I’ve never been one for feeling disoriented or out of control. Perhaps it’s my tendency to be a control enthusiast, but despite having partaken in my share of wild nights and questionable decisions, I prefer to navigate life with a clear mind.
For years, when doctors prescribed opioids and narcotics to manage my chronic pain stemming from endometriosis, I tucked them away in my cabinet, only reaching for them when absolutely necessary. If I could endure the pain without resorting to medication, I opted for that every time. This mindset intensified after the birth of my daughter. As a single mother by choice, I felt compelled to stay sharp and vigilant for her safety and well-being. This often meant enduring significant discomfort.
A few years back, during a particularly painful episode, I visited a friend in Seattle, where marijuana was legalized. She picked me up from the airport and handed me some edibles. “I’m not sure about this,” I hesitated, recalling my past experiences with marijuana that had heightened my social anxiety rather than alleviating it.
“You won’t get high,” she reassured me. “Just try a little and see if it helps.” This marked my initial encounter with microdosing.
What is Microdosing?
In simple terms, microdosing entails taking a fraction of a drug’s typical dose multiple times throughout the day. People use it with substances like marijuana and LSD to experience the therapeutic benefits without the intense high. For me, microdosing was incredibly effective. It not only alleviated my pain but also noticeably reduced my longstanding anxiety levels. While it didn’t completely eliminate my discomfort or worries, it provided a stabilization that allowed me to function better, making me feel more like myself.
I’ve shared my journey openly, even making appearances on national television programs like the Tamron Hall Show. As a result, I receive numerous inquiries from others curious about microdosing. The silver lining is that with more states legalizing marijuana, there are increasing options for those interested in trying it.
Getting Started with Microdosing
My recommendation is to visit your local dispensary. Budtenders are often very knowledgeable and eager to help newcomers understand the wonders of cannabis. Personally, I favor edibles over smoking. Not only do I dislike the act of smoking, but it also makes it difficult to calculate dosages—something that is much easier with edibles.
One of my favorite products is a line of buttermints from Green Leaf Edibles. They come in controlled doses—three mints equal 5 mg, which is a good starting point for most people. With a product that is pre-dosed, I can take one every hour or so without feeling high; instead, I experience a gentle easing of my pain and anxiety. I can still engage with my daughter, prepare meals, and even work while on this low dose.
I do refrain from driving, as various factors can influence how a dose affects you, including your dietary intake that day. I’m not willing to take any chances behind the wheel if I find myself feeling different than expected. Otherwise, I can go about my day-to-day life seamlessly, and most people wouldn’t even notice if it’s a microdose day or not.
Keep in mind, THC products cannot be transported across state lines. So, unless you’re in Alaska, your options may differ from mine. However, those helpful budtenders can guide you to find something comparable.
Dosing Tips
When it comes to dosing, everyone’s needs can vary. I advise starting low and slow—begin with 1 mg at a time, if you can find products that allow for that. If not, opt for gummies or similar products that can be cut into smaller doses. Gradually increase your intake every hour or two until you notice a change. For me, it took about three months of experimentation before I felt I had found the right balance. There were certainly times of overdosing and underdosing, but that’s part of the learning process.
One last tip: if you have children at home, be mindful of where you store your supplies. While edibles come in childproof packaging, kids can be surprisingly resourceful. My daughter knows that the bag in the freezer marked “mommy’s medicine” is off-limits. But if your kids are younger, consider keeping your stash secured and out of reach.
Conclusion
So, give microdosing a shot and see if it works for you. For further insights on home insemination, check out this blog post for helpful information.
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In summary, microdosing has been a transformative approach for managing my chronic pain and anxiety, allowing me to live a fuller, more engaged life. This method encourages careful experimentation to find the right balance while ensuring safety, especially for those with children.