For a growing body of cannabis consumers, less is more.
No one likes to feel over-medicated when using cannabis -- truly, there can be too much of a good thing. The side effects of over-medicating can include feeling groggy, anxious and in the worst cases, panic. We have all experienced the time when after consuming just a little too much, our heart rate spikes and negative thoughts start rushing in. It's not pleasant.
While many of us need quite a bit of cannabis to fight pain, nausea, depression, etc., there is an increasing amount of patients who prefer to microdose. More and more products are entering the market that advertise minute doses for medicating ease. Microdosing revolves around delivering a small, but consistent, amount of external cannabinoids, into our bodies' endocannabinoid system. This regimen might not induce intense psychoactive effects but it has shown to benefit our physical, mental and emotional well-being. It allows us to see the beauty in our every day lives, while still maintaining focus. The practice also keeps your tolerance low and can save some money.
Anyone can microdose. There are a few things to keep in mind -- the type of strain and its effects, the amount and environment. The type of strain can absolutely have an effect on how your experience is - some strains might have higher CBD contents, while others have more THC. CBD strains will yield a clear-headed, relaxed experience, while those with more THC create more noticeable body and mind effects. You might take into consideration the time of day when choosing a sativa or indica strain as well -- are you getting ready for a long day when you'll need to be alert and motivated, or are you settling in for the evening?
For individuals who have just started medicating with cannabis, small doses might be the perfect place to start. It is easier to start small and then increase dosages gradually. That way, negative and scary experiences are avoided, and you are able to distinguish which strains have better effects for individual tastes.
An average dose of cannabis is 10 milligrams. A microdose is anywhere between 5 and 7 milligrams. While this might not be ideal for patients who are coping with severe illnesses and/or symptoms, it might work for individuals who feel like they need a little boost -- to their mood, energy and mindset. With this low dose, the consumer will It is easier now than ever to dose precisely with the vast number of low-dose products on the market. For a number of edibles advertising 75 milligrams, 1/10 of the edible will do. If you're eating a 10mg gummy candy, you might eat one half and keep the other half for later.
Of course, we recommend medicating in a setting where you have the ability to listen to your body and your own intuition. Pay attention to how your mood changes, how your body relaxes and where your mind wanders to. With such a low dose, the effects might be hardly noticeable -- but that's kind of the point. You want to still be functional, but with a minute amount of cannabis in your system to stay balanced. It is also important to remember how everyone's body interacts with cannabis differently -- your friend might describe a very different time medicating than your own. It's always worth trying -- keep an open mind and a curious nature. If it's a positive experience, microdosing might be for you.
Essentially, using cannabis is about empowerment. It's about taking control of your own health and understanding how your body works. It's about relying on your own intuition to find what is most effective for your illness and lifestyle. Microdosing offers a easy and cheap(er) way to explore the variety of options there are in the cannabis industry.
