Quite the controversial topic, scientists are beginning to further their studies on microdosing a variety of drugs from cannabis to mushrooms and LSD. Some claim that microdosing could be the secret to a healthy, happy life when used appropriately and in the correct quantities. In a nutshell, microdosing cannabis means that a consumer, such as yourself, ingests the smallest possible amount—effective enough to treat certain medical conditions 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 harder 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 medical relief for patients. Clinical trials show that people can benefit from cannabis without the “high.” Syqe Medical says it found that 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.

Speaking to The Times of Israel, Syqe Medical CEO Perry Davidson says, “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 significant pain relief, similar to the pain relief from smoking cannabis, but has close to no side effects which makes it a better way of dosing.”

Scientists and artists alike agree on the health benefits of microdosing cannabis. Dutch rapper Dennis van der Meijden spoke to the Scientific American about his experience with a different drug. In case you missed it, people are now buzzing about the effects of microdosing mushrooms, acid, and LSD. “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,” says Dennis.

While not entirely legal, microdosing mushrooms “can increase creativity, calm anxiety, decrease the need for caffeine, and reduce depression,” according to Scientific American. Could the same be said for cannabis? It seems likely.’

How Much Should You Take?

The microdosing quantity varies from person to person but the general rule of thumb seems to be one-tenth of what you’d normally take. Yes, one-tenth. It’s literally microscopic. In cannabis terminology, 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 treatments for patients, recommends 2.5 milligrams. Then you can gradually move up to 10 milligrams.

Benefits Of Microdosing Cannabis

It’s crucial to remember that microdosing any substance is highly personal. Those familiar with microdosing suggest the “slow and steady” approach for the greatest effectiveness. Remember, the point of microdosing is to eliminate the high or stoned feeling and instead find relief for…

  • Insomnia/Nightmares
  • Stress/Anxiety
  • Pain
  • Confusion/Mental Fogginess
  • Depression

A 2012 study found that patients were unresponsive to traditional opioid painkillers. Doctors then prescribed them nabiximols, a THC/CBD compound at varying potency levels from low to medium and high. Patients who received the lowest dosage of cannabinoids showed the greatest reduction in pain. Even more shocking, patients who received the highest dose experienced increased pain than before.

Who Should Try Microdosing?

If we’re talking about cannabis, we believe everyone should try microdosing—especially if it’s legal in your state and you have easy access to it. Microdosing other drugs, on the other hand, remains up in the air in terms of legality and safety. Microdosing cannabis can eliminate the possibility of negative side effects, and instead deliver health benefits for anxiety, depression, pain, and insomnia. Microdosing cannabis could prove especially helpful in seniors and children who should steer clear of psychoactive effects.