CBD and Health

Microdosing with delta 8 edibles

Anastasia Filipenko

Microdosing cannabis is one of the most searched topics on Google. While the internet is exploding, books and articles on the subject pop up left, right, and center. This has left the masses too interested in taking the microdose approach. Since it is clear microdosing is no longer a thing for the psychedelics alone, you will learn how to do it on delta 8 edibles below.

Delta 8 is gaining traction in the cannabis community. As one of the popular analogs of THC, delta 8 has been used for centuries for holistic and recreational purposes. According to Helander et al (2022), Delta 8 harbors psychoactive properties that enhance the “high” feeling. Above delta 8 in psychoactive properties is Delta 9. This analog of THC has higher potency compared to its siblings, meaning it can go to the extreme. Delta 8 comes in various forms, including capsules, flowers, gummies, vapes, and tinctures. Since all these forms induce the psychoactive buzz, what works best will depend on your needs and preferences.

What is the Difference Between Delta 8 and CBD?

Delta 8 and CBD (cannabidiol) have a fair market share in the hemp industry. For this reason, you may not miss CBD, where delta 8 is mentioned. CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, mostly used for holistic purposes. Being non-psychoactive means CBD does not make you high. Like delta 8, CBD comes in various forms, including oils and tinctures, gummies, capsules, and topicals.

Understanding a Microdose

According to Polito & Stevenson (2019), a microdose is a smaller amount of a psychoactive substance. The act of taking a microdose is called microdosing. More people are taking the microdose approach because it delivers desirable effects without getting them high. Normally, smaller dosing of delta 8 works best for people who want to stay productive throughout the day.

How To Microdose with Delta 8 edibles

Microdosing with delta 8 edibles is easy because most come with a pre-measured dose. Normally, each piece of an edible harbors 25 mg of Delta 8. To microdose, cut the piece into 4 or 5 pieces, ensuring the delta 8 is evenly distributed in your pieces. It is important to note the effects of edibles take longer to kick in. For this reason, do not go beyond the threshold dose if the desired effects fail to show in time. A threshold dose is a point where psychoactive effects kick in.

Other Products for Microdosing Delta 8

Everyone has preferences in microdosing delta 8. While some might see edibles as the best microdosing technique, others will want to try other options. Therefore, it is important to know various products for microdosing delta 8. Having more than one way of microdosing the cannabinoid at your disposal helps you satisfy your cannabis longing accordingly.

Delta 8 Tinctures

Delta 8 tinctures can be taken sublingually or mixed with foods or drinks. Grant et al. (2012) noted that the former delivers the effects of delta 8 faster than the latter, which requires the cannabinoid to pass through the digestive system before being absorbed into the bloodstream. Microdosing with delta 8 tinctures is easy because most manufacturers indicate the amount of delta 8 per ml of the tincture. If not indicated, you can get the microdose quantity by dividing the delta 8 amount by the volume of the tincture. For instance, if the 30ml bottle harbors 1200 mg of delta 8, the tincture potency is 40mg/ml. Since this amount is not ideal for a microdose, find the delta 8 amount each drop of the tincture can carry. Odds are you will use a 1ml dropper that releases 30 drops to serve yourself.

For this reason, you will divide the tincture’s potency (40mg/ml) by 30 to get the delta 8 amount per one drop of the tincture. Diving the tincture’s potency by 30 (amount of drops your dropper releases) will give you 1.3 mg delta 8 per drop of the tincture. This shows one or two drops of the tincture can work best for beginners and those with low tolerance to the cannabinoid. Experiences folks and those with a higher tolerance to delta 8 can try microdosing with three or four drops of the tincture.

Delta 8 Vapes

Microdosing with delta 8 vapes is the most imprecise method on the list. Most manufacturers do not indicate the pre-measured dose per puff, leaving the dosing part to the final consumer. Since vapes give you control over the dosage, microdosing will depend on the volume of the delta 8-infused juice you inhale and how you vape. As a rule of thumb, novices and those with low tolerance levels to delta 8 should work with small puffs. Experience folks and those with a higher tolerance should go with a regular draw.

Delta 8 Flower

Delta 8 flower provides instantaneous effects. To enjoy a microdose quantity of this product, you will need dry-herb vaporizing equipment or a one-hitter.

Microdosing and Drug Tests

Microdosing, whether with vapes, tinctures or edibles, can make you fail drug tests. Normally, drug tests detect even smaller traces of substances in your body, which can cause you problems at work or in sports. For this reason, it is best to avoid delta 8 if your drug tests are coming soon.

Should You Microdose Delta 8?

Microdosing delta 8 mostly depends on what you want to achieve. According to Boggs & Douglas (2018), a standard dose of delta 8 THC is more likely to get you high, disrupting how you function. This means you will be lazy almost the entire day. If you have a lot to achieve during the day, microdosing can be the best path to take.

The Bottom Line

Microdosing delta 8 is a great way to enjoy the benefits of the cannabinoid without experiencing the psychoactive high. The microdose approach attracts masses because it allows you to be productive throughout the day. Luckily, there are various products to microdose with. The choice is endless, from delta tinctures to vapes and edibles to flowers. This blog discusses how to microdose with all these forms of delta 8, allowing you to choose what works best for you. Enjoy your microdosing routine!

References

Boggs, D. L., Cortes-Briones, J. A., Surti, T., Luddy, C., Ranganathan, M., Cahill, J. D., … & Skosnik, P. D. (2018). The Dose-Dependent Psychomotor Effects Of Intravenous Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) In Humans. Journal Of Psychopharmacology, 32(12), 1308-1318.

Grant, I., Atkinson, J. H., Gouaux, B., & Wilsey, B. (2012). Medical Marijuana: Clearing Away The Smoke. The Open Neurology Journal, 6, 18.

Helander, A., Johansson, M., Andersson, A., & Villén, T. (2022). Analytical And Medico‐Legal Problems Linked To The Presence Of Delta‐8‐Tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta‐8‐THC): Results From Urine Drug Testing In Sweden. Drug Testing And Analysis, 14(2), 371-376.

Polito, V., & Stevenson, R. J. (2019). A Systematic Study Of Microdosing Psychedelics. Plos One, 14(2), E0211023.

Anastasia Filipenko
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Hi, I’m Anastasia Filipenko

BSc Psychology, University of Birmingham, MSc Clinical Dermatology, University of Hertfordshire Anastasia Filipenko is a health and wellness psychologist, dermatolist and a freelance writer. She frequently covers beauty and skincare, food trends and nutrition, health and fitness and relationships. When she’s not trying out new skincare products, you’ll find her taking a cycling class, doing yoga, reading in the park, or trying a new recipe.

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Anastasia Filipenko