{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/microdose/","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2286-markdown","title":"The Top 5 Health Trends in Cannabis","slug":"the-top-5-health-trends-in-cannabis","content":"The cannabis industry is always changing and at a rapid pace. Because HelloMD sits at the center of a cannabis community, I see the lifecycle of the industry all around me from many different perspectives. New patterns emerge quickly, and this often signals the birth of a new trend.\nIn many ways, this past year has felt like a roller coaster from the rapid sweep of legalization to the changes made by the new Trump administration, and through it all the marijuana industry continues to grow and prosper as anticipated. Based on my observations from the past year, I give you the top five health trends emerging within the cannabis industry today.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en) \n\n### Trend: Cannabis Effectively Replaces Opioids for Chronic Pain Management\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58abd12e005f8b00176972fd/embedded_images/58abd131005f8b00176972fe/Screen_Shot_2017-02-20_at_9.04.19_PM.png)\nOpioids are killing 44 Americans a day. \n\nDuring 1990s, the US federal government removed many of the barriers to prescribing opioids for chronic pain. This has been one of the main contributing factors to the opioid epidemic that’s raging across the country and in particular the east coast of the United States. It’s estimated that 44 Americans die every day from opioid overdose.\n\n[A 2014 study](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/1898878) indicated that, in states where marijuana is legal, there was a 24.8% lower rate of opioid deaths. In addition, The [National Bureau of Economic Research](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/article-abstract/1898872?resultClick=3&redirect=true) (NBER) mimics these findings and concluded that “broader access to medical marijuana may have the potential benefit of reducing abuse of highly addictive painkillers.\"\n\nHelloMD recently concluded a study with UC Berkeley entitled “Cannabis as a Substitute for Opiate and Non-Opiate Based Pain Medication.” Dr. Perry Solomon, HelloMD’s chief medical officer, says, “The results of this study, which are to be published shortly, show that 97% of respondents indicated that they reduced opioid pain medication when using cannabis.”\n\nWhat’s missing here is widespread acceptance from the medical community and the education of the general public that cannabis is a viable option that can replace opioids.\n\nRELATED: [HELLOMD & UC BERKELEY CONDUCT STUDY ON CANNABIS, PAIN, & OPIOID ABUSE](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/57d82d523b39eb000b732ea8/hellomd-and-uc-berkeley-to-conduct-largest-study-on-cannabis-pain-and-opioid-abuse)\n\n### Trend: Microdosing Marijuana\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58abd12e005f8b00176972fd/embedded_images/58abd134005f8b0017697300/Screen_Shot_2017-02-20_at_9.07.17_PM.png)[Microdosing](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5874285019303000083745bc/microdosing-the-big-new-trend) is an effective way to consume cannabis without getting high.\n\nA year ago, not many people were talking about microdosing and even fewer products were available to support this method of consumption. Microdosing is the practice of taking smaller, measured amounts of cannabis to produce a particular effect. Microdosing dosages vary from person to person, but a typical microdose might be between 2.5–5 mg of THC and may go as high as 10 mg.\n\nThe benefit of microdosing is the ability to titrate medication in such a way that you might alleviate a condition, such as anxiety or pain, without feeling high. Recent studies indicate that [microdosing may be more beneficial than macrodosing](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3566631/). This is due to the biphasic effect, which means that at lower doses cannabis may be more effective and produce a pleasant experience. At larger doses however, the scale tips and the benefits go away whereby the experience may become negative.\n\nSome of my favorite new microdose products are [Kiva’s Petra Mints (2.5 mg)](https://www.hellomd.com/products/5859dafeeafa6f000868509e/petra-mints-moroccan-mint), [Satori’s Wild Chocolate Strawberries (3 mg)](https://www.hellomd.com/products/586593fb159af1000c6d05fc/wild-strawberries-in-organic-milk-chocolate) and Flora’s Probiotic Dark Mint Chocolates (5 mg).\n\n### Trend: Cannabis Genetics & Synthetics\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58abd12e005f8b00176972fd/embedded_images/58abd132005f8b00176972ff/Screen_Shot_2017-02-20_at_9.12.05_PM.png) \nDNA color sequencing.\n\nPeople are getting serious about understanding the genetic makeup of cannabis and how to bio-engineer synthetic cannabis and cannabinoids from substances other than cannabis itself. Scientists from a variety of life science backgrounds (and large well-funded companies) are jumping into the game to better understand the plant and how to harness its power from many different angles.\n\nOn the genetics side, [Medicinal Genomics (MG)](https://www.medicinalgenomics.com/) is at the forefront using DNA technology to better understand cannabis genetics. MG is initially serving growers, dispensaries and test labs, but they have a much bigger vision in mind.\n\nMG's Chief Scientist Kevin McKernan worked on the Human Genome Project and was the first scientist to sequence the cannabis genome. Regarding the history of the company and why MG is sequencing cannabis, he says:\n\n* “We can now sequence (the DNA) of patients and know exactly what disease a patient has and target it in a very personalized manner. As opposed to a one size fits all medicine system via the FDA…Everyone is different we really need targeted therapies and the ability to read people’s DNA opened this up. Most of these rare diseases that we were running into were endocannabinoid driven and it made us realize we needed an arm that understood the cannabis plants and to bridge the compounds from this plant.\n\n* The wonderful thing about the cannabis plant is that the compounds are safe and has more chemical diversity than all of Pfizer and Merc and is about to be over the counter and open source. If we can combine this with personalized medicine we see these as two economic tsunamis that are colliding that is going to have a real impact within healthcare and DNA sequencing is the thread through the whole story.”\n\nIf that sounds impressive, that's because it is.\n\nThe world of synthetic cannabinoids is also on fire as biotech companies move to make derivatives of cannabis primed for FDA trials—this is becoming very big business. Whether it’s synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD), there are many drugs on the market today, like Marinol, helping patients with a variety of conditions.\n\nFor instance, [Kalytera Therapeutics](https://kalytera.co/) makes CBD drugs and formulations that try to overcome limitations in natural CBD such as poor bio availability. Another company, [Zynerba Pharmaceuticals](http://zynerba.com/), creates a synthetic gel and patch that delivers CBD transdermally for adults with refractory epilepsy.\n\nLast, and what I find the most interesting, are an array of companies looking to extract cannabinoids not from cannabis, but from substances such as yeast. The cannabinoids are the same on a molecular level as those derived from cannabis and in theory would be more quickly reproduced and stable than those derived from the cannabis plant.\n\n\n### Trend: The Powerhouse Cannabinoid THCA\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58abd12e005f8b00176972fd/embedded_images/58abd62f005f8b0013ecd76d/Screen_Shot_2017-02-20_at_9.49.01_PM.png)\nTHCA is found in abundance within raw cannabis.\n \nTetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is the star of raw cannabis. Non-psychoactive THCA changes into the more well-known psychoactive compound THC when heated. THCA also happens to hold the most COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition, which allows it to demonstrate immense therapeutic potential as an anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, neuroprotectant, anti-emetic and antispasmodic.\n\nThere are few studies that definitively prove the medicinal benefit of THCA, but those who consume it swear by its efficacy. THCA can be metabolized in much larger quantities than THC and is most often consumed directly from the raw plant. Perhaps this explains why cannabis juicing is gaining in popularity and anecdotally seems to help with neurodegenerative disorders, chronic immune disorders and conditions such as arthritis. THCA is also commonly consumed via [THCA tinctures](https://www.getsava.com/shop/thca-tincture/).\n\n### Trend: The Marijuana Herbal Supplement\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58abd12e005f8b00176972fd/embedded_images/58abd796005f8b0007a9c7e0/Screen_Shot_2017-02-20_at_9.51.24_PM.png)\nSwerve Confections has been ahead of the curve combining herbs and cannabis.\n \nIt used to be that storefront dispensaries made 100% of their sales from raw flower aka “bud.” Now about 50–60% of dispensary sales come from selling flower and the rest comes from the numerous products available on the market: edibles, tinctures, drinks, capsules, vape cartridges and more. In the recent past, when sourcing products other than flower, the ingredient list has been fairly uniform across the board, a percentage or ratio of THC and/or CBD in some sort of carrier liquid. Not anymore.\n\nIn the next year, you’ll start to see the merging of herbal supplements you commonly may see in Whole Foods with your cannabis products. When talking to various brands, it seems that many see this as the obvious evolution to effectively treating a variety of conditions while harnessing and propelling the efficacy and power of the plant itself.\n\nWhat are some examples of combinations you might see? Products that are purported to treat inflammation will incorporate turmeric; products for stress may use the Ayurvedic herb Ashwaganda; and products for insomnia may start mixing in the root of the tall flowering plant called valerian or the calming passionflower. It’s a clear next step in the merging of two separate marketplaces, which in my mind ultimately leads to the rise of the cannabis-based nutraceutical.\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our Cannabis 101 post. HelloMD can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/0e440bad4d1c2646b7fd304eb6b7aaa1/14b42/71d3e33c8c2d27b20becbe3102c41333.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0e440bad4d1c2646b7fd304eb6b7aaa1/f836f/71d3e33c8c2d27b20becbe3102c41333.jpg 200w,\n/static/0e440bad4d1c2646b7fd304eb6b7aaa1/2244e/71d3e33c8c2d27b20becbe3102c41333.jpg 400w,\n/static/0e440bad4d1c2646b7fd304eb6b7aaa1/14b42/71d3e33c8c2d27b20becbe3102c41333.jpg 800w,\n/static/0e440bad4d1c2646b7fd304eb6b7aaa1/47498/71d3e33c8c2d27b20becbe3102c41333.jpg 1200w,\n/static/0e440bad4d1c2646b7fd304eb6b7aaa1/54ac5/71d3e33c8c2d27b20becbe3102c41333.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/0e440bad4d1c2646b7fd304eb6b7aaa1/58556/71d3e33c8c2d27b20becbe3102c41333.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0e440bad4d1c2646b7fd304eb6b7aaa1/61e93/71d3e33c8c2d27b20becbe3102c41333.webp 200w,\n/static/0e440bad4d1c2646b7fd304eb6b7aaa1/1f5c5/71d3e33c8c2d27b20becbe3102c41333.webp 400w,\n/static/0e440bad4d1c2646b7fd304eb6b7aaa1/58556/71d3e33c8c2d27b20becbe3102c41333.webp 800w,\n/static/0e440bad4d1c2646b7fd304eb6b7aaa1/99238/71d3e33c8c2d27b20becbe3102c41333.webp 1200w,\n/static/0e440bad4d1c2646b7fd304eb6b7aaa1/5e0b8/71d3e33c8c2d27b20becbe3102c41333.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2424-markdown","title":"Top 10 Cannabis Trends for 2017","slug":"top-10-cannabis-trends-for-2017","content":"### 1. Artisanal Products\n\nSmall batch, artisan products have gained traction in the world of craft-beer, so why not the world of cannabis? More cannabis companies are beginning to embrace a farm-to-table approach to curating unique and specialized marijuana products. Small, artisanal producers have gained popularity in some of cannabis’ biggest markets, like California, and their popularity is projected to continue to grow.\n\nFlow Kana, a company out of California’s Mendocino Valley, focuses on sustainable, boutique cannabis strains that are grown in small batches. Flow Kana has relationships with small family farmers that allow them to access high-quality outdoor grown cannabis that is up to their high standards. Flow Kana fits a niche in the cannabis industry, providing specialized strains to dispensaries all across California. \n\nHerba Buena, another artisanal cannabis producer, is known for their specially curated tinctures and products that bring craft-style to functional medicinal cannabis. Herba Buena embraces its Napa location through a winery-like approach to producing unique, sun grown cannabis products. Herba Buena uses organic and biodynamic cannabis when crafting their products. They even embrace wine-like tastings that expose people to the wonders of different cannabis products and strains through the guidance of “sensameliers”. \n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58756d23772f3e0008ef0ece/embedded_images/58756f01e4f694000c3eb6ea/Screen_Shot_2017-01-10_at_3.31.41_PM.png) \n\nBloom Farms is another medical marijuana company that works with small family farmers in California. They extract their cannabis oil products without any solvents, leaving their products residue free. Lab testing is integral product production and release for both potency and purity, providing patients with small batch, clean products. Bloom Farms is also committed to bettering the world in which they conduct business by being a part of a 1 for 1 program. For every purchase from Bloom Farms, they will donate one meal to someone in need.\n\n### 2. The Industry is Getting Professional\n\nThe cannabis industry is moving out of a grey zone and into the mainstream. Overwhelming nationwide support means that cannabis no longer needs to hide in the shadows. According to the latest Gallup Poll, 87% of Americans support medical cannabis and 60% support recreational cannabis. \n\nSilicon Valley executives are now leaving their tech jobs to join the rapidly growing industry. Mark Williams and Sasha Robinson, the founders of Firefly Vaporizers, both left tech jobs in the Silicon Valley to create one of the most high end vaporizers on the market. This is a trend we expect to see continue, especially as the industry expands into new markets. It is no surprise, however, because the industry is expected to accelerate to a projected $25 billion in the coming years. \n\n### 3. Big Pharma & Synthetic Cannabinoids\n\nCannabinoids are continuing to gain traction as viable medicinal products, particularly in the wake of the opioid epidemic sweeping the country.  As more people are becoming addicted to legal opioids, there is a constant search for pain relieving alternatives without the highly addictive qualities of opioids. There are a few synthetic cannabinoids currently on the market, mostly targeted towards patients with conditions like cancer. Synthetic cannabinoids, however, are becoming more attractive to people, especially after the DEA’s recent clarification that even hemp based cannabinoids are considered a Schedule 1 substance. Fear over possible legal repercussions will cause people to seek out synthetics, pushing the industry to expand. \n\n### 4. Sports Will Green Light Marijuana Use\n\nMany athletes have become advocates for marijuana use to help recover from sports related chronic pain and injuries. From UFC fighters like Ronda Rousey to football players like Ricky Williams, professional athletes have become advocates for stopping marijuana testing and allowing players to use cannabis as a medication. Rousey made comments at a press conference after the suspension of MMA fighter Nick Diaz for marijuana use, saying that marijuana is not a performance enhancing drug and it is only tested for political reasons. Williams, who also experienced a series of suspensions and repercussions from his cannabis use while in the NFL, has now become an advocate for marijuana use in the world of professional sports. The former Heisman Trophy winner and All-American has even founded a cannabis-friendly gym that allows people to incorporate cannabis into their workout regime. \n\nRousey and Williams are just two of the many athletes calling for a change. All major sports leagues in the United States, except for the NHL, ban the use of marijuana by their players, but they allow for the use of harmful substances like opioids. The opioid epidemic is one of the many reasons some players are hoping that marijuana will become allowed for players in states where it is medically legal. Many athletes, who often get injured due to the nature of their job, find themselves being prescribed opioids for everything from invasive surgeries to shoulder pain. Many players think that marijuana is the most viable alternative to addictive opioids and that if they live in states that approve of medical marijuana, they should be able to access it as a medication without repercussions.\n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58756d23772f3e0008ef0ece/embedded_images/58756d28772f3e0008ef0ed0/Screen_Shot_2017-01-10_at_3.23.16_PM.png)\n\n### 5. Luxury Cannabis Products\n\nLuxury cannabis products that give cannabis users an experience, rather than just a dose of marijuana, are becoming increasingly popular in the industry. Madame Munchie is a company that makes traditional macarons complete with a 20 mg dose of THC. The gourmet french pastries have won a variety of awards, including San Fransisco patients’ choice, High Times best edible, and HempCon’s best desert. The variety of flavors, including Hazelnut Mocha and Grilled PB+J, are made to be savored and enjoyed in one sitting. Unlike the high dosage of some cannabis edibles, Madame Munchie makes their products to be enjoyed completely rather than being split apart to be consumed. \n\nDéfoncé Chocolates makes luxury chocolate bars that happen to be medicated with high quality cannabis. Défoncé is a company run by two chocolatiers who have used their chocolate making skills to craft chocolate bars infused with single-origin, sun grown cannabis. The chocolate bars come in almost every flavor imaginable including vanilla, matcha, milk, coffee, mint, dark, hazelnut, and extra dark. Each bar comes with 180mg of THC. \n\nKikoko Teas, which are currently only available for pre-order, are specialized cannabis teas in a variety of flavors, each one with a different purpose. The teas were created by two incredibly accomplished women who designed their teas as an alternative to traditional pharmaceutical medications. The teas come in four different flavors: positivi-tea (for mood enhancement), sensuali-tea (for libido), sympa-tea (for pain), and tranquili-tea (for sleep). Kikoko Teas is also a company with a cause, donating 5% of their profits to providing cannabis medication to children with seizure disorders.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en) \n\n### 6. Microdosing-Friendly Products\n\nMicrodosing is a great way to achieve many of the benefits of medicinal cannabis without the high that marijuana is known for. Microdosing can help people manage their symptoms throughout the day without any unwanted side effects. Microdosing friendly products are now becoming more popular as more people begin to embrace the low dose practice. \n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58756d23772f3e0008ef0ece/embedded_images/58756e1d772f3e000cd4074f/Screen_Shot_2017-01-10_at_3.26.35_PM.png)\n \nKiva Confections, who is well known for their product that are great for microdosing, has come out with a line of mints. Each Petra mint has 2.5mg of THC and they come in two different flavors, Moroccan Mint and Eucalyptus. Both flavors of mints are infused with matcha and are sugar free, making them a great choice for micro dosing on the go without an increased sugar intake. \n\nSatori chocolate bites are also giving patients the ability to deliciously dose small amounts of cannabis throughout the day. Satori chocolate bites come in a variety of different flavors and different doses. Satori’s coffee beans in dark chocolate and high bush blueberries in milk chocolate each have 2 mg of THC per piece, while their raisins in organic milk chocolate come in at 1 mg per piece. They also have wild strawberries in organic milk chocolate that have 3 mg of THC per piece. Their dark chocolate products are made with Fino de Aroma, some of the most sought after cocoa beans in the world, while their milk chocolate is sourced from THCO, an award winning and sustainable chocolate company. Satori infuses their products with sun grown cannabis oil that is created by AbsoluteXtracts. \n\nCannaAthlete, is a new brand to the market and is backed by two industry veterans Jim McAlpine of 420 Games and Seibo Shen of VapeExhale. Deep ties into the athletic community led them to the development of their micro dose product called Activation Spray which may be self titrated at 1mg a spray. They seek to elevate rather than obliterate.\n\n### 7. Cannabis Tastings\n\nCannabis tastings are becoming more popular as more states are legalizing both medical and recreational cannabis. Cannabis tastings are associated with the artisan cannabis movement. People are beginning paying attention to the quality and intricacies of different cannabis products. Herba Buena’s social club is a member only group that organizes wine-like cannabis tastings. The cannabis tastings are very educational and they provide patients with explanations of different products available and what their purpose is.\n\nHerba Buena’s social club currently requires a membership and a medical marijuana card, but the world of cannabis tasting is soon to expand to a wider clientele in California since the recreational marijuana legalization bill passed in the most recent voting cycle. Cannabis tastings have become popular in Colorado, where cannabis is often paired with food and wine for a fully immersive experience. Pairing cannabis strains with meals, much like wine, is the cutting edge of the recreational marijuana industry. Colorado is planning to increasingly capitalize on this trend too, as Denver recently legalized Amsterdam style cannabis cafes. \n\n### 8. Intriguing and Interesting Product Design\n\nMany of the products in the cannabis industry were built with utility in mind, but tides are turning as style is becoming increasingly incorporated into a variety of products. The recent swing towards design focused products include the sleek and practical Hmbldt vaporizer pen that was named one of the 25 best inventions of 2016 by Time magazine. The modern and minimalist styled vape pen dispenses a specified dose of cannabis oil, specifically with a medical necessity in mind. The pens include relief, sleep, bliss, and calm, each made to target a specific symptom or medical condition. \n\n![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/58756d23772f3e0008ef0ece/embedded_images/58756e20772f3e000cd40750/Screen_Shot_2017-01-10_at_3.27.29_PM.png)\n \nThe world of marijuana glassware is getting an update as well. Jane West, a leading cannabis activist and founder of Women Grow, has recently raised $1 million in capital for a new [glassware](https://cannabisnow.com/jane-west-raises-1m-capital-launches-modern-glassware-collection/) collection. West has collaborated with Grav Labs, an Austin based company that is known for their production of high quality glassware, on the venture. The collection includes 5 glass pieces so far, each in a stunning cobalt blue color with unique shapes curated with ergonomics in mind. \n\n### 9. More Marijuana on TV\n\nAside from cannabis guest starring more often on television shows as a casual or medicinal product, rather than a taboo, marijuana based television shows are starting to go more mainstream. High Maintenance, which started as a web series before making it to the small screen, follows the life of an unnamed pot delivery man. MTV’s new show “Mary + Jane” stars two women as “pot-reprenuers” who created a cannabis delivery app and follows their life in the industry. Sony Pictures recently booked John Malkovich to star in a new drama called “Humboldt”, which is about the marijuana industry that has flourished in the town. Even Netflix has jumped on the cannabis train, recently ordering a new series for 2017 called “Disjointed” starring Kathy Bates. \n\n### 10. Athleticism and Cannabis\n\nCannabis has gained traction in the athletic world, not only as a way to recovery after injuries, but also as a way to enhance athletic prowess. One Colorado triathlete and gym owner, who was interviewed by Men’s Journal, claimed that he trains with better form and focus when he enters a controlled meditative state caused by marijuana edibles. \n\nAn Outside Magazine [correspondent](http://www.businessinsider.com/how-marijuana-affects-working-out-2015-1), named Gordy Megroz, also got interested in cannabis’s relationship with sport through many of his friends who claimed it helped their skiing performance. Megroz conducted a series of test that compared his performance when he had taken cannabis and when he had not. In a series of tests he conducted on a treadmill, which was set at 5 mph with a 2.5% increase in incline every two minutes, he found that he could consistently last 30 seconds longer when he had consumed cannabis. \n\nMany pro-athletes who advocate for cannabis also thinks it helps their performance by assisting them in recovery and getting them back on the field faster than traditional pharmaceuticals, especially when they are rehabbing from injuries. Cannabis and athleticism is an topic which will be explored more in the coming year as more people have access to cannabis as a medical and recreational product.\n\n_______________________________________________________________________\n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://hellomd.com/articles/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3245033112582782,"src":"/static/9d44ebb41cc7df868f42ea3e63930f92/14b42/2f8685b39d4cce4e49ab83fc150da254.jpg","srcSet":"/static/9d44ebb41cc7df868f42ea3e63930f92/f836f/2f8685b39d4cce4e49ab83fc150da254.jpg 200w,\n/static/9d44ebb41cc7df868f42ea3e63930f92/2244e/2f8685b39d4cce4e49ab83fc150da254.jpg 400w,\n/static/9d44ebb41cc7df868f42ea3e63930f92/14b42/2f8685b39d4cce4e49ab83fc150da254.jpg 800w,\n/static/9d44ebb41cc7df868f42ea3e63930f92/47498/2f8685b39d4cce4e49ab83fc150da254.jpg 1200w,\n/static/9d44ebb41cc7df868f42ea3e63930f92/92af3/2f8685b39d4cce4e49ab83fc150da254.jpg 1359w","srcWebp":"/static/9d44ebb41cc7df868f42ea3e63930f92/58556/2f8685b39d4cce4e49ab83fc150da254.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/9d44ebb41cc7df868f42ea3e63930f92/61e93/2f8685b39d4cce4e49ab83fc150da254.webp 200w,\n/static/9d44ebb41cc7df868f42ea3e63930f92/1f5c5/2f8685b39d4cce4e49ab83fc150da254.webp 400w,\n/static/9d44ebb41cc7df868f42ea3e63930f92/58556/2f8685b39d4cce4e49ab83fc150da254.webp 800w,\n/static/9d44ebb41cc7df868f42ea3e63930f92/99238/2f8685b39d4cce4e49ab83fc150da254.webp 1200w,\n/static/9d44ebb41cc7df868f42ea3e63930f92/52030/2f8685b39d4cce4e49ab83fc150da254.webp 1359w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2261-markdown","title":"Microdosing: The Big New Trend","slug":"microdosing-the-big-new-trend","content":"### Microdosing Product Reviews\n\nI love to microdose cannabis! In a series of upcoming blog posts I will review several new microdosed products that have recently come to the California marketplace, all of which are under 3mg a dose. The products I have selected for review are [Satori Edibles](https://hellomd.com/products/586593fb159af1000c6d05fc/) by CannaCraft, [PetraMints](https://www.hellomd.com/marijuana-edibles/petra-mints-moroccan-mint) by Kiva Confections, and Activation Spray by CannaAthlete. In the coming month I look forward to sharing my experiences with you and I hope you will share your microdosing experiences with me as well. If you are new to microdosing I encourage you to read on.\n\n### What's Microdosing?\n\nWhen people think of consuming cannabis, they often will think of the psychoactive high associated with THC. In cannabis lingo this is usually referred to as recreational consumption. On the flip side of this is the medical consumer. This type of consumer may or may not seek the psychoactive component, but mostly seeks therapeutic benefit for whatever condition may be ailing them. In theory, medical consumers will intake the smallest necessary dose, psychotropic or not, to create the desired therapeutic effect. This is where microdosing comes into play, but it is also not strictly constrained to medical consumption as microdosing can have several positive mood enhancing benefits, among other things. \n\nRELATED: [MICRODOSING: CANNATHLETE'S ACTIVATION SPRAY](https://hellomd.com/health-wellness/5895242981441900084c2b02/microdosing-cannaathletes-activation-spray-product-review)\n\nMicrodosing refers to the practice of ingesting small amounts of cannabis to create a specific effect. For a medical consumer this may be self titrating a small amount throughout the day to treat a condition without feeling the effect of being high. For someone not seeking to treat a specific condition, microdosing may be utilized to create a sense of well being, reduce anxiety, focus attention or uplift the spirits on a dreary day. Whatever the motivation may be, microdosing is not about achieving a stereotypical high. For me, [microdosing not only stopped my chronic migraines and fibromyalgia](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/578da024fdc17e000700019d/microdosing-cannabis-stopped-my-chronic-pain), it has increased my sense of overall wellbeing. And I’m not the only one.\n\n### Microdosing is Trending\n\n[Recent studies have indicated](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3566631/) that microdosing may have a more positive effect than macrodosing. This is in large part due to what is called the biphasic effect. Essentially this means that there is a difference between low dosing and high dosing; a substance at a certain point will induce a positive experience but past that point it may turn into a negative experience or a ‘downer’ when too much of a product is consumed. The biphasic effect is often referred to with both alcohol and cannabis. With cannabis microdosing, the aim is to always stay within the positive realm of experience.\n\nMicro dosed products will be one of the biggest trends you will see in cannabis for 2017. Why? People are catching on to the fact that not everyone who enters a dispensary is seeking to get blown out of their mind. In today’s typical dispensary, it is not unusual to see THC percentage levels being anywhere between 60%-99% in a large selection of products. As new consumers have come to the market, there is a new demand for smaller amounts of THC, which create smaller albeit noticeable effects. This has fortunately led to the emergence of the microdosing trend as well as new product development. \n\nPersonally, this makes me very happy as microdosing to date has been largely left up to the consumer. A responsible bud tender may suggest to a new consumer to down-dose products with high levels of THC. For instance a chocolate bar may have 150 mg of THC. In order to microdose that chocolate the consumer would need to cut a small piece off and guess that he or she is taking anywhere from 5-10mg. This is not an exact science and can lead to a bad experience.\n\nRELATED: [MICRODOSING: SATORI CHOCOLATES REVIEW](https://hellomd.com/health-wellness/58797273eb7401000b5ac214/microdosing-cannabis-satori-chocolate-edibles-review)\n\n### New Microdose Products Hit the Market\n\nFor the better part of two years I have been microdosing marijuana successfully. It has helped me as a medical patient but in addition I have also noticed the positive mood enhancement benefits. Microdosing also allows me to stay active both physically and mentally. For these reasons I have been a huge proponent of more microdosed products to be placed within the marketplace. New products will not only address a big gap but also will entice new consumers to give cannabis a try, especially those who are more fearful  due to a past experience or from stories they have heard. \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en) \n_______________________________________________________________________\n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAPABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFQABAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABQD/xAAVAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAP/aAAwDAQACEAMQAAABPUHQlqEg/8QAGRAAAgMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgMBERME/9oACAEBAAEFAuchFqs6FioFcQTNcyMFX//EABcRAQADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACEVH/2gAIAQMBAT8Bjqn/xAAWEQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARH/2gAIAQIBAT8BrX//xAAbEAACAgMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgERISIxYf/aAAgBAQAGPwJZfhpdFQ649FiRUhel5iz/xAAZEAADAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAREhMaH/2gAIAQEAAT8hYxJdKdLYqLChYjHNd4OMEvBGbBYj/9oADAMBAAIAAwAAABCUL//EABcRAAMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABIRH/2gAIAQMBAT8QjWHZ/8QAFxEAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAERIf/aAAgBAgEBPxB9gkh//8QAHRABAQACAQUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAREAITFBUWFxof/aAAgBAQABPxAiomkpsSZO2RSCF4njOJCMCJ0RzdU9G9u4ZeShvasIHq5dC20nKX5n/9k=","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/900972e086401bb5e47d96f2717bdc3b/14b42/ac482061ba302e9e34cbce70659c03d9.jpg","srcSet":"/static/900972e086401bb5e47d96f2717bdc3b/f836f/ac482061ba302e9e34cbce70659c03d9.jpg 200w,\n/static/900972e086401bb5e47d96f2717bdc3b/2244e/ac482061ba302e9e34cbce70659c03d9.jpg 400w,\n/static/900972e086401bb5e47d96f2717bdc3b/14b42/ac482061ba302e9e34cbce70659c03d9.jpg 800w,\n/static/900972e086401bb5e47d96f2717bdc3b/47498/ac482061ba302e9e34cbce70659c03d9.jpg 1200w,\n/static/900972e086401bb5e47d96f2717bdc3b/54ac5/ac482061ba302e9e34cbce70659c03d9.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/900972e086401bb5e47d96f2717bdc3b/58556/ac482061ba302e9e34cbce70659c03d9.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/900972e086401bb5e47d96f2717bdc3b/61e93/ac482061ba302e9e34cbce70659c03d9.webp 200w,\n/static/900972e086401bb5e47d96f2717bdc3b/1f5c5/ac482061ba302e9e34cbce70659c03d9.webp 400w,\n/static/900972e086401bb5e47d96f2717bdc3b/58556/ac482061ba302e9e34cbce70659c03d9.webp 800w,\n/static/900972e086401bb5e47d96f2717bdc3b/99238/ac482061ba302e9e34cbce70659c03d9.webp 1200w,\n/static/900972e086401bb5e47d96f2717bdc3b/5e0b8/ac482061ba302e9e34cbce70659c03d9.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":0,"numPages":1,"currentPage":1,"id":5511,"name":"Microdose","slug":"microdose","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}