Advantages of Cannabis Microdosing
Microdosing cannabis means taking a small dose. For THC, a microdose is 1 to 2.5 milligrams. For CBD, a microdose is 1 to 5 milligrams. Advantages include less anxiety, lower impairment, and cost savings.
What Is Microdosing?
Microdosing is the practice of using very small amounts of a substance. The goal is to get subtle effects without a high. The dose is below the threshold for intoxication. For THC, this is often 1 to 2.5 mg. For CBD, it is 1 to 5 mg. Doses vary by person and product.
Positive Effects of Cannabis Microdosing: A Practical Guide
Advantages
- Reduced anxiety: Low doses of THC may reduce anxiety. High doses can increase anxiety. A 2019 review found a U-shaped response.
- Less impairment: At 1-2 mg THC, cognitive and motor impairment is lower than at 10 mg or more.
- Tolerance management: Small doses may slow tolerance buildup.
- Cost savings: Small doses use less product.
- Functionality: Users can work or socialize with minimal disruption.
- Potential therapeutic effects: CBD microdosing may help with anxiety, pain, and inflammation, but evidence is limited.
Dose Ranges
THC microdose: 1-2.5 mg. CBD microdose: 1-5 mg. Start with 1 mg. Wait 2 hours. Adjust in small increments. Effects vary by route: inhalation acts in minutes, edibles in 1-2 hours.
Research
Research on microdosing is limited. Most studies use higher doses. A 2019 review in Journal of Psychopharmacology found low THC doses may reduce anxiety. A 2020 study in Frontiers in Psychiatry found CBD may reduce anxiety. The National Institute on Drug Abuse states low THC doses cause less impairment than high doses. More studies are needed.
Unknowns
Long-term effects of microdosing are unknown. Optimal dose is unknown. Interactions with medications are unknown. Talk to a doctor before use.