By Sarah Sarita Ratliff
Since 1996, when California ended the prohibition on cannabis as medicine for its residents, medical cannabis has been gaining traction as a legitimate treatment for a wide variety of conditions. As of 2021, medical marijuana is legal in 39 states and four of the five U.S. territories. Cannabis is fully permitted for adult use in 19 states, Washington, D.C., the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam. Thirteen states have fully decriminalized cannabis use, while CBD-only forms are available in five other states.
Along with this slow but steady progress in mainstreaming cannabis as a viable option for those with health conditions, the availability and range of products have made various consumption methods possible. In the dark days of illegality, marijuana was sold with unknown concentrations of THC.
Today’s dispensaries sell products with known quantities of THC, CBD, other cannabinoids, and terpenes to produce a reasonably predictable response by the consumer. Although, of course, that depends on the person’s previous use of cannabis and body chemistry (including their endocannabinoid system) and perception.
If you are new to consuming cannabis, you are likely approaching it with a hope for relief from chronic pain, depression, anxiety, or another condition you have been unable to treat with Western medicine. You may also be apprehensive about whether the course of treatment will cause you to feel too high to function or engage with the world. If so, microdosing may be the answer for you.
What is Microdosing?
The term “microdosing” refers to taking a minimal amount (less than the usual dosage) of a drug to receive the benefit of its physiological action while reducing unpleasant (or undesirable) side effects.
Microdosing is regularly used in pharmaceutical studies when titrating(starting with a low dose and raising it over time) medicinal doses. In addition, microdosing has become popular in recent years when using psychedelics like mushrooms, ayahuasca, or LSD. However, it is vital to note that using psychedelics in this way is not currently legal.
When microdosing, you want to use the minimum amount of the substance that produces a noticeable effect on your symptoms. When it comes to medical cannabis, that means finding relief from your symptoms without feeling high.
You may be wondering why you should try microdosing instead of using CBD products that don’t contain THC and can therefore be used without the psychoactive effect. Of course, CBD is a valuable treatment option in its own right, and it is worth trying products that contain only CBD to see if they work. However, when CBD is not enough, it is essential to remember that THC and cannabinoids also have medicinal benefits and might be the missing link to treating your symptoms. In addition, THC and CBD have a synergistic effect, and using them together may improve the symptom relief you experience.
Why should I try Microdosing?
Although the medical community is split on the safety and efficacy of cannabis, the National Institutes of Health has conducted multiple studies and committed millions of dollars to guide future research. Currently, there isn’t an abundance of evidence for microdosing, but what is available is compelling nonetheless.
With that disclaimer, there are particular conditions for which those who microdose report a positive effect. These include depression, chronic pain, anxiety, chronic stress, lack of focus, insomnia, fibromyalgia, and PTSD symptoms.
How do I begin Microdosing?
First off, if you have been using marijuana regularly, you will want to start by abstaining for 48 hours, which according to a recent study, is the amount of time needed to clear the endocannabinoid system. From there, you can start with a THC dosage of 1mg, combined with 1mg of CBD for a 1:1 ratio. Continue with the dosage for three days, then increase by 1mg while keeping the exact THC to CBD ratio. Increase in 1mg increments every three days until you see a noticeable effect. If you still have the same comfort level after four days on the same dose, there is no need to increase the amount further.
MICRODOSING IS IDEALLY DONE ONCE OR TWICE PER DAY. DOSES ARE TYPICALLY TAKEN IN THE MORNING, WITH AN ADDITIONAL AMOUNT IN THE EVENING AS NEEDED. KEEP IN MIND THAT IF YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ARE HIGH, YOU SHOULD LOWER THE DOSE.
Since having a predictable dosage of THC is vital to microdosing, you will want to choose products for which the amount of THC is easily controlled. Products like tinctures allow for precise low dosing, and they are fast-acting. If you are unsure where to begin, ask for help at your dispensary. When done correctly, microdosing can be an enormous benefit to your health.
Regardless of your background or experience with cannabis, whether recreational or medical, microdosing may be the way to consume without the high. With the proper dosage and products, you can again find enjoyment in the things you love and give time to the people you love.
Learn more about cannabis and microdosing in Danielle Simone Brand’s book Weed Mom: The Canna-Curious Woman’s Guide to Healthier Relaxation, Happier Parenting and Chilling TF Out.
