Microdosing: The Grown-Up’s Guide to Getting High

“What I do, pretty much, is make the big things small and the small things big.” — Larry David

People used to smoke pot to get stoned. Now we use cannabis to be well. What happened that shifted marijuana from a weed to a wellness cure-all? With the legalization of cannabis, more users want to relax, regulate moods, relieve pain, or boost creativity—all without feeling sleepy or stoned. Taking small amounts of cannabis to find the minimum effective dose—also known as microdosing—allows users to get the benefits without the buzz.

How Much?

CBD and THC (the two main compounds in cannabis) support the body’s endocannabinoid system, so cannabis effects each person individually. Start with a small dose. You can begin with as little as 1 milligram, wait an hour, and see how it affects you. If you don’t feel anything, try 2 milligrams and repeat the process until you find a dose that feels right. THC is the compound in cannabis that gets you high, so pay attention to your dosage—you can use the chart below to get a general sense of how much you might need.

How Often?

How often you take cannabis depends a lot on the way you’re using it. Capsules are the simplest to measure, since they usually come with a suggested dosage and frequency on the bottle. If you’re smoking or vaping, you’ll feel the effects almost immediately, so you can get a sense of how many puffs you’ll need by feel.

Unlike smoking or vaping, edibles and tinctures have a long delay (45 minutes to an hour) between when you take them and when you feel the effects. Taking too much THC is all too common—you eat a chocolate square, feel nothing, and then eat a couple more and feel yourself spinning an hour later.

When you’re taking edibles for the first time, start with a small dose and wait an hour before eating any more. That way, you’ll be able to understand your body chemistry and learn what works for you. The dose you need will depend on you and your body, but there’s a spectrum that’s helpful to keep in mind:

2-3mg  

You got this, you’re feeling chill and the kids are fine.

20+ mg

You’ve been staring at the same spot on the wall for 20 minutes, but in your mind it’s been 2 seconds.

Like anything new, it just takes a little time to figure out a rhythm that works for you. Above all, be mindful and balanced about your approach to THC and CBD. Oh, and consult your physician—especially if you’re taking other medication.

When you hit the sweet spot and figure out how to best incorporate cannabis into your routine, it becomes a fun and effective way to care for your body, mind and well-being.

Ready to give microdosing a go?

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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.