Microdosing is an interesting idea, to say the least. People microdose a variety of substances to gain certain benefits without crossing certain thresholds. In other words, microdosing means avoiding the most potent effects of a substance but benefitting from less-intense ones.
So, can you microdose Delta 8? Does it work? And how do you do it?
Keep reading to learn more about microdosing, Delta 8, and how to try the process out for yourself.
Delta 8 and Microdosing: The Basics
To make sure we’re all on the same page, let’s briefly review two key concepts:
- Delta 8: What it is and how it’s used.
- Microdosing: How it works and why people do it.
What is Delta 8?
Delta 8 is a naturally occurring chemical found in small amounts in both cannabis and hemp plants. It’s classified as a cannabinoid because it interacts with the body’s natural endocannabinoid system.
Those interactions between Delta 8 and the body produce some specific effects. In the big picture, they’re similar to the effects of Delta 9 THC. That’s the most common cannabinoid found in cannabis plants.
People use Delta 8 because it tends to elevate their mood and change their perceptions. A user survey conducted by the University at Buffalo and the University of Michigan found that the three most common experiences associated with Delta 8 are:
- Relaxation.
- Pain relief.
- Euphoria.
Delta 8 is also recognized by users in that same survey as having milder side effects than Delta 9. Issues like anxiety and the munchies aren’t off the table. However, they don’t seem to be as intense for many users.
As of early 2024, Delta 8 is legal federally. That’s true as long as it’s sourced from hemp plants containing no more than 0.3% Delta 9 THC by dry weight.
However, some states, cities, and towns have more restrictive rules related to Delta 8. For that reason, we always recommend making sure it’s legal in your local area before a purchase.
What is Microdosing?
In the simplest, process-focused definition, microdosing involves taking very small doses of a substance to accomplish two key goals:
- Achieving certain effects, which vary depending on the substance involved.
- Avoiding other effects that tend to come along with a standard dose.
Microdosing is most well-known in connection with psychedelic substances, like certain types of mushrooms. In these cases, the objective of microdosing is to avoid the full-on hallucinogenic effects on cognitive function while potentially improving creativity, energy level, and more.
However, microdosing as a concept is by no means limited to psychedelics. You can easily microdose Delta 8 (a topic we’ll cover in more detail in the next section). Microdosing CBD has also gained popularity in recent years.
Harvard Health Publishing explains that the evidence on microdosing is mixed for psychedelics. Some research has found significant benefits, but other studies haven’t.
The good news is that microdosing involves smaller doses. If you’ve tried Delta 8 in the past and liked it, microdosing isn’t particularly risky. And it could provide some useful benefits. Let’s take a closer look.
How to Microdose Delta 8
As a general guideline, microdosing involves taking a small fraction of a standard dose to achieve subtle effects. Those desired effects often include mild pain relief, increased energy levels, and enhanced creativity.
An effective microdose can vary based on the specific substance and the biology of the person taking the dose. However, somewhere between 1/5 and 1/20 of a standard dose is common.
Some people take a microdose several times a day. If that’s your strategy, you’ll want to have several microdoses ready to go.
Keep in mind that you can micro-dose Delta 8 and any other cannabinoid. The following instructions also work for microdosing Delta 9, THC-A, and many others.
Wondering how can you try microdosing Delta 8 yourself? Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide:
Find a Delta 8 Product that Lends Itself to Microdosing
Microdosing depends on amounts much smaller than a standard dose of Delta 8. Gummies can make it easy to microdose.
Each one contains the same-sized dose and can easily be divided with a cutting board and a small kitchen knife or similar tool. Simply cut each gummy into the desired number of pieces—five pieces if you’re looking for a dose 1/5 the size of a standard one, for example.
Vapes are less exact, but can also be very easy to use for casual microdosing. Instead of taking several strong draws from your vape, take a single, very brief, and light draw instead.
Tinctures and oils often include a dropper with precise measurements marked off on the cylinder. These options are the most precise for truly fine-tuned microdosing.
Pick a Dose and Set a Schedule
Consistent effects are a common goal for microdosing, although not a requirement. If you want to feel the effects of microdosed Delta 8 throughout your day, you need to take it consistently.
This is mostly a process of trial and error based on individual perceptions of noticeable effects. However, you could start by taking a microdose every 90 minutes or two hours.
Similarly, you need to have a specific dose in mind. Remember, the guideline is somewhere between 1/5 and 1/20 of a regular dose. Pick a starting point and remember you can always adjust it later on. That leads us to our next step.
Track the Effects of Microdosing Delta 8 and Make Adjustments
Your goals for microdosing might be to achieve some pain relief, boost your creativity, or something else entirely. So, identify your goal and keep track of how your attempts at microdosing affect you. Then, make common-sense adjustments based on the results:
- Not noticing any effects? Try slowly increasing the size of your dose (i.e. from 1/10 of a gummy to 1/5). You could also increase the frequency of your microdosing schedule.
- Feeling too many of the effects of a standard Delta 8 dose? Cut down on the size of each microdose. Feeling those stronger effects starting to stack across the day? Spread out your dosing schedule.
High-Quality Delta 8 for Your Microdosing Needs
Delta 8 Resellers is proud to offer Delta 8 products from leading brands. We always share the results of independent lab testing on our products whenever they’re available. That way, you can check out quality, purity, and other key pieces of information for yourself.
And, with a wide range of tinctures, oils, gummies, and vapes, we make it easy to try microdosing Delta 8 for yourself. Check out our selection of Delta 8 products!
