What is Microdosing?

When it comes to cannabis, not everyone wants to feel high all the time. Many people recognize the medicinal value of cannabis, but for whatever reason, it doesn’t make sense for them to be dealing with a weed buzz. This could be because of specific job demands, high-performance activities, tendencies towards anxiety, the list goes on. There are a few ways to reap the benefits of cannabis without getting high. These include, but are not limited to, taking CBD only, juicing fresh cannabis, using cannabis topically, or microdosing THC. One popular way to microdose THC is to buy a CBD oil that has small amounts of THC added (not to be confused with the many high-THC oil products out there.) 

The Oxford Dictionary defines microdosing as “the action or practice of taking or administering very small amounts of a drug in order to test or benefit from its physiological action while minimizing undesirable side effects.” This practice has been used in the pharmaceutical world since the 1990s, but mentions of microdosing psychedelic and psychotropic substances date back to the 1970s. The practice of microdosing psychedelics such as LSD and psilocybin gained public recognition in the 1990s when tech workers in the Silicon Valley created a buzz around it. Many of them claimed that microdosing LSD or magic mushrooms improved their creativity, energy levels and abilities to focus. Most evidence available in regards to benefits and side effects is anecdotal, due to the lack of formal scientific studies regarding microdosing. This article gives a detailed outline of the history and discussions around microdosing. 

Many people swear by cannabis microdosing in particular and claim to regularly experience the many benefits that cannabis has to offer. 

Why Do People Microdose THC?

It’s common for folks to want to get the maximum benefit from a minimum amount of a product. Not only does it avoid certain undesirable side effects, it also can be more economical. 

The benefits are many, although reports are mostly anecdotal. There are claims that THC microdosing helps with: 

• Mood stability 
• Creativity enhancement  
• Exercise enhancement 
• Stress relief  
• Relaxation 
• Sleep regulation
• Pain management
• Increased productivity

Even small amounts of THC can support the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is found in humans and many other mammals. It’s a neuromodulatory system that plays an important role in nervous system development, neuroplasticity, and the regulation of stress hormones. Our bodies make chemicals that fit into ECS receptors, which then helps to balance the body’s systems including digestion, nerve signaling, and the immune system. Cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant (and other plant species) mimic these chemicals and fill the signal support gaps, providing the same results. Consider microdosing as a boost to your body's own natural cannabinoid process, supporting you to feel your best.  

How to Microdose THC

Microdosing can be achieved using an oil tincture, capsules or strips. A popular and effective way to benefit from THC is taking CBD oil that contains small, microdosable amounts of THC. You can follow the instructions above for this type of oil as well. The Green Dragon CBD offers top-quality CBD oils for THC microdosing here. 

The first thing you need to figure out is what your own personal dose is. For new cannabis users or when you are trying out a specific product for the first time, it’s imperative to start with a very low dose and slowly increase your dose over time. Some people experience a mind-altering effect from THC in doses as low as 1.5mg. Everybody is different. 

To safely begin microdosing, follow these steps:

1. Abstain from cannabis products for 2 days.
2. Start by taking 1 milligram of THC. Wait 45 minutes.
3. Observe if you feel any different than before dosing. 
4. If there is no change in how you feel, increase the dose by 1mg the next time. 
5. Repeat until you feel a difference. Then you have found your minimum effective dose. 

If you are very sensitive to THC, a good way to play it safe is to repeat the same dose throughout several sessions. This way you can be sure of consistency and results. If you feel comfortable continuing to increase your dose by tiny amounts, go ahead. At some point, you will notice no further benefit from a higher dose. You have now established your therapeutic range. Most people have a therapeutic range of anywhere between 1mg and 5mg of THC. 

You can experiment with a few microdosing sessions per day, or go slowly and do one session per day. Some people find that their results are more clear and easy to determine if they are only ingesting THC once per day. 

Combining THC With CBD

Research shows that combining THC, CBD and terpenes/terpenoids increases the healing benefits of cannabis. The “Entourage Effect” theory explains it best: this theory suggests that all cannabis compounds, including phytocannabinoids and terpenes, produce a superior effect when taken together. This theory is in line with the concept of “whole plant medicine” in Ayurveda (the ancient Indian system of healing). This holistic concept promotes that consuming all parts of a plant together - the root, vegetation, and flower, increases the beneficial properties of the plant. 

Microdosing Safely

As mentioned above, take it slow when starting the microdosing process. There is no rush to determine your therapeutic range for THC. If you are new to THC products, remember that smoking and taking edibles are two very unique experiences due to different chemical reactions that occur inside the lungs versus the stomach. Make sure your cannabis products come from a reliable source. Many products cut corners on labeling and fail to provide clear information about the cannabinoid content of the product. It’s always best to speak with an expert before trying anything new. The knowledgeable team at The Green Dragon CBD is here to answer your questions, anytime. 

We all have a right to good health. With adequate care and knowledge, it’s possible for everyone to find a suitable cannabis routine that meets their individual needs.

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