How To Microdose THC Gummies & Its Benefits

The term "microdosing" involves taking very small doses of a mind-altering compound to reap some potential benefits 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. Microdose gummies make this practice easier with pre-measured doses that consistently support daily wellness.

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 for curious minds who want to dive deep into cannabis culture. The information in this article is in no way intended to replace the advice of your healthcare professional.

Can You Microdose Weed?

Technically, you can microdose weed, but microdosing straight-up weed is going to be tricky for several reasons. The first hurdle is legality. 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.

It's Best To Microdose with THC Gummies or Tinctures

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 taking a small fraction of the dose that typically provides noticeable effects. The microdose for THC is 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 & CBD

Edibles, like THC capsules or gummies, are a great option for microdosing because they provide a consistent dose every time.

For example, VIIA Hemp's Elevate Focus Gummies are formulated with 2 mg of THC, 40 mg of CBG, and 5 CBD per gummy, vitamin B12 for boosting energy, and Alpha GPC to support memory and cognition for a balanced effect with minimal psychoactivity. You can even start with half a gummy to assess your tolerance before increasing the dose.

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.

Microdosing With THC Tinctures

Tinctures are another way to microdose THC.

These may require a bit more precision, as you'll need to calculate the amount of THC in each drop of the tincture.

Start with 1-2 drops under the tongue, allowing them to absorb for 30 seconds before swallowing. Sublingual administration provides faster effects than ingestion, enabling you to gauge the impacts more effectively.

How Often Should You Microdose?

How often you microdose THC depends on you. Some might prefer a daily microdose, while others find every other day more effective.

Microdosing cannabis doesn't come with a one-size-fits-all schedule. Finding the best rhythm for your lifestyle and wellness goals is the key. Consistency is crucial, allowing you to gauge the effects and adjust more accurately.

Keep track of how you feel on days you microdose versus days you don’t. This can help fine-tune your schedule for optimal results.

Try The Fadiman Protocol

Dr. James Fadiman's microdosing protocol, originally developed for psychedelics, can also be adapted for THC. 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.

This helps avoid building tolerance and allows you to understand better the subtle effects of microdosing THC.

What Should A Microdose Of THC Feel Like? Aim For Near-Imperceptibility

The goal of microdosing is to take just enough THC to achieve subtle benefits without noticeable psychoactive effects.

You shouldn't feel "high"—instead, you may experience a slight improvement in mood, focus, or creativity. If you start feeling the effects of a typical THC dose, like changes in perception or time distortion, you've taken too much and should reduce the dose next time.

Signs You've Gone Too Far Microdosing Delta 9 THC

The clear sign you've taken too much delta-9 THC for a microdose is if you feel high.

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

Unlike larger doses of THC, microdosing aims for cumulative, subtle effects 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:

Introduction 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 in a controlled way without the overwhelm of a full dose.

Balanced Effects

By taking small amounts throughout the day, users can experience more consistent benefits without the peaks and crashes associated with larger doses.

Minimizing Unwanted Effects

Smaller doses mean fewer unwanted effects, such as anxiety or cognitive impairment, allowing cannabis users to maintain clarity and focus.

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. Marijuana microdosing might not be accessible to everyone, which is why pre-made cannabis edibles made from legal hemp could be a better option for those who don't live in states where marijuana is legal or don't have a medical cannabis license.

Whether it’s for wellness, creativity, or simply a more balanced lifestyle, microdosing cannabis edibles could be a key to discovering a more subtle yet profound understanding of this versatile plant.

Resources:

1. 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.
2. 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.