

Microdosing can be an excellent option for those with a low THC tolerance or who do not like how it feels to get high. Taking intermittent very small doses, even of a very potent strain, is a preferred experience for some. Anecdotal evidence suggests that microdosing cannabis is helpful for its ability to stimulate certain parts of your brain. 

The idea of cannabis microdosing has grown in popularity among many groups, including medical marijuana patients and young professionals. Many young professionals feel that taking a minimal dose of THC throughout the day provides them an advantage. Small regular amounts of cannabis edibles throughout the day help with mood management, stress relief, and anxiety relief. Many who use microdosing report it stimulates a more profound interest in their work than if they were not to microdose THC.

MMJ & Microdosing Cannabinoids

Microdosing can appeal to many medical patients who are not looking to feel high all day long; they are looking for assistance in managing and relieving symptoms and pain from their conditions. In the case of pain management, for example, taking a small amount periodically throughout the day can keep long-term, acute, or severe pain somewhat under control.

Rather than taking very high doses repeatedly, microdosing is an option you have a very controlled and mellow experience while benefiting from cannabinoids. Patients can work with their medical providers and use the same hands-on testing process to determine their optimal microdose. 

There is no specific rule or chart that can determine the right amount of sub psychoactive doses for each person. It is a personal process that requires a little bit of hands-on research. When attempting to microdose a cannabis product, it is a good idea to start small and keep a written record of how one feels after each microdose.

Through this system of trial and error, one will determine how many cannabinoids they feel best about and how often they will need to take each one. Some people may find that taking one or two a day is enough for them, while others may want to take a low dose every couple of hours throughout their day. 

Getting Started with Microdosing Cannabis 

It’s advised to stop using cannabis products for two days before trying out microdosing. On the third day, start by consuming low doses like one milligram of THC and one milligram of CBD. Take note of how your body and mind feel after that small dose, and then increase amounts by one milligram. Follow this process over several days and discover the exact quantity that works. That dose will not be the dose that gets a person the highest or has the most substantial feelings after consumption. 

The optimal microdose is where one feels a slight difference after consuming cannabis and stops. When that feeling wears off that is when another microdose should be taken. Again, this can be anywhere from half an hour to several hours. It all depends on personal preference and what result one hopes to get from microdosing. Again, the goal is to find the minimal dose that will be effective. 

When embarking on a journey of microdosing, remember that the product and its potency will also influence how strong of a reaction one has to cannabis. Knowing this, you may need to adjust your microdose or stick with using the same product.

Speaking with a qualified medical marijuana professional is an excellent first step when considering a microdosing regimen. Discuss your specific concerns with your medical provider and what you hope to get out of the microdose experience is the ideal place to start. Additionally, many in the cannabis and medical communities are researching and looking into the process of microdosing. Connect with someone who can help you safely determine the best way to start a cannabis microdosing regimen.  

Final Thoughts 

Microdosing cannabis is a trend that is growing in popularity as more people learn about the benefits of microdosing. It is a terrific way to experiment with psychedelics with a minimal effective dose and see if it is something you would like to try again. Microdosing is a very individualized experience; there is no right or wrong way to do it. But with some knowledge, you can ensure you are starting on the right foot and using best practices to stay safe. 

Microdosing cannabis can be a delightful experience. Suppose you are looking to try cannabis or need information about medical cannabis. In that case, you can connect online with LeafyDOC, a resource to help make the medical cannabis experience more straightforward. LeafyDOC can help with the MMJ card process and connect you with reputable medical marijuana doctors and a cannabis coach to guide your journey with microdosing.