Microdosing THC and other cannabinoids is becoming a popular way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis without experiencing the overpowering effects that come with higher doses. By taking smaller amounts, users can tailor their experience to achieve specific outcomes, such as relaxation, focus, creativity, or pain relief, while minimizing side effects like anxiety or paranoia. This method is particularly beneficial for individuals sensitive to THC or those looking to avoid the psychoactive high but still gain therapeutic benefits from cannabis.
Why Microdose THC?
- Avoid Intoxication: Microdosing allows users to bypass the typical “high” associated with THC, making it easier to stay functional in daily life.
- Targeted Benefits: People often microdose to achieve specific goals like stress relief, pain management, focus, or creativity. Small doses of THC, combined with other cannabinoids and adaptogens, can help users feel calm, focused, or energized depending on the formulation.
- Reduce Anxiety and Side Effects: Higher doses of THC can sometimes lead to anxiety, paranoia, or discomfort. Microdosing provides the benefits of cannabis while reducing the risk of these adverse effects.
- Improved Productivity: Low doses of cannabinoids such as THCV, THC, CBD, and CBG can boost focus and productivity in some users.
- Effective Pain Management: Cannabis can offer pain relief, but high doses aren’t always necessary. Microdosing provides pain relief without full intoxication.
- An Alternative to Alcohol and Other Substances: Some individuals report that microdosing THC has helped them reduce or quit alcohol and other substances.
Starting Your Microdosing THC Journey
For first-time users, it’s crucial to start small. Begin with half a gummy or a similar low-dose product and wait 90-120 minutes to feel the effects. Everyone reacts to THC differently, and edibles can take time to kick in. Gradually increase the dose until you find your “sweet spot.” As a good rule of thumb: “If you feel high, you’ve missed the mark of microdosing.”
The Role of Adaptogens
Adaptogens are natural substances that help the body adapt to stress. These are often combined with cannabis in microdosing products to enhance its effects. Herbs like ashwagandha and tulsi (holy basil), can improve mental clarity, boost energy, and reduce stress. Although Green Tea is not an adaptogen it can help improve focus and concentration. It is considered the mindful herb because it can turn the brain on and keep it going. When paired with cannabinoids, these adaptogens and other nootropics can provide synergistic benefits like anxiety reduction, mood enhancement, and energy balancing.
Products for Different Needs
Microdosing cannabis products are designed with specific results in mind. Here are some popular options:
- Uplift Microdose Gummies: Contain green tea and CBG for an energizing and uplifting effect. Ideal for starting your day or for an afternoon boost.
- Mellow Microdose Gummies: Infused with CBD and CBN, perfect for relaxation and improving sleep.
- Focus Microdose Gummies: With THCV and CBG, this product supports focus and energy. Ashwagandha helps reduce anxiety and stress.
- Bliss Microdose Gummies: Infused with a 1:1 ratio of Delta 9 and CBD, this choice is perfect for a sense of euphoria and mental clarity throughout the day.
Cannabinoids and Product Options
At Asheville Dispensary, a range of microdose gummies are available. Here’s a breakdown of some popular products and their cannabinoid content:
- Uplift: 5mg CBG, 5mg CBD, Green Tea, and Mango. This product provides an energy boost, making it ideal for starting your day or overcoming an afternoon slump. The combination of CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties and CBG’s uplifting effects makes it a balanced choice.
- Focus: 2.5mg CBG, 2.5mg THCV, 2.5mg CBDV, Ashwagandha, and Black Cherry. Can help improve focus and reduce stress, with THCV and CBDV supporting neurological health.
- Mellow: 5mg CBD, 1.5mg CBG, 3mg CBN, Magnesium, Tulsi, and Blood Orange. Designed for relaxation and sleep improvement, this blend features the sleep-inducing cannabinoid CBN and magnesium to help regulate stress.
- Bliss: 2.5mg Delta-9 THC, 2.5mg CBD, L-theanine, and Tahitian Lime. A mild euphoric buzz combined with L-theanine can help stress reduction and mental clarity.
- Daydream: 5mg Delta-9 THC, Blue Lotus, and Pina Colada. Promotes creativity and relaxation with the calming effects of blue lotus.
Cannabis Seltzer Options with Similar Profiles
Asheville Dispensary also offers a range of seltzer options with similar ingredients. These seltzers are higher in milligram but have some of the same awesome ingredients in our microdose gummies. Seltzers use nanotechnology and unlike edibles process through your body really quickly. They are known to give you almost immediate effects that are quite powerful. You can sip seltzers slowly to find the right balance for you.
- Mango Uplift Seltzer: Contains 20mg CBD, 20mg CBG, B12, and Lion’s Mane. It offers an energizing, stress-free experience without intoxication, with Lion’s Mane boosting brain health.
- Blueberry Lavender Mellow Seltzer: Combines 20mg CBD, 5mg CBN, 5mg CBG, and Ashwagandha to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
- Tahitian Lime Bliss Seltzer: A low-dose option with 5mg Delta-9 THC, 5mg CBD, and L-theanine for a light buzz and stress relief.
- Tangerine Dream HHC Seltzer: Infused with 20mg HHC and Rhodiola Rosea, it offers a creative, intoxicating high.
Grapefruit Cosmic Seltzer: Contains 15mg Delta-9 THC and blue lotus for an intoxicating yet calming and creative high.
A Journey of Discovery
Microdosing THC and cannabinoids is a highly personal journey. Finding your ideal dose may take time, but the benefits can lead to noticeable improvements in your well-being. As the cannabis industry grows, more products become available, offering a range of options for different needs and lifestyles. Be patient, take your time, and enjoy the process of discovering what works best for you.
Resources:
Adaptogens
- Cleveland Clinic. “What Are Adaptogens and What Do They Do?” Health Essentials, Cleveland Clinic, 18 Oct. 2022, health.clevelandclinic.org/what-are-adaptogens-and-what-do-they-do. Accessed 24 Sept. 2024.
Nootropics
- Forbes Health. “Best Nootropics, According to Experts.” Forbes, Forbes, 15 Sept. 2023, www.forbes.com/health/supplements/best-nootropics/. Accessed 24 Sept. 2024.
Lion’s Mane
- Cleveland Clinic. “Lion’s Mane Mushrooms: Benefits and Side Effects.” Health Essentials, Cleveland Clinic, 6 Sept. 2023, health.clevelandclinic.org/lions-mane-mushrooms-benefits. Accessed 24 Sept. 2024.
- Forbes Health. “Lion’s Mane Mushroom Benefits: Cognitive Health and Beyond.” Forbes, Forbes, 5 Sept. 2023, www.forbes.com/health/supplements/health-benefits-of-lions-mane/. Accessed 24 Sept. 2024.
Ashwagandha
- Cleveland Clinic. “What Is Ashwagandha?” Health Essentials, Cleveland Clinic, 14 July 2023, health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-ashwagandha. Accessed 24 Sept. 2024.
Rhodiola Rosea
- Cleveland Clinic. “What Are Adaptogens and What Do They Do?” Health Essentials, Cleveland Clinic, 18 Oct. 2022, health.clevelandclinic.org/what-are-adaptogens-and-what-do-they-do. Accessed 24 Sept. 2024.
- Forbes Health. “Rhodiola: Uses, Benefits, and Side Effects.” Forbes, Forbes, 4 Aug. 2023, www.forbes.com/health/supplements/rhodiola/. Accessed 24 Sept. 2024.
Green Tea
- Cleveland Clinic. “Green Tea Extract: A Better Way to Boost Energy – or Not?” Health Essentials, Cleveland Clinic, 7 Mar. 2023, health.clevelandclinic.org/green-tea-extract-a-better-way-to-boost-energy-or-not. Accessed 24 Sept. 2024.
Tulsi (Holy Basil)
- Cleveland Clinic. “Holy Basil: Benefits of Tulsi.” Health Essentials, Cleveland Clinic, 9 Sept. 2021, health.clevelandclinic.org/benefits-of-holy-basil. Accessed 24 Sept. 2024.
L-Theanine
- Cleveland Clinic. “What Is L-Theanine?” Health Essentials, Cleveland Clinic, 5 Aug. 2021, health.clevelandclinic.org/l-theanine. Accessed 24 Sept. 2024.
Blue Lotus
- ACS Laboratory. “Blue Lotus: History, Effects, and Products.” ACS Lab, ACS Laboratory, 24 Aug. 2022, www.acslab.com/wellness/blue-lotus-history-effects-products. Accessed 24 Sept. 2024.
Magnesium
- Cleveland Clinic. “Magnesium for Anxiety: Should You Take It?” Health Essentials, Cleveland Clinic, 6 Jan. 2023, health.clevelandclinic.org/magnesium-for-anxiety. Accessed 24 Sept. 2024.
THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin)
- WayofLeaf. “THCV: The Lesser-Known Cannabinoid with Unique Effects.” WayofLeaf, 28 May 2023, www.wayofleaf.com/cannabis/science/thcv-tetrahydrocannabivarin. Accessed 24 Sept. 2024.
- ACS Laboratory. “THCV: Diet Weed Guide, Extraction, Storage, and Price.” ACS Lab, ACS Laboratory, 3 July 2023, www.acslab.com/cannabinoids/a-guide-to-thcv-diet-weed-extraction-storage-price-consumption-and-more. Accessed 24 Sept. 2024.
CBDV (Cannabidivarin)
- ACS Laboratory. “CBDV: Extraction, Storage, Price, and Benefits Guide.” ACS Lab, ACS Laboratory, 4 Apr. 2023, www.acslab.com/extraction/extraction-cannabinoid-report-a-guide-to-cbdv-extraction-storage-price-benefits-more. Accessed 24 Sept. 2024.
Delta-9 THC
- ACS Laboratory. “Retail Legal Delta-9 THC: How Is It Made?” ACS Lab, ACS Laboratory, 17 June 2023, www.acslab.com/compliance/retail-legal-delta-9-how-is-it-made-and-how-is-that-possible. Accessed 24 Sept. 2024.
CBD (Cannabidiol)
- ACS Laboratory. “CBD: Extraction, Storage, Price, and Benefits Guide.” ACS Lab, ACS Laboratory, 3 Aug. 2023, www.acslab.com/cannabinoids/cannabinoid-report-a-guide-to-cbd-extraction-storage-price-benefits-more. Accessed 24 Sept. 2024.
CBG (Cannabigerol)
- Forbes Health. “Cannabigerol (CBG): Benefits, Effects, and Uses.” Forbes, Forbes, 27 Jan. 2023, www.forbes.com/health/cbd/cannabigerol-cbg/. Accessed 24 Sept. 2024.
- Natural Ways CBD. “CBG for Energy: Everything You Need to Know.” Natural Ways CBD, 5 May 2022, www.naturalwayscbd.com/blog/cbg-for-energy. Accessed 24 Sept. 2024.
CBN (Cannabinol)
- ACS Laboratory. “CBN: Benefits, Extraction, Storage, Price, and Consumption Guide.” ACS Lab, ACS Laboratory, 12 Sept. 2023, www.acslab.com/cannabinoids/a-guide-to-cbn-benefits-extraction-storage-price-consumption-and-more. Accessed 24 Sept. 2024.