How To Microdose THC Gummies & Its Benefits
The term "microdosing" has made its way out of fringe psychedelic culture and into the mainstream, and the trend has caught onto the cannabis community. It involves taking very small doses of a mind-altering compound to reap some potential benefits, but without inducing a full-blown high.
While the benefits of microdosing cannabinoids are still being investigated, many people swear by their effects for improved changes in their mood, focus, and creativity. For those interested in the world of cannabis microdosing, this is a good starting point.
We'll take a closer look at popular microdosing methods, dosing guides, and what to expect with cannabis edibles.
But before we get into it, we want to remind you that this isn't intended to treat or mitigate any condition. This article is simply for curious minds who want to dive deep into cannabis culture and is in no way intended to replace the advice of your healthcare professional.
Key Takeaways:
- Microdosing THC could be a gentle introduction to cannabis, focusing on minimal doses for subtle effects on wellness.
- Methods like THC tinctures and THC gummies could help with precise, controlled dosing for cannabis consumption.
- While more research is needed, the potential benefits of microdosing include sustained wellness, enhanced focus, and minimized adverse effects from cannabinoids.
- Although microdosing involves subperceptual doses, it’s recommended to take a mindful approach to microdosing, emphasizing consistency, personal monitoring, and the importance of quality products.
Can You Microdose Weed?
Microdosing straight-up weed is going to be tricky for several reasons.
The first hurdle is a legal one. Unless you live in a state where recreational marijuana is legal, only medical marijuana patients will have access to flowers to microdose marijuana.
But beyond accessibility, each batch and strain of weed can have different levels of cannabinoids ( like THC), which are the active components responsible for the effects on the endocannabinoid system.
Because of this variability, getting that tiny, just-right dose of THC can be challenging. You could do it if you wanted to, but there are other, more straightforward methods.
The real deal in microdosing cannabis is zoning in on THC. By using products that have isolated THC, like oils, tinctures, or edibles, you're in a better position to know precisely how much you're taking.
Consistency is here with this practice. When THC is in a form you can take the same way, in the same dose, each time, you're more likely to get the desired effect with your microdosing practice.
On the legal front, THC products made from hemp are federally legal as long as the cannabis product maintains less than 0.3% THC by dried weight, as stipulated in the 2018 Farm Bill. This means that you don’t need a medical marijuana license to experiment with microdosing THC and other cannabinoids. That being said, some states have specific laws on THC, regardless of origin, so you'll want to refer to your local laws before purchasing cannabis products online.
Microdosing Methods: Exploring The Options
Microdosing involves consuming a fraction of a dose that would provide noticeable psychoactive effects. In the context of THC, this means ingesting anywhere from 1–2.5 mg of THC.
This has become the recommended starting point according to research that observed that most medical marijuana patients found a sweet spot to avoid significant psychoactive effects while potentially providing the desired benefits like mood enhancement, creativity, relaxation, and even pain relief [1].
Remember that even with this guide, the microdose of THC can vary on the individual.
The point of microdosing is that you don't want to take too much THC, and you start to feel the intoxicating effects.
Microdosing Edibles with THC and CBD
There are products like THC capsules or gummies that come with the dosing already figured out for you.
No more guessing games — you get the same little bit of THC every single time. Some of these products play around with mixing THC with other cannabis components to boost the overall effect — think of it like cannabis teamwork.
We created the "Lowdose" Microdose THC Gummies for cannabis enthusiasts and newcomers. Each gummy contains a carefully formulated mix of 25 mg of CBD and 2 mg of THC in a 12:1 ratio.
With their higher concentration of CBD, a well-known compound for its relaxing and calming properties, the "Low dose" gummies aim to provide a soothing experience.
The lower amount of THC ensures minimal psychoactivity. For those who may be very sensitive to cannabinoids, you can halve the gummy to start on your microdosing journey and gradually increase as you become used to how it feels.
For most people, microdosing gummies is the way to go, as you don't need to fuss with doses, and they usually taste just like candy.
Another key advantage of our microdose THC gummies is their legal status. Being 100% hemp-derived, these gummies are federally legal, offering a convenient and compliant option for those interested in microdosing THC.
Microdosing with THC Tinctures
Microdosing cannabis tinctures involves a little more of a careful and methodical process of calculating your dose of THC per mg or drop of liquid.
Tinctures typically come with a dropper. You’ll want to read the label to understand how much THC is in each drop or full dropper. This is crucial for determining your starting dose.
Depending on the strength of your cannabis tincture, you may be adding a drop or two under the tongue — remember, a microdose of THC is between 1-2.5 mg.
Under-the-tongue (sublingual) administration allows faster absorption into the bloodstream over ingestion, so you'll want to hold the drops there for 30 seconds before swallowing.
How Often Should You Microdose?
Microdosing cannabis doesn't come with a one-size-fits-all schedule. Finding a rhythm that works best for your lifestyle and wellness goals is the key. Consistency is crucial, as it allows you to gauge the effects and adjust more accurately as needed.
Since everyone's body and needs are different, listening to your own body and adjusting your microdosing schedule is essential. Some might prefer a daily microdose, while others find every other day more effective.
Keep track of how you feel on days you microdose versus days you don’t. This can help in fine-tuning your schedule for optimal results.
Try The Fadiman Protocol
While Dr. James Fadiman's microdosing schedule was initially developed for substances like LSD and psilocybin, its principles can be insightful for THC microdosing. The idea is to prevent tolerance buildup and maintain sensitivity to the substance.
The typical schedule proposed by Dr. Fadiman involves taking a microdose every three days: on Day 1, you microdose; on Days 2 and 3, you don't. This cycle is repeated over several weeks.
Given THC’s different pharmacological effects compared to LSD or psilocybin, you might need to tweak this schedule.
For instance, some may find that microdosing THC every other day works better for them for specific wellness goals.
What Should A Microdose of THC Feel Like? Aim for Near-Imperceptibility
Microdosing THC is a subtle art, and understanding what it should feel like is key to doing it correctly.
When microdosing THC, the goal is to reach a level where you don't really "feel" anything immediately, especially not the typical effects associated with a standard dose of THC. It's more about what you don't feel — no significant psychoactive effects, no intense alteration of perception.
Signs You've Gone Too Far Microdosing Delta 9 THC
If you start noticing time seems to be moving slowly, your memory is a bit fuzzier, colors appear more vivid, or food tastes unusually better, these are signs you've ventured into a psychoactive dose. This means you've exceeded the microdose threshold and should reduce the dose next time.
The Gradual Beneficial Effects
The potential benefits of microdosing THC are said to become apparent with continued, regular use. Unlike a regular dose, where effects are immediate and noticeable, microdosing should work subtly over time.
Many in the cannabis community report an overall increase in well-being, more frequent bursts of creativity, and enhanced focus after consistently microdosing THC. However, these benefits are primarily based on personal accounts and anecdotal evidence.
While there is growing interest in the effects of microdosing THC, scientific research in this area is still limited. This means that while there are many personal testimonies, there isn't enough scientific evidence yet to substantiate these claims fully.
That being said, there are studies on low-dose cannabis consumption to improve anxiety and cognitive function, whereas higher doses tend to do the opposite [2].
For those interested in exploring this trend, we encourage you to approach microdosing THC with caution.
Opt for high-quality, hemp-derived products and start with low doses to understand how your body reacts. Remember, the goal is not to achieve intoxication but to possibly enhance your overall well-being.
What Are The Benefits of Cannabis Microdosing?
Microdosing cannabis offers a nuanced approach to consuming THC and CBD and can be particularly beneficial in various ways:
Gateway to Cannabis Exploration
For those new to cannabis, microdosing can be an excellent entry point. It allows newcomers to familiarize themselves with the effects of THC and CBD without the overwhelm of a full dose. This gentle introduction can help mitigate apprehension and provide a controlled experience.
Efficient Distribution of Effects
By taking smaller amounts throughout the day, microdosing can help distribute the potential benefits of cannabis more evenly. This approach may lead to a more consistent sense of well-being, as opposed to the peaks and troughs accompanying larger, less frequent doses.
Minimizing Unwanted Effects
One of the significant advantages of microdosing is the reduction of undesirable effects commonly associated with higher doses of cannabis, such as cognitive impairment, anxiety, or lethargy.
By avoiding the intense psychoactive effects of larger cannabis doses, microdosers can maintain clarity and focus, making it a viable option for those who wish to use cannabis while engaging in their daily activities.
The Takeaway: THC Microdosing
Microdosing cannabis emerges as a nuanced and potentially beneficial approach to wellness, offering a gateway for newcomers and a more measured, sustained experience for regular users.
For those looking to embark on this journey with a reliable and easy-to-use product, "VIIA Hemp Lowdose Gummies" presents an ideal option. With our carefully calibrated blend of CBD and THC, these gummies align perfectly with the principles of microdosing, offering a gentle introduction to cannabis while minimizing the risk of unwanted psychoactive effects.
Whether it’s for wellness, creativity, or simply a more balanced lifestyle, microdosing cannabis could be a key to unlocking a more subtle yet profound understanding of this versatile plant.
Resources:
- Portenoy, R. K., Ganae-Motan, E. D., Allende, S., Yanagihara, R., Shaiova, L., Weinstein, S., ... & Fallon, M. T. (2012). Nabiximols for opioid-treated cancer patients with poorly-controlled chronic pain: a randomized, placebo-controlled, graded-dose trial. The journal of pain, 13(5), 438-449.
- Van Ameringen, M., Zhang, J., Patterson, B., & Turna, J. (2020). The role of cannabis in treating anxiety: an update. Current opinion in psychiatry, 33(1), 1-7.