Microdosing Edibles: The Complete Guide to Effective Microdosing

Every CBDistillery® product has serving size suggestions printed on the label. However, every person has a unique physical chemistry that can impact how their system responds to cannabinoids. A serving size that may be ideal for one CBD user could prove too much for some yet not enough for another because of differences in their age, weight, body composition, metabolism, and more. Although many first-time CBD users prefer the convenience of using products that deliver a consistent serving size shown to work well for most people, others prefer to start their journey microdosing.   

Microdosing is a consumption method that can give you a lot of insight into the way your system responds to a specific combination of cannabinoids. Once you know what microdosing is and why you may want to try it, it's easy to see why so many CBD users prefer microdosing with the edibles featured in the Synergy+ Collection by CBDistillery®.   

What Is Microdosing?  

Microdosing involves using a very small amount of a substance at predetermined intervals to determine how much is needed to achieve a specific effect over a period of time. It's a technique first-time CBD users have relied on for years. Some microdose to identify the smallest serving size needed to achieve optimal results. Others microdose to sustain the effects of their ideal serving size throughout the day. 

While the process is considered one of the best ways for CBD users to ensure they're not increasing their cost of daily use by taking in more CBD than they need, microdosing was not developed by CBD experts. It's a technique borrowed from recreational and medical marijuana users interested in minimizing the intoxicating effects of their THC-dominant cannabis strains. 

What Are the Benefits of Microdosing Edibles?  

Hemp-derived CBD (cannabidiol) interacts with more than 65 molecular targets (Elsaid & Foll, 2020), including the endocannabinoid system (ECS) receptors CB1 and CB2. Although most of the evidence is based on lab results, animal studies, and a small number of clinical trials, cannabis researchers believe CBD's indirect influence on ECS receptors helps promotes homeostasis (internal balance) (Sallaberry & Astern, 2018). For years, it was widely understood that hemp-derived CBD products posed no risk of intoxication because of hemp's natural 15:1 CBD to THC ratio. 

While there was a time when hemp-derived products made with more than a small amount of the plant's most intriguing minor cannabinoids were nearly impossible to find, today's CBD users have access to numerous products made with enhanced concentrations, ingredients selected to fine-tune the overall effects of their hemp-derived products. Microdosing CBD edibles featuring hemp-derived THC ensures you're going "low and slow" until you know how your system responds, helps you maintain full control over your experience, and reduces the likelihood of any unpleasantness linked to overconsumption. 

Is Microdosing Edibles Safe?  

Hemp-derived CBD is generally well tolerated and safe for most people. According to a 2020 report published by the World Health Organization, there's "no evidence of public health-related problems" (WHO 2020). There's also an impressively low risk of (minor) side effects, which can include dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea, or fatigue. THC, on the other hand, causes a sedating, euphoric effect (Iversen, 2003). Although THC-dominant cannabis is prescribed for a select number of concerns in many states and used recreationally in others, overconsumption is known to cause a rapid heart rate, impaired coordination, anxiety, sleeplessness, panic, paranoia, and more (Harris, 2022b). 

Although microdosing cannabis edibles helps reduce the likelihood of any unpleasantness, using even a partial serving may not be ideal for a considerable number of people. CBD and THC are known to interfere with the metabolization of several common over-the-counter and prescription medications, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) (MacCallum & Russo, 2018). If you have a medical condition or take medication, consult your physician before microdosing with any hemp-derived edible. 

How to Microdose Using Edibles 

Microdosing initially came to public attention with a report suggesting Silicone Valley technicians were using non-intoxicating amounts of psychedelics to promote focus, creativity, and abstract thinking (Lehmert, 2021). Many cannabis consumers microdosing THC report similarly beneficial results. In a 2020 study, participants ingesting a single milligram of THC reported positive effects, without the type of euphoria typically associated with marijuana use (Almog et al., 2020). 

Of the many types of edibles you could microdose, gummies are a clear favorite. Each piece contains a precise blend of cannabinoids, but they're soft enough to divide into smaller portions. If you're intrigued by the study investigating the impact of a 1mg serving of THC, cutting a 5mg THC &CBD edible into four equal pieces will get you close, 1.25mg per quarter. Try sticking with that serving size every 6 hours. 

If your goal is to ensure you don't overindulge when enjoying THC-enhanced CBD edibles for the first time, you'll also start with a small amount, 1.25-2.5mg. Then wait a minimum of two hours (or more) before attempting a second serving. That time interval is important. It can take hours for the cannabinoids to process through your digestive system and the effects to peak. Waiting between servings helps reduce the risk of unpleasant side effects due to overconsumption. 

Recommended Edibles for Microdosing  

Whether you're microdosing to keep a small amount of hemp-derived cannabinoids circulating through your system throughout the day or to ensure your system responds favorably when you're trying something new, the purity, potency, and overall quality of the edibles you select will play a large role in how the product might make you feel. When you choose edibles from CBDistillery®, you'll have the peace of mind that comes with knowing the products you select are US Hemp Authority® certified, third-party tested, and made in a GMP-registered facility. While you can microdose with any of our high-quality, vegan-friendly gummies, the following THC & CBD edibles are best used at the end of the day when you won't be driving or operating machinery. 

Unwind Synergy+ THC & CBD Gummies   

CBDistillery® Unwind Synergy+ THC & CBD Gummies could be just what you need at the end of a particularly challenging day. Each berry-flavored gummy gives you everything our full spectrum hemp extract has to offer, plus just the right amount of Delta-9 THC for relaxation, an enhanced entourage effect, and an uplifting yet mellow buzz. In each gummy, you'll get 25mg of CBD and 5mg of THC, a 1:5 THC to CBD ratio selected by our expert botanists to help calm your mind and ease your tension. 

CBDistillery® Deep Sleep Synergy+ Gummies  

CBDistillery® Deep Sleep Synergy+ THC & CBN Gummies are specifically formulated to help you get the rest you need to wake feeling refreshed. We think you'll adore their delicious Dreamberry flavor almost as much as you'll love how this synergistic blend of cannabinoids helps you drift off naturally and remain in a peaceful slumber. As the 5mg of Delta-9 THC helps you drift off to dreamland, the 25mg of CBD and 5mg of CBN help ensure restorative sleep. CBN (cannabinol) is well-known for its soothing effect and considerable sleep-promoting potential (Harris, 2022a). 

Discover Why So Many CBD Users Microdose with CBDistillery® Edibles  

By dispensary standards, cannabis products with THC concentrations under 10mg per serving are considered low. The 5mg of naturally occurring Delta-9 THC in our Deep Sleep Synergy+ and Unwind Synergy+ Gummies make it easy to microdose at 5mg, 2.5mg, or 1.25mg per serving. Whether you're starting with the suggested serving size or a portion of a serving, we recommend waiting a minimum of two hours before microdosing again. 

Based on the feedback of nearly 2000 survey respondents, most CBD users report positive results for a wide range of concerns related to processes regulated by ECS function, including relaxation, better sleep, mild or temporary anxiety, and discomfort after physical activity. To learn more about some of the many ways you could benefit, visit CBDistillery® to review industry studies, browse our blog, or schedule a personal consultation with an expert.   

References 

Almog S, Aharon-Perez J. (2020) The Pharmacokinetics, Efficacy, and Safety of a Novel Selective-Dose Cannabis Inhaler in Patients with Chronic Pain: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Trial. 24(8) Eur J of Pain 1505-1516. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejp.1605   

Harris D. (2022a) What is CBN (Cannabinol) CNBS. 

Harris D. (2022b) What Is THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)? CNBS. 

Elsaid S, Foll B. (2020) The Complexity of Pharmacology of Cannabidiol (CBD) and Its Implications in the Treatment of Brain Disorders. 45 Neuropsychopharmacol 229-30 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-019-0518-1 

Iversen L. (2009) Cannabis and the Brain. 126(6) Brain: A Journal of Neurology 1252-70. https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awg143 

Lehmert K, Ambrozova E, et al. (2021) Microdosing of Psychoactive Substances in Business Practice. 1(3) Businesses 2021 196-204. https://doi.org/10.3390/businesses1030014 

MacCallum C, Russo E. (2018) Practical Considerations in Medical Cannabis Administrations and Dosing. 49, Eur J Intern Med 12-19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejim.2018.01.004 

Sallaberry C, Astern L. (2018) The Endocannabinoid System, Our Universal Regulator. 34(6) JYI 48-55. https://www.jyi.org/2018-june/2018/6/1/the-endocannabinoid-system-our-universal-regulator 

World Health Organization. (2020) Cannabidiol (CBD) Critical Review Report. PDF https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/controlled-substances/whocbdreportmay2018-2.pdf?sfvrsn=f78db177_2