A Deeper Dive into Microdosing
In our recent discussion of Cannabis Dosing, we have mentioned strategies to help you discover your optimal dose. Cannabis has high therapeutic potential, however the success of the experience comes down to dose. And because each person is unique, everyone will have a unique relationship with cannabis. Therefore optimal dose will be different for every person. And that optimal dose will also vary based on the way in which you choose to consume. Even if you have been smoking THC-dominant cannabis for years, your optimal edible dose may only be around 5mg THC.
This variability in dose requires experimentation so that you may find your optimal threshold dose for each way in which you choose to consume. To help reduce the likelihood of discomfort and negative side effects during this experimentation, we recommend microdosing.
Microdosing is a strategy that promotes the consumption of a very low dose at the onset of experimentation with a substance or medicine, in this case, cannabis. The low dose may be enough to cause therapeutic effect and should not be enough to cause an uncomfortable experience. If you find that the microdose does not deliver the experience you desire, then you can increase or decrease that dose in a regimented, incremental fashion at the next time of consumption. This will allow you to arrive at your personal optimal dose without experiencing discomfort common to a cannabis overdose, such as anxiety, paranoia and elevated heart rate.
When it comes to cannabis dosing start low, go slow – you can always consume more but you can’t consume less. As you experiment to find your optimal dose, follow these microdosing guidelines per consumption method:
Smoking
When taking a hit, whether it be through a joint, bong or bubbler, inhale no longer than two seconds. Do not hold the smoke in your lungs, instead immediately exhale. Wait ten minutes before taking another hit. If after ten minutes, you find you want more, repeat the above steps. Once you arrive at a happy experience, do not consume more.
Vaping flower
When vaporizing flower, the vaporization device should allow you to adjust heat settings. When microdosing, set the device to a low heat setting, as this will allow you to consume more terpenes and less cannabinoids. Inhale for around two seconds. Do not hold the vapor in your lungs, instead immediately exhale. Wait ten minutes before consuming more. If after ten minutes, you find you want more, repeat the above steps. If you find you are not gaining the experience you want, raise the heat setting, and repeat the above steps. Once you arrive at a pleasant experience, do not consume more.
Vaping oil
When vaporizing oil, some vape pens may have adjustable heat settings. If this is the case, set the device to a low heat setting. Inhale for around two seconds. Do not hold the vapor in your lungs, instead immediately exhale. Wait ten minutes before consuming more. If after ten minutes, you find you want more, repeat the above steps. If you find you are not gaining the experience you want, raise the heat setting, and repeat the above steps. Once you arrive at a pleasant experience, do not consume more.
Edibles
This may be the most important consumption method to employ microdosing as the experience can be incredibly intense if overdosed. For THC-dominant edibles, start with 2.5mg THC. Even if you do not feel anything from that dose, wait until the next consumption event (at the earliest, 24 hours later) to consume more. At the next time of consumption, increase dose by 1mg THC if needed. Increase or decrease dose by 1mg increments at each consumption event as needed until you find your optimal dose.
Dabs
Dabs are incredibly difficult to microdose, therefore they are not recommended for the inexperienced. If you are intent on consuming dabs, consume them with a trusted and experienced guide who can assist you in consuming a very small amount to start. Inhale for around two seconds, do not hold in your lungs, and wait ten minutes before consuming more.
by Emma Chasen of Eminent Consulting on behalf of Feel State
Emma Chasen has a mission to educate people on the science behind cannabis so that they may take charge of their own healing. A graduate of Brown University in 2014 with a degree in Medicinal Plant Research, Emma has made a huge impact in the cannabis community and has quickly become a recognized expert in the field. Chasen now co-owns and operates Eminent Consulting.
Feel State is a Missouri based dispensary brand focused on helping better connect individuals to themselves, each other, and their communities through the use of cannabis.