Do We Smoke Too Much? The Art of Microdosing Pot

‘Microdose’ is certainly a buzz term these days, and it can be applied to many things. Some people don’t want the full tab of acid or the full mushroom, and a smaller version of it, called a microdose, is more preferable. This same idea applies to weed, and in looking at microdosing pot, the question arises, of if we smoke too much.

Sure, standard culture dictates taking hit after hit of weed, but is this too much for some people, and is it possible they just don’t know? Microdosing pot might be the best answer to THC sickness, while still reaping the benefits of marijuana. We cover everything important in the cannabis industry; so subscribe to the THC Weekly Newsletter to keep up with everything going on right now. It’ll also get you premium access to stellar deals on cannabis products like vapes, edibles, and other paraphernalia! Plus, we’ve also got some sweet offers on cannabinoids, like HHC-O, Delta 8, Delta 9 THC, Delta-10 THC, THCO, THCV, THCP & HHC, which won’t break the bank. Check out our “Best-of” lists to access these deals, and always remember to enjoy responsibly!

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What is a microdose?

A microdose isn’t a difficult concept, it’s simply a smaller dose than is usually taken of a substance. A regular or general dose is often determined by how much of it is needed in order to bring on effects. But it should be remembered that different effects can be brought on at different levels of substance use. Which means, microdosing allows for some effects to be had, but is not enough for others. This can mean as little as 1/20th of a standard dose, but there really aren’t rules here.

Think of LSD or mushrooms, drugs where the term ‘microdose’ is not uncommon. A full tab of acid or a full mushroom might send a person into hours of hallucinations, spiritual adventures, and altered thinking. But a microdose of one of these compounds might just illicit some general feel-good sensations, and a much milder version of the above.

So how much is a microdose? You can often find amounts in publications for full doses and microdoses. However, it should be remembered that different people are reactive to different amounts of compounds. This means, for a heavy user of LSD, a standard dose might seem like a microdose, and for the super-sensitive out there, a standard microdose might be like a full dose. It’s also best to remember we come in different sizes, and this greatly effects how drugs affect us individually. A 95-pound girl would not need as much of almost any compound as a 200-pound man.

Then there’s also the idea of habituating to something, and growing tolerance. If you’ve never taken a drug, its best not jump in like an expert. Maybe the guy next to you can handle three tabs of LSD, and maybe one day you will too, but it doesn’t mean you’ll get there on the first try, and misinterpreting this can lead to a bad trip.

When starting with something new, a microdose is sometimes preferable in that it offers a smaller amount. As a person gets used to what they’re working with, they can establish what a good microdose amount – and regular dose amount – are for themselves. Each person will have their own limits, and these limits can vary by substance, meaning a person who likes to drink heavily, might only appreciate a small amount of mushrooms, or a person with a low tolerance for weed, might require a greater amount of ketamine. This can also vary by situation, and can be dependent on whatever else might be in the user’s system.

The art of microdosing pot

I’ve been a weed smoker for half my life, and the idea of microdosing pot never entered my mind as a thing until I started to develop anxiety from smoking. I probably always got a little, but never put it together. Upon it getting noticeably worse, I had to cut down how much I was smoking. In essence, I started microdosing my pot instead. Although when I first cut back, this was not the term in my head.

Psychedelics: Silicon Valley and Microdosing

By microdosing my cannabis, I simply mean that instead of taking hit after hit after hit, which is pretty standard for marijuana users, I started to take one hit at a time, followed by a break. Just enough to feel a little buzz, but without the overall heaviness, the deep relaxation, and in my case, the anxiety, of standard smoking. I take hits as frequently as I see fit, but generally only one at a time.

It’s actually incredibly easy microdosing pot, especially when vaping or smoking it. With edibles, a user must wait more time to establish if the dose amount is too much or too little, but when breathing it in, this is established very easily and quickly. We take it in in breaths, so simply limiting the amount of breaths, means limiting the amount of THC, hence a microdose. It doesn’t require cutting anything up, or weighing anything out. It just means taking a hit…and then stopping!

Do we smoke too much?

In coming to my own realization about my need for microdosing weed (and this is not all the time, which does imply other aspects of bodily function as a part of my reaction), it started to occur to me that perhaps we smoke way more than we need to. Or, at least, way more than we need to, to get optimal effects. Or, to look at it another way, we smoke more than we need to, to get the ultimate effects. Truth is, past a point, the hits matter less and less, and no new high is accomplished unless the THC has time to wane. If you’ve smoked a lot, you know this. Even if it doesn’t stop you from going for the next hit.

Thing is, that’s what smoking culture is all about. Taking hit after hit after hit after hit. I’ve been at parties where we passed joints around for hours, or I’ve sat in my own room watching a show and hitting my vape over and over. It becomes a habit. A thing to do. In some situations, a way to handle nerves, or simply something to do with the hands. It’s like, when there’s a break in the conversation, and no one knows what to do, a new joint gets lit.

Some drugs we’d never think to do this with. While with others, constant microdosing is the way it goes. Think drinking alcohol. Sure, you can take a shot, but generally we drink it down in sips, with each sip being a microdose amount. The difference between alcohol and cannabis though, is that one can kill you if you microdose to the point of overdosing, and one will do no more than make you feel sick for a little while, if you get that far.

Ever gotten weed-sick?

You might not die from using pot, but you can make yourself sick. I started microdosing pot when I started getting little anxiety spells after smoking. Sometimes if I was walking it felt like a minor dizziness, accompanied by the anxiety of feeling dizziness. When I took out the smoking, it went away. When I reinserted it in microdose mounts, I was fine. I wasn’t quite as sky-high, but I still got plenty high, and I was okay with that, especially if I had to be up and moving anyway.

Good Trip Guaranteed: Common Mistakes To Avoid When Using Psychedelics

We talk a lot these days about the ability to overdose on THC, and the sickness it causes. But what if this could all be avoided by simply taking in less? Maybe a person getting sick off a whole joint of smoking, would be fine with just three hits. I don’t seem to actually have an issue with THC, it just feels more like I’m sensitized to it at times, and taking in a smaller amount works better.

Maybe the entire idea of THC sickness could be avoided by simply smoking less. And this implies that our culture of continuous smoking, promotes THC overdoses. I really do wonder if every person who has told me they get anxiety/paranoia/any not-good-feeling from weed, simply smoked more than they needed to, for their specific body. It could be that some people require a smaller dose, and our culture of constant smoking, didn’t allow them to know that. Most people dive right in because it’s the norm. For anyone more sensitive, doing this the first time, could make a person think that they just can’t handle it at all.

The idea of whether we smoke too much is subjective for the most part. Most people won’t consume cannabis past feeling sick, though its possible that feeling sick comes from over-consumption, and nothing else. A lot of times, it just seems wasteful more than anything else. If hit after hit after hit doesn’t increase the high, maybe a person could save themselves some money by taking a break.

Conclusion

No one really talks about microdosing pot, but in some ways, it’s probably the most misunderstood drug when it comes to microdosing. And conversely, one of the easiest drugs to microdose with. While I’m not a doctor, and not giving anyone advice, I do wonder if those who’ve had issues in the past with THC making them feel not good, could turn the whole ship around by simply smoking less.

Welcome all! Thanks for stopping by CBDtesters.co, your #1 web source for comprehensive independent news coverage of the cannabis and psychedelics industries. Join us whenever you can to stay informed on the quickly-moving worlds of cannabis and psychedelics, and check out The THC Weekly Newsletter, to ensure you never miss an important story.

Disclaimer: Hi, I’m a researcher and writer. I’m not a doctor, lawyer, or businessperson. All information in my articles is sourced and referenced, and all opinions stated are mine. I am not giving anyone advice, and though I am more than happy to discuss topics, should someone have a further question or concern, they should seek guidance from a relevant professional.

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What are Cannabinoids? Their Benefits Uses Side Effects & More

CBD, THC, CBN, CBG – those are just a few cannabinoids gaining mainstream traction. We know what they do and where they come from. But what are cannabinoids? What role do they play in nature and human consumption?

Whether you’re interested in cannabis plant botany, medicine, or recreational topics, it’s crucial to understand the mystery behind these compounds. Let’s dive into the fantastic realm of this relatively unexplored cannabis topic.

What Are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that directly or indirectly interact with the body’s endocannabinoid receptors. While these dynamics vary from one cannabinoid to another, the core mechanism of action is similar.

Although cannabis Sativa L. is the only plant source of cannabinoids, it’s not the only place you’ll find them. Next, we’ll explore the different cannabinoid categories.

Phytocannabinoids

Phytocannabinoids are naturally found in cannabis. The prefix “phyto” means “plant-related” (or some variation), hence the name.

For most of us, phytocannabinoids need little introduction. Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are both key examples. But there are over 100 known cannabinoids in the plant Cannabis Sativa L.

Endocannabinoids

Although we’re somewhat focused on phytocannabinoids, endocannabinoids arguably play a more consistent role in our daily health. “Endo” means “internal,” so endocannabinoids are essentially internal cannabinoids that our bodies naturally produce.

We’ll cover these in more detail shortly.

What Are Some Examples of Cannabinoids?

There are over 100 known cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, although none have psychoactive effects comparable to THC. Still, these compounds play a substantial role in shaping your recreational or medical marijuana experience.

Unfortunately, we can’t cover the complete list, so let’s look at some major and minor cannabinoids produced by the cannabis Sativa plant and beyond.

• CBD (cannabidiol)
• THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)
• CBG (cannabigerol)
• CBN (cannabinol)
• CBC (cannabichromene)
• CBT (cannabicitran)
• CBV (cannabinodivarin)
• CBR (cannabiripsol)
• Anandamide (endocannabinoid)
• 2-AG (endocannabinoid)

What Do Cannabinoids Do?

Whether internal (endocannabinoids) or external (phytocannabinoids), these natural compounds work the same way. They also serve many different functions – most of which, admittedly, we don’t conclusively understand.

However, research unravels the mysteries of cannabinoids, especially their connection to receptors in the peripheral (CB2 receptors) and central nervous system (CB1 receptors).

Without going into too much detail, cannabinoids help regulate various critical functions to maintain homeostasis, according to a 2008 entry in the Journal of Biological Chemistry. “Homeostasis” is a fancy word for “balance.”

When this internal equilibrium is in place, our bodies and minds remain healthy and fully functional. But when thrown off balance, it can lead to many potential health problems.

The study above notes how cannabinoids modulate a variety of internal functions, including:

• Appetite
• Energy
• Metabolism
• Blood sugar
• Insulin resistance

This list is far from complete and doesn’t cover many of the potential benefits of cannabinoids. Let’s look at those next.

What are the Benefits of Cannabinoids?

The medical use of cannabis dates back several millennia. From Crohn’s disease to cancer, claims about the plant’s benefits gave rise to various medicinal products, along with thousands of supplement options.

Every cannabinoid likely offers therapeutic benefits, but we’ll focus on those that received the most attention in recent years.

CBD and Its Benefits

CBD is associated with an extensive list of benefits, supported mainly by preliminary evidence. 

Pain Perception

Some evidence suggests CBD may assist with pain perception. A 2021 study in The Journal of Pain examined over 2,700 human participants with fibromyalgia. Those who took CBD reported improvement mild to substantial improvement in chronic pain.

Cardiovascular Health

According to a 2017 study in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, CBD may also promote heart health.

The study looked at a small group of male participants with high blood pressure who took 600mg of CBD every day for seven days. Not only did the men see reduced blood pressure, but they also saw a lower increase when subjected to stress tests.

Granted, the group consisted of nine participants, so it’s far from conclusive. 

Observer’s 2022 Best CBD Oil article is a trustworthy place to start, which lists the top 10 CBD oils to buy. They reviewed dozens of products in the market through blind product testing, where labels and packaging were removed.

THC and Its Benefits

THC remains somewhat controversial. Recreational users appreciate it for its intoxicating impact on the central nervous system. However, some medical consumers have a love-hate relationship with tetrahydrocannabinol.

Psychotropic effects aside, THC has some well-documented benefits.

Chronic Pain

Like CBD, THC may be effective at controlling chronic pain. A massive 2017 review in the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine examined over 10,000 academic studies.

The review discovered a strong correlation between THC, other cannabinoids, and pain management.

Lung Health

Conventional wisdom tells us that smoking harms our lungs. This is true of tobacco, but what about cannabis? A 2012 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association examined that question – and found some surprising results.

The 20-year study followed over 5,000 young adults who smoked high-THC cannabis (a.k.a. “marijuana”), tobacco, or both. While the cigarette smokers unsurprisingly showed decreased lung function, cannabis-only users didn’t. In fact, the researchers discovered that mild to moderate cannabis users experienced increased lung capacity.

Still, the authors warn that chronic, heavy cannabis smoking will likely harm the lungs, so moderation is key. We recommend using vaporizers, edibles, oils, or topicals as an alternative to burning dried flower.

CBG and Its Benefits

Cannabigerol (CBG) is making waves in the supplement community as information about its benefits slowly emerges. Growing interest led to several preliminary studies which support cannabigerol’s potential therapeutic benefits.

Appetite

Many medical conditions or treatments can affect appetites, such as eating disorders or chemotherapy. CBG, however, may help improve appetite.

A 2016 study in Psychopharmacology examined the potential appetite-stimulating effects of CBG on rat subjects.

Once researchers established an appetite baseline, the rats received a steady dose of CBG every three days. The study found that while the volume of food consumption per feeding didn’t change, the frequency of each feeding increased.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma was one of the first conditions to be addressed by medical cannabis – specifically THC. But a 2008 review in the National Library of Medicine indicates that CBG may also play a role.

Specifically, the publication notes the presence of CB1 and CB2 endocannabinoid receptors in the eye. This explains why CBG can bind to those receptors and offers the same therapeutic effects as THC in glaucoma.

CBN and Its Benefits

A newer product on the hemp-derived supplement scene, cannabinol (CBN), has little research to back its benefits. Still, a little is better than none at all, but it should be taken with a grain of salt.

However, what sets CBN apart is that – aside from THC – CBN is the only other known cannabinoid with intoxicating psychoactive effects. However, these effects are so mild that they’re barely noticeable (if at all). However, it can add a little extra boost to THC’s recreational “high.”

Sleep

Like many cannabinoids, CBN is believed to have sedative properties. For the moment, this is primarily anecdotal, save for one old 1975 study published in the journal Karger. The experiment involved five male participants who received CBN, THC, or a mix of both.

CBN alone didn’t appear to make a big difference, but those who took a combination dose noticed increased intoxication, dizziness, and drowsiness compared to the CBN, THC, and placebo groups.

Neuroprotectant

CBN may offer some neuroprotective benefits. One 2005 study by Weydt et al. examined CBN’s effects on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in mice.

CBN was administered beneath the skin through a pump device at 5mg/kg for 12 weeks. The study observed that CBN “…significantly delays disease onset by more than two weeks while survival was not affected.”

In other words, while CBN won’t reverse ALS, it may slow down its progress to buy time for conventional treatment.

CBDA and Its Benefits

CBDA stands for “cannabidiolic acid.” This cannabinoid is essentially CBD but in an unheated acidic form. When heated, CBDA undergoes decarboxylation – a process where the molecular structure loses a “carboxyl group” consisting of one carbon atom, two oxygen atoms, and one hydrogen atom (COOH).

CBDA’s benefits are familiar to CBD consumers since CBDA offers similar therapeutic uses.

Inflammation

CBDA may have anti-inflammatory properties. A 2008 study in Drug Metabolism and Disposition examined THCA and CBDA’s effects on inflammatory responses in cultured cells.

When applied to the cells, both THCA and CBDA showed anti-inflammatory effects. However, CBDA performed better than THCA.

The researchers observed how both cannabinoids acted as COX-2 inhibitors, enzymes responsible for developing compounds that trigger inflammation. Stifling the COX-2, CBDA and THCA could reduce the inflammatory response.

Breast Cancer

Interestingly, the COX-2 inhibition displayed in the above study also profoundly impacted research into CBDA and breast cancer.

A 2014 study by Takeda et al. noted that COX-2 isn’t just a driving force for inflammation. The enzyme also apparently encourages the growth and development of breast cancer (and possibly other cancer) cells.

The experimenters applied raw CBDA to cultured breast cancer cells and noticed how the cannabinoid altered gene expression in combination with the anti-inflammatory effects of COX-2. Ultimately this combined effect slowed the growth of those cultured cells.

However, research in a Petrie dish isn’t comparable to actual human studies.

Do Cannabinoids Have Side Effects?

Yes, cannabinoids have side effects. The adverse reactions vary depending on the cannabinoid (and person) in question.

Without many human trials, it’s challenging to know the negative impact of most cannabinoids. So let’s stick with the most heavily-consumed products: THC and CBD.

THC

From a recreational perspective, many of THC’s side effects are sought after by consumers. However, medical users may not be so keen to experience those results. In some instances, THC’s adverse effects have no recreational benefit either.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, consumption or over-consumption of THC can cause side effects like:

• Impaired memory
• Loss of motor control
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Hallucinations
• Rapid heart rate
• Marijuana use disorder (addiction)

THC’s potential complications are comparatively milder than other drugs, such as alcohol or nicotine. However, it’s essential to approach this cannabis product with extreme caution.

CBD

Although substantially milder than THC due to its non-intoxicating properties, CBD is known to cause some – albeit minor – side effects.

Dr. Peter Grinspoon of Harvard Health Publishing explains that CBD is generally well-tolerated by the human body. Side effects are minor and typically include:

• Drowsiness
• Appetite changes
• Nausea
• Headache
• Diarrhea

However, Grinspoon warns that certain medications may negatively interact with CBD, including blood-thinners and seizure medicines. Patients using these other drugs are at an increased risk of experiencing potentially dangerous side effects.

What are Synthetic Cannabinoids?

Synthetic cannabinoids are artificial cannabinoids meant to mimic the recreational effects of their natural counterparts in cannabis plants. Although they’re easy to find at many head shops and illegal websites, the Food and Drug Administration hasn’t approved their production or use – and for a good reason.

Unlike phytocannabinoids, synthetic cannabinoid products – also known as “K2,” “AK-47,” “Scooby Snacks,” or “spice” – are dangerous and potentially deadly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC also explains that, while states try to ban these substances, manufacturers find clever ways to keep lawmakers and regulators off their backs.

Legality aside, don’t consume synthetic cannabinoids.

What are Endogenous Cannabinoids?

Endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) are neurotransmitters that form a single part of a much more extensive “network” of cannabinoids and receptors that make up the endocannabinoid system.

The two main endocannabinoids are anandamide – which is chemically similar in structure to THC – and 2AG.

But what role do they play? The real question is, what role don’t they play. A 2018 entry in the Journal of Young Investigators further highlights the role of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in maintaining homeostasis. This, as we’ll discuss next, has far-reaching implications for our health.

How Do Endocannabinoids Work?

Endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids work the same way. All cannabinoids produce their effects through the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the central and peripheral nervous systems, respectively.

When the body experiences an issue, such as pain or inflammation, it sends out a physical distress signal. The compounds then bind to the endocannabinoid receptors in (or connected to) the affected area to stabilize or relieve the symptoms.

Endogenous cannabinoids play a crucial role in balancing and regulating several vital functions, including:

• Immune system
• Chronic pain relief
• Neuropathic pain relief
• Mood
• Appetite
• Sleep

What to Look for When Buying Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoid extracts are available everywhere, but this can be a blessing and a curse. There are a lot of amazing vendors out there, but you’ll also find plenty who don’t fit the bill.

So how do you tell if a product is worth trying? Keep a lookout for the following benchmarks.

Company Reputation

Having a solid background with an even stronger positive customer response helps credibility.

While there’s nothing inherently wrong with giving up-and-coming vendors a chance, you’re more likely to enjoy a product that’s been in the market for a while.

Colorado Botanicals, for instance, has several years of experience in the CBD scene. This allowed them to perfect a proprietary CO2 extraction process for natural cannabinoid and terpene retention. They’re also working hard on new enhanced CBD and CBG supplement products.

Other vendors are also following that same route, although they still make up a smaller – albeit growing – portion of the cannabinoid supplement market.

Third-Party Lab Reports

Most cannabis plant extract companies stand by their products and have no problem proving that through independent analyses.

Comprehensive lab reports provide verifiable proof that what you consume isn’t just safe but also exactly as advertised.

If a vendor doesn’t offer links to third-party lab reports, you should consider looking elsewhere.

Customer Reviews

Any company can say their cannabinoid products are excellent, revolutionary, or other marketing terms. But if you want genuine, unbiased reviews, the best source comes from individual customers.

Sites like Reddit or TrustPilot are full of people who tried the products. They won’t pull any punches when it comes to honest criticisms.

Return Policy

Another indication of quality is a company’s return policy. Generous guarantees are typically an indication that the vendor doesn’t expect many returns. On the other hand, companies with restrictive return policies may care more about securing a sale than making you happy.

Summary: What are Cannabinoids and Their Effects

There are over 100 cannabinoids inside the cannabis plant, but they’re far from the only ones. Endocannabinoids perform a fundamental role that can be supplemented or supported with phytocannabinoids like CBD, THC, CBG, CBN, CBDA, etc.

Synthetic cannabinoids also exist, but they don’t work the same way as their natural cannabis plant counterparts. Their effects are simulated and don’t rely on natural cannabinoid receptors – not to mention they can be deadly.

Besides CBD’s effectiveness against severe childhood epilepsy, cannabinoids aren’t backed by complete clinical human trials. This deficiency is unfortunate, to say the least.

Hopefully, the multitude of preliminary studies will eventually lead to more conclusive human research in the near future.

Sources

Boehnke, K. F., Gagnier, J. J., Matallana, L., & Williams, D. A. (2021). Cannabidiol use for fibromyalgia: Prevalence of use and perceptions of effectiveness in a large online survey. The Journal of Pain, 22(5), 556–566. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2020.12.001

Brierley, D. I., Samuels, J., Duncan, M., Whalley, B. J., & Williams, C. M. (2015). Neuromotor tolerability and behavioural characterisation of cannabidiolic acid, a phytocannabinoid with therapeutic potential for anticipatory nausea. Psychopharmacology, 233(2), 243–254. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-015-4100-1

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018, April 24). Synthetic cannabinoids: What are they? what are their effects? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved March 2, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hsb/chemicals/sc/default.html

Grinspoon, MD, P. (2021, September 24). Cannabidiol (CBD)-what we know and what we don’t. Harvard Health. Retrieved March 2, 2022, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476

The health effects of cannabis and cannabinoids. (n.d.). Retrieved March 2, 2022, from https://www.nap.edu/resource/24625/Cannabis_chapter_highlights.pdf

Jadoon, K. A., Tan, G. D., & O’Sullivan, S. E. (2017). A single dose of cannabidiol reduces blood pressure in healthy volunteers in a randomized crossover study. JCI Insight, 2(12). https://doi.org/10.1172/jci.insight.93760

Karniol, I. G., Shirakawa, I., Takahashi, R. N., Knobel, E., & Musty, R. E. (1975). Effects of δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabinol in man. Pharmacology, 13(6), 502–512. https://doi.org/10.1159/000136944

Kunos, G., Osei-Hyiaman, D., Liu, J., Godlewski, G., & Bátkai, S. (2008). Endocannabinoids and the control of energy homeostasis. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 283(48), 33021–33025. https://doi.org/10.1074/jbc.r800012200

MediLexicon International. (n.d.). Endocannabinoids: What are they and what do they do? Medical News Today. Retrieved March 2, 2022, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/endocannabinoid

Nadolska K, Goś R. Mozliwości zastosowania kannabinoidów w leczeniu jaskry [Possibilities of applying cannabinoids’ in the treatment of glaucoma]. Klin Oczna. 2008;110(7-9):314-7. Polish. PMID: 19112869.

Pletcher, M. J., Vittinghoff, E., Kalhan, R., Richman, J., Safford, M., Sidney, S., Lin, F., & Kertesz, S. (2012). Association between marijuana exposure and pulmonary function over 20 years. JAMA, 307(2), 173. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2011.1961

Takeda, S., Misawa, K., Yamamoto, I., & Watanabe, K. (2008). Cannabidiolic acid as a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitory component in Cannabis. Drug Metabolism and Disposition, 36(9), 1917–1921. https://doi.org/10.1124/dmd.108.020909

Takeda, S., Okazaki, H., Ikeda, E., Abe, S., Yoshioka, Y., Watanabe, K., & Aramaki, H. (2014). Down-regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) by cannabidiolic acid in human breast cancer cells. The Journal of Toxicological Sciences, 39(5), 711–716. https://doi.org/10.2131/jts.39.711

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2021, June 7). Marijuana drugfacts. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved March 2, 2022, from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana

Weydt, P., Hong, S., Witting, A., Möller, T., Stella, N., & Kliot, M. (2005). Cannabinol delays symptom onset in SOD1 (G93A) transgenic mice without affecting survival. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, 6(3), 182–184. https://doi.org/10.1080/14660820510030149

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Vaping Vitamins? Whats The Deal with This New Trend?

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Phase I DMT Trials Show Consistent And Positive Results

Lots of psychedelic compounds are currently under testing to assess their benefits for treating different psychological issues. Though magic mushrooms, LSD, and ketamine get the most attention, there are many more to consider. Recently, Phase I ended for Small Pharma’s DMT trials into depression, and the results so far are very promising.

Phase I DMT trials look promising which means yet another psychedelic getting closer to legalization. We’re on top of everything important in this growing industry, so sign up for The Psychedelics Weekly Newsletter to stay informed on everything happening now. You’ll also get access to exclusive & premium deals on flowers, vapes, edibles, and more! And don’t worry, our prices on cannabinoids like HHC-O, Delta 8, Delta 9 THC, Delta-10 THC, THCO, THCV, THCP & HHC , won’t break the bank. Head over to our “Best-of” list to find your favorite products, and enjoy responsibly!

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What is DMT?

N,N-Dimethyltryptamine, AKA DMT, is a psychedelic compound, meaning it fits under the category of hallucinogenic compounds, which itself is under the heading of psychoactive compounds. DMT is naturally occurring, and can be found in plants such as Psychotria viridis (one half of ayahuasca), in the bark of Virola theiodora, and in the skin of bufo toads, among other places. DMT is processed into a white powder that can be brewed into a tea, snorted, vaped or smoked, or injected.

DMT was synthesized first by Canadian chemist Richard Manske in 1931. It wasn’t found in a plant till years later in 1946 by microbiologist Oswaldo Gonçalves de Lima. It wasn’t until 10 years after that, that the hallucinogenic aspect was discovered, and this when Stephen Szara, a Hungarian chemist and psychiatrist, took DMT he extracted from the Mimosa hostilis plant.

Unlike some psychedelics like LSD and mushrooms, which provide hours long highs, DMT is a relatively short high, lasting 30-45 minutes. When it’s used in ayahuasca, in conjunction with the Banisteriopsis caapi vine, the MAO inhibitors of the Banisteriopsis caapi vine keep the DMT from breaking down as fast, which extends the high by many hours.

DMT is a serotonergic compound, meaning it acts on serotonin receptors, particularly the 5-ht2a receptor. At most/all receptors it acts as a non-selective agonist. Serotonin is a hormone that’s associated with mood stabilization, feeling happy, promoting well-being, but also with anxiety, and depression. Having too little serotonin is associated with depressive issues, while too much is associated with increased activity in nerve cells.

DMT has been used in history going back to around 1,000 years in the Sora River valley in southwestern Bolivia (though this is simply the earliest an artifact of this nature has been found, which doesn’t preclude its use before this time). This is known because of the finding of a pouch which contained both DMT and harmine, which together imply that ayahuasca was being made.

Many scientists believe the human body can create DMT on its own with the pineal gland in the brain. This is thought to happen when a person knows they will die, to minimize the anxiety of dying. However most research into this has been done exclusively on animals. DMT sits in Schedule I of the DEA’s Controlled Substances list, and is a Class A drug in the UK.

Everything You Need to Know About DMT

Phase I DMT trials

Last year I reported how the very first medical trials ever had started into DMT (called SPL026 for the study). These dose-escalating, placebo-controlled trials were conducted by Small Pharma (a neuropharmaceutical company) in conjunction with Imperial College London, and are being done to investigate DMT for the treatment of depression. Since DMT is a Class A drug in the UK, meaning completely illegal, in order to do the study, the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency had to approve the use of DMT in trials. It was announced this was approved in December 2020.

In these Phase I trials, DMT was given to a small grouping of healthy participants in order to judge safety and efficacy. In an upcoming second phase, the drug will be given to patients with depression to test its effects on depression as a part of psychedelic-assisted therapy.

According to Carol Routledge, the chief scientific and medical officer at Small Pharma, “Taking the drug before therapy is akin to shaking up a snow globe and letting the flakes settle… The psychedelic drug breaks up all of the ruminative thought processes in your brain – it literally undoes what has been done by either the stress you’ve been through or the depressive thoughts you have – and hugely increases the making of new connections.” She continues:

“Then the [psychotherapy] session afterwards is the letting-things-settle piece of things – it helps you to make sense of those thoughts and puts you back on the right track. We think this could be a treatment for a number of depressive disorders besides major depression, including PTSD, treatment-resistant depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and possibly some types of substance abuse.”

How did Phase I DMT trials turn out?

In September 2021, it was announced that Phase I of the DMT trials had come to an end, leading the way for Phase IIa trials. As explained, this second trial will use patients to start looking at the therapeutic value of the drug.

Small Pharma CEO Peter Rands had this to say about the completion of Phase I: “We are delighted to have made such swift and excellent progress in the seven months since starting Phase I.  The successful completion of Phase I means we can now truly assess SPL026 as a new potential treatment option for patients with MDD. There has been little innovation for patients suffering from MDD in the last few decades and SPL026 has the potential to change the mental health treatment landscape and provide a much-needed alternative therapy for patients.”

Welcome to the World’s 1st DMT Trials into Depression

Dr. Routledge, explained further, “We have achieved a significant milestone in the development of SPL026. With a strong safety and tolerability profile, now demonstrated, we can move ahead with the first regulated clinical trial of DMT-assisted therapy in patients. These results lay the foundation for Small Pharma’s DMT-assisted therapy as a potential new paradigm in the treatment of MDD.”

What were the general results of Phase I? The main findings thus far, are that:

• Individuals with no previous psychedelics experience tolerated the DMT well.
• No statistically significant adverse events were reported, even after a three-month follow-up.
• Though 20 adverse events were reported, they were all mild (85%) to moderate (15%), and they all resolved themselves quickly.
• The data points to a strong correlation between the quality of the psychedelic experience and what dose was taken, with a range starting at 9mg going to 21.5mg.
• A large data set was created that can now be used to effectively find appropriate dosing for the following phase.
• The DMT cleared so fast from the bloodstream that it was nearly undetectable after 60 minutes, dose unrelated.
• Psychedelic experiences lasted around 20 minutes.

Since the end of Phase I in the fall, the second phase, Phase IIa, has been started with 42 patients with major depressive disorder. The main point of this phase is to judge efficacy of a 1-dose model vs a two-dose model, combined with therapy sessions for these patients. This phase also allows the company to gain further information on safety, and how well tolerated the drug is.

For the study, depression levels are measured by the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating scale. This will be used to assess if there is a decrease in depression after treatment. The study locations where clinical trial are being held in the UK are Hammersmith Medicines Research and MAC Clinical Research. Topline results can be expected sometime in the first half of 2022 for this part of the study.

Into the future

Though its impossible to say how a study will turn out, or whether it will produce a marketable drug, my guess is that this study will help lead to a medical legalization for DMT in some places. Though the UK is not quite as far ahead as the US in terms of psychedelics, it could be the first to pass such a legalization for DMT.

What Would a Psychedelics legalization Look Like?

Should the US consider these study results – and assuming they are positive throughout, it’s quite likely to get a legalization there. The US is already on its way to such legalizations for other drugs. This can be seen in the FDA giving ‘breakthrough therapy’ designations to both psilocybin (twice) and MDMA, which is not only in Phase III trials by MAPS, but which had those trials planned in conjunction with the FDA to ensure results meet regulation.

On a state level, there are tons of locations now that have decriminalized magic mushrooms and/or entheogenic plants as a whole, like Detroit, Seattle, Denver, and the state of Oregon, which also legalized them for medical use. Three states are also attempting to push through state-wide recreational legalization measure. Though the laws are slightly different by location, California, Michigan, and Washington are working to get initiatives through.

Conclusion

We’ve still got plenty of time until final results come in on this study, but the Phase I DMT trials sure show a lot of promise. With psychedelics becoming more accepted, and getting closer to large scale legalizations, its certainly not out there to think that DMT could be one of the first to get a pass.

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Disclaimer: Hi, I’m a researcher and writer. I’m not a doctor, lawyer, or businessperson. All information in my articles is sourced and referenced, and all opinions stated are mine. I am not giving anyone advice, and though I am more than happy to discuss topics, should someone have a further question or concern, they should seek guidance from a relevant professional.

The Psychedelics Weekly Newsletter

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Switzerland Legalized Recreational Cannabis But Still Waiting On A Bill

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The Scary Facts About US Athlete Detained in Russia on Cannabis Charges

Two-time Olympic champion and WNBA star center for the Phoenix Mercury, Brittney Griner, has been arrested and detained by Russian customs authorities, who cite the finding of “vape cartridges containing hashish oil” in her luggage while she was traveling through an airport near Moscow. Although it just hit the news a couple days ago, Griner has been detained for almost 1 month now and she faces up to 10 years in prison if found guilty on trumped-up charges of “drug smuggling”.  

We’ve got you covered with breaking news as it happens, so sign up for the THC Weekly Newsletter to stay up-to-date on the current news, and to get special deals on flowers, vapes, edibles, and more products! Our offers on cannabinoids, like HHC-O, Delta 8, Delta 9 THC, Delta-10 THC, THCO, THCV, THCP & HHC, won’t break the bank, and can still be bought here. Head over to our “Best-of” lists for these deals, and enjoy your products responsibly!

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Who is Brittney Griner and why was she in Russia? 

Brittney Griner is a 31-year-old professional basketball player in the United States. She’s one of most well-known and highest-scoring players in the WNBA. Griner is a seven-time All Star who has won two Olympic gold medals with the US, a WNBA championship with the Mercury, and a national championship at Baylor University in Texas. 

Why Griner was even in Russia to begin with highlights the massive payment disparity between the WNBA and the NBA. Now, before we chock it up to nothing but blatant sexism, the reasoning is slightly more complex than that. As with basically all major industries, it all boils down to profitability. The NBA generates an average of $9.2 billion in annual revenue by selling tickets and merchandise, whereas the WNBA only pulls in about $75 million each year. Average paychecks reflect this, with male players earning a salary of around $6.4 million and female players getting about $78,000 on average. 

The part where salary differences actually do become somewhat biased, is in the way earnings are dispersed. NBA players get to keep 50 percent of generated revenue while WNBA players only get to keep about 20 percent. It’s not necessarily fair, but the fact of the matter is, the majority of people who watch sports are men, and they would rather watch other men play. Men are also more likely to buy jerseys, hats, hoodies, and other merchandise with team logos than women.  

Russia shares photo of WNBA star Brittney Griner in custody

Because of these income inequalities, many WNBA players travel to other countries and play on their teams during the US off season, and Russia is one of the more popular destinations for this. In Russia, WNBA players can easily rake in over $1 million, and this is on top of their US salaries. Griner has been playing for UMMC Ekaterinburg since 2015, helping her Russian team earn three domestic titles and four EuroLeague Women championships.  

The arrest  

Having said all that, let’s focus again on the arrest. Russian authorities released a statement on Saturday, March 5th, that they had detained an “American basketball player” on drug charges. It wasn’t until later when the story had been picked up by media outlets that the athlete was identified as Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner. The Russian Federal Customs Service said they had detained Brittney after drug dogs sniffed out some cannabis oil vape carts in her luggage at Sheremetyevo airport near Moscow. 

The video released by Russia’s Customs Service showed footage of a traveler (Brittney Griner) walking through the airport security screening area, and then someone examining a package shortly after which was removed from her bag. Based on the video timestamps, this happened back in February, meaning that Brittney has been in custody for a few weeks already. View the available footage below. 

WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner was arrested in Russia last month at a Moscow airport after a search of her luggage revealed vape cartridges. Footage released Saturday shows the WNBA star going through security at a Moscow airport, and her luggage being searched. pic.twitter.com/Tuubab8Oko

— CBS News (@CBSNews) March 6, 2022

In a statement to the Guardian, Griner’s agent Lindsay Colas said: “We are aware of the situation with Brittney Griner in Russia and are in close contact with her, her legal representation in Russia, her family, her teams, and the WNBA and NBA.” 

The Customs Service stated that a “criminal case had been opened into the large-scale transportation of drugs”, which carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison if convicted. This is not the first time an American has been arrested in Russia for specious charges, but the current state of affairs makes this situation particularly sketchy, even for someone who has a successful athletic career in the country.  

Cannabis laws in Russia  

To quickly summarize cannabis laws in Russia – it’s illegal. However, similar to many other countries and even US states, small amounts of product have been decriminalized for personal use since 2004. In Russia, it’s up to 6 grams of flower or 2 grams of hash. Decriminalization in Russia means this would be treated simply as an administrative offence, punishable but a fine or up to 15 days in jail.  

How the Ruskey’s do Cannabis – A Look At Regulation in Russia

This is all outlined in Article 228 of the Russian Criminal Code. Though this doesn’t qualify for decriminalization by technical standards used in other places, it does minimize the legal consequences for those who are using cannabis personally. Anything over the above listed amounts would subject a person to criminal prosecution. 

So if you were wondering why on earth anyone would travel to Russia with vape carts, it’s likely because Griner has been traveling there for almost a decade at this point, and was familiar with the fact that the country had decriminalized a couple grams of concentrate. I couldn’t find it stated anywhere how much cannabis oil she was caught with, and it’s hard to say what the specifics are on THC oils since that is a different product from hash.   

Is Brittney in danger? 

Politicians, fellow athletes, activists, and friends of Brittney’s are calling for her release amid growing fears that Vladimir Putin could use her as a pawn for leverage during the ongoing war in Ukraine and as tensions with Russia and the rest of the world continue to intensify. Texas congresswoman, Sheila Jackson Lee, who represents Griner’s hometown of Houston, had this to say on the matter: 

“We know that there were some issues dealing with vape cartridges and other items but let me be very clear, Brittney Griner is a United States citizen, she was a guest in Russia … and I will be demanding her release.” 

Again, some fear that the situation could become even more fraught for Brittney, like former US deputy assistant secretary of defense for Russia and Ukraine Evelyn Farkas. “If we want her out of jail, Russia is going to have some terms,” said Farkas. “It could be a prisoner swap. They also could use it as an implicit threat or blackmail to get us to do something or not do something. Either way, they find it useful.” 

Knowing what we know about Brittney (high profile US citizen, African-American, female, queer), and knowing what we know about Russia (hostile, currently embroiled in international conflict, government that is known to commit many human rights violations against minorities, LGBTQ, and women), it’s within reason to assume that Brittney might be in a dangerous situation as we speak.  

For example, in an interview with BBC, numerous people of color living in Russia described how they were treated on a regular basis – which ranged from casual racism to physical assaults and systemic issues that impact various quality-of-life aspects. Examples include being barred from some rental properties and jobs, denied entry into restaurants and other businesses, racial slurs, and so on. The situation with racism can be especially dicey for those who have been arrested, detained, or incarcerated. 

Is the Death of the Cannabinoid Market Coming?

Now, let’s examine how women are often treated in Russia. In 2017, a law was passed that decriminalized first offenses of domestic battery and in 2018, the Russian government statistics agency recorded a total of 8,300 women murdered in the country. That comes out to an average of 22 per day. And the situation is said to have grown worse since the pandemic began. Compare that to the UK average of one woman killed every three days, and you realize how massive a problem this is. Efforts to protect Russian women are often seen by conservative lawmakers as “an infringement on the rights of the family”. 

Add to all this, Brittney is a lesbian, and Russia is known to have some of the strictest anti-LGBTQ laws in the entire world. In Russia, gay marriage is illegal, but it goes even further than that. Many citizens are not open to those in the LGBTQ community, stating that they would not accept them as neighbors or colleagues and feel they are a threat to traditional ways of life. LGBTQ people living in Russia face regular threats, bullying, physical and sexual abuse, abuse within their families, and discrimination in daily life. The 2013 “gay propaganda” law has increased that social hostility tenfold. 

“It taking three weeks for Brittney Griner’s detention in Russia to hit the news here is absurd and horrifying in a way that’s difficult to comprehend. Russia has some of the most anti-LGBTQ laws among major nations. It cannot be overstated the danger she’s in right now.” – Charlotte Clymer, American activist, press secretary, and writer, said on Twitter.

It taking three weeks for Brittney Griner’s detention in Russia to hit the news here is absurd and horrifying in a way that’s difficult to comprehend.

Russia has some of the most anti-LGBTQ laws among major nations.

It cannot be overstated the danger she’s in right now.

— Charlotte Clymer (@cmclymer) March 5, 2022

Final thoughts  

Although these groups are largely underrepresented, women, minorities, and LGBTQ have all played pivotal roles making the cannabis industry what it is today. Despite the many historical and political similarities, there is very little discussion regarding the ties between all of these groups and the fight to legalize cannabis in the US. They are also often the people who suffer most from prohibition and the war on drugs. 

Even during calmer times, the atmosphere in Russia can be a bit tense – especially true if you are a woman, minority, or LGBTQ; and all three are applicable in Brittney Griner’s case. Not to mention that Brittney is a high-profile detainee being held during a period of great political turbulence, making her situation all the more dire. The importance of bringing Brittney home cannot be emphasized enough.  

Colas, Griner’s agent, said in her statement, “As this is an ongoing legal matter, we are not able to comment further on the specifics of her case but can confirm that as we work to get her home, her mental and physical health remain our primary concern.” 

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Disclaimer: Hi, I’m a researcher and writer. I’m not a doctor, lawyer, or businessperson. All information in my articles is sourced and referenced, and all opinions stated are mine. I am not giving anyone advice, and though I am more than happy to discuss topics, should someone have a further question or concern, they should seek guidance from a relevant professional.

The THC Weekly Newsletter

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Amid War Ukraine Looks to Legalize Medical Cannabis

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