Micro-Dosine

Micro DOSING

Microdose - noun. A dose of as little as one milligram of a drug that is intended to produce a beneficial result while avoiding undesirable side effects.

By Farzana Daud

Microdosing has been around for a long time and in the past has predominantly been connected with psychedelic drugs like LSD & Magic Mushrooms. More recently, this technique is becoming increasingly popular with Cannabis, especially for women trying for the first time and determining the right dosage. The goal of microdosing is to administer a dose so low (“sub-therapeutic”) that it unlikely to produce whole-body effects, but high enough to receive the benefits of the cellular response.

HOW TO MICRODOSE

Someone who is beginning their Cannabis journey should start with an oral method, like tinctures, concentrates or edibles. Compared to inhalation, ingesting Cannabis orally will have a more delayed effect, anywhere from 20 minutes and up to 2 hours. So take it slow. Most microdosing products contain 1 - 2.5 mg per serving. Start with 1 and make sure you give yourself enough time to feel the effects. If the dosage is higher like 5 mg or 10 mg, split your dose in half or by quarters until you have determined the best dosage for you.

A 1:1 ratio of THC (psychoactive compound) to CBD (nonpsychoactive compound) is known to have the best therapeutic effects. However, if you have experienced paranoia in the past using THC, then a high CBD to THC ratio could be the best option for you. Popular Tincture ratios to try are 1:1, 3:1, 20:1 CBD:THC, addtionally, pure CBD (absolutely NO psycho-active effects) is also an option. Liquid Extract Tinctures are drops placed under the tongue until absorbed; they enter the blood stream more directly than any other method and will provide relief typically within 15-20 minutes.

This is not to say that a high THC ratio is a bad option. In fact, there are Cannabis patients who find better results using a high THC dose. The psycho-activity can give off a new perspective to life and increase creative thinking! A high THC to CBD ratio can also help with sleep for those who experience insomnia. Starting your Cannabis journey with the right mindset is extremely important. Often someone may hear about a friend using Cannabis and how much it helped them, but without more knowledge it’s easy to remain unsure & skeptical. Your mindset and environment can determine your experience with Cannabis and can be related to side effects as well. Make sure you go to a well regarded dispensary (Leafly. com has great reviews) and don’t be shy about asking questions. The staff at dispensaries are there for you and most are a wealth of Cannabis information!

PRODUCTS TO TRY Dr. Norm’s - Chocolate Chip Cookies 5 mg & up, start with 1 / 2 Kush Nuts - an Edible without all the Sugar! Start with 1-2 Nuts Mr. Moxey’s - Refreshing Mints in 5 mg THC, or 5:1 CBD:THC The Art of Edibles - Crafted Chocolates starting at 2.5 mg KB Essentials - CBD Pure Hemp Oil Extracts Treatwell Tinctures - THC & CBD Tinctures for Humans & Pets Dosist - Precise Dose Vape Pen