What is Microdosing?

Microdosing is a method of consuming cannabis in extremely small doses, in order to avoid getting high. By microdosing, patients only reap the medical benefits of THC, and not the psychoactive effects.

“[Microdosing] lifts my spirits, relieves the stress and tension that build up, and allows me to approach my work with more keen interest.”
Susannah Grossman, founder of Verdant Communications in Denver

As any stoner knows, too much of a good thing can quickly turn disastrous. We’ve all suffered the effects of a bad high - extreme confusion, anxiety, paranoia, panic, fast heart rate, delusions or hallucinations, increased blood pressure, and severe nausea or vomiting. Microdosing allows patients to benefit from the positive side effects of THC, without worrying about overdoing it. The concept of microdosing can apply to other drugs, such as LSD or psilocybe cubensis (commonly termed “shrooms”).

How can I start microdosing?

Pipes, vapes and water bubblers are preferable for microdosing over a joint because they allow you to control how much weed is burning and you don't have to keep putting it out.

Achieving the perfect microdose depends on several factors, including your previous experience with cannabis and your current tolerance to THC.

Starting low and increasing the dosage slow is key.

You may need to cut your edibles into halves or quarters to create a dose small enough to microdose with.

Most marijuana doctors suggest patients start by ingesting 1 or 2 mg of THC at a time. Repeat this process every 3-4 hours throughout the day. You can ingest this small amount by eating edibles, smoking/vaping flower, or ingesting cannabis concentrates (oils, tinctures, etc.).

Over time, you would incrementally increase the daily dosage until you achieved your desired therapeutic effect. Most patients slowly work their way up to 4-5 mg of THC at a time, although some may go up as high as 10-20 mg as a microdose.

Learn more here about getting your medical marijuana card!