Microdosing Edibles for Anxiety

Nov 21, 2022The nama Team

According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness, over 40 million Americans suffer from anxiety disorders. As pharmacotherapy is not always effective, microdosing THC has emerged as an alternative for treating anxiety.

Microdosing Edibles for Anxiety

Although anxiety is highly treatable, only a low percentage of those suffering undergo treatment. It is very common for people with anxiety to also suffer from depression, or other mental illnesses, such as OCD and PTSD.

Understanding Anxiety Disorders

Severe anxiety can be debilitating for those who suffer from it. Symptoms of anxiety disorders can be both emotional and physical.

  • Lack of concentration
  • Mental and physical fatigue
  • Feelings of restlessness and irritability
  • Headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches
  • Unexplained pains
  • Sleep disorder
  • Feelings of dread or constant worry
  • Tremor and twitches
  • Heart pounding or racing, including shortness of breath

 

The most common pharmaceutical treatments for anxiety disorders—antidepressants, benzodiazepines, and beta-blockers—come with a plethora of adverse effects. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, people on antidepressants and anti-anxiety meds often build up a tolerance or develop addiction.

Microdosing edibles is a great way to help with migraines, chronic pain and inflammation, improve focus and mood, and treat depression. Low doses of THC seem to have beneficial effects on reducing anxiety, as well. Interestingly, higher doses seem to have the opposite effect, amplifying anxiety symptoms.

Read more about the benefits of microdosing cannabis and why you should start.

Our THC gummies are an ideal introduction to microdosed edibles. They contain hemp-derived Delta 9 THC to provide relaxation and ease of mind.

Effects of Low-Dose Edibles on Anxiety

Due to potential beneficial effects of cannabis on our brain, microdosed weed can be used as an alternative to traditional medicine. Many people report positive results with Delta 9 THC edibles as a treatment of anxiety symptoms.

According to Susan A. Stoner, PhD, research consultant at University of Washington, low doses of THC seem to successfully decrease anxiety without psychoactive effects, whereas higher doses of THC can amplify anxiety.

Dr. Stoner’s research extends to the effects of CBD, as well. It appears that pure cannabidiol decreases anxiety at any dose.

Enjoy Hemp Euphoria Gummies, fruit-filled and flavor-packed, with an equal ratio of THC to CBD. Low doses of THC will ensure an uplifting, mildly euphoric experience, balanced by the calming influence of CBD.

The Endocannabinoid System and Anxiety

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a network of signals and receptors located in our brain. It is involved in various processes in our body: immune function, memory processing, appetite, mood changes, hormonal regulation, and pain reception, to name a few. Our body produces natural chemicals—cannabinoids—that interact with CB1 and CB2 endocannabinoid receptors.

Cannabis produces plant-based analogs to our body’s own cannabinoids. These phyto-cannabinoids help regulate important bodily functions, similarly to our own cannabinoids.

When tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors, another important brain chemical is released: dopamine. Dopamine is otherwise known as the ‘feel-good’ hormone, responsible for feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. Low dopamine levels are directly responsible for depression, anxiety, and many other mental disorders.

The ECS is important for regulating responses to stressful events. It seems to establish the right balance between distress and well-being.

Similarly to social interaction and exercise—or doing anything else that makes us happy—Dr. Stoner found indications that consuming cannabis also leads to ‘rewarding effects of elevated dopamine.’

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THC or CBD for Anxiety

THC and CBD are two primary cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. THC causes the euphoric, psychoactive effects normally associated with consuming marijuana. CBD cannot make you high, but rather has soothing, anti-anxiety properties.

Cannabidiol is an anticonvulsant: it mitigates epileptic seizures and causes deep relaxation. This partly occurs because cannabidiol doesn’t seem to bind to CB1 or CB2 receptors directly. Its role is to regulate the processes of the endocannabinoid receptors when THC is present in the system.

Another difference between THC and CBD is their legality. Delta 9 THC is legal only if extracted from hemp and if the THC content does not exceed 0.3% by dry weight. CBD is federally legal.

According to research on cannabidiol, CBD also interacts with and regulates serotonin receptors. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter responsible for satisfaction and happiness. With mental illnesses like depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety, serotonin levels are reduced.

CBD seems to have positive effects on treating several types of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. A 2019 study indicated that 80% of participants treated with CBD for anxiety experienced improvement within the first month.

Read our guide to the differences between CBD and THC to learn more about how these two compounds can boost your health.

Racing, intrusive thoughts are disrupting your sleep? Our collection of sleep gummies with CBD make great products for microdosing. These vegan gummies offer a variety of amazing options to help you count your sheep faster.


The Entourage Effect

We already know that THC can improve sleep, stimulate appetite, and help with migraines. CBD reduces inflammation and chronic pain and relaxes the nervous system and the muscles. However, the benefits of THC and CBD combined are far greater.

When CBD and THC are taken together, CBD seems to stabilize the effects THC has on our brain. It softens effects like increased heart rate, sedation, and paranoia.

We call this the entourage effect. The entourage effect refers to the combined properties of THC and CBD, wherein each cannabinoid’s beneficial effects are enhanced by the other in a synergistic cycle. Combinations of THC, CBD, CBN, CBG, and other cannabinoids often have greater biopharmaceutical impact than any compound in isolation.

For the best synergic results we recommend our full spectrum gummies. They contain higher proportions of CBD combined with lower THC doses, in addition to other cannabinoids. Full spectrum CBD products are considered effective in improving sleep and lifting mood, making them your ideal anxiety-battling edibles.

While full spectrum refers to the combination of CBD and THC with other cannabinoids, broad spectrum CBD includes a variety of cannabinoids, but no THC.

Our broad spectrum gummies contain 10mg of CBD flavored with lime. They are a great way to get the maximum of CBD for stress and anxiety.

Read more about the full spectrum and broad spectrum.

Best THC to CBD Ratios for Reducing Anxiety

Higher amounts of CBD with microdoses of THC seem to provide the perfect ratio for people struggling with anxiety. THC provides a much-needed dopamine boost, while CBD acts as a potent relaxant.

Our CBD Sleep Plus Drops contain 20mg of CBD combined with low amounts of THC. These custom formulated blends of full spectrum hemp extract also contain microdoses of other cannabinoids. Low THC provides the sweet release of dopamine, perfect for euphoric dreams.

Interestingly, some cannabis users prefer nearly equal CBD to THC amounts for anxiety, claiming that balanced products are more effective. A study on the clinical interactions between cannabidiol and Delta 9 THC seems to support this claim. The ‘golden ratio’ of 1:1 is said to bring out the optimal experience of microdosing.

For example, our Bliss Gummies contain the low amounts of CBD and THC (5mg each). They are designed to increase dopamine and help with focus and restlessness.

Does Sativa or Indica Increase Dopamine?

Cannabis sativa is believed to have an energizing and focusing influence. Cannabis indica is said to induce relaxation and soothes the mind. The effects of cannabis often depend on the THC and CBD concentrations, as well as ratios.

Indica strains contain higher levels of cannabidiol over THC. While THC-rich sativa is more efficient for chronic pain caused by migraines, it may not help with anxiety.

The best cannabis edibles to battle anxiety contain hybrid strains that combine qualities of sativa and indica. Our Energy Gummies with Delta 9 and CBD have the 2:1 ratio of CBD and THC. The 2.5mg of THC is a perfect amount to include to your microdosing routine in order to suppress symptoms of anxiety. These edibles are also a great way to take exact amounts of THC and CBD each time.

Does Delta 8 THC Help Anxiety?

Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta 8 THC) is a compound found in the cannabis plant. Just like other cannabinoids, Delta 8 also interacts with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system. Low doses of Delta 8 can help with relaxation and pain relief.

According to an empirical survey of Delta 8 users, Delta 8 has shown to be as nearly as effective for mitigating symptoms of depression and anxiety as Delta 9 THC. Consumption methods in the survey were primarily microdosed edibles and vaping concentrates. The participants experienced an increased alleviation in a range of conditions including anxiety, panic attacks, stress, depression, and bipolar disorder.

Elevate gummies contain 12.5mg of Delta 8 per gummy. They are just what you need to help you kick back, wind down anxious feelings, and fight off insomnia.

Read our extensive guide on the differences between Delta 8 and Delta 9 to understand how both cannabinoids can help reduce anxiety.

Is Delta 8 THC Legal?

Delta 8 is federally legal if it’s derived from hemp and contains 0.3% or less of Delta 8 THC by dry weight. However, there are some US states that prohibit Delta 8 THC production and sales.

As of 2022, fourteen states have made Delta 8 illegal:

  • Alaska
  • Arkansas
  • Arizona
  • Colorado
  • Delaware
  • Iowa
  • Idaho
  • Kentucky
  • Montana
  • Mississippi
  • New York
  • Rhode Island
  • Vermont
  • Utah

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Are THC and CBD Legal?

Hemp-derived CBD is legal at the federal level in the US in compliance with the 2018 Farm Bill. The legality of CBD derived from marijuana varies from state to state.

THC is also federally legal when extracted from the hemp plant, illegal when marijuana-derived. According to the Farm Bill, Delta 9 THC was made federally legal if derived from hemp plants containing no more than 0.3% THC content by dry weight.

All nama CBD products, including CBD gummies and Delta 9 THC gummies are federally legal, compliant with the Farm Bill.

Best Edibles for Anxiety

Here is our pick for some of the best cannabis products to fight anxiety disorders. These products contain different THC to CBD ratios and concentrations; it is up to you to find a combination that will have the best impact on your wellbeing.

 

  • We’ve already said this, but Relax Plus Gummies might just be the perfect addition to your practice of microdosing. Higher proportions of CBD (25mg per yummy gummy) have a calming effect on the anxious mind, while 5mg of THC produce a mildly euphoric kick. With Relax Plus Gummies you can feel the effects after only 15 minutes.
  • Energy Gummies have a slightly more balanced ratio of THC and CBD, 1:2. The combined forces of low THC, CBD, B12, and L-theanine achieve a perfect fast-acting, longer-lasting anti-anxiety effect. The amino acid, L-theanine, enhances alpha brain wave activities and increases levels of dopamine and serotonine.
  • According to some people, the best THC and CBD ratio is 1:1, found in our Bliss Gummies. They contain equal concentration of the two cannabinoids (5mg each) and are a great way to uplift your evening routine.
  • Vegan gummies have never tasted better! Delta 8 Gummies are a delicious mood-elevating snack with 12.5mg of Delta 8 THC extract. They are derived from the pure hemp plant with less than 0.3% THC by dry weight. Perfect for people with chronic depressive episodes, panic attacks, and anxiety. Delta 8 gummies are the perfect products for microdosing!
  • CBD gummies for sleep are a great addition to your sleeping routine. Higher concentration of CBD helps treat sleep disorders and is known to provide a restful night of sleep. These edibles are the way to go if you’re looking to try microdosing THC for sleep. The star of the collection, Sleep Plus Gummies, contain CBD, low doses of THC, and an extra helping hand of 3mg of melatonin. They are infused with a wild blackberry flavor with a hint of lavender—if they don’t say eat me, we don’t know what does.
  • Bonus: We know beverages do not fall under the edibles category, yet we cannot help but include our THC drinks. They deliver exact concentrations of THC and CBD in 1:10 ratio. Buzz Drops THC Drink Mix contain 20mg of CBD and 2mg of THC with low amounts of other minor cannabinoids. Talking about a full spectrum effect!

Frequently Asked Questions about Microdosing Edibles for Anxiety

Microdosing is a great way to incorporate cannabis in your daily life while still feeling productive and functional.

While more scientific research is needed to confirm all the benefits of microdosing, anecdotal evidence shows that microdosing provides an easy and safe way to consume cannabis without any adverse effects.

We recommend you start low, at 2.5 milligrams of THC. Such a dose typically allows you to reap the benefits without the buzz. If you feel that doesn’t suit you, feel free to go lower and slowly increase the dosage. Microdosing is a marathon, not a sprint.

With FDA approval of some medicine that contains hemp-derived CBD (Epidiolex), we can say that CBD is technically a drug. However, it does not have the effects you would normally expect from a drug.

We like to think of CBD as a powerful tool to treat a plethora of conditions without the fear of nasty side effects, developing dependency or addiction.

According to some users, the effects of cannabis edibles can last between 5-8 hours. Because some edibles contain THC, peak blood levels occur around three hours after administration, and that’s when the effects are likely to be the most intense.

Compared to other consumption methods, microdosed edibles generally last longer. The length depends on the dose and potency, as well as the individual factors (metabolism, weight, tolerance).

THC and CBD products can cause positive test results. THC can be detected by a drug test for several days after consumption. The chemicals absorbed from the cannabis edibles may be lower than with inhaled cannabis. The length of detection depends on the type of test.

Urine drug test shows traces of cannabis from 1-5 days. This method is mostly used to detect THC. Using a hair drug test, the effects of cannabis can show in your system for up to 90 days.

Other factors should be also taken into consideration, like:

 

  • The potency of THC in the edibles
  • The user's metabolism and cannabis tolerance
  • The user's level of hydration
  • The frequency of usage

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, CBD can reduce stress and alleviate anxiety. As a calming aid, CBD affects the body by supporting the regulation of homeostasis, the essential state of balance we need in order to stay healthy.

Try including CBD to your microdosing routine if you struggle with anxious thoughts and stress.

For people who simply want to relax after a hard day at work—or a stressful situation—low doses of CBD are the best way to go. Five milligrams a day is the ideal addition to your lifestyle. However, for people experiencing severe stress or anxiety, a high dose of up to 600mg of CBD would be more effective.

The right amount of CBD varies from person to person. It may take time to find the most optimal amount of THC and CBD for you.

Edibles can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours for the user to feel the effects. The reason for this slower ingestion is that cannabis is consumed like any other food, and has to be processed by the digestive system before hitting the bloodstream.

Medical marijuana appears to help some people with anxiety and other mental disorders, but it seems to have the opposite effect on others. Some people experience worsening symptoms of depression and anxiety after consuming THC.

The reason for this lies in the dosage. High THC doses have been associated with increased symptoms and have a potential in making certain conditions worse, according to a study.

Consumption methods are also important. Smoking or vaping provides an unreliable method of consuming medical marijuana since you cannot track the exact amount of THC you’ve inhaled.

The practice of microdosing edibles offers the safest, most effective way of mitigating symptoms of anxiety, stress, and other anxiety disorders.

CBD use carries very little risk and is generally well tolerated. There are some minor side effects that may come with CBD consumption:

  • Nausea
  • Drowsiness
  • Fatigue
  • Dry mouth

 

These side effects might be enhanced by CBD overconsumption, so always make sure you stay with the right microdose.

Also, the biggest risk in using CBD is the unreliability of the product. This is the reason people turn to nama CBD, as we provide third-party lab tested products and all natural ingredients for the safest cannabis consumption. Our products are vegan, made with real fruit, gluten-free, contain no genetically modified ingredients, and are made with pure American-grown hemp.

Federal law allows for the production of hemp-derived Delta 9 THC products if they contain no more than 0.3% of THC content by dry weight. However, some states prohibit the production of all THC compounds. Cannabis products derived from all cannabis plants are legalized in some states, while others allow only hemp-derived Delta 9 THC.

Read more about state-by-state Delta 9 legality to make sure your purchase is legal.

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