How To Microdose: Easy To Understand Guide

Cannabis is no doubt in popular demand in America and across much of the world. Recent studies of US consumers show that replacing alcohol with weed is a growing trend [1]. 

While most are turning to standard and higher doses of THC to feel an intoxicating buzz that many call a high, that isn't the case for everyone. Many consumers want to feel the effects of cannabis without the intoxicating high that comes with it. 

That's where a microdose comes in. 

As its name implies, a microdose helps consumers enjoy THC at lower-than-usual doses. So how is it all done?

What is Microdosing?

Microdosing is just as its name implies. It's a smaller than usual dosage of any substance, in this case, THC. 

People microdose to experience the benefits of a substance without the risk of intoxication. When done correctly, it is believed that a microdose will provide consumers with some of the subtle effects without the glaring impact, notably on the mind. 

With cannabis, it is believed that microdosing allows consumers to avoid the intoxicating psychedelic effects of THC. While CBD provides many of the same effects as THC without the intoxicating effects, many still want THC, just without the significant high that may make it difficult to function at various points of the day.

Consumers turn to microdosing for various reported effects. While further lab analysis is required to confirm its efficacy, microdosing is believed to help improve individuals' moods, focus, and mental clarity, among other possible outcomes.

In addition to cannabis, some of the common substances associated with microdosing include: 

• LSD
• DMT
• MDMA
• Ketamine 
• Psilocybin and many more 

Microdose Serving

Most legal cannabis products are sold at 5 to 10 mg per serving. There are some exceptions, including some state medical programs that allow certain products to contain up to 20 mg per serving. 

Microdosing intends to enjoy cannabis at a much lower dose. What exactly is a microdose remains up for debate. 

Depending on who you ask, a microdose may be on the lower end of the threshold, with ranges between 0.5 mg and 2 mg per serving. However, others have considered a microdose to reach up to 5 mg per serving. 

Variations in the definition like these highlight why it's crucial for consumers to always pay attention to what they are buying and consuming. Checking the label and the product website for dosing details is just one of many essential components that go into savvy cannabis shopping.

The Science Behind Microdosing Cannabis 

Cannabinoids induce their effects in the body by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) receptors, a complex network of chemical signals and cellular receptors throughout the body.

The ECS is responsible for regulating most body functions, including learning and memory, hunger, pain reception, body temperature, and immune response. To stimulate the receptors of the ECS, the body produces endocannabinoids to tell the ECS what process or function to regulate.

Cannabinoids from the cannabis plant have structural similarities to the endocannabinoids, which is why they can produce effects when they interact with the receptors of the ECS 1.

Regular cannabis doses are high enough to overstimulate the receptors, leading to intense effects, including psychoactivity. A microdose is designed to produce just enough effects to provide relief and potential therapeutic benefits.

Reported Benefits of Microdosing Cannabis

Due to decades of prohibition, we continue to lag far behind when it comes to cannabis research. That means that while the public often demands answers, lab analysis can only provide so much insight at this time. 

Microdosing is one of those understudied areas of cannabis. A scant amount of studies investigating the effects of microdosing THC have produced some insights. However, additional analysis into microdosing and its impact on various symptoms and conditions largely remains undetermined. 

Still, the growing number of clinical studies are joined by decades of anecdotal feedback about microdosing's possible benefits. They include:

Improved Mood and Reduced Anxiety

Lab analysis has shown that low doses of cannabis may help improve a person's mood while promoting relaxation, all factors that can help reduce a person's anxiety. However, larger doses May induce the opposite effects, exacerbating anxiety while potentially inducing paranoia, impairing memory, and decreasing cognitive abilities 2. 

Enhanced Focus and Creativity

The reported improved focused effects associated with microdosing align with many who claim that low doses of THC increase their creativity levels. It is believed that a microdose produces these effects without inducing an intoxicating high, which should allow the consumer to continue creating without potentially becoming distracted.

Pain and Inflammation Management

Of all the areas of study in cannabis, the effects it has on pain management may be one of the most analyzed to date. A number of studies over the years into cannabinoids, including but not limited to THC, have shown that various cannabis compounds can be a potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent for a number of conditions and symptoms 3. 

In addition to a microdose potentially delivering such beneficial effects, items like topicals are regularly used, providing consumers with a skin-level effect that rarely reaches the bloodstream unless specified by the product.

How to Microdose Cannabis

Microdosing THC is a relatively easy process as long as you keep a few points in mind along the way. This is one of the more tried and true methods to microdosing cannabis:

Step 1: Choose the Right Product

• Identify the Type of Product: Select your cannabis product, considering its onset time and potential effects. Remember, smoking and vaping have almost immediate effects. An edible can take up to 120 minutes before anything is felt. 
• Understand Cannabinoid Content: Most products contain THC, CBD, or a combination of both. THC provides the psychoactive 'high,' while CBD is non-psychoactive.
• Ensure Quality: Only buy legalized products with third-party lab certification that verifies their contents. 

Step 2: Determine Your Starting Dose

• Initial Dose Recommendation: Microdoses range between 1 and 5 mg. 
• Increase Gradually: Wait 30 to 90 minutes after eating an edible to decide if another dose is needed. 

Step 3: Use the 'Start Low, Go Slow' Method

• Begin with a Low Dose: Start with 2 mg THC.
• Monitor Effects: Observe how your body responds to the initial dose.
• Adjust Dose: Gradually increase the dose by 1-2 mg as needed to achieve the desired effect.
• Consider Journaling: Many suggest keeping a journal to track the day, dosage, and effects felt. This method should help most consumers keep track of their consumption and easily identify their ideal dose. 

Must Know About Microdosing

Due to the differences in bioavailability, the method of consumption matters. 

If you are microdosing edibles, you may need to consume a little more due to the low bioavailability. Sublingual application and inhalation methods have higher bioavailability rates than ingested cannabis products.

Effects from edibles take more time to kick in compared to vaping and smoking, which deliver peak THC concentration within minutes of initial administration. However, the effects of edibles last longer than those produced through vaping and smoking or sublingual tinctures 4.

To sum it up concisely, remember the following about each consumption method:

• Edibles: Lower bioavailability; may need a slightly higher dose. Effects take longer to kick in but last longer. Effects take longer to appear (up to 2 hours) but last longer.
• Inhalation (Vaping/Smoking): Highest bioavailability; peak THC concentration within minutes. Effects are felt within minutes but do not last as long as edibles.
• Sublingual Application: Higher bioavailability; effects are quicker than edibles. Effects appear faster than edibles but slower than vaping/smoking.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of Microdosing Cannabis

Cannabis is well tolerated, even in regular doses. However, there are minor but common side effects that you should be aware of as you learn how to microdose cannabis. 

The most common side effects of cannabis are red eyes and cottonmouth; both can be avoided by hydrating before, during, and after consumption. You may also experience mild dizziness, which is unlikely with such low doses.

There are also concerns that microdosing may contribute to increased tolerance or even developing dependency. Research shows that about 9% of heavy consumers may present characteristic symptoms of dependence, but there is not enough research on microdosing and tolerance to make concrete statements 5. 

If you are worried about developing tolerance, studies show that one can reduce their tolerance by taking a break from cannabis consumption. One study found that chronic consumers' tolerance begins wearing off after just two days of abstinence 6.

Microdosing with Safe, Regulated Products

Humans tolerate cannabis well. However, one has to ensure that they only consume high-quality, safe products. But how does one find safe cannabis products?

The best way to ensure the safety of cannabis products is by only purchasing items at a reputable dispensary. Cannabis products should be made from plants grown in accordance with good cultivation practices. 

Snoozy is a leading brand for regulated, lab-tested cannabis products at any time of day. Consumers can choose from some of the best cannabis edibles in our wide selection of products, spanning micro and standard doses of THC.