It’s often taught that the higher the potency, the better the results. Although the adage applies to some medications, you might be surprised to know that less is more when it comes to compounds like Delta 9-THC or THC. 

Introducing—microdosing THC. You get the maximum benefit out of the compound in the smallest dose. It also lessens your chances of the usual cannabis side effects, such as getting high, feeling sluggish, etc. 

Continue reading to understand the microdosing hype and what you can do to take advantage of this ingenious method. 

What Is Microdosing THC?

Microdosing THC is the practice of consuming small, controlled doses of THC at even intervals in a day. The perceived result of microdosing is obtaining the holistic benefits of THC without getting stoned or experiencing the side effects often acquired with higher doses. 

The low-dose practice initially flourished among psychedelics for drugs like LSD and psilocybin mushrooms. Now, cannabis users who want to harness THC’s restorative effects also practice microdosing. The method is also an option for those sensitive to THC and for users who have developed tolerance to cannabis and may want to reset.  

What Is a Microdose of THC?

Although a microdose of THC can be different for everyone, 5 mg of THC a day is the universal THC dosage limit for microdosing. A common approach to kickstart the method is by taking a 2 mg THC dose daily, splitting the dose by half—taking one mg in the morning and another in the evening. 

In a Rolling Stone interview, Dr. Allan Frankel has been recommending 3 mg of THC a day to his clients, coining it the “correct dose.” In the same interview, physician and Reiki healer Dustin Sulak advised taking 1 milligram of THC combined with one milligram of CBD (cannabidiol) daily. 

What Are the Potential Benefits of Microdosing THC?

While more clinical research is needed to evaluate the anecdotal reports pointing to the multiple benefits of microdosing, personal stories ultimately hold water, especially if you’re experiencing them firsthand. 

With that said, listed below are some of the most significant benefits of microdosing: 

1. Controlled Dosage

Being in control of how much you take and for how long is a big deal. You’re not only following the golden rule of dosing, which is to “look for the minimum effective dose with the lowest risk,” but also practicing discipline. 

2. Maximizes THC Benefits Without Overdoing

Perhaps the most celebrated benefit of microdosing is getting the most out of THC’s pool of benefits without the high and its associated side effects. Some of the most arduous microdosing believers utilize the method to regulate their moods, boost creativity, or enhance their yoga or workout sessions. 

3. Resetting Your Tolerance Level

Over time, heavy cannabis users will develop a tolerance to cannabis compounds. That is, they will need to take more cannabis tolerance than what they’re used to to achieve the same desired effects.

For many, developing tolerance is not a good state as it can also mean increasing the amount of cannabis metabolites stored in your body. 

To overcome cannabis tolerance, consumers abstain completely from cannabis for days or weeks (depending on how long and heavy they have been using the substance). Incidentally, the t-break method is needed to usher in the practice of microdosing. 

In a way, resetting your tolerance is a by-product of microdosing. It helps keep the level of THC and other cannabis metabolites in your body at a minimum. 

📗You Might Want To Read How Long Does Delta 9 Stay In Your System?

4. Saves Money

With microdosing, you’re getting the same benefits of high-dosage THC but at a lesser price. Say your usual tincture dosage before staying at 10 mg a day. If you’ve now cut your dosage intake by half and the average one mg of THC costs around 26 cents, you’re only spending A dollar and 30 cents a day compared to 2 dollars and 60 cents before. 

5. Go On About Your Day Without The Disruption

Wake and Bake now has an entirely new meaning with microdosing. By taking low-dose THC daily, it’s unlikely you get any hints of being lethargic or getting stoned during a busy day. Yet, without you noticing, THC is gently doing its magic. 

What Are the Steps on How to Microdose THC?

Finding your optimum THC microdose and the cadence in taking it is an art. It’s challenging and frustrating at first, but with proper guidance, you will get there. Follow these steps and adjust accordingly to what works best for you. 

Step 1: Find the Right THC Product

Right now, two of your main concerns are finding the right minimum dose and looking for the perfect product to deliver it.

Since inhalation and topical products don’t offer the precision dosing other available consumption methods offer, the closest solution would be to use THC products under the edibles and tinctures category. 

From there, research products from brands that suit your preferences and lifestyle. Next, pay attention to the potency of the product, like how many milligrams of THC are in a piece of gummy or how many milligrams of THC are in a dropper for sublingual products. 

Check the quality of the product by reading customer reviews online and the linked COA (Certificate of Analysis) document posted on the product description page. 

💎 Pro Tip Consult with a budtender in one of your trusted dispensaries. Most of them won’t gatekeep great edible and THC tincture brands. Don’t underestimate them; they have a library of recommendations based on personal experience and inside information as industry workers.

Step 2: Abstain From Your Usual THC Dosage

To seamlessly transition to a low-dose THC routine, you must first reset your cannabis tolerance to zero. For most people, that means abstaining from cannabis for three days straight, but for heavy users, it can take a week. 

Step 3: Choose the Smallest THC Dose 

Consume the lowest THC dose. For many users, one to two THC milligrams a day is a good starting point. If, after 45 minutes, change hasn’t ensued, try adding one more milligram of THC the next day. 

Repeat the process, increasing by small increments until you reach a dose at which visible effects can be felt. Only then will you have found your minimal effective dose. 

Other microdosing schedule templates to follow are the Fadiman Protocol and the Staments Stack. 

💎 Pro Tip Journal the whole experience. Write down how easy it is to breathe, how calmly it is you’re taking things, and how genuine your smile becomes after taking a dose. Don’t forget to jot down even when you don’t feel anything.

Step 4: Amplify the Microdosing Effects by Healthy Living

No substance can increase your quality of life if you’re not trying to make healthy decisions every waking day. Coupled with THC dosing, exercise, eat healthy, do pleasurable things in moderation, and sleep at the same time (preferably eight hours) every day. 

How to Microdose THC Products of the Following Forms?

THC products are divided into four main ways of consumption—oral, inhalation, sublingual, and topical application. Each type of consumption differs when it comes to microdosing. Here’s how each one is carried out:

Microdosing THC Gummies & Edibles (Oral Method)

Edibles and gummies offer a precise, discreet, and flavorful way of microdosing THC. They often come in pre-measured doses, so you only need to cut or divide the product into halves or quarters (according to your desired low dose). 

Microdosing THC Tinctures or Oil (Sublingual Method)

Tinctures and THC oils are the most common, if not the best ways to microdose THC. They have the second-fastest onset time, and dosing is so easy because of the dropper attached to the cap. 

These products come in liquid form. They are taken by dropping the liquid using the dropper under your tongue and waiting a few minutes before gulping the rest of the product. Plus, you can control the dose easily, as each dropper has a printed measuring line, where every ml represents a dosing amount. 

Microdosing Pot and Vapes (Inhalation Method)

The inhalation method (vaping and smoking) is the least favorite consumption style of microdosing THC as it’s hard to control the dosage. For those opting to smoke pot and vape, inhaling a small amount and waiting for the effects to happen works wonders. 

One of the pros of microdosing through the inhalation method is the onset time. It is the fastest method of consumption. 

What Does Microdosing Look Like for Different Situations?

See what are the adjustments applied for microdosing in different situations:

Microdose THC for Sleep

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine survey says 25% of American adults take a form of cannabis product to help improve their sleeping habits. This report is not unfounded, as certain cannabinoids like THC and CBD (at the right dosage) support relaxation. 

📗You Might Want To Read CBD For Relaxation: Exploring Its Many Roles

To enhance the effects of THC before bedtime, incorporate CBD or CBN (cannabinol) as enhancers and pick THC products that are specifically designed for downtimes. 

As to how to microdose THC for sleep, start with the lowest dose possible; take them every night an hour or 30 minutes before your actual sleep schedule. Combine with other sleeping strategies, like dimming the lights and not scrolling through your phone. 

Microdose THC for Relaxation

According to the University of Illinois at Chicago, low-dose THC helps individuals compose themselves before a nerve-wracking public speech. Meanwhile, the study also pointed out that the opposite effect occurs in larger doses. 

In addition to the general steps mentioned in how to microdose THC, here are some of the things to consider in microdosing during the day with the goal of relaxation:

• Choose the right product designed for relaxation
• Take the lowest dose (at least one milligram of the active ingredient)
• Consider taking the product in the morning or during hours when stress is at its peak
• Combine with relaxation techniques like mindfulness and the like

Microdose THC for Productivity

The microdosing method gained popularity among techies in Silicon Valley, hoping to add a “creative edge” to their demanding jobs. They took small doses of LSD, believing it would increase their productivity. The idea was passed along to the close-knit ganja community, and the rest is history. 

There’s no special consumption strategy when it comes to microdosing for productivity. You just have to be careful not to go beyond the “buzz,” meaning if you feel like you’re about to trip, the dose isn’t a microdose anymore. You might need to lower the dose. 

Also, you might want to use discreet THC items like edibles if you’re planning to go out. Taking any form of cannabis products in your workplace may also be prohibited, so it’s something to be mindful of. 

What Are the Safety Guidelines for Microdosing THC?

Ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in microdosing THC by following the safety tips below: 

1. Listen to your Body & Intuition

Above all else, listening to what your body says is important. Observe your body’s reaction to every new dose you introduce. If there’s any discomfort, reduce your next dose immediately or abstain temporarily. 

2. Avoid Handling Any Machineries and Driving

During the “feeling out” stage, you’re still in the trial-and-error process of determining the right microdose of THC. You’re strictly advised not to handle any type of machinery or drive during this stage as you’re not sure how the dose affects you yet. 

3. Don’t Mix Microdosing With Other Substances

Refrain from taking any drugs or mind-altering substances like alcohol when microdosing. It defeats the purpose of the discipline. Non-psychoactive cannabinoids like CBD and occasionally precious terpenes can be combined instead to enhance the experience. 

4. Check the Legality of THC Products Within the Locality

At the federal level, products containing less than 0.3% THC are permitted. However, THC laws in the US are mainly state-based. What’s legal in California might not be legal in Texas. So, always check with your state laws before purchasing or possessing any type of THC product. 

Final Thoughts

Although there isn’t much research about the benefits of microdosing or the practice itself, there’s no denying the power of taking it slow and low. And with weed not fully legalized in some areas of the country, people are finding ways to go around the law, which microdosing THC is borne out. 

If you haven’t found your THC product match yet, check out our rich line-up of Delta 9 edibles and gummies. We offer brownies, chocolates, and gummy blends suitable for any dosing style, including microdosing. 

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