Microdosing is becoming increasingly popular. We’ve discussed exactly what microdosing entails here on several occasions. People who microdose take small amounts of a specific substance, such as LSD, magic mushrooms, truffles, or cannabis, to reap the medical benefits without experiencing the psychoactive effects. And it’s now clear that microdosing is effective with LSD and psilocybin. But what about our favorite green leaves and buds? Can you microdose cannabis too? The answer is yes.
Microdosing cannabis
Before you go chopping your joint into ten pieces, it’s important to know that you should always approach microdosing in the best and most effective way possible. "Most people know nothing about microdosing," says Michelle Ross, founder of the IMPACT Network, a nonprofit organization that uses empirical medical research to find new cannabis-related treatments for patients. "They flood their system with cannabis or large amounts of THC, and that isn’t always the best approach for the situation they’re in." Although microdosing is typically associated with hallucinogens like LSD, many experts believe that the threshold for the medical benefits of THC is much lower than many people think.
An osteopathic physician from the United States already treats patients with small amounts of cannabis, but he, too, points out that it isn’t always that simple. “When you increase the dose, you sometimes experience fewer benefits and actually achieve the opposite of what you’re looking for,” says Dustin Sulak. For example, a small amount of cannabis might help with anxiety or stress, but too much can actually intensify these effects.
But what exactly is cannabis microdosing good for? A whole lot, according to various studies. According to Sulak, patients currently turn to marijuana microdosing most often for the treatment of conditions such as depression, stress, anxiety, and pain. People also often aim for better sleep and focus. There isn’t a huge amount of scientific evidence yet, but small studies suggest that less cannabis sometimes works better than more.
Microdosing for Pain
For example: In a 2012 study, patients with advanced cancer who did not respond to traditional opioid painkillers were given a THC/CBD compound in low, medium, and high doses. Patients who received the lowest dose of cannabinoids showed the greatest reduction in pain, while those who received higher doses actually experienced more pain. Another study found that microdosing cannabis showed significant improvements in PTSD-related insomnia, nightmares, general symptoms, and even chronic pain.
Sulak himself also found that daily microdosing is beneficial and adds: “I find that a sub-psychoactive dose of cannabis helps me stay healthy, reduce stress, and remain sharp and focused at work,” he explains. “I have many chronic health issues, including neuropathy and fibromyalgia, and cannabis is the only thing that has enabled me to overcome them,” says a cannabis microdoser.
How to microdose cannabis?
While we’re seeing more and more ready-to-use microdoses for things like magic truffles, microdosing with cannabis and marijuana isn’t always that simple. There’s a huge variation in the amount of THC that results in a high, and your body’s metabolism also affects the effect. However, various experts recommend that microdosers start with 2.5 milligrams and maintain that level for three days. Start low and build up slowly. “The goal is to use the dose that produces the most minimal noticeable effect,” says Sulak. We’ll be publishing a complete cannabis microdosing guide here soon. Stay tuned!
Do you have personal experience with cannabis microdosing and would you like to share your story? Then please contact us!
