MINDFUL MICRO-DOSING WITH CANNABIS
Mindfulness Meditation and Micro-dosing are two phrases you may have heard more recently in health news articles. Micro-dosing is the administration of any drug at a low, sub-therapeutic level. The purpose of this is to create an effect at the cellular level- not strong enough for a full-body effect. This is particularly helpful for those who are prone to anxiety or simply uncomfortable with the psychoactive effects attributed to being under the influence of THC.
Mindfulness Meditation is the practice of quieting the mind by focus, usually accompanied by breathing exercises. Research studies have indicated that the practice of mindfulness is strongly associated with greater well-being and perceived health. In a 2010 study published in Consciousness and Cognition Journal, 24 people in an intervention group each completed four sessions of mindfulness meditation training. A control group of 25 people listened to an audio book. The mindfulness meditation training group and the control group showed improved mood, but only meditation training reduced fatigue and anxiety.
Using mindfulness meditation in conjunction with micro-dosing, you may notice you feel the effects of the medicine that may have been more subtle in previous medicating sessions. When micro-dosing with cannabis, you can use any method that is preferred (E.g.- combustion, vaporization, ingestion, etc.), but the proper method to micro-dosing is to stay in the range of 1-5 mg of THC/CBD per dose**. You may notice at times you will lose focus but this is part of the practice. The key to mindfulness meditation is to focus on the breath and body. The method introduced below is called a Body Scan. This practice is geared towards creating mindfulness and a general sense of better health.
**To estimate the milligrams of THC/CBD per gram just multiply the potency of the strain by 10. For example, AK-47 is about 17% THCA. 17 x 10 = 170 mg of THCA per 1 gram. As you can probably see, you will be using very small amounts of cannabis to micro-dose, less than 1 gram per session.
MEDITATION TECHNIQUE:BODY SCAN
You can either do this seated or lying down on your back with your palms facing up, feet slightly apart. (Note: Try to lie as still as possible. If you need to make any adjustments, do so slowly.)
Begin by bringing awareness to the breath, noticing the rhythm, the experience of breathing in and exhaling out. Guide your attention to your body. (How do the clothes feel against your skin? How is the texture of the surface you are lying/sitting on? How is the environment and temperature around you?)
Now guide your awareness to areas of your body that may be experiencing any tingling, soreness, or heaviness. Try to focus slowly, working your way up from your toes to the top of your head.
After the Body Scan is complete, open your eyes slowly at your own pace. Take note of how you feel both physically and mentally. Keep notes along with your dosages to note your progress.Daily practice of Mindfulness Meditation will improve your technique ultimately allow you to move towards an improved mood and decreased anxiety.
NOT ALL EDIBLES ARE CREATED EQUAL: ARE YOUR EDIBLES HELPING OR HURTING?
Medicating with infused foods is a great way to intake your daily dosage of cannabis. But have you ever considered that your recipe may be hurting more than helping?
Cannabinoids are fat-soluble, and need fat to bind to receptors, which is why many edibles contain high fat levels. Items such as hard candies, gummies, chocolate bars, and various other baked goods are easy methods to incorporate your medicine into your diet to receive long lasting effects. Remember however, it is key to pick the healthier option when possible.
One of the issues while medicating with these treats is that they can be extremely high in sugars. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition warns that processed sugars trigger the release of cytokines which are inflammatory messengers in your body. The inflammation resulting from these sugars is a possible casual factor in many chronic diseases.
As you may now see, a diet that is high in sugar is a recipe for inflammation. Encourage yourself to try new things and step outside of your tastebuds’ comfort zone. Next time instead of opting for a boxed brownie mix, why not try this healthy homemade dark chocolate candy recipe instead? It’s surprisingly delicious!
HEALTHY DARK CHOCOLATE RECIPE:
1/2 cup cannacoconut oil
1/2 cup cocoa powder
3 tablespoons raw honey (or Grade A maple syrup)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Flavor Pairings: Dried coconut flakes, orange zest, chopped almonds, Himalayan Sea Salt
Melt cannacoconut oil in a saucepan over low heat.
Remove from heat and stir cocoa powder, honey/maple syrup, and vanilla extract into melted oil.
Mix well for at least 10 minutes.
(If using additional flavor pairings, add directly into candy mold before adding mixture.)
Pour mixture into a candy mold or pliable tray.
Refrigerate until chilled for about 1 hour.
Makes about 60 13mg servings (if cannacoconut oil is made with 1/4 oz. of S.A.G.E. #21)
Originally Featured in Breakwater Treatment and Wellness June 2017 Newsletter