How to Microdose on Edibles
Published on 8/6/22
As the landscape of the legal cannabis industry grows, evolves, and changes, so are the ways that people are enjoying and consuming their cannabis. While it's true that smoking is still the primary form of cannabis consumption for most, concentrates and edibles have both seen a massive surge in popularity over the last few years. Edibles, for example, sold like hotcakes during the pandemic, growing by 60 percent across seven state markets and generating $1.23 billion in sales in 2020. As people emerge back from their isolation at home and to significant public events like concerts, sporting events, and family or friend gatherings, many are looking for ways to do so while still enjoying the edibles-based high they got so used to the last two years. That's where something like microdosing edibles for anxiety comes in!
Microdosing edibles can be much more effective than taking a large dose at once, especially since edibles are already hard to dose out since they affect everyone differently. That's why we here at Where's Weed wanted to put together a definitive how-to guide to get the absolute most out of microdosing some edibles. This article is going to provide some tips and tricks for how to dose and enjoy microdosing, dig deep into the many benefits of microdosing edibles as opposed to smoking cannabis, and answer all of your most pressing questions when it comes to how and why so many are opting to microdose instead of just getting high.
What is Microdosing Weed?
In its purest form, microdosing is just reducing the amount of the drug you take so that you still feel some effects without getting hit with the total onslaught of being high. Think of microdosing weed as consuming some low-dose cannabis products that have you feeling a little loose and relaxed but not stoned out of your mind. That's the typical sweet spot you're looking for when trying to microdose THC-infused anything.
While it's impossible to say that microdosing marijuana will impact everyone the same way, since dosing can be so personal and tricky when it comes to edibles, the typical experience of microdose edibles can be described as edibles on accessible mode. The high doesn't hit you as hard, usually giving users a light, relaxed feeling, and a slight buzz. Many describe the experience of low-dose edibles with that of microdosing CDB. Not too much of a THC-induced high, but a lot of anxiety reduction, productivity, and more focus. It's perfect for taking the edge off while cleaning up the house or doing chores without getting you couch-locked and dealing with constant munchies!
On top of the typical recreational aspect of microdosing, it's also shown some real potential medically. Those suffering from conditions like muscle spasms, chronic pain, or nausea will likely be able to both manage their symptoms and still work, be productive, and live in a modern world without being too high. It's the perfect balance of taking the edge off of their symptoms without getting them too high to function.
How to Dose When You Want to Microdose Edibles?
While doing any edible type can be tricky if you're not careful, figuring out your proper dose when it comes to microdosing edibles is a little bit less complicated. If you already know your quantity when it comes to how many mg of cannabinoids to get high with when it comes to edibles, then you're golden. If you're a legal cannabis newbie or someone new to edibles, then here's some advice for figuring out your proper dosage:
Consider Your Physical Factors
Like it or not, there is a physical component to how THC and other cannabinoids impact us. Your sex, body weight, body fat percentage, height, and other medications you're on might affect your tolerance. While it's not a rule set in stone, more significant, huskier men will likely need a larger dose of cannabinoids to feel the effects of microdosing than a thin, short woman would. Consider those factors when figuring out which edibles dose is correct for you!
Seasoned Smoker or Cannabis Newbie?
Just like physical factors play a role in the tolerance level and cannabinoids you'll need to consume to microdose properly, you'll need to consider built-up tolerance when it comes to microdosing. If you're a frequent cannabis user, you'll likely need a much larger dose than someone who enjoys cannabis socially or infrequently. Unless you're willing to take a tolerance break and let those CB1 and CB2 receptors in your brain reset, you'll need a more significant dose to feel the effects of even microdosing.
Figuring Out Your Proper Dose: The Low and Slow Approach to Edibles
When it comes to figuring out the proper dosage for you when it comes to microdosing, the best way to do so is simply via a bit of trial and error. We recommend getting a well-packaged and low-dose edible, like an individually wrapped THC-infused candy, and taking those one-by-one to see how it impacts you. Let's say you take a 5 mg candy, then wait 30-45 minutes to see the effects. If you're not at pleasant microdosing territory, take another 5 mg candy, wait to see how it affects you, and go on.
As much as the modern cannabis industry has advanced and evolved over the last few years, there's still no exact way to know precisely how much to give to a specific person. Dosing is deeply personal, and microdosing edibles are no different! As long as you're willing to figure out exactly how much of a dose is right for you, then you'll be fine along your microdosing journey!
Microdosing Edibles FAQ: A Comprehensive Guide to All Things Microdosing
Since the idea of microdosing edibles might be new to many readers, we wanted to break down some of the most frequently and often-asked questions that beginners might have when it comes to microdosing edibles. Thankfully, here at Where's Weed has been there and done that, so we can put you on to all the insight and answers you're looking for before consuming a single edible.
Easiest Way to Microdose Edibles
With today's modern cannabis tinctures and cannabis-infused edibles, it's never been more accessible to microdose. Cannabis-infused products are well-labeled with their standard dosage per serving, so you'll just work from that. If you're feeling adventurous and are looking to infuse something with cannabis that's usually free of it, like a soft drink, smoothie, or other food, you can always add a dosage of tincture into the mix.
Both methods allow you to quickly and easily consume some cannabis and get your microdosing going. To start, we recommended between 1 to 2.5 mg of THC, see how that affects you, and go from there. Remember, low and slow is the way to go!
How Will You Feel While Microdosing?
If you're microdosing correctly, you won't feel super high. You'll feel an anxiety-free, light buzz, and that's about it. Perfect for taking your dog for a walk pain-free, getting the motivation to get some household chores done, or even just to deal with the anxiety and stress of going to a social gathering, microdosing should be light enough to take the edge off but not have you feeling to many psychoactive effects.
Can You Drive/Go To Work While Microdosing?
We firmly advise against driving, but going to work should be okay. As we said before, microdosing should put enough THC and other cannabinoids into your system to make you feel loopy but not full-blown high. Depending on what you do for work and how used to being high in public you are, you might be able to get away with it. However, you should avoid getting behind while microdosing anything with THC. If you're driving, stick to CBD instead.