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Microdosing Cannabis by Peter Kershaw, contributing writer
Microdosing is a relatively recent field of research, most commonly associated with consuming small doses of psychedelic hallucinogens( e. g., LSD, psilocybin, MDMA, Ketamine, etc.) for the purpose of receiving psychotherapeutic benefits. 1 To microdose with a psychedelic drug is to take a dose small enough that it provides no intoxication or significant alteration of consciousness. Microdosing hallucinogens may be thought of as an entry-level version of“ guided hallucinogenic therapy.” This involves the administration of a psychedelic dose of a hallucinogenic drug, such as Ketamine, by a licensed mental health practitioner( in states where it’ s legal) to jumpstart a patient suffering from severe emotional disorders, such as PTSD and chronic depression in veterans. 2 Not everyone, however, is entirely comfortable with taking a“ psychedelic journey.” Rather, microdosing is subtle, with benefits taking longer to perceive, but in the long term, it is still highly beneficial.
Due to psychedelics being classified as Schedule 1 drugs, human trials have long been hampered by the feds( much at the urging of Big Pharma). Nevertheless, there have been some clinical microdosing studies of various psychedelic drugs. 3 Benefits are usually demonstrated when dosing at 5-10 % of an“ active” dose and sometimes as little as 1 %.
Improvements to various conditions may include, but are not limited to:; Sleep disorders; PTSD; Anxiety and social anxiety disorders; Chronic depression; Drug and alcohol addiction; Chronic pain
Studies show that microdosing hallucinogens is, in most cases, psychologically and physiologically safe, even when consumed several times per week. What makes them unsafe is that they aren’ t legal federally“ for personal use”( though as of this date, neither is cannabis), nor are they legal in most states, with the exception of Colorado, where psychedelics and licensed psilocybin medical treatment centers are legal. 4 A number of states have passed legislation to create task forces to study the psychotherapeutic benefits of certain hallucinogens. However, widespread state legalization is likely only in the distant future. As such, the most glaring problem with microdosing hallucinogens is their illegality and the serious criminal penalties imposed.
Microdosing Cannabis
Thankfully, the practice of microdosing can also include other psychoactive, yet far tamer drugs, such as cannabis. Though THC is technically classified as hallucinogenic, unless consumed in outrageously high doses, it doesn’ t even begin to approach the intense mind-bending experiences induced by the other hallucinogens mentioned above. Nevertheless, there are millions of suffering Americans who could greatly benefit from cannabis but don’ t want the“ high” commonly associated with it. For them, there is microdosing.
Microdosing affords the opportunity of receiving the physical and emotional benefits of cannabis while maintaining complete mental acuity. It involves consuming small doses of THC, too small to produce strong, noticeable psychoactive effects, while still having a positive effect on emotions, cognitive function, and physiological functions. Another benefit is a significantly reduced risk of dependence. Microdosers find that they can comfortably stop consuming( if needed) with no discomfort while maintaining the benefits achieved for days and sometimes weeks thereafter.
A Few of the Benefits of Microdosing Cannabis
; Sounder sleep; Pain management; Inflammatory relief; Headache relief; Anxiety reduction; Overcoming depression; Improved cognitive function
Among other things, microdosing cannabis holds great promise for the elderly and aging, not to mention lessening the load on their caregivers. Cannabis can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’ s and even reverse its effects. One study found:“ Symptom amelioration was rapid, robust, and not limited to mnemonic. We tried to titrate the dose up to 1mg THC, but the most frequent dose was 500 µ g [ 0.5 mg ] THC. The period when the patient was treated with this dose seemed to be the period with higher symptom suppression.” 5 The patient himself reported:“ I used to feel forgetful, not once after the treatment. Sometimes, I did not know where I was, it has not happened to me anymore. I used to find myself lost on the streets, I could not leave home unassisted; today, I took the bus by myself to perform my clinical evaluation. Shortly after the beginning of the treatment, I already felt more alert and excited during daily activities, and I have noticed I have been sleeping much better.”
Dosing and Consumption Methods
Opinions differ on what constitutes a cannabis“ microdose.” Dispensaries and online retailers generally suggest between 2.5mg and 5mg, which, in this author’ s opinion, hardly constitutes“ micro.” Based on what we see from the above study, an effective dose for
18 July 2025