Microdosing Cannabis: A Popular New Trend, but Is Less Really More?

While many consumers seek primarily high THC or CBD strains, a trend towards consuming lower doses – often at amounts that do not produce an intoxicating “high” – has been growing steadily. In fact, the findings of a recent study suggest “that cannabis with low potency does not have any impact on creativity.”¹ Sometimes, it would appear, less is more. Let’s take a deeper dive into what this means for your cannabis consumption habits.

What is microdosing?

Despite its rising popularity, a lot of people haven’t heard about microdosing with cannabis. What the term refers to is consuming small amounts of a cannabis product in order to experience less of the effects. The purpose of microdosing cannabis is typically not to feel intoxicated, but rather to consume as part of one’s daily routine. This might seem surprising, considering that this intoxication is what most people associate with cannabis. But there’s actually a few reasons to consider consuming lower amounts.

Microdosing is especially relevant to medical cannabis patients. For a lot of patients who wish to medicate throughout the day, consuming large amounts of cannabis is problematic. This is because the intoxicating effects of cannabis can interfere with everyday life if you consume more than you intended to or desired. While many consume for the exact purpose of these effects, for medical patients this can be difficult for a regular consumption routine.

Dose control, then, is crucial when it comes to microdosing. According to Health Canada, “doses of THC as low as 2.5-3mg of THC (and even lower) are associated with a therapeutic benefit and minimal psychoactivity.”

Microdosing cannabis: The future of medical use?

While there is a substantial lack of empirical evidence when it comes to clinical research, some preliminary findings have shown that medical cannabis consumers may benefit from smaller doses. For example, a 2012 study “supports the efficacy and safety of nabiximols at […] lower-dose levels.”² (The patients, who had advanced cancer, were given nabiximols – a medication made from cannabis extract – at low, medium, and high doses. Those who received the two lowest dosages showed the greatest reduction in pain.)

Another study from 2014 showed that low doses of Nabilone (a synthetic cannabinoid) “supports the promise […] as a safe, effective treatment for concurrent disorders in seriously mentally ill correctional populations.”³ Clinical research for cannabis microdosing remains in its early days, but studies like these are beginning to shine light on some very promising findings.

How do I microdose?

Like any other cannabis consumption routine, microdosing is highly personal. Our Endocannabinoid Systems (ECS) are all unique, and so are our reactions to cannabis. As such, there is no magic formulation. Particularly if you’re using cannabis for medical purposes, it will likely take some trial and error.

In terms of cannabis methods of consumption, there are numerous formats available to choose from. One common way is inhalation, either by smoking or vaporizing dried bud. This is an easy method with a fast onset of effects; however, it should be noted that it is often difficult to accurately control your dose through this method of consumption.

Ingestion, in some cases, can allow users to more closely monitor their dosage. For example, cannabis softgels deliver a precise and consistent dosage, and are available in low-THC and low-CBD formats. That being said, consumers should be very careful when microdosing with edibles. Always start with a very small amount, and wait 2 hours before consuming more. If you’re planning to microdose with cannabis products that you’ve cooked or baked yourself, please use caution as the effects will be felt for significantly longer compared to smoking or vaping.

What about CBD?

Although microdosing generally refers to THC consumption, it can also apply to CBD and other cannabinoids. Particularly for medical cannabis patients, microdosing with cannabinoids can be preferential for some people. For those who are interested in microdosing cannabis for medical reasons, whether that’s with THC or CBD (or both), always refer to your healthcare practitioner for dosage and consumption method recommendations.

Namaste carries a selection of products with lower THC, including DM2 and Daytime CBD. For dosage information, refer to this Health Canada guide. Remember, it’s always important to start low and go slow – after all, that’s kind of the whole point!

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References

1. Kowal MA, Hazekamp A, Colzato LS, Steenbergen HV, Nic J. A. Van Der Wee, Durieux J, et al. Cannabis and creativity: highly potent cannabis impairs divergent thinking in regular cannabis users. Psychopharmacology. 2014Jul;232(6):1123–34.
2. Portenoy RK, Ganae-Motan ED, Allende S, Yanagihara R, Shaiova L, Weinstein S, et al. Nabiximols for Opioid-Treated Cancer Patients With Poorly-Controlled Chronic Pain: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Graded-Dose Trial. The Journal of Pain. 2012;13(5):438–49.
3. Cameron C, Watson D, Robinson J. Use of a Synthetic Cannabinoid in a Correctional Population for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder–Related Insomnia and Nightmares, Chronic Pain, Harm Reduction, and Other Indications. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. 2014;34(5):559–64.