When it comes to most things, many humans are conditioned to think that if a little is good, then more must be great. While in some cases that may be true, there are cases where that certainly isn’t the case. When many cannabis cultivators tried breeding high-THC strains since the early 1980s in search of that ultimate Cheech and Chong-inspired high, they ultimately bred plants that had THC percentages as high as 30% while breeding out a cannabinoid that we have only just recently come to see for its value: CBD.
High-THC may be a good thing if the only purpose one is seeking is to get high and find themselves locked on the couch with a bag of Cheetos, a pint of Ben & Jerry’s and a show to binge-watch on Netflix. However, therapeutically speaking, most people need relief while still being able to focus throughout their day.
We’ve known for thousands of years that cannabis can be used therapeutically. However, we’ve also recognized that moderation is key to this effect. In fact, the one question that is becoming more often asked is “What can provide me with relief without knocking me out?”
This is where low-dose cannabis comes in.
Here we must discuss something called the bi-phasic effect. The aptest way to describe this is to think of it like alcohol. One or two drinks and a person becomes more relaxed and inhibitions lower. More than just a couple of drinks and the downside of alcohol becomes apparent. Cannabis is much the same.
Research has shown that at lower doses, cannabis provides relief from a host of symptoms and conditions while not exacerbating some of them like anxiety. Some users report that at higher doses, they have had symptoms of higher anxiety instead of lower. In fact, some are touting that microdosing or low-dose cannabis may be the future of the industry. Using vaping systems like volcano vaporizers or wax vape pens help many cannabis users control their dosing.
The advantageous effects seem to find themselves in a middle ground. If the dose isn’t high enough, there is little relief obtained. At too high a dose the same was reported – an increase in symptoms rather than alleviation. The best dose of THC seems to be somewhere between 2.5 milligrams for the absolute beginner and 5 milligrams for someone who is used to the effects.
Dosage is key
There are several edibles and tinctures and transdermal patches that provide low-dose cannabis at these levels. However, what about when it comes to vaporizing or smoking the cannabis? Here it helps to know the percentages of THC and CBD.
The key here is balance because THC and CBD work best in conjunction with one another. Look out for strains with at least a 1:1 ratio of THC to CBD. Take as many puffs from your wax vape pen or Volcano vaporizer as needed to feel relief. Remember, you will feel the effects quicker via inhalation than through eating an edible, though edible effects tend to last longer.
Keep in mind that chronic overdosing on THC can shift your endocannabinoid receptors and cause them to become desensitized. This can lead to an endocannabinoid deficiency. Our endocannabinoid system has long been tied to mood and to focus, so less may be more when it comes to cannabis.
The key here is that everyone is different. While one puff off of a vaporizer may provide relief to one person, another may need another few puffs. Two things are clear, however, and that is that first cannabis is Legal in the US and second the majority of consumers today are looking for relief that won’t give them couchlock.
