Small nuggest of cannabis flower next to a small gummie

Microdosing: What Is It & How Does It Work?

You may have heard the term microdosing, but you aren’t sure what exactly it means and how it applies to cannabis products. We’ve created a guide on microdosing to help you understand:

  • What is Microdosing?
  • Why Microdose?
  • What is the Best Way to Microdose?  

What is Microdosing?

Microdosing is becoming more and more popular among both recreational and medical cannabis consumers. Microdosing is the practice of taking small amounts of THC to experience the effects without interfering with your day.

So how is it different from regular dosing? A “standard” dose of marijuana can range from 5mg to 10mg of THC, depending on the type of cannabis product and your level of tolerance. Beginners tend to prefer the lower end of the range, while casual consumers lean toward the higher end. With that in mind, a microdose might be anything from 1mg to 5mg, depending on the consumer. As with all products, it’s important to start slow to ensure you only take enough to feel the effects of the product.

Why Microdose?

In general, microdosing THC is a more comfortable way to find the dose that’s right for you -- it’s the easiest way to “start low and go slow.” If you’re a medical marijuana patient, microdosing can help you experience the benefits of cannabis while reducing the psychoactive effects. Recreational consumers who may not have tried cannabis before can use microdosing to begin their journey toward finding the right dose for them.

You might be wondering, then, who should microdose? The answer is straightforward: if you feel you can benefit from microdosing, give it a try. For beginners, it’s a great way to get started with a cannabis product, and for casual consumers, it can help regulate your tolerance levels to keep you enjoying your marijuana.

What is the Best Way to Microdose?

For beginners to cannabis, we generally recommend microdosing THC with edibles. This is because it’s easier to dose an edible than flower or a concentrate. Most chewable edibles come in a variety of strengths, from 2.5mg to 10mg, so you can cut the edible into pieces more easily. Remember that edibles can take time to become effective. You should always wait at least one hour before taking more, to ensure that you’re not experiencing a delayed reaction.

If you’re looking to try microdosing, you have several product options:

  • Edibles: Low-dose edibles are becoming increasingly popular as more people are venturing into cannabis consumption. The possibilities are endless when it comes to edibles, so you may feel more comfortable discussing your options when you visit a dispensary.  

  • Single-Use Pipes: These pipes, sometimes referred to as chillums or one-hitters, are small tools that hold just enough cannabis flower for a single inhale. These can be tricky to use for microdosing, but with a bit of practice, they can be a helpful tool.  

  • Sublinguals: Sublinguals are made of cannabis suspended in alcohol or another liquid. But unlike edibles you swallow, sublinguals are designed to be absorbed under the tongue, so they’ll work more quickly. Like with all edibles, though, it can be tricky to get the right dose, so start with a few drops and go from there.  

  • Cannabis Beverages: Cannabis beverages are becoming more and more popular. They’re typically a soda- or seltzer-type consistency and contain lower doses of THC, making them easier to microdose.  

  • Tablets or Capsules: Cannabis in tablet or capsule form can be a very discreet way to microdose. These can come in a variety of delivery methods, including enteric-coated to resist stomach acid.  


Learn more about THC pills with our guide.  


Is Microdosing Right for You?

Microdosing can be right for any cannabis consumer, but it comes down to preference. For some people, using cannabis is a special occasion, and you want to feel the full effects of your product. For others, microdosing cannabis is a helpful tool to help find the right amount for you.

To learn more about the best products and tools to use when microdosing, visit one of our Verilife dispensaries. Our experts can help you find the right potency, product, and tools to ensure you can try microdosing.

Find a Dispensary

Recreational Cannabis is not available in all states. Cannabis is for medical use only and may only be used by certified patients in Maryland, New York, and Pennsylvania. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and medical marijuana patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.