A Case for Microdosing Cannabis Edibles
Curious about microdosing cannabis edibles? Have you heard more and more folks mention their microdosing rituals — and wonder what all the hype is about? Or maybe you’re in the market for a healthier or more discreet way to consume marijuana than smoking or vaping. You could just need an extra lift some days.
Whatever the reason for your interest, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to get the full scoop on microdosing cannabis edibles — and learn if microdosing could be right for you.
What Exactly is Microdosing Anyway?
Microdosing is just taking a micro-dose of any substance.
Kids have microdosed peanuts to minimize or eliminate peanut allergies. Low doses of alcohol are used to get the benefits of drinking without many of the more detrimental impacts. Drug manufacturers also use micro-doses, or about 1% of an active dose, in clinical trials to study how drugs impact people.
Though, when most of us think of microdosing, it’s in the context of LSD or Psilocybin “magic” mushrooms. Users microdosing these psychedelics report a sense of calm and well-being — without the hallucinogenic effects.
And the practice is hardly new. As early as the 1500s, Aztecs were taking teonanacatl mushrooms in low doses for fevers and rheumatism.
Today, as cannabis use has become more mainstream and accepted across the country, the benefits of microdosing marijuana have started to get more attention as well.
Benefits of Microdosing Marijuana Edibles
Taking small doses of marijuana edibles throughout the day can have extraordinary benefits, including:
Controlling the size of your dose. Sure, you can limit the number of bowls you smoke, but it’s hard to accurately dose the amount of cannabis you consume this way. When microdosing edibles, you can either buy low-dose options or cut your regular serving size into multiple pieces to confidently consume the amount you want.
Avoiding the “high”. Microdosing marijuana edibles allows you to experience many of the benefits of cannabis consumption, without getting intoxicated or impacting your ability to function throughout the day.
Elevating your mood. Microdosing edibles has a calming effect, increasing your sense of well-being and minimizing stress.
Relieving chronic physical pain. Study after study has shown major improvements in patients suffering from physical pain after microdosing, even in patients receiving cancer treatment who weren’t helped by traditional opioid painkillers.
Reducing anxiety and PTSD. Similarly, research has shown that a 4-mg dose of marijuana has led to a “significant improvement” in patients with PTSD. Additionally, while marijuana can cause anxiety in some at regular doses, microdosing eliminates this effect to calm stress and anxiety.
Increasing creativity and productivity. Microdosing edibles has the added benefit of heightening focus, concentration, and productivity. Many users report being able to better achieve a flow state while working and improved problem-solving abilities after consuming cannabis edibles in small quantities.
Improving your quality of sleep. According to The Sleep Foundation, marijuana users consuming low quantities of marijuana over the course of a week experienced a higher-quality of sleep.
Science consistently shows that consuming low doses of marijuana can frequently have greater and/or more positive impact on health and well-being than consuming higher doses or abstaining altogether.
Interested in trying for yourself? Learn more about beginning your microdosing journey below.
What Are the Differences in Microdosing Indica Vs. Sativa Edibles?
The two main subspecies of marijuana — Indica or Sativa — are well known for having different effects. Sativa strains are more energizing, uplifting, stress relieving, and focus enhancing. If you want to microdose before a big party, a brainstorming session, or a creative project, Sativa edibles are the way to go.
Meanwhile, Indica strains are more relaxing, sedating, pain relieving, and tend to give a full body high. If you’re looking to relax at home or get a good night sleep, Indica is your best bet.
And then, there are also hybrids, bred with an Indica plant and a Sativa plant to get some of the best of both worlds. Most of the flower at your local dispensary is some form of hybrid strain.
While the differences between Indica and Sativa will be most apparent while smoking, the effects are noticeable with edibles too.
What Types of Cannabis Edibles Are Available Today?
Virtually any food you like can be transformed into a cannabis edible. Some of the most popular pre-packaged edibles today are:
Gummies. Small, sweet, and delicious, gummies are a go-to for many edible enthusiasts. They can be consumed discreetly. It’s easy to adjust your dose. And gummies tend to have a relatively long shelf life.
Chocolate. If you prefer your candy in chocolate form, you’re in luck. From dark to white chocolate, and with an array of nuts, candies, cookie crumbles, and fruit flavors, there is no shortage of options for cannabis chocolate. And because animal fat binds to the fat in our bodies to enhance the effects of marijuana, eating infused chocolates may be an even more effective way to consume cannabis than other options.
Drinks. The number of cannabis-infused beverages available is on the rise. Energy drinks, teas, coffees, seltzers, and juices are refreshing ways to enjoy marijuana without smoking. Just be mindful of serving sizes, and don’t crush a 100 mg bottle of water if you’re trying to microdose.
Baked goods. Cookies, brownies, muffins, and cakes are a great treat any time. But with cannabis, they’re extraordinary. Like with the drinks though, be mindful of dosage. Some baked goods can be especially potent.
Tinctures. These liquid marijuana extracts are perfect for consumers who care about discretion. You can add a few drops to food or drink or take them directly under your tongue. It’s easy to control your dose, and you can feel the effects quickly.
How to Get Started Microdosing Marijuana Edibles
The first rule of edibles is: Start low. Go slow.
And microdosing checks both boxes. A standard dose of marijuana is 10 mg of THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. And anything under that amount is considered a low dose, though most lower dose options are between 1 mg and 5 mg of THC.
If you’re new to edibles or microdosing, start with a lower dose, 1 or 2 mg of THC. You can always come back and take another dose in a couple hours, or increase your dosage next time.
And for more help deciding which edibles are right for you, just stop by one of our neighborhood Cannabis Canopy locations. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff can walk you through our extensive selection of edibles and talk to you about your personal microdosing goals. With some of Arkansas’ favorite brands, from Bold to Good Day Farm, there’s something for everyone at Cannabis Canopy.
And we’re proud to announce that we’ve recently launched our very own line of house edibles. To support your microdosing adventure, try any of our Cannabis Canopy low dose products — Tiki Mama flavored gummies, Ultimate Smores chocolates, and CC Great Elixir tincture. And keep an eye out for more exciting Cannabis Canopy micro-serving edibles coming soon.
The world of microdosing marijuana edibles can be fun, invigorating, and eye opening. Enjoy the journey of experimenting with different strains, doses, and types of edibles to find the perfect combination for you. And enhance your experience by visiting one of our world-class Cannabis Canopy shops today!
SOURCES:
https://stanmed.stanford.edu/i-can-eat-it/#:~:text=The%20treatment%20involves%20retraining%20the,the%20way%20patients'%20genes%20function
https://medium.com/@dfw_natural/the-power-of-low-alcohol-fb5f5c34b889
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4532546/
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0269881119857204#body-ref-bibr98-0269881119857204
https://medmen.com/blog/wellness/microdose-thc-cannabis-medical-marijuana-patients-stress-pain-relief-studies
https://grassdoor.com/blog/indica-vs-sativa-everything-you-need-to-know-about-edibles/
https://www.leafreport.com/education/how-to-start-low-and-go-slow-determining-dosages-11639
