How Long Does A Microdose Last?

Microdosing cannabis, notably THC, is a practice that allows consumers to ingest small doses of plant compounds to experience an array of possible positives without any overwhelming or intoxicating effects that may come with larger doses. 

 

Consumers can microdose any plant compound, in theory. However, the primary focus is on THC, the most prevalent compound in the plant and the component responsible for producing the intoxicating high effect.

 

Microdosing is a good idea for anyone looking to incrementally level up their cannabis dosage, find their ideal serving, or anyone looking to experience possible medical or therapeutic benefits without experiencing a high. 

 

But how long does the effects of a microdose last? 

 

With quite a bit of variation in the application and definition of microdosing cannabis, consumers should be aware of many critical components before diving in. Read on to learn more about the length of a microdose and other practical tips and information to consider.

 

What is Microdosing? 

Microdosing aims to allow the consumer to reach their desired effects using the lowest dose possible.

 

Microdosing THC involves consuming a small amount of cannabis during a single serving. The serving varies by person and product, but most microdose products range between 0.5 and 5 mg per serving. 

 

Unlike a standard or large dose of THC, which aims to produce noticeable intoxicating effects, a microdose aims to provide subtle results. These sub-perceptual effects provide a range of reported benefits that users claim help them throughout the day, which will be discussed in further depth in a section below.

 

Typical Effects Duration

It may be difficult to notice the effects of a microdose. Others claim to have no problem doing so. In either case, the effects will vary depending on several factors. Common critical facets include:

 

Onset Time

Onset time measures how long it takes for the consumer to feel the effects of THC after consumption. Depending on the consumption method, the onset time will vary. Typical windows for various consumption products are:

• Smoking/Vaping: Consumed via the lungs, effects are felt almost immediately, usually within minutes. Peak effects kick in roughly 30 to 120 minutes after consuming, lasting about four hours overall.
• Edibles: These take longer to kick in, generally between 30 to 90 minutes, as the THC is processed through the digestive system before being metabolized in the liver, converting to the more potent cannabinoid 11-hydroxy-THC. Peak effects kick in roughly two to four hours after consuming, with effects typically lasting four to eight hours.
• Tinctures: Consumed under the tongue (sublingually), effects commonly appear within 15 to 45 minutes. Peak effects kick in roughly one to three hours after consuming and last about four to six hours overall. 

 

These common outcomes can be applied to micro and larger doses, with the effects being more subtle when consumed as a microdose. 

 

In theory, consumers can microdose using any cannabis consumption method that reaches the bloodstream. That means that everything other than most topicals are a viable option. 

Still, consumers have little control over microdosing when it comes to smoking and vaping. As such, most microdoses are made with tincture or edible for more precise and consistent dosing.

 

Factors Influencing the Duration of Microdose Effects

Numerous internal factors can also affect the duration of microdose effects. These set of factors can vary from person to person and include:

• Metabolism: The faster your metabolism processes THC, the shorter the effects will last.
• Body Weight: Larger and heavier consumers may experience longer effects due to THC distribution in body fat.
• Tolerance: The more often a person consumes, the more likely they'll need a higher dose of THC to feel or experience a prolonged duration of the THC's effects. 

 

Additional factors, ranging from when the person last ate to their surroundings and setting, play additional factors. 

 

With numerous elements at play, consumers should be aware that the standard outcome for one person may not be the same for them. But, with an understanding of microdosing, consumers can best position for a beneficial experience.

 

So, How Long Does a Microdose Last? 

The effects of a microdose will vary depending on each person, but several factors help determine a loose window of time. 

 

Using standard dosing information, we can determine that most effects will kick in somewhere between 15 and 90 minutes after consuming, that is, if the method of consumption is an edible or tincture. Those effects will last between four and eight hours with room for variation. 

 

Microdosing Schedules and Their Impact on Duration

Microdosing can be an everyday part of a consumer's routine. Or, it could be more infrequent.

The ideal dosage regimen will vary depending on the consumer and their intended outcome. 

 

The three standard microdosing schedule methods include:

• Daily Microdosing: Consumers dose daily, often in the morning, but another time of day can also work. This method is believed to help maintain a consistent level of cannabinoids in the system, producing effects each day.
• Every Other Day: This method follows the same dosing regimen as daily microdosing but with a day off in between. The one-day-on, one-day-off method is believed to help prevent tolerance build-ups while maintaining the effects over a prolonged period.
• Intermittent Dosing: Rather than dosing on a disciplined basis, intermittent dosing allows the consumer to ingest microdoses of THC whenever needed.

 

Choosing the best microdosing schedule boils down to what the consumer needs. Some medical consumers may need daily microdosing, while others need more as needed. In other cases, everyday usage may be ideal for those looking for benefits that benefit them throughout their daily activities, like work or errands. 

 

When in doubt, consumers should consult with a medical professional before using cannabis of any kind for medical purposes. Similarly, anyone using microdosing as part of a recreational benefit should consider all the factors before going forward.

 

Potential Benefits and Drawbacks of Microdosing

Research into cannabis and its effects remains limited. The dearth of information is often attributed to decades of prohibition, which limited the number of clinical studies that were conducted. 

 

Today, we are incrementally catching up on information that is critically needed. Yet, much of our current findings are still based on anecdotal and user feedback. 

 

Still, select research has begun to assess long-held claims about microdosing THC and its potential benefits. Some of the standout results have shed light on its possible impact on conditions like:

 

Anxiety

A study conducted at the University of Illinois at Chicago and University of Chicago found that low doses of THC can help relieve stress. However, researchers warned that higher levels of THC can't produce the opposite outcome link.

 

Pain

A 2020 first-of-its-kind clinical trial found that small doses of THC may reduce pain sensations and consumers without inducing intoxicating side effects. The study provided participants with an inhaled dose containing either .5 mg, 1 mg, or a placebo link.

 

Alzheimer's Disease

Select studies found that microdosing can play a potential therapeutic role for individuals with Alzheimer's disease with no significant side effects. However, researchers noted that placebo-controlled clinical trials are needed to further confirm the findings link.

 

Focus

More often attributed to microdosing psychedelics like psilocybin, a trend has emerged in recent years where it is believed that microdosing THC can help boost focus and productivity while also helping reduce stress link. 

 

While often contributed to other compounds, some believe that microdosing THC and other cannabinoids can produce a similar improved focus effect while also enhancing creativity, awareness, and overall cognitive function. With some strains producing such effects, the claims may have validity.

 

Tips for Effective Microdosing

Microdosing with THC is a relatively low-risk process.

 

It allows consumers to identify their ideal dosage in incremental steps. At the same time, many in the medical community rely on microdoses to experience the effects of THC without any of the common intoxicating high effects.

 

When starting with microdosing, there are a few practices and tips to consider to help produce the ideal outcome.

 

Start Low and Go Slow 

The often echoed method in the consumption community recommends that consumers start with a low dose (between .5 and 5 mg), then wait anywhere from 15 to 90 minutes, depending on the consumption method chosen, before deciding if another dose is needed.

 

If another dose is needed, the consumer is recommended to ingest the same dosage as before and then assess the outcome. After waiting for the previously stated window again, they can decide if another dose is needed.

 

If the consumer wants to increase their dosage, they are recommended to do so at a subsequent time--though some will increased the dosage during a single period.

 

Keep a Journal 

Keeping track of the dosage and effects helps the consumer track how their microdose journey is progressing. Use this information to help determine the ideal dosage and frequency needed to achieve the desired outcome.

 

Accurate Measuring 

Some methods of consumption and products are more suited for microdosing than others. Smoking and vaping can technically be used to microdose, but it is challenging to get a precise dosage with either method. 

 

Instead, edibles and tinctures are more suited for microdosing. These items have measured droppers and consistently dosed servings so that consumers know precisely what they're getting. 

 

While unlicensed and at-home products can be used to microdose, buying from legally state-licensed products will provide consumers with the most clarity about their dosage and the quality of the product.

 

Consumers can find more information about a product's safety profile and dose by checking the lab test or certificate of authenticity. They can also scan the QR code on the packaging or visit the brand's website.

 

Consumers get that high level of public assurance when eating Snoozy's infused gummies. Our microdosed and standard-dosed products are lab-tested by third-party facilities to confirm the contents so consumers know exactly what serving they'll consume. 

 

As effective as Snoozy gummies are, they're just as delicious. Find out for yourself today!