For some cannabis fans, reducing THC content might seem counter-intuitive. After all, isn’t the point of smoking a THC strain to get “stoned?” The less THC there is, the longer it will take to achieve these desired effects.
Ironically, recent research into medical cannabis suggests the less THC a strain has, the more effective it will be. Judging by the current popularity of low-THC hemp flowers, it’s clear many people are getting interested in the purported benefits of microdosing THC.
Although microdosing THC may not send users to the stars, it could provide impressive benefits without disrupting a busy day. Indeed, the more researchers learn about microdosing THC, the more excited they are for the future of personalized cannabis care.
Wait, What Does “THC Microdosing” Mean?
It’s unknown who invented the concept of microdosing THC, but it probably emerged in the San Francisco Bay Area. Not only does this region have a long association with cannabis, it’s also where the practice of “microdosing” really took off.
For most of the early 21st century, the term “microdosing” was only associated with psychedelics. Many legends at tech companies like Apple openly dabbled with low doses of psilocybin mushrooms or LSD. According to microdosing proponents, tiny doses of these drugs were responsible for their biggest creative breakthroughs.
THC microdosing follows the same concept as LSD microdosing…except with cannabis! The goal in microdosing is never to feel the full force of your chosen therapy. Instead, users aim to experience the subtlest effects possible.
A microdoser should feel the benefits from THC, but that shouldn’t interfere with their day-to-day duties. Indeed, a successful microdosing routine should always enhance your work and social life.
Why Are People Getting So Interested In Microdosing THC?
There are a few explanations behind the recent interest in THC microdosing. Most obviously, since cannabis legalization is spreading, it’s easier for customers to experiment with their favorite herb. However, it’d be too simplistic to claim microdosing’s popularity is solely related to cannabis legality.
Indeed, a massive reason THC microdosing is causing such a “buzz” has to do with a few impressive scientific reports. For instance, a widely publicized study from the University of Illinois analyzed how two different THC doses affected consumers.
Researchers gave participants 7.5 mg or 12.5 mg of THC for this Chicago-based trial. There was also a placebo group for a control.
After THC’s effects set in, participants had to go through various stress-inducing tasks like performing mental math or participating in a fake job interview. Study authors recorded each patient’s self-reported stress scores and analyzed biomarkers like blood pressure.
Interestingly, people who took 12.5 mg of THC had higher anxiety scores than the other groups. Conversely, people who took the tiniest amount of THC were more likely to have an easier time recovering after stress-inducing tasks.
A UK-based meta-analysis also looked into the relationship between cannabis doses and the risk for paranoia. According to this trial, there appears to be a correlation between higher levels of THC and a higher incidence of adverse psychotic symptoms.
The California-based Dr. Allan Frankel has also done a great deal to raise awareness of microdosing THC. According to Dr. Frankel, low doses of THC provide the optimal therapeutic benefits for his patients.
Most impressively, Israeli researchers are investigating the ideal THC dose for patients with brain disorders. According to their latest findings, the lowest possible dose of THC seems to have the most neuroprotective effects.
All of these studies strongly suggest microdosing THC is far more than a fun way to enjoy a gentle “head buzz.” Microdosing may provide patients with THC’s benefits without exposing them to the risks associated with higher doses.
Is There A Special Method For Microdosing THC?
There’s no magical formula for microdosing THC. While some medical marijuana doctors are trying to determine an ideal dosage guide, the perfect “micro-dose” will be slightly different for each patient.
As many recent tests reveal, our genes play a massive role in how we experience cannabinoids like THC. There’s even some data that suggests some people may be genetically predisposed to THC’s side effects.
Besides our genes, factors like age, metabolism, and weight may impact how THC interacts with our endocannabinoid system. THC may also get weaker or stronger depending on which terpenes and cannabinoids it’s paired with.
Keeping all that in mind, it’s best to start with a dose of no more than 3 mg of THC. Indeed, Dr. Allan Frankel claims most of the patients he treats at his MMJ clinic take no more than this dose per day.
Since dosage is crucial in microdosing, most professionals recommend sticking with THC tinctures or edibles.
While THC tinctures can be tricky to find, they offer virtually 100 percent absorption if you take them under the tongue. Obviously, this high absorption rate helps users easily track their daily THC consumption.
By contrast, THC edibles take a bit longer to work through the liver and digestive tract. Plus, once the THC in a gummy enters your bloodstream, it won’t equal the full potency of your product. Still, many microdosers enjoy snacking on THC edibles because they offer a convenient way to add this cannabinoid to a hectic schedule.
It’s also worth mentioning that many vape carts and dry herb vaporizers make it easier to microdose THC. However, since this delivery method is so direct, it’s easy to go above your max THC threshold.
Anyone interested in microdosing THC via vaporizers should focus on CBD-rich hemp flowers. Unlike marijuana strains, hemp flowers must contain ≤ 0.3 percent delta-9 THC. So, users could still get the benefits of microdosing THC without increasing the odds of going over their THC dose.
Whatever method you choose, please remember you should never feel “high” when microdosing THC. If you’re feeling “stoned” sensations, you’re not microdosing.
Who’s The Best Fit For THC Microdosing?
Most reports suggest microdosing could offer adults THC’s stress-relief properties without diminishing productivity—unless you’re allergic to THC, of course! Indeed, many people who enjoy microdosing claim it helps improve their mood and creativity at work.
Professionals who want to incorporate THC into their daily lives will probably derive the most benefits from microdosing. Some MMJ patients may also get more reliable benefits from microdosing THC.
Since microdosing THC is so mild, it can keep patients functional while delivering significant relief. People new to THC could also gently introduce this cannabinoid to their system via microdosing sessions.
Want To Test THC Microdosing? Check Out Cannaflower’s Hemp Strains!
THC microdosing isn’t just a “trend.” Unlike many other fads in the cannabis industry, microdosing has some serious science backing it up. As more researchers get serious about microdosing THC, this method will only become more mainstream.
Luckily, you don’t have to wait till recreational marijuana gets approved to test THC microdosing. Thanks to the 2018 US Farm Bill, everyone could use low-THC hemp flowers, oils, and edibles. For instance, Cannaflower now offers dozens of trichome-rich hemp nugs, all of which have ≤ 0.3 percent THC.
Check out this link to see a full assortment of our delicious, artisan-grade hemp buds.
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