Microdosing has become increasingly popular among cannabis users seeking subtle benefits without intense psychoactive effects.
Microdosing Cannabis: Less Is More
Microdosing cannabis means consuming very small amounts — typically 1–5mg of THC — to get subtle therapeutic or functional benefits without feeling high. The aim is to take the edge off, improve focus, or ease discomfort while staying clear-headed and fully functional.
Why Microdosing Is Growing in Popularity
Traditional cannabis use is often associated with strong, obvious effects: red eyes, couch lock, heavy munchies, and noticeable intoxication. But many modern consumers — professionals, parents, and wellness-focused users — want:
- The benefits of THC
- Without the impairment
A study from the University of Illinois at Chicago found:
- 7.5mg THC: reduced stress in test subjects
- 12.5mg THC: increased anxiety
This supports what microdosers have reported for years: with THC, less can truly be more.
Finding Your Personal Microdose
Your ideal microdose (your "sweet spot") is highly individual. It’s influenced by:
- Body weight & metabolism – Larger bodies may need slightly higher doses
- Tolerance level – Regular users may benefit from a tolerance break first
- Consumption method – Edibles, vapes, and tinctures all feel different
- Endocannabinoid system – Everyone’s receptors respond differently
A Simple Starter Protocol
Use this as a guideline and adjust based on how you feel:
- Days 1–3: Take 1mg THC
- Check in with yourself at 30 minutes, 1 hour, and 2 hours
- Days 4–6:
- If you felt nothing, increase to 2mg
- If you noticed subtle effects, stay at 1mg
- Day 7+:
- Adjust in 0.5–1mg increments until you find your threshold
Your threshold is the point where you barely notice the effects. That’s your microdose. Going above that starts to defeat the purpose.
Best Product Types for Microdosing
Not every cannabis product is designed for precise, low-dose use. These formats make microdosing much easier:
1. Edibles & Gummies
- Very popular and discreet
- Many brands (including options at Dr. Greenthumb’s locations) offer 2.5mg or 5mg gummies
- Easy to split pieces for 1–2.5mg doses
2. Tinctures & Oils
- Taken under the tongue (sublingual)
- Measured droppers allow precise dosing
- Onset: 15–30 minutes (faster than edibles)
- Easy to titrate in small increments
3. Low-Dose Vape Cartridges
- One small puff typically delivers around 1–3mg THC
- Onset is almost immediate, so you can feel your response in real time
- Helpful for people who want quick feedback and fine control
4. Cannabis Beverages
- An emerging, social-friendly category
- Many drinks are 2.5–5mg THC per serving
- Feels similar to having a light drink, but with THC instead of alcohol
What Microdosing Feels Like
At the right dose, the effects are subtle, not overwhelming. Common reports include:
- Mild mood lift – feeling a bit more positive or engaged
- Reduced anxiety – gentle calm without feeling sedated
- Improved focus – easier to stay on task for creative or analytical work
- Physical ease – minor aches and tension feel less noticeable
- Easier sleep onset – when taken 1–2 hours before bed
What it should not feel like:
- Strong euphoria
- Altered perception or time distortion
- Impaired coordination
- Racing thoughts or difficulty concentrating
If you notice those, your dose is too high for microdosing purposes.
Resetting Tolerance for Better Microdosing
If you’re a regular or heavy cannabis user, your receptors may be desensitized. A tolerance break can make microdoses effective again.
Practical tolerance reset:
- Minimum: 48 hours of complete abstinence
- Starts to reset CB1 receptors
- Ideal: 5–7 days
- Most people notice a significant drop in tolerance
- After your break:
- Restart with 1mg THC and follow the microdosing protocol
You’ll likely find that effects you used to chase with higher doses now appear at much lower amounts.
Microdosing vs. Full-Dose Use
Microdosing isn’t meant to replace traditional cannabis use; they’re different tools for different jobs.
Microdosing is best for:
- Daytime and functional use
- Work, parenting, or social settings
- Stress management without intoxication
- Subtle mood and focus support
Full-dose use is better for:
- Deep relaxation and unwinding
- Recreation and social sessions