They say the best things come in small packages – and cannabis is no different. While some recreational consumers enjoy powerful psychoactive effects, many others look to cannabis for its healing effects without the mind-altering buzz. As a result, an evolving trend is taking the industry by storm: microdosing.
How Microdosing Cannabis Works
An increasingly popular practice, microdosing is the act of taking the minimum amount of cannabis to obtain the maximum therapeutic benefit. Cannabis works by activating the cannabinoid receptors that naturally occur in the human body’s endocannabinoid system – a system responsible for regulating and balancing other systems like the immune and central nervous systems.
Clinical research has found that cannabinoids like THC and CBD don’t need to be taken in massive quantities to engage your body’s endocannabinoid system and promote healing. Therefore, a small dose – somewhere between 2 and 10 mg – allows consumers to enjoy the same therapeutic effects without becoming paranoid, lethargic or falling into a fit of laughter at an inopportune time.
Some praise microdosing for its mood-enhancing and creativity-inducing benefits, while others find the practice useful for stress relief and pain management. Without sparking major behavioral changes, microdosing lets people use cannabis throughout their day to improve their quality of life.
What are the Best Methods and Products for Microdosing Cannabis?
Each person’s tolerance and physiology are different. Therefore, there’s no blanket approach for microdosing – it’s a very personal experience. Tinctures and edibles are easiest for measuring your exact dosage and helping you establish a consistent routine. With smoking and vaping, it’s possible to take one puff and wait to see how you’re affected – but you won’t be able to control the amount of THC or CBD that enters your system, making consistency difficult.
The cannabis products you choose for microdosing will depend on the therapeutic benefit you desire. For example, in small amounts, THC is ideal for pain management, nausea, insomnia, and muscle spasticity – and for producing a mild euphoria. CBD can help treat anxiety, seizures, mental disorders and migraines. When taken together, these compounds produce the “entourage effect,” a concept that the medicinal impact of the whole cannabis plant is greater than if a compound like THC or CBD is taken alone.
How To Find Your Microdosing Sweet Spot
Experts recommend first-time microdosers begin with 2 milligrams. If you’re a regular consumer who’s built up a tolerance, refrain from using cannabis for 48 hours before microdosing.
If you’re new to cannabis, begin with one gram of THC and one gram of CBD in a tincture, edible or any method that allows for precise measurement. Ingesting a balanced ratio will help minimize any negative side effects of the THC, should you experience any. If you’re familiar with the effects of THC, start with 2 milligrams – then add CBD if desired.
Wait 45 minutes and see how you feel. How comfortable and calm is your body? Has your breathing changed? Do you feel relaxed? If you feel no different, take 2 more milligrams and wait another 45 minutes. Once you notice physical relief or a mental shift, you’ve found your minimal effective dosage. Stick to that dose for at least four days. The goal of microdosing is to take the minimum amount for the maximum effect, so if you continue to feel relief, there’s no need to increase your dosage.
A Daily Practice for Optimum Wellness
Through daily practice, microdosing encourages you to take a proactive approach to your cannabis consumption. Not only are you using this plant medicine to treat personal ailments, but you’re also using it as a part of your overall wellness routine. Your daily microdose is like a vitamin – by fueling your endocannabinoid system each day, you’re helping your body maintain homeostasis, so that you can enjoy optimum health and peace of mind.