The idea of microdosing isn’t particularly new, but it has definitely become much more mainstream over the last couple of years. Once a niche way to consume psychedelics, the practice of microdosing everything from magic mushrooms, traditional vitamins and supplements, and yes, even THC, is now a part of many people’s regular wellness routine.
Today, we’ll cover everything you need to know if you’re microdosing-curious, including what it is, why people do it, and how to microdose with hemp-derived THC. Grab your favorite gummy, and let’s get into it.
What is Microdosing?
Let’s start with the basics. Microdosing is the practice of taking a sub-perceptual (below the threshold of perception) amount of a substance. The goal is to unlock the potential benefits of THC—think mood enhancement, creativity boosts, relaxation, etc.—without experiencing the full high.
Why Microdose?
Let’s be honest, popping a gummy and letting your mind and body open up to the joys of being high is a pretty sweet experience. We’d argue that this relaxed, euphoric state would be a fun way to experience life. Unfortunately, being high 24/7 isn’t necessarily conducive to going about our day-to-day responsibilities. That’s where microdosing THC comes in.
People who successfully microdose THC (we’ll get into how to find the right balance for you a little later in this article) may be able to experience the joys of THC, which can include relaxation and increased creativity, without experiencing more noticeable “impairments” that can come with being fully high (looking at you, couch lock).
So, why microdose? Well, the exact reason is really dependent on the individual, but generally speaking, it’s to experience some of the benefits of THC on a smaller, but more consistent level.
Benefits of Microdosing THC
Whether your goal is to give yourself a boost of creativity during the day, let loose in the evening, or reduce the agitation you feel from the sound of a Teams notification going off, microdosing might help.
Here are some of the benefits of microdosing:
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Enjoy THC without full intoxication: It’s called microdosing for a reason. Finding the right low-level amount of hemp-derived THC that can give you a little boost without slowing you down can be the ideal experience — whether you’re new to the world of THC or simply want to add something new to your wellness routine.
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Control your experience: By starting small and working your way to the desired effects (more on this later), you can slowly scale your experience up or down with higher levels of control.
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Personalize your day: On top of the control microdosing provides, it’s also a great way to learn how to use products like Camino’s hemp-derived THC gummies to drop into exactly how you want to feel. Once you get to know how THC affects you, you can turn it up or dial it back depending on what your day has in store.
This isn’t breaking news, but it’s important to note that everyone experiences THC differently, so when it comes to finding the benefits you’re looking for, some experimenting is going to be required (don’t worry, no lab coat is required for this…unless you’re into that, we don’t/won’t judge!).
How to Microdose with Hemp-derived THC
Alright, now you understand the why behind microdosing THC. So let’s get to the good stuff: how to create a microdosing routine.
Method of Consumption
The key to finding your microdose balance lies in the old adage “start low and go slow.” That’s to say, start with super small doses, and experiment over the span of a few days or even weeks to find your sweet spot.
Because controlling your exact intake is important for microdosing, the two best methods of ingestion are low-dose gummies and tinctures. That’s because they’re easier to properly dose out, by either dividing gummies into sections or measuring out tincture drops.
Find Your Dosage Sweet Spot
To microdose gummies, your best bet is to find lower-dosage gummies (like the 2mg THC Camino Sparkling Pear “Social” gummies). Generally, you’ll want to start around 1mg to 2mg THC. If you think you’d benefit from a slightly higher dosage, go up an additional quarter of a gummy until you find your own optimal balance.
The way each of us experiences and handles THC varies wildly, so it’s important that you find what works for you, rather than jumping straight into someone else's microdosing regimen!
Microdosing Frequency
The exact frequency of dosage that works best for you is another part of the puzzle that only you can solve. That said, one common approach to daily microdosing is to split up your dosage into two parts, by taking one half in the morning and the other half at night. So, for example, if you’re starting with 2mg THC gummies, have half in the morning and half in the evening.
As for a broader microdosing schedule (which once again has plenty of wiggle room!), many people follow a 4-3 plan, where they microdose for 4 days, and then take 3 off. Some even opt for a 3-4 schedule, which is just 3 days on, 4 days off. Taking a break is an important part of microdosing, as you need those days off to avoid your body quickly building up a tolerance to THC.
Alternatively, some people follow what’s known as the Fadiman Protocol (named for the Father of Microdosing, James Fadiman), which advises microdosers to follow a schedule that involves using a one-day-on, two-days-off approach (so you would microdose one day, take nothing for two days, and repeat).
Monitor the Effects
Once you’ve gotten into your microdose rhythm, keep tracking how you feel. Over time, you may need to adjust your dosage depending on any change in sensitivity.
Microdosing FAQs
What are the benefits of microdosing THC?
Some of the experiences that microdosing THC might promote include:
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Relaxation
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Sparks of creativity
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A sense of well-being
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Comfort
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Restful nights
What does 1mg THC do to you? Is it enough to get high?
For those who are relatively new to THC, or are just naturally sensitive, 1mg THC could potentially be enough to gain the desired effects of microdosing- just note that you’re unlikely to feel high (although it’s possible). While 2mg THC is a common microdosing starting point, you can absolutely try starting at 1mg to ease yourself in. Remember- less is more!
What does microdosing feel like?
Microdosing, when done right, can give you some of the feeling of THC — relaxation, increased focus, increased levels of creativity, etc. — without experiencing a full high. Think about it as “taking the edge off.” You should feel slightly relieved from your normal wear-and-tear, while still fully able to concentrate on whatever the day demands.
How to start microdosing?
We hate to be a broken record, but start low and go slow. Find low-dosage edibles (around 2mg THC) and try taking half in the morning and half in the evening. Pick a schedule, such as 4-3 (microdose for 4 days, take 3 off), 3-4 (microdose for 3 days, take 4 days off), or a 1-2 approach (microdose 1 day, take two off, repeat).
How long does a microdose of THC last?
The exact time can vary person to person, but generally speaking, microdosing with gummies will take about 30 to 90 minutes to kick in, and then last anywhere from 4 to 8 hours. This can vary depending on your natural body process, as well as your dosage and tolerance.
The Perfect Way to Microdose Gummies
If we can send you off with one takeaway, it’s to remember the microdosing mantra “low and slow.” Finding your microdose balance is all about easing into the process, which means starting small and gradually increasing until you find the amount that provides the experience you’re looking for.
Low-dose, hemp-derived THC gummies are going to be a good bet when starting your microdosing journey, as they make it easy to start light and divide into smaller pieces when it’s time to scale your dosage. To find the perfect gummy for your new wellness journey, check out shopkivaconfections.com today!
Cyrus Grant is a writer from Southern California with a background in law and dispute resolution. When he isn’t writing, he can be found deep-diving into the latest technology trends or simply spending time at the beach.
