Microdosing THC & Cannabis

1. Microdosing is the practice of using or consuming a small dose of cannabis for various goals. 
2. The best products for micorodosing are the ones where you can control the dosage, like tinctures and edibles. 
3. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” method to microdosing; a variety of factors are involved, and results will differ for every individual.

One of the latest trends to gain popularity among cannabis enthusiasts is the concept of cannabis microdosing. As the name suggests, microdosing marijuana is all about making use of small doses of cannabis and cannabinoids—basically, opting for a “less is more” approach. 

So, what are the reasons people choose to microdose cannabis? Does a lower dose really have benefits over a higher dose? And can you, as an individual, benefit from this technique? Read on and we’ll answer all these questions as we take you through everything you need to know about microdosing. 

We’ve already defined microdosing as the practice of using or consuming a small dose of a substance. In terms of cannabis use, microdosing refers to using a very small amount of a cannabis product (typically featuring THC or CBD). Often, these small doses are taken throughout the day as opposed to taking a single higher dose once. 

Usually, when someone chooses to microdose, they do so because they believe it provides a better option than one larger dose. Now, let’s break that down… 

So why are so many people taking an interest in microdosing THC, CBD and microdosing marijuana in general? 

What are the benefits of Microdosing?

These are some of the several potential benefits associated with Microdosing:.

• First, microdosing can be a perfect entry point for a new cannabis consumer. If you’re just becoming interested in the world of marijuana use, microdosing can be an ideal way to experiment and find the right amount for you.
• Starting with the smallest possible amount, you can gradually increase your intake until you find the “sweet spot” dose for you. (To put it another way, we always recommend starting low and going slow!) 
• Another common goal of microdosing marijuana is to spread the desired effect through the day with smaller multiple doses rather than one larger amount. 
• Avoiding unwanted effects is also a good reason to try microdosing cannabis. To experience the health benefits of cannabinoids while avoiding some of the more potent, state-altering effects of the plant, many prefer using a fraction of a regular dose. 
• In some cases, smaller amounts have proven to be more efficient than large ones. Certain research into marijuana products has shown they can have a different effect on patients with anxiety depending on the dose of THC in them: while a larger amount of THC may have increased the levels of anxiety, a low dose of the same THC had a positive alleviating effect. 
• Finally, microdosing can help you reset your system when you notice that you’re developing marijuana tolerance. 

What is the optimal dose for microdosing? 

The right dose will vary from person to person. There is no single, simple answer to this question. This varies, depending on a range of factors, such as: 

• Your cannabis usage history 
• Your tolerance to cannabinoids like CBD and THC 
• Your metabolism 
• Your genetics 
• The concentration of the product 
• The type of product 

So, when it comes to finding the right dosage in cannabis consumption, we recommend you start off with a tiny dose and build up slowly to find your ideal amount. 
 
The aim of the process is to find the dosage that is as low as possible while still providing a notable effect. Even a single milligram of THC can be a good starting point for some people, but of course, this is not universal for everyone. 

Microdosing is commonly used with medicinal cannabis that has a high THC percentage. This is because THC is known for being the cannabinoid that creates intoxicating effects. Yet, it is also associated with potential benefits like pain management. [Source] 

A smaller dose of THC may allow a person to experience these kinds of possible therapeutic effects or medical benefits without necessarily experiencing other effects of THC. 

Cannabidiol generally doesn’t have the same intoxicating effects as THC. Depending on your approach, the benefits of microdosing CBD can either be to enjoy its potential benefits while avoiding the effects of THC or experiencing the “Entourage Effect” (a.k.a. the synergistic interactions of different cannabis compounds, which may impact the overall effects).  

The results will depend on the type of CBD product you’re using, among other factors. Some types of CBD do not contain THC. However, full-spectrum CBD still contains small amounts of THC, allowing you to potentially experiment with the Entourage Effect. By microdosing full-spectrum CBD, you can work toward controlling the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol while still enjoying the benefits. 

There are many different consumption methods you can consider when it comes to microdosing cannabis. Possible options include cannabis edibles, tinctures, oils and concentrates. 

The most ideal methods tend to be those that allow you to easily control and monitor how much cannabinoids you’re consuming at any one time. Oils and tinctures, for example, can give you nearly full control over the precise quantity of THC or CBD you are using, allowing you to be very accurate in your dosing and adjust your dose over time if needed. 

Here are a few tips to keep in mind: 

1. Reminder: start low, go slow! (Trust us, there’s a reason we’re repeating this advice.)  
2. Keep a journal where you can keep track of your feelings and sensations 
3. Keep a schedule of your intakes and be consistent with it 
4. If you’re a beginner, start with the lowest possible dose 
5. If you’re more experienced and are accustomed to larger doses, start by breaking them down into smaller intakes during the day 

When the dose of marijuana you’re using is important, consumption methods like smoking and topicals won’t offer the precision you might want. In these cases, you might decide to opt for tinctures, edibles and similar products. 

● Tinctures: Alcohol or oil-based extracts of cannabis, tinctures tend to be one of the most common products used for microdosing. This is because they’re regarded as very easy to work with, requiring no special equipment or extra accessories; you can simply drop the tincture under the tongue using a dropper and then get on with their day. 

● Edibles: Products like CBD gummies and THC pastilles can also be very useful for microdosing, as you can easily learn exactly how much CBD or THC is contained within each edible. You can then use this as a measure to control how many cannabinoids you are consuming per day. 

● Vape cartridges: Vape pens are another option to consider for microdosing marijuana. Consumers can apply the tried-and-true “start low, go slow method,” beginning by inhaling a small amount and gauging the effects before increasing the dosage. 

● Beboe products: Beboe specifically doses its edibles and vapes to include low amounts of cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Their products are typically designed to provide specific desired effects, so it may be an ideal brand to consider for those with an interest in microdosing.  

Want to learn more before you begin? Don’t hesitate to visit the nearest RISE Dispensary and start your cannabis journey with a little help from one of our experts—we love talking about all things cannabis! 

1. Hill, K., Ahmad, S. (2020). Medical Marijuana: A Clinical Handbook. (n.p.): Wolters Kluwer Health. 
2. Russell K. Portenoy, Elena Doina Ganae-Motan, Silvia Allende, Ronald Yanagihara, Lauren Shaiova, Sharon Weinstein, Robert McQuade, Stephen Wright, Marie T. Fallon, Nabiximols for Opioid-Treated Cancer Patients With Poorly-Controlled Chronic Pain: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Graded-Dose Trial, The Journal of Pain, Volume 13, Issue 5, 2012, Pages 438-449, ISSN 1526-5900, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2012.01.003. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1526590012000193) 
3. Stoner SA. Effects of Marijuana on Mental Health: Anxiety Disorders. Alcohol & Drug Abuse Institute, University of Washington, June 2017. URL: http://adai.uw.edu/pubs/pdf/2017mjanxiety.pdf