Microdosing: When Less Is So Much More

In the cannabis space, a growing trend among consumers is microdosing, where people intentionally take small amounts of substance such cannabis and cannabinoids at time, typically less than what a person would consume recreationally. Those who microdose often take this small amount throughout the day as opposed to taking a higher dose once a day. For most people who microdose, the goal isn’t to get high; it’s to experience the subtle, beneficial effects that small amounts of the cannabinoid can provide over the course of a day.  

Factors to Consider When Finding the Right Microdose for You 

Because each person’s body chemistry is different, figuring out the right microdose will be influenced by the following factors: 

• Metabolism & Genetic Makeup 
• History of Cannabis Use 
• Type of Cannabis Product & Its Concentration 

If a consumer is new to cannabis, the best recommendation for finding the right microdose is to start low and go slow, which will allow a person to monitor how they feel and increase the dosage slowly to find their sweet spot.  

Potential Benefits of Microdosing 

These are some of the effects that cannabis consumers report experiencing when microdosing: 

• Pain relief: When used in small amounts, cannabis studies show it may have analgesic properties that can help reduce inflammation and pain. In a 2020 study, participants experiencing chronic pain who were given either a .5mg dose of THC, 1mg dose of THC, or a placebo. Participants who received either the .5 or 1mg dose of THC reported “a significant reduction in pain intensity.” 
• Mood: After microdosing cannabis, some consumers report they feel more relaxed and less anxious. 
• Focus & Creativity: Microdosing may help some consumers feel more focused and enhance their creativity. 
• Sleep: When taken in small amounts before bed, cannabis may help improve a person’s quality of sleep. 

Why Beverages Are the Perfect Product Form for Microdosing 

Infused beverages are a great choice for a cannabis consumer looking to microdose because the dosing of these products is precise and easy to measure, especially with products that have been rigorously tested for potency. For example, when you purchase a box of Cann, you know exactly how much THC and CBD you are getting (2mg and 4mg respectively per each). For some people with a low tolerance, one or two of these drinks might be a great place to start. For those with a considerably higher tolerance, drinking 10-20mg of a 100mg dose beverage would likely be the easiest and most cost effective way to microdose.  

Another factor to consider when microdosing with a beverage is how the body processes the cannabinoids compared to how it processes an oil-based edible. When people consume most edibles, the edible is broken down in the digestive track, a process that can take an hour or two, which means that you won’t feel the effects of the cannabinoids immediately.  In contrast, because of the way the body absorbs liquid in the digestive process, a person who consumes a beverage infused with a water-soluble emulsion, they will feel the effects within 10 to 15 minutes.  

When microdosing, the goal is to find that threshold dose that is right for you. For most frequent-use cannabis consumers, this is about a tenth of the dose they would normally take.  

Emulsion technology has been a game-changer when it comes to creating cannabis consumption experiences that don’t involve inhalation. Beverages that are Powered by SōRSE offer a consumer a safe, reliable, great tasting experience for a highly intentional form of consumption. Check out our Powered by SōRSE partner page to learn more about drinks for microdosing.