Ask most people about “microdosing” and you’ll get either a quizzical “huh?” or a conversation about LSD or psilocybin mushrooms, but among a group of cannabis enthusiasts you might hear about THC, and perhaps how ingesting it in small doses could be the secret to unlocking the true potential of the red-hot CBD market.
Max Simon is a vocal member of that group. Simon, founder of Green Flower Media, says that THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, can be taken in small amounts that do not induce a high but do make the therapeutic effects of CBD more substantial and sustainable.
WHAT IS MICRODOSING?
Microdosing is really just a fancy way of saying: Use as little of a given compound as possible to achieve your desired effect.
Microdosing doesn’t just save patients money. When microdosing marijuana is put into practice effectively, users can enjoy the benefits of high-potency cannabis while minimizing the psychoactive effects that can get in the way of the rest of their day.
HOW MUCH MARIJUANA SHOULD YOU USE?
The amount of medical marijuana used when microdosing will vary from person to person. Depending on a user’s tolerance, condition, and individual physiology, what may work well for them may be ineffective for another or produce unwanted effects.
According to osteopathic physician, Dr. Dustin Sulak:
The goal is to use the dose that gives the most minimal noticeable effect.
According to Leafly, a good starting point for most medical marijuana patients interested in trying microdosing is to start off at between 1 and 2.5 milligrams of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and stick with that dosage for at least 3 days. Slowly increase your dosage from there, in 1 mg. increments, until you begin to feel the medication’s effects. Once you’ve reached this point, you should stick with that dose for at least four days. If at this point, you continue to feel relief, then there’s no need to increase your dose further.
In the same interview, Sulak goes on to recommend that patients who have built up a tolerance to cannabis undergo an initial two-day period without using cannabis, before beginning a microdosing regiment.
WHAT METHODS WORK BEST?
When it comes to the plethora of legal cannabis products out there, not all are well suited to microdosing.
Microdosing while vaping or smoking medical marijuana is possible, though it may prove difficult to keep dosing consistent. Taking a single puff and waiting to see if you get the desired effect may work, but you never really know exactly how much cannabinoids you are taking in. Because of this, recreating the desired effect later on while microdosing may be difficult.
Legal cannabis products such as edibles, oils, and tinctures are much better suited to microdosing since it is much easier to control your dosage. (Note: At the time of publication, edibles are still prohibited in Florida.) When looking for these products at your local dispensary, try to find ones dosed more conservatively, to make microdosing even easier. A tincture containing 5 mg. of THC per mL. will be much easier to microdose with than say a tincture with 20 mg.
WHAT CONDITIONS RESPOND BEST?
Higher doses of marijuana can sometimes lead to difficulty concentrating and anxiety; that’s why conditions such as depression, anxiety, and pain are especially well suited to microdosing. Not a lot of research has been completed in this area, but anecdotally many patients are beginning to find better success with microdosing than when taking larger doses of marijuana.
In one study conducted with cancer patients who were unresponsive to traditional pain management strategies, low, medium, and high doses of Nabiximols (a cannabis-based medication) were administered. In the group of patients who received the lowest doses, the greatest reduction in pain was achieved. In the higher dose group, the pain was actually made worse.
Another study done on patients suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) showed that a low dose of the synthetic cannabinoid Nabilone was able to relieve their symptoms of PTSD, while also helping with insomnia, nightmares, and even pain.
MICRODOSING: THC VS. CBD
So far, we’ve mostly touched on how microdosing cannabis, and THC specifically, may provide better results than higher doses. But what about cannabidiol (CBD)?
CBD and THC appear to have similar applications, with patients reporting success in both relieving symptoms from a variety of conditions. Research shows that CBD may be particularly beneficial in patients suffering from:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Epilepsy
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Irritable bowel disorder (IBD)
If you’re interested in microdosing THC and CBD simultaneously, Sulak recommends keeping to a 1:1 ratio and beginning with just 1 mg. of each. After a few days of maintaining this dose, Sulak recommends increasing each by 1 mg. until you notice symptom relief. By following this protocol, you will be able to work up to the lowest effective dose for your condition, thus minimizing any potential unwanted effects.
Optimal microdose options
For more seasoned consumers, a typical microdose can range between 2.5 and 10 milligrams of THC. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to control exactly how much you consume. There are several methods available for microdosing cannabis, but some may be more precise in terms of dosage than others.
- Edibles are a good option for this reason. For example, verano offers low-dose capsules in multiple THC and CBD-filled formulas for consumers across the microdosing spectrum. Kiva Confections also makes mints that are ideal for microdosing with 2.5 milligrams of THC that can provide the perfect afternoon pick-me-up when you find yourself staring out the living room window.
- Tinctures are a common choice for busy working individuals, as they have the added benefit of fast delivery. When applied sublingually, tinctures are delivered directly to the bloodstream and can begin acting within just 15 minutes. Or, if you want to mix a few drops in with your coffee or on top of your lunch, tinctures will be absorbed in the same way as an edible. Several brands like Select and Care By Design make THC/CBD tinctures designed for microdosing with ratios ranging from 1:1 to 18:1.
- Smoking or vaping are also great at-home options. Because vapes produce a less potent smell, they are much more discreet for use at home if your partner or roommates don’t like the scent of weed. For consumers vaping flower or oil cartridges, it’s best to start with just a puff or two and then assessing how you feel.
Chris, 27, is an NYC-based microdoser who works in marketing for higher education. He said, “Some people go on cigarette breaks, I rip my THC pen a few times. Aside from serving as a much-needed break between screen time at my desk or one of the countless interactions with a client, when done responsibly, a minor rip of my pen can reset my mood and expand my perspective, allowing my focus to flourish.”
The key to successful microdosing is taking it slow. You’re at work and you have a job to do. Start with very low doses and give yourself a few days to gauge the way your microdoses are affecting you before upping your dosage. And, as with any new medication, make sure to consume responsibly and on a regulated schedule. Make sure you’re giving yourself accurate dosages each time while keeping tabs on how much you’ve consumed to avoid becoming too intoxicated.
Most importantly, know the laws in your state or province governing cannabis use to avoid getting yourself into any legal trouble or disciplinary action. Do not take chances with your job if cannabis may be too much for you to focus or if your job duties require you to be substance-free.
When done correctly, microdosing can be a beneficial way to alleviate pain or anxiety, improve focus, and remain sharp throughout the workday. Whether you’re a lifelong stoner or you’re curious about trying cannabis, microdosing while working can help you get stuff done like a boss without the buzz.