Microdosing Cannabis

Quite the controversial topic, scientists are beginning to further their studies on microdosing a variety of drugs from cannabis to mushrooms and LSD. Some even claim that microdosing could be the secret to a healthy, happy life when used appropriately and in the correct quantities (source 1). In a nutshell, microdosing cannabis means that a consumer, such as yourself, ingests the smallest possible amount—effective enough to support therapeutic use yet mild enough to keep you sharp, focused, and “normal.”

As you can tell, the guidelines of microdosing are rather fuzzy and unclear. What does “normal” mean? How do the limits of microdosing affect people of various ages, weights, heights, and medical backgrounds? A “micro” dose for you might be a “macro” dose for someone else. Indeed, it requires a great deal of trial and error, in addition to further research in the scientific field. Let’s get you all caught up on microdosing cannabis.

The Latest Research On Microdosing Cannabis

Based on a round-up of articles, scientists, for the most part, support microdosing as it shows to provide potential relief for patients. Clinical trials show that people can benefit from cannabis without the “high.” In an interview with The Times of Israel Syqe Medical says that anecdotal evidence found that potentially, very low doses of the substance can deliver effective pain relief while avoiding the potential for unwanted side effects, such as paranoia, dizziness, and disorientation.

In the same interview mentioned above, Syqe Medical CEO Perry Davidson said: “It’s about using the smallest amount of the drug to get the highest symptom relief, lowest side-effects, and best quality of life. Cannabis use usually comes with side effects. We have found that a micro-dose can give relief…but has close to no side effects which makes it a better way of dosing” (source 2).

Many researchers agree on the benefits of microdosing cannabis (source 3). In addition, people from all walks of life, including creative types, are also buzzing about the effects of microdosing mushrooms, acid, and LSD. For example, Dutch rapper Dennis van der Meijden spoke to the Scientific American about his experience with a different drug, saying: “It sharpens all the senses, as if the frequencies of all of your atoms and energy field are raised a little bit and are being slightly more conscious.” While not entirely legal, microdosing mushrooms “can increase creativity, calm anxiety, decrease the need for caffeine, and reduce anxiety,” according to the same Scientific American article (source 4). Could the same be said for cannabis?

How Much Should You Take?

The microdosing quantity varies from person to person but the general rule of thumb seems to be 1/20th to 1/10th of what you’d normally take (source 5). In the world of cannabis, that could equate to one hit from a bowl.

For beginners, Michelle Ross, founder of IMPACT Network, a nonprofit organization that uses empirical medical research to find new cannabis-related medications for patients, recommends 2.5 milligrams. Then you can gradually move up to 10 milligrams (source 6).

Benefits Of Microdosing Cannabis

It’s crucial to remember that microdosing any substance is highly personal. In general, h”slow and steady” is going to be the best approach for the greatest effectiveness. Remember, the point of microdosing is to eliminate the high or stoned feeling. According to some research, the use of medical cannabis could potentially help with issues like :

• Insomnia/Nightmares
• Stress/Anxiety disorders
  
• Chronic pain (source 7)

Furthermore, a study was conducted in 2012 on cancer patients who were unresponsive to traditional opioid painkillers and were prescribed nabiximols, which is a THC/CBD compound, at varying potency levels from low to medium and high. The study found that patients who received the lowest dosage of cannabinoids showed the greatest improvement (source 8). 

Who Should Try Microdosing?

When it comes to cannabis, we think that consulting with your healthcare provider about if microdosing might be helpful for you is a smart idea. Microdosing other drugs, on the other hand, remains up in the air in terms of legality and safety. Based on the research and sources above, it seems that microdosing cannabis could prove to be helpful for those who are seeking the benefits of cannabis but need to steer clear of psychoactive effects. However, even more research is needed to determine and validate just how solid the science behind this is.