Microdosing THC: What Is It & How Does It Work?
Microdosing THC is becoming an increasingly popular way to experience the benefits of cannabis without feeling overwhelmed by its effects. By consuming small amounts of THC, cannabis enthusiasts and newbies can enjoy potential benefits like stress relief, pain management, or better sleep while avoiding the famous THC “high.”
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about microdosing, including:
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What Is Microdosing THC?
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Why Microdose Cannabis?
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How to Microdose THC
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FAQs About Microdosing Marijuana
What Is Microdosing THC?
Microdosing THC involves consuming small, controlled amounts of THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, to achieve mild effects without significant intoxication. Unlike standard dosing, which aims for noticeable effects, microdosing focuses on subtle benefits. For many, especially those who are new to consuming cannabis, a microdose starts at 1-2.5 milligrams of THC. However, the microdose varies based on your personal tolerance and experience. Ultimately, microdosing THC is a method tailored to the individual, which makes it a highly customizable approach to cannabis use.1
Why Microdose Cannabis?
Microdosing cannabis gives you a way to experience the potential therapeutic benefits of THC without the impairing or intoxicating effects that are often associated with larger doses. Those in the cannabis community who microdose commonly use it for:
- Reducing Stress: Studies suggest that THC in small doses may promote relaxation and reduce stress without affecting your cognitive performance.2
- Improving Sleep: Research indicates that microdosing THC may help with insomnia and improve your overall sleep quality.3
- Managing Pain: THC may have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce pain without significant cognitive impairment.4
- Exploring New Uses: Microdosing is being studied for its potential in managing Alzheimer’s symptoms and improving quality of life.5
- Resetting Tolerance: Microdosing may help cannabis connoisseurs lower their tolerance to THC, especially after regular marijuana consumption.6
How to Microdose THC
We can understand why it may seem intimidating to start microdosing THC. But with the right approach, it’s a simple way to consume cannabis in small, controlled amounts. Whether you’re new to cannabis or looking to fine-tune your experience, learning how to microdose properly is key to unlocking its potential benefits.
Ready to give microdosing THC a try? Follow these steps to get started with confidence.
Pick Your Product
Choosing the right product is vital to successful microdosing. Different consumption methods have different onset times and effects:
- Smoking or vaping provides fast effects but is more complicated to control for microdosing.7
- Edibles, including cannabis beverages, are easier to microdose accurately, though they take longer to kick in, and the effects often feel stronger. If you’re wondering how to dose edibles, start with products that are clearly labeled with THC content per serving for better control.8
- Tinctures are ideal for beginners since they offer precise dosing with a dropper and are absorbed quickly sublingually (under the tongue).
- Capsules provide a discreet and consistent option for microdosing, as each capsule is pre-measured, making it easy to track your intake.
Choose Your Dose
If you’re new to microdosing and don’t know how well you’ll tolerate cannabis, we recommend starting with 1-2.5 milligrams of THC. Beginners often benefit from products with a 1:1 ratio of CBD to THC, as CBD can help balance the effects of THC. Look for products that allow precise measurement, such as tinctures with graded droppers or clearly labeled edibles. Starting small lets you find your ideal dose without overdoing it.9
Wait to Consume More
Patience is essential when you’re microdosing THC. The effects can take 30 minutes or up to an hour to kick in, especially with edibles. Various factors like your metabolism, stomach contents (that is, did you have a meal before consuming THC?), and natural tolerance can impact how quickly you feel results. Keeping a journal to track your dose and effects can help you understand what works best for you. And it’s best to resist the urge to consume more until you’re sure of the effects.10
FAQs About Microdosing Marijuana
Microdosing is simple, but it’s natural to have questions like “How to microdose THC?” and “How much is a microdose?” Here are answers to some of the most common questions to help you get started, and if you are still unsure, chat with your favorite budtender at Verilife to get personalized recommendations and advice.
How much is a microdose of marijuana?
Since a standard THC dose is 10 milligrams (or higher), a microdose typically ranges from 1 to 2.5 milligrams of THC. However, you can tailor microdosing to suit your tolerance and goals, meaning that your microdose could be 0.5 milligrams or range from three to 10 milligrams.11
Why do people microdose?
Microdosing may provide subtle benefits like stress relief, pain management, or improved sleep without causing intoxication.
Can you microdose with concentrates?
It’s not recommended to microdose with cannabis concentrates because these products are very potent and difficult to measure accurately for small doses (think of sticky wax).
Can you microdose flower?
You can microdose cannabis flower, but choose a low-THC, high-CBD strain and measure carefully. Ask a Verilife budtender for recommendations.
Can you microdose CBD?
You can microdose CBD to enjoy its potential benefits in smaller, controlled amounts even though the cannabinoid doesn’t cause any intoxicating effects. By starting with a low CBD dose, such as 2-5 milligrams, you can see how your body responds and adjust the dose gradually to meet your wellness goals, whether it’s for stress relief, improved focus, or relaxation.12
Getting Started with Microdosing
Microdosing edibles and other THC products is a great way to explore cannabis for wellness without diving into overwhelming effects. Pick a product that’s easy to measure, start with a low dose, and track your results. And don’t take more cannabis just because you’re not feeling the effects—wait and be patient. As always, visit your local Verilife dispensary and chat with a budtender to find products tailored to your preferences. With the right approach, you can enjoy the benefits of cannabis on your terms.
Sources
1. “Microdosing cannabis: benefits without the buzz,” Leafly, September 13, 2022, https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/microdosing-weed-guide
2. “Dose-related effects of delta-9-THC on emotional responses to acute psychosocial stress,” ScienceDirect, August 2017, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S037687161730220X?via%3Dihub
3. “Treating insomnia symptoms with medicinal cannabis: a randomized, crossover trial of the efficacy of a cannabinoid medicine compared with placebo,” National Library of Medicine, June 2021, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8598183/
4. “The pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of a novel selective-dose cannabis inhaler in patients with chronic pain: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial,” Wiley Online Library, May 23, 2020, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ejp.1605
5. “Cannabinoid extract in microdoses ameliorates mnemonic and nonmnemonic Alzheimer’s disease symptoms: a case report,” National Library of Medicine, July 2022, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9277875/
6. “ Tolerance Breaks: How to Use Them to Your Advantage,” Veriheal, October 30, 2019, https://www.veriheal.com/blog/what-are-tolerance-breaks-and-how-to-use-them-to-your-advantage/
7. “Edibles vs smoking: how consumption methods affect your experience,” Weedmaps, https://weedmaps.com/learn/products-and-how-to-consume/edibles-vs-smoking-consumption-methods
8. “Edible dosing for beginners: With dosage chart by milligrams,” Leafly, November 13, 2024, https://www.leafly.com/learn/consume/edibles/edible-dosing
9. “What Does It Mean to Microdose THC?” Leafwell, October 7, 2024, https://leafwell.com/blog/microdosing-thc
10. “How Long Do Edibles Take to Kick In?” Healthline, February 7, 2023, https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-do-edibles-take-to-kick-in
11. “The Complete Guide to Microdosing THC,” Veriheal, April 3, 2024, https://www.veriheal.com/blog/microdosing-cannabis-explained-how-to-do-it-and-why-you-should-try-it/
12. “Everything You Wanted to Know About Microdosing Cannabis but Were Too Afraid To Ask,” Thrillist, September 7, 2021 https://www.thrillist.com/lifestyle/nation/7-things-to-know-about-microdosing
Recreational cannabis is not available in all states. Cannabis is for medical use only and may only be used by certified patients in Ohio and Pennsylvania. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and certified patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.
This content is not intended as medical advice. The information provided is meant to encourage cannabis education, not replace direct patient-healthcare professional relationships. Always consult your primary care physician or other healthcare provider prior to using cannabis products for treatment of a medical condition. Any statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products referenced are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Products are only available where consumption of cannabis is legal.