Microdose

In cannabis, "microdose" is an informal (non-regulatory, non-clinical-consensus) term for THC doses intended to be sub-intoxicating — producing therapeutic, mood, or subtle cognitive effects while minimizing psychoactivity. Commonly cited thresholds are <2.5 mg THC per dose, with some sources extending to <5 mg. MacCallum & Russo (2018) recommend ~2.5 mg THC as an initiating medical dose, often combined with CBD, and a 2021 modified Delphi consensus affirmed 2.5 mg as an appropriate starting dose (Bhaskar et al. J Cannabis Res). No regulatory standard exists. Supporting biphasic rationale: Childs et al. (2017) showed oral 7.5 mg THC reduced subjective stress responses, while 12.5 mg increased negative mood — low and higher doses produce opposing psychological effects. Microdosing is typically repeated every few hours. Interindividual PK variability means a "micro" dose for one consumer may be fully intoxicating for another. ⚠️ No formal pharmacokinetic or regulatory definition. Citations: Childs E et al. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2017;177:136-144; MacCallum CA, Russo EB. Eur J Intern Med. 2018;49:12-19; Bhaskar A et al. J Cannabis Res. 2021;3(1):22.