Everything You Need to Know About Microdosing Weed
If you haven’t quite mastered how to microdose weed, it’s high time we help. Learning the ins and outs of dosing isn’t complicated, but it can be intimidating. Let’s lay the foundation for a baseline understanding of how the plant interacts with our bodies. We’ll detail the benefits of microdosing weed, and then dive into THC microdosing. Consider this your guide on everything you need to know about microdosing weed!
Our Bodies Were Built for Cannabinoids
Before we talk about the versatile plant that is cannabis, we first need to dive into our natural biology. In medical school, doctors are taught about the body’s natural systems, such as the circulatory system, the nervous system, and the skeletal system. However, up until recently, one central system has been left out. This system is uniquely receptive to the active compounds in the cannabis plant. It’s called the Endocannabinoid System, also referred to as the ECS. It was discovered in 1988 by Allyn Howlett and William Devaneour, but most medical schools haven’t adopted this new information into their teachings.
The root of the word Endocannabinoid is “Endo,” which refers to something that originates within the body. This system, filled with receptors, is like tons of small locks, just waiting to be opened and utilized by none other than compounds from the cannabis plant, called cannabinoids.
The part of the cannabis plant with the highest concentration of cannabinoids is the flower, or “bud”, of the female cannabis plant. More specifically, the nearly microscopic, mushroom-like glandular growths on the bud, called trichomes. That’s where the magic happens, i.e., where the cannabinoids are located.
Cannabinoids are the compounds you know and love, like THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, etc. There are more than 120 known cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. These cannabinoids fit with your endocannabinoid receptors throughout your body. What happens next is a cascade of processes that cause varying sensations, such as relaxation, happiness, relief, and sometimes an over-awareness that can be jarring for some. This information is important as we begin to discuss the benefits of microdosing weed.
Why Microdosing THC is a Great First Step
The biology of humans is vast. We all react differently to inputs from nature. To find a comfortable dose or microdose, one must start at the lowest dose and work their way up, just as beginners in any situation would do. While some individuals work best with a microdose, others may require a larger dose to both alleviate sensations that disrupt their lives and to achieve their desired state of being.
It’s essential to approach the dosing journey with an open mind. The only way to find your desired dose is to experiment intentionally. Keep in mind, while you may find a dose that feels great right now, your dose may change over time as your body’s needs change.
The benefits of microdosing weed are plenty. First, consuming a microdose provides your body with a manageable amount to work with, thereby reducing the risk of uncomfortable sensations. In small doses, your body benefits from the presence of cannabinoids but may not shift into a different state of awareness. For many people, this makes managing physical sensations during the daytime or at work much safer and easier. Small, consistent doses provide your body with the necessary inputs, much like consuming daily vitamins is more beneficial than taking a large amount of a vitamin in one day. It’s the daily exposure to cannabinoids by microdosing THC that may support and benefit your ECS.
Please note that consuming large quantities of cannabis regularly can increase your chances of developing Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (or CHS). While this syndrome is uncommon, some consumers who develop the syndrome report vomiting that is only helped by warm showers and the reduction or elimination of consumption.
How to Microdose Weed
The standard advice for microdosing THC is to “start low, go slow”. For most consumers, this means starting with a dose of 2.5mg. New consumers, seniors and those in regular mild physical discomfort are great candidates for microdosing THC. Let’s dive into the steps you can take to safely begin THC microdosing.
1. Start low, go slow.
This process has the best outcomes when done with intention. Don’t rush into the experience. By starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it over time (days, weeks or months), you can find a dose that works best for you.
2. Consider your set and setting.
“Set” means the mood, personality and preparation of the individual at the time of consumption. “Setting” refers to the physical atmosphere where you will consume. Is it safe? Social? Comfortable? The atmosphere in which you consume cannabis is almost as important as the amount you consume.
3. Understand how the products are dosed.
Edibles come in a range of doses. While some states have specific dosing instructions, they may vary from state to state, so the first step is to understand the dose, serving size and the total amount of cannabinoids present in your product.
Edibles are pre-dosed — the package will list the total milligrams of THC (and possibly other cannabinoids) in the package, the total number of pieces and the milligrams (mg) of THC per piece. If it is unclear, divide the total amount of cannabinoids by the number of pieces to get the dose per piece for that product. Read the package carefully, as it may contain additional instructions on how to cut the piece for a smaller dose.
Down Under Industries carries the best microdose gummies in the California market. Ask a budtender for recommendations, or use our online resources to guide your choice.
4. Start with a microdose of 2-2.5mg THC
Start with a microdose of 2-2.5mg and take note of the sensations you experience. For the first week of consumption, take only one dose so you can properly take in the experience from start to finish and beyond. It’s important to start with a low-dose edible because edibles take longer to kick in, and the sensations last longer than smoking (combustion).
If you’re consuming flower, the process for dosing is not as cut and dry. For those consuming flower, grind one gram to utilize in your consumption device of choice (bowl, spoon, joint, bong, etc.). Start by trying only one puff pulled into the lungs (not merely held in the mouth). Try not to take a hard and lengthy pull of smoke. This may not feel like much at first, but this will give you an idea of how it makes your body and mind feel.
First-time consumers may feel their awareness quickly shift or may feel new sensations in their body. This is normal and to be expected. Some don’t feel a shift at all and may need a higher dose down the road.
In any instance of consumption or ingestion of cannabis products, wait several hours until all sensations have gone before you consume more. This can range from one hour to six hours, depending on your consumption method. Consume this amount daily for one week to fully understand its impact on you.
5. Document your experience
It may be challenging to discern the sensations you experience at a dose of 2-2.5mg, as it is considered a microdose. However, others may feel a noticeable shift. To capture your experience, it’s best to keep a journal. Record details like the type of product, the setting in which you are consuming it, the dose you took, any noticeable sensations you had before you consumed your dose, and any noticeable sensations or lack of sensations after microdosing THC. Things to look for include reduced discomfort in the body, mood shifts, changes in energy, focus or thought patterns.
6. Adjust dose upward by 1-2mg and re-evaluate
As you begin to understand how a microdose affects you, you can gradually increase your dose — also known as “titrating” your dose — over time. If possible, increase the dose by 1-2mg at a time over the next few days. If you must increase from 2.5mg to 5mg, be aware that you may experience a more pronounced shift.
At a certain point in your titration, you’ll notice the sensations grow stronger. If you enjoy them, you may have discovered your ideal dose. If you start to feel uneasy, overwhelmed, queasy or experience other negative sensations, you may have exceeded the appropriate dose. In most cases of overconsumption, rest, a calm activity, food and water are great ways to ride out the discomfort. It should be reassuring to know that you can’t die from consuming too much cannabis, but it’s best not to test it for an uncomfortable or sedative experience.
THC microdosing can be a highly beneficial tool in your wellness toolkit. Now that you know how to microdose weed, it’s up to you to take the reins of intentionality. Shop the Down Under Industries cannabis menu for products to start your THC microdosing journey!