I was never into weed. It always felt unpredictable—made me anxious, paranoid, and honestly, it just wasn’t my thing.
And today’s cannabis? Way more potent than I remember from back in the day.
A few years ago, I started looking for a alternative ways to relax—one that didn’t involve alcohol or prescription meds. I was looking for a zen vibe, not feeling detached or disconnected. I tried CBD on its own, but it didn’t do much. I’ll admit I wasn’t consistent.
There was a whole microdosing movement in SF before the pandemic. I attended a few lectures, learned about the science, and even tried a few samples. But at the time, nothing wowed me. I also didn’t have the time or patience to try different formulations.
Fast-forward to a few months ago: I walked into a local cannabis shop curious, but also skeptical. This time, I asked more questions about different cannabinoids. I rediscovered microdosing—the practice of using very low doses of cannabinoids to support well-being without feeling high.
I started experimenting slowly and intentionally—and then something clicked. Microdosing cannabis helped me reconnect with a calmer, more present version of myself.
The Importance of Go Low, Go Slow
There are a variety of ways to microdose, including tinctures, gummies, tablets, and even cannabis-infused seltzers. Many of the drinks on the market are too high in THC for me, so I started making my own—freezing a measured dose into ice cubes and adding them to sparkling water.
Each method is absorbed differently and affects both timing and intensity, so it’s helpful to stick with one form at a time while you learn what works for your body.
For example, inhaled cannabis (via vape or smoke) enters the lungs and is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, resulting in a faster onset.
Edibles, on the other hand, must pass through the digestive system and liver before entering the bloodstream—so they take longer to kick in, but the effects tend to last longer.
If there’s one rule I can’t stress enough, it’s this:
Go low, go slow—and let your body lead the way.
I have a sensitive nervous system, so when I started exploring THC, I began with just 1 mg to see how I’d respond. It’s important to give your body time—especially with edibles, which can take longer to kick in and may last longer than expected.
Eventually, I found my sweet spot: a blend of about 5 mg of CBG paired with 2.5 mg of THC—keeping the calming cannabinoids dominant to stay grounded, not high. That higher CBG ratio helps me feel quiet in my body, less restless, and more focused—especially when I’m writing.
There’s a trial of sorts with microdosing, and it’s different for everyone. It’s about tuning in, learning your own biochemistry, and making small adjustments until something clicks.
The Science Behind It
Cannabis is gaining recognition in wellness spaces—not just for recreation, but for its potential to restore balance in the body, especially when used in small, intentional amounts. Low-dose cannabinoid blends are sometimes called “wellness tinctures” because they gently interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) without producing a strong high.
The goal with microdosing isn’t intoxication—it’s more to regulate and restore.
The body has a built-in system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS)—a network of receptors that helps regulate mood, sleep, immune function, stress, pain, and more. When we’re under pressure—whether from age, chronic stress, or inflammation—our natural endocannabinoids may not be enough to keep things balanced.
That’s where phytocannabinoids come in—plant-based compounds like THC, CBD, CBG, and CBC that can supplement and support the ECS. When microdosed, they work subtly, helping the body recalibrate without knocking it off center. Each cannabinoid has its own role—and together, they can gently support mood, rest, and regulation.
Key Cannabinoids and How They Support Balance:
- THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): The primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, known for producing a high—but in microdoses, it may support mood and relaxation without impairment.
- CBD (Cannabidiol): Non-psychoactive; may help reduce anxiety, ease inflammation, and improve sleep quality.
- CBG (Cannabigerol): Sometimes called the “mother cannabinoid,” it’s known for promoting calm, focus, and overall mental clarity—without intoxication.
- CBC (Cannabichromene): Still being studied, but may support mood regulation and reduce inflammation.
When microdosed together, these cannabinoids can work synergistically to gently support balance—without overpowering the system.
Other Notables:
- CBN (Cannabinol): Often used in sleep-focused products for its relaxing and mildly sedating effects.
- THCa (Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid): The raw, non-psychoactive form of THC—may help with inflammation and pain without the high.
- CBDa (Cannabidiolic acid): The raw version of CBD, thought to support mood and reduce nausea.
The Role of Terpenes:
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis and other plants (like lavender or citrus) that influence how cannabis makes you feel. Some are relaxing—like linalool and myrcene—while others, like limonene, may feel energizing or elevate mood.
These plant compounds work alongside cannabinoids in what’s called the entourage effect—the idea that cannabis compounds are more effective when used together than alone.
Cannabis + Your Brain Chemistry
Anandamide, nicknamed the “bliss molecule,” is a naturally occurring endocannabinoid produced by your body. It binds to CB1 receptors in the brain and plays a role in regulating mood, memory, appetite, and pain perception.
Some cannabinoids—especially CBD—are thought to slow the breakdown of anandamide, allowing it to linger longer in the body and promote a sense of calm and well-being.
Cannabis doesn’t just affect the endocannabinoid system—it also interacts with key neurotransmitters, including GABA and glutamate:
- GABA is your brain’s primary calming neurotransmitter. It helps dial down anxiety, stress, and overstimulation.
- Glutamate is more excitatory—it helps with focus, attention, and memory.
These two work in constant balance. When they’re off, we feel off—anxious, wired, foggy, or unable to relax.
Cannabis, especially when microdosed, appears to gently influence this balance—similar to how some anti-anxiety or ADHD meds work, but potentially with fewer side effects when used intentionally.
And here’s where things get even more interesting:
Cannabinoids interact with the body more effectively when used in combination, modulating GABA and glutamate. This synergy helps support mood, focus, and rest—especially when multiple cannabinoids are present, rather than isolated.
- CB1 receptors (primarily in the brain and nervous system) are associated with mood, memory, and psychoactivity.
- CB2 receptors (mostly in the immune system and gut) influence inflammation, immune response, and pain regulation.
This is why some cannabinoid blends help with sleep, while others promote mental clarity or pain relief—it all depends on which receptors they engage and in what ratio.
Why It Worked for Me
Wine used to be my go-to for winding down after a long day. I was chasing a quick dopamine hit, but it came at a cost: disrupted sleep, brain fog, and hangovers. As I got older, I couldn’t bounce back the same way. Even one late-night glass would throw me off the next day.
That’s why if I drank, I always preferred brunch over late-night parties.
Microdosing helped me break that cycle. It became a tool for tuning in—not checking out.
I have a naturally revved-up nervous system, and cannabis—at the right dose, without the THC high—gave me a softer landing than alcohol. It’s a calm without the crash. I feel clearer. I sleep better. And I don’t wake up wishing I hadn’t.
I also don’t get the munchies—if anything, microdosing seems to curb my appetite. That’s a common side effect of THC, but I take a low dose, and the high CBG content seems to shift the effect. While THC binds to CB1 receptors in the brain (which influence appetite), CBG appears to interact with those same receptors without fully activating them—dampening THC’s hunger-triggering effects instead..
An Unexpected Bonus
For well over a year, I struggled with chronic pain in my right lower back and hip. Despite losing weight, staying active, physical therapy and eating well, the pain was always there—and at times, was debilitating.
When I first started microdosing, I hoped it might help with the pain.
But I was thinking of it like taking an aspirin—expecting quick, obvious relief.
I didn’t notice any immediate difference, and eventually forgot about it.
Over time, I noticed I could move through daily tasks without much pain at all. For me, it’s a far better path than relying on pain meds. It reminds me just how deeply our nervous system, pain, and healing are interconnected—and how sometimes, the body just needs a little help finding its way back to ease.
When the Writing Began to Flow
I didn’t expect cannabis to help me remember. But once I found the right dose and blend, something softened. I could sit longer. I wasn’t checking my phone. My body wasn’t buzzing with restlessness or that background anxiety I’ve carried most of my life.
And then the memories started coming—clearer, deeper, more vivid. It was like my nervous system had finally gotten quiet enough to let the stories surface.
Writing began to flow. Not in a manic, pressured way—but in a steady, honest way. I could return to old memories without shutting down or getting overwhelmed. I could hold both grief and gratitude at once.
Microdosing didn’t numb me. It gave me enough stillness to hear myself think—and in that quiet, I found access to parts of my story I hadn’t been ready—or able—to write about before.
It wasn’t about escaping anymore. It was about reconnecting—with my body, my story, and my life.
This calming effect happens because CBG appears to buffer THC’s intensity—helping create a more grounded, focused experience without the typical high. Instead of feeling detached or foggy, I felt anchored. I could sit longer, stay present, and let the memories surface—without overwhelm.
Final Thoughts
Cannabis has changed—and so have we.
For women in midlife—especially those navigating stress, sleep disruption, shifting hormones or chronic pain—microdosing offers a gentle tool worth exploring. But it’s not a magic pill or a one-size-fits-all solution. It takes patience, curiosity, and a willingness to experiment.
Start with the lowest effective dose—then pay attention to how you feel.
This isn’t about finding the product—it’s about finding your formula.
When used intentionally and in low doses, cannabis can support mood, rest, and regulation—without hijacking your system.
When you approach it with patience, awareness, and care, it’s less about chasing an effect—and more about finding a new way to feel at home in your body.
“When you learn to listen to your body, you begin to hear the truth.”
—Danielle LaPorte
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