For some cannabis users, the more potent a product, the better. They enjoy the high that accompanies the medical benefits of their preferred high-THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) strains. Other users, however, want the benefits of cannabis but don’t want — or enjoy — the mind-altering effects that come with higher amounts of THC. Enter microdosing.
In a market where high-potency products tend to reign supreme, microdosing THC has become increasingly popular. Operating on the principle that less is more, this method of cannabis consumption involves consuming much smaller doses of THC, often taken multiple times throughout the day. The goal is to experience the desired physical or mental benefits without getting high.
Benefits of Microdosing
Microdosing cannabis offers a few significant benefits:
Avoid Unwanted Effects
One of the top reasons people microdose is to avoid getting high. Some don’t enjoy the feeling. Some want or need to be clear-headed, especially if they take their doses during the day. Smaller doses provide benefits but allow users to remain productive.
For other users, too much THC causes significant anxiety or paranoia. Even “normal” doses might be too much. Microdosing lets these users reap the desired benefits of cannabis without the undesirable side effects.
Spread Benefits Through the Day
Rather than taking one or two larger doses of cannabis, many users who microdose consume multiple smaller doses spread out over their day. This allows them to prolong the desired benefits, preventing them from wearing off too soon.
Safe for Beginners
Many cannabis products feature a “recommended serving size.” Although some experienced users may take the recommended amount — or more — without issue, these recommended doses may be too much for a new user.
Taking too much THC your first time using cannabis could result in an unpleasant experience that makes you hesitant to try again. Microdosing gives you a safer way to test out cannabis and find the dose that works best for you.
Save Money
While saving money may be more of an unintentional benefit, taking smaller doses of cannabis means your products last longer. As a result, you don’t have to stock up as often, which could mean you spend less.
The Best Products for Microdosing
There is a wide assortment of cannabis product options. You can technically microdose using any cannabis consumption method, but some are better than others. Edibles and tinctures are among the best options.
Edibles
Many edibles, including gummies, hard candies, and mints, feature precise portions. You know precisely how much THC you’re getting with each piece and can divide it if necessary for smaller doses. Other edibles, such as baked goods and beverages, aren’t individually portioned but still generally allow for easy microdosing.
Tinctures
Tinctures come in small bottles with built-in droppers. Generally, each full dropper (often one milliliter) is a single serving. You can take your cannabis drop by drop, making microdosing a breeze.
Capsules
Similar to individually portioned edibles, cannabis capsules contain set amounts of THC. That way, you know exactly how much you’re getting with each one. While you might not be able to break or cut these products into smaller servings, some brands offer low-dose options that may suit some users’ microdosing needs.
Other Ways To Microdose
What about smoking or vaping? It is possible to microdose using these consumption methods, but controlling the amount you consume can be more challenging. You must be mindful of how much you inhale to avoid taking in too much at once.
Finding Your Optimal Dose
The key to successful microdosing is finding your minimum effective dose. In other words, what’s the smallest amount of THC your body needs to feel the benefits of your chosen product? That amount varies from person to person based on several factors, including:
- Cannabis experience (new vs. long-time user)
- Tolerance
- Metabolism
- Genetics
- The presence — and amount — of CBD (cannabidiol) and other cannabinoids
To find your minimum effective dose, start low and gradually increase the amount of THC you consume until you feel its effects. If you’ve never used cannabis before, begin with one to two milligrams of THC. More experienced users might start with two to three.
Stick with your starting dose for a few days, even if you don’t feel anything after your initial attempt. And remember, edibles take longer to kick in. Avoid taking another dose for at least a few hours after the first to prevent accidentally overloading your system with too much THC.
If you still don’t feel anything after three days, increase your dose by one milligram and try again. Keep going until you find the amount that produces the desired benefits.
Additional Microdosing Tips
Before you start microdosing THC, here are a few more suggestions to consider:
Keep a Journal
You may find it helpful to keep a journal as you work to find your ideal dose. Every time you consume cannabis, jot down the following:
- The product
- The amount of THC you took
- The time you took it
- The effects you felt (if any)
- How long those effects lasted
You can keep your notes in a regular notebook, a document on your computer, or even your phone. You may also find cannabis journals for tracking your microdosing journey.
Take Periodic Tolerance Breaks
Over time, you may find your minimum effective dose doesn’t work as well as it used to. That’s because you can build up a tolerance to THC. Taking a brief break — one to two days — from cannabis can help reset your system.
Choose High-Quality Products
For the best experiences with microdosing — or using cannabis in general — start with high-quality products. Reputable dispensaries like VidaCann offer a range of products from top brands, and they’re more than happy to help you find the best ones for your needs. Their goal is to help you find success and have enjoyable experiences on your cannabis journey.
Ready To Give Microdosing a Try?
Whether you’re new to cannabis or you’ve been using it for a while, microdosing can be an excellent option for helping you experience its benefits without the mind-altering effects. If you’re ready to give it a shot, VidaCann is here to help. Our Florida dispensaries feature a broad selection of the highest quality products available.
Check our options online or visit your nearest dispensary today!
