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Microdosing Guide: Finding Your Minimal Effective Dose

Less Can Be More

Microdosing means taking small enough amounts that you don't feel "high" in the traditional sense—but you do notice subtle benefits. Enhanced focus. Reduced anxiety. Slight mood lift.

Here's how to find your minimal effective dose.

What Counts as a Microdose?

General ranges (these vary by individual):

  • THC/THCA: 1-5mg
  • Delta-8: 2.5-10mg
  • CBD: 10-25mg (though CBD isn't intoxicating at any dose)

The goal is sub-perceptual or barely perceptual. You shouldn't be impaired. You should be able to work, drive (if legal in your state), and function normally.

Finding Your Dose

Start Very Low

Take the lowest dose possible. For THC, that might be 1-2mg. For Delta-8, maybe 2.5-5mg.

Note the Effects

Wait 90-120 minutes (for edibles) or 30 minutes (for tinctures). Journal how you feel:

  • Mood shift?
  • Focus change?
  • Anxiety levels?
  • Any impairment?

Adjust Gradually

If you felt nothing, increase slightly next time. If you felt impaired, decrease. The sweet spot is where you notice benefits without impairment.

Protocols

Daily Microdosing

Some people take a small dose every morning, like a supplement. This maintains steady levels.

As-Needed

Others microdose only when they need it—before a creative session, during a stressful period, or at social events.

Fadiman Protocol (Psychedelics)

Originally designed for psilocybin: dose on Day 1, nothing Days 2-3, repeat. Some apply this to cannabinoids to prevent tolerance buildup.

Best Products for Microdosing

Low-dose gummies (2.5-5mg): Precise, consistent, easy to cut in half.

Tinctures: Droppers allow precise measurement. Start with 1-2 drops.

Vapes: One small puff can be a microdose if you have control.

What Microdosing Is NOT

  • It's not a way to stay constantly high
  • It's not a replacement for mental health treatment
  • It's not equally effective for everyone
  • It's not without risk—you're still consuming cannabinoids

Microdosing is about optimization—using the minimum amount to get the benefits you're seeking. It requires experimentation and honesty with yourself about what's working.

Find low-dose options at Cloud Culture.

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