THC affects everyone differently, and the only reliable way to find your desired dose is to build up gradually until you reach the effect you’re looking for. And how you consume THC changes everything. From how fast it hits (onset), how long it lasts (duration), and how easy it is to control.The mantra to follow here: start low, and go slow. Getting too high is still the most common cannabis mistake—especially if you take more too early. Microdosing is an option for people who want to stop guessing and start controlling their high.You’re not trying to feel nothing. You want to feel just enough for these vibes:Slight mood shift Less tensionManageable and functional high Microdosing is just a tighter way to achieve all of the above.The goals behind microdosing are to: Take the edge off without checking outStay social without getting weirdFeel something without losing controlRemain productive without getting too lazyWhat a ‘Microdose’ Actually IsA microdose is the smallest amount of THC that produces a noticeable effect without impairing you.For most people, that lands around:1 to 2.5 mg THC → minimal, subtle effects2.5 to 5 mg THC → light, functional shiftAt this level, you should feel:Slightly more relaxed or presentA mild change in mood or bodyNo impact on your ability to functionYou’ve gone past a microdose if you feel high, distracted, or impaired. Pick Your Method of Consumption The route of administration, or the way you consume, directly impacts both onset and duration, which is why it matters for microdosing. This guide covers the two main cannabis consumption methods: inhaling and eating/drinking.InhalationSmoking flower or pre-rolls. Vaping cartridges, disposables, or devices. Dabbing concentrates.Fast onset, hits within minutesShort duration, lasts 2 to 3 hoursEasier to adjust in real timeInstructions on this vary and may differ from the person’s way of inhaling, to the apparatus they’re smoking, vaping, or dabbing out of. But a solid starting point to manage your inhalation microdose includes taking one small puff, then waiting 5 to 10 minutes. Once you feel a shift, you can stop. If you feel nothing, take one more puff. Just keep your pulls short. One extra hit can push you past your dose.IngestionConsuming edibles, drinks, capsules/tablets.Slow onset, takes longer to kick in, up to 2 to 3 hoursLong duration, lasts 4 to 8 hours or moreConsistent dosing, easier to be precise, but also easier to overshootWhen THC is eaten, it’s absorbed through the digestive system and processed in the liver, turning into a stronger version of THC that lasts longer and feels more intense. That’s why small doses can sneak up on you. Timing is where most people mess up. A dose that feels right at hour one may still be active much later, especially with edibles. Most people don’t take too much—they take more, too soon. FIND Your BaselineYour baseline is the lowest dose where you feel a clear effect.Find it once. Then stick to it.There’s no universal dose that works for everyone. It depends on:ToleranceMetabolismProduct typeWhat you’re trying to feelSo start low, adjust slowly, and stop when it feels right.Once you’re consistently taking 5 to 10 mg or more, expect stronger effects, less control, and more variability. That’s no longer a microdose. How to Microdose AT A GLANCEThis is the process to follow:Take 1 to 2.5 mg THC (or one small puff)Wait (60 to 90 min for edibles or 5 to 10 min for inhalation)Feel a slight shift → stopFeel nothing → repeat at the same incrementStop increasing once you feel it.You did it right if:You feel something, but can still function normallyNothing feels overwhelmingYou don’t feel the need to “come down”WHAT NOT TO DODon’t redose before full onsetDon’t jump from 2.5mg to 10mgDon’t treat vapes like precise dosing toolsDon’t mix with alcohol and expect consistencyIf you overshoot, there’s no quick fix—just time.Microdose-Friendly Products That Fit This ProcessIf you’re trying to stay in that 1 to 5 mg range, certain products make it a lot easier to control your dose. These products are made for consistency, which makes them easier to use within the microdosing.Low-dose drinks, tinctures, gummies, and mints (2 to 5mg):(opens in a new window)Cycling FrogCycling Frog Lemon THC Light Seltzer – 2mg THC + 4mg CBD(opens in a new window)$14.99 at Cycling FrogBuy Now(opens in a new window)(opens in a new window)CannCann Roadies – 2mg THC + 4mg CBD(opens in a new window)$45 at CannBuy Now(opens in a new window)(opens in a new window)SoulSoul Out of Office Oil Drops, Pineapple – 1.5 mg THC + 15mg CBD(opens in a new window)$54 at SoulBuy Now(opens in a new window)(opens in a new window)Wyld CBDWyld Strawberry Gummies – 2mg THC + 20mg CBD(opens in a new window)$49.95 at Wyld CBDBuy Now(opens in a new window)(opens in a new window)Mr. Moxey'sMr. Moxey’s Balance Peppermint Mints – 2.5mg THC + 2.5mg CBD(opens in a new window)$35 at Mr. Moxey'sBuy Now(opens in a new window)If ingesting is not your vibe and you want to microdose via inhalation, a mini pre-roll, or “dogwalker” is your best bet in controlling the amount of cannabis or hemp smoked:(opens in a new window)TribeTokesTribe Tokes Mini Pre-Rolls — Whole Flower 5-Pack(opens in a new window)$35 at Tribe TokesBuy Now(opens in a new window)Regardless of what you microdose with above, just remember: Take less than you think you need. Wait longer than you want to. Stop as soon as you feel it.The post How to Microdose Weed Without Accidentally Getting Too High appeared first on VICE.