Faceless woman with THC microdose in her mouth.

What is Microdosing THC and Does it Work?

Key Takeaways

  • Microdosing THC means taking a tiny amount to feel more focused and creative without feeling high.
  • Microdosing THC is an art and a science. Success lies in careful observation and consistent protocols.

  • Start with the lowest possible dose that provides benefits, and maintain detailed records of your experience.

Intro

Are you looking for a way to feel a little better every day, while still living your high-functioning life to the fullest?

You’ve heard of microdosing mushrooms, but did you know you can also microdose cannabis?

Microdosing has the power to unlock a whole new world of cannabis benefits: increased focus, enhanced creativity, deeper relaxation, and better sleep, all without the intoxicating effects that can come with higher doses.

But what exactly is microdosing, and how do you do it? Let’s dive in.

What is Microdosing?

At its core, microdosing is the practice of consuming tiny, “sub-perceptual” amounts of a substance to feel its benefits, without feeling the full strength of its effects.

“Sub-perceptual” is a big word that means, “you can’t feel it but it’s doing something.”

The goal isn’t to get high, but rather to experience the substance’s therapeutic and performance-enhancing effects while maintaining clarity and function.

Microdosing is common even in traditional pharmaceutical settings to understand the way a particular medication works in the body.

Microdosing allows us to dial in that sweet spot for optimum results.

Microdose vs. low dose

Microdosing is different than taking a low dose.

Microdosing is unique because it is sub-perceptual. In contrast, taking a low dose of cannabis is still felt or perceived, just in a smaller way than a regular dose or macrodose.

You may a low dose of cannabis to calm your jitters before giving a presentation at work, whereas microdosing is daily practice that provides more subtle benefits over time.

Why Microdose THC?

Choose Joy written on white paper

Microdosing THC is a great way to get the benefits of the cannabis plant without the undesirable effect of feeling high during your workday.

Benefits of Microdosing THC

  • Boost mood.
  • Boost productivity.
  • Lower anxiety.
  • Enhance creativity.
  • Avoid unpleasant side effects of too much THC like dry mouth, anxiety, or forgetfulness.

How to Microdose THC

Find your perfect microdose

Microdosing involves finding your “minimum effective dose,” the smallest amount that actually affects you.

For THC, the standard microdose range tends to fall between 0.5-2.0 mg, but your individual sensitivity to cannabis will vary.

Factors like your age, weight, metabolism, and even your genetics can affect your minimum effective dose.

The best way to find your minimum effective dose is through a process of calibration and self-observation.

Start on the lower end at 0.5 mg, and gradually increase your dose in 0.25mg increments until you notice the desired effects.

A Woman Drinking water with THC microdose.

Track your experience

Keep a detailed journal to track your experiences. Each day, write down the product and dose you took, what time you took it, onset time, duration, and how it made you feel.

Pay close attention to how you feel at each level. You’re looking for the smallest dose that provides benefits without causing any unwanted side effects like drowsiness, anxiety, or impairment.

Once you’ve identified that sweet spot, you’ve found your optimal microdose.

Remember, cannabis sensitivity is highly individual, so don’t be discouraged if your ideal dose is significantly different from a friend’s. The key is tuning in to your own unique biology.

READ UP

For more detail on how to keep a microdosing journal, check out my article, Take Control of Your Cannabis Journey with a Strain Journal.

Methods of Cannabis Microdosing

Microdosing with THC Tinctures

Cannabis tinctures and oils offer precise, measured doses that are easy to titrate.

They’re also nice because sublingual administration allows for faster absorption compared to edibles.

Read the label carefully to find out how many milligrams each dropper contains and determine what portion of the dropper you want to take.

Then simply place your dose under your tongue and wait 30-45 minutes for the effects to kick in.

Kate Lily demonstrating how to take CBG oil.
READ UP

For more detail on exactly how to take a cannabis tincture, read my article, How to Take CBD Tincture Like a Pro.

The article focuses on CBD tinctures, but the steps are the same for THC tinctures.

Microdosing with THC Edibles

THC edibles are a great microdosing option because they are already precisely dosed, or easy to cut up into smaller pieces if a smaller dose is desired.

There are lots of low-dose THC edibles – meaning products with 1 mg -2.5 mg of THC per serving – already available on the market. These are a great place to start your microdosing journey.

If you can’t find a low-dose THC edible, you can cut your typical 10 mg THC gummy into 5-10 smaller pieces and start there.

Edibles typically take 45-90 minutes before you feel them, so be patient.

READ UP

For lots more info on edibles, including how to keep yourself from getting waaaaay too high on them like most people do, check out my article, THC Gummies for Beginners.

Microdosing with a Dry Herb Vaporizer

Vaporizing dry cannabis flower or concentrates allows for the fastest absorption and onset.

Use a device that offers precise temperature control and start with just a single, gentle draw. It may not feel like anything, but that’s the point! We’re trying to find your minimum effective dose.

Kate’s Pick
Pax Plus dry herb vaporizer

Pax Plus

My My favorite dry herb vaporizer for beginners is the Pax Plus from Pax, because it’s portable, simple to use, and easy to clean.

Bonus, the Pax Plus doubles as a regular vaporizer using an included attachment for concentrates.

Tips for Microdosing Cannabis

Common microdosing protocols

Crafting an effective microdosing routine takes a bit of experimentation, but the payoff is worth it. Here are some common protocols to consider:

Consistent daily dosing

  • Many find success with a consistent, scheduled microdose each day, such as 1-2mg in the morning and/or afternoon.
  • This helps maintain stable levels of cannabinoids in your system.

Interval Dosing

  • Others prefer an “on-off” approach, taking a microdose every few hours or every day, with cannabis-free days in between.
  • For example, take your 1-2mg dose for 4 days, then don’t take it the next 3 days. Repeat this cycle for 4 weeks, then take 4 weeks off.
  • This can help manage tolerance and prevent desensitization.
Person Holding THC microdose in Pill Box

Timing considerations

Start your microdosing protocol on a on non-workday, until you get a feel for how it affects you and reach your ideal sub-perceptual dose.

Start by taking your microdose in the morning so you don’t experience any unwanted alertness at bedtime. 

Keep it clean

While you are trying to find your optimal microdose, don’t take other substances or more THC.

You want to be feeling into your cannabis sensitivity, not muddling it with other substances.

Tracking methods and tools

Keep close track of your dose, the date and time you took it, and any effects you feel.

Using a strain journal is the easiest way to accomplish this, but even if it’s just an old notebook, tracking your journey is a critical component in finding what works best for you.

READ UP

For more detail on how to keep a microdosing journal, check out my article, Take Control of Your Cannabis Journey with a Strain Journal.

Optimizing Your Microdosing Experience

Successful microdosing is both an art and a science – it requires patience, mindfulness, and a willingness to fine-tune your protocol. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your journey.

Set Your Intentions

Before each dose, take a moment to reflect on why you’re microdosing and what you hope to achieve. Is it improved focus? Better sleep? Enhanced creativity? Keeping your intentions in mind can help you evaluate the effectiveness of your protocol.

Measure Carefully

Use precise measuring tools like a microgram scale to ensure you’re consuming the exact amount you intend. This level of control is crucial for finding your sweet spot.

Observe Subtle Changes

The effects of microdosing can be quite subtle, so be attuned to even the smallest shifts in your mood, energy, or cognitive state. Record these observations in your journal to spot patterns over time.

Adjust as Needed

Don’t be afraid to tweak your dosage or timing if you’re not seeing the desired results. Your optimal microdose may change as your biology and tolerance evolve.

Pair with Complementary Practices

Consider combining your microdosing routine with other wellness practices like meditation, exercise, or adaptogens for a holistic, synergistic effect.

Embrace the Journey

Microdosing is all about fine-tuning and self-discovery. Approach the process with patience, curiosity, and a willingness to experiment. The more you tune in to your body’s signals, the more you’ll unlock the true power of the cannabis plant.

Cannabis leaf over a pile of pills

Conclusion

Ready to begin your microdosing journey? Start with the lowest possible dose that provides benefits, and maintain detailed records of your experience.

Remember, the goal is enhancement without impairment.

Wishing you the very best as you explore the transformative potential of this remarkable plant!

TLDR

Microdosing THC means taking a tiny, sub-perceptual amount to feel more focused and creative without feeling high.
Microdosing protocols include daily dosing or interval cycling.
Start with 0.5 mg THC, track your experience, and adjust from there.
Kate Lily
Certified Cannabis Educator

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