For some of you - it might have been years or even decades since you’ve heard the term “microdosing”. For others - you may just be learning about the practice from recent trends of consuming psilocybin (aka magic mushrooms!) for mood boosting effects. Regardless, microdosing is becoming part of the cultural lexicon and there is increasing understanding of how and why it can be beneficial.

Outside of shrooms, microdosing THC is also gaining popularity. This is especially true amongst consumers who are seeking out THC’s medicinal effects - without the overwhelming high the psychoactive cannabinoid is notorious for producing. 

In this blog post we’ll dive into what makes a good microdose THC product and how microdosing can help you achieve your health and wellness goals. 

What is Microdosing? 

At its core definition, microdosing refers to the practice of consuming very small doses of a substance. Typically a psychedelic substance, like LSD or magic mushrooms, with the intent of experiencing more subtle effects in comparison to a full-blown or intense experience. The same is true of THC.

In general, a “microdose” is around one-tenth of a standard recreational dose. Of course, the exact dosage and sweet spot for individual effects will vary on personal tolerance and other physiological factors, like weight, metabolism, etc (which we discuss below). 

THC microdoses are normally associated with consumers who want to use cannabis functionally throughout the day and maintain mental clarity and productivity, but without a buzz or high! Macro-doses on the other hand, are for those seeking a more profound or intense experience, for recreational or therapeutic purposes. 

So, why are people microdosing THC?

Benefits of Microdosing THC 

Given the federal legal status of cannabis in the US, there is limited peer-reviewed research on microdosing specifically (though we certainly hope that changes in the coming years). However, there is a wealth of anecdotal evidence that has led experts to conclude there are a number of benefits to microdosing THC microdose.  To highlight a few: 

• Enhanced or lifted mood
  

  Get a taste of that giggly, good feeling type of buzz that’s associated with THC without the intense effects. That’s the idea behind microdosing THC for anxiety and other mood affecting conditions like depression. Or, for those seeking a way to calm everyday stresses and promote an overall sense of relaxation and well-being. 

• Increased focus and creativity:

  Think of the many “high thoughts” or inspiring ideas you may have experienced with a real THC buzz. The benefits of a THC microdose are the same and have shown evidence of increasing focus and heightening creativity, but without the out-of-it high vibes. That means, many people today are turning to THC microdoses for tasks or chores that may require problem solving, increased awareness or creative thinking. 

• Pain relief

  One of the most common reasons consumers learn how to microdose THC is for the cannabinoid’s ability to relieve pain. As we mentioned, while there aren’t many studies on the specifics of THC microdoses for pain, there is plenty of research suggesting that THC has analgesic or pain relieving properties. Studies have shown that THC is influential at modulating pain perception by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the central nervous system.

• Enhanced sociability 
  

  For those who suffer from social anxiety or general introvertedness, microdosing THC for anxiety is becoming more and more popular. THC’s mood enhancing and anxiety reducing effects work to allow consumers to facilitate more ease, better communication, conversations, and promotes a more positive social experience overall.

• Improved sleep

  Another somewhat well known effect of THC, is its ability to make you relaxed and sleepy. Not just that, but THC is being researched for its sedating effects that just may help those with insomnia and other troubles sleeping (like anxiety that keeps your mind racing). Consumers today are turning to THC microdoses to not only fall asleep faster, but achieve a more restful sleep without the grogginess associated with higher doses or other types of sleep medications. 

How to Microdose THC: Things to Consider

The most important thing to understand is how THC works to know just how it will affect you individually. Like CBD, THC is a cannabinoid that interacts with our body’s endocannabinoid system. This system is responsible for regulating what’s known as homeostasis - AKA, the feeling and state of being within optimal balance. It does so through regulating everyday physiological processes (like sleep, appetite, mood, etc.) through its complex messaging network, that’s made up of receptors that cannabinoids bind to and influence. Hence, just how CBD and THC can affect such a wide range of conditions and ailments! 

Knowing this, you may suspect that THC (and even CBD) will affect every individual differently depending on their unique physiological chemistry, just like some people have varying reactions to different prescription and OTC medications. That’s why it’s important to find your own dose versus taking advice from others who have tried THC microdosing themselves. 

As for tips to consider when starting to microdose THC for the first time, many begin microdosing CBD oil that has THC in it. Full-spectrum CBD oils can contain up to 0.3% THC which in of itself, can be considered a microdose. Hemp derived products, such as THC gummies which contain 0.3% or less THC are also available to purchase online or in-stores. 

Regardless, here are some best practices for THC microdoses to keep in mind -

• Go low and slow

  A common starting point is around 3 MG of THC or even lower. Again, everyone will be affected by THC individually, so take your time finding the right amount for you. If at first you don’t experience your desired effects, continue slowly increasing the THC dosage over time, until you find your sweet spot. 

• Monitor and adjust

  Another common practice surrounding THC microdoses is journaling. By journaling your use you can monitor things like time of day, what you’ve eaten, the dose you consumed, and the effects or strength of effects you felt. With this information, you can decipher what conditions produce the highest level of relief moving forward and adjust how you microdose from there. 

• Stay consistent 

  With that said, it’s important to stay consistent by microdosing regularly. This allows you to create a baseline of effects for better comparison.

• Choose a product that works for you

  In today’s modern world of CBD and THC, almost anything and everything can be infused. Find a retailer, like Peaceful Lane, who offers a variety of hemp derived products with microdoses of THC to best suit your wellness routines and preferences. 

If you’re new to consuming THC or have had sensitivities before, the final tip is to be sure you first microdose in a comfortable environment. This will help eliminate other stresses that may affect your overall experience. 

The Final Word - Microdosing THC 

Now that you know how to microdose THC and the benefits you can achieve by doing so the last question to ask is - where can I find a quality product to begin microdosing? Well, you’re in the right place! At Peaceful Lane, we’re a family run farm who exists to spread the good word on all-natural healing. Through hemp, and our cannabinoid rich products - that includes an optimal THC microdose! 

To explore how microdosing THC can help with stress, anxiety, sleep quality or other hard things in your life - check out our new CBD + THC gummies! They combine 9mg of CBD with 3mg of THC for the perfect balance of light effects and relief.