Is there evidence for microdosing cannabis, and what are the benefits?

Microdosing cannabis — using sub-intoxicating doses (typically 1–5mg THC) — is increasingly popular but has limited formal clinical research. The theoretical basis is the biphasic dose-response curve: low doses of THC may produce anxiolytic, analgesic, and mood-enhancing effects, while higher doses can cause anxiety, cognitive impairment, and dysphoria. Evidence: A 2017 study (Atkinson et al.) found 7.5mg oral THC reduced stress reactivity while 12.5mg increased it — supporting a biphasic anxiety response. A 2020 study found low-dose THC (0.5mg vaporized) improved mood and reduced stress in a laboratory paradigm. For pain, preclinical evidence strongly supports low-dose cannabinoid analgesia. Practical considerations: oral microdosing is challenging due to variable bioavailability; vaporization allows more precise titration; individual sensitivity varies enormously. The microdosing approach aligns with clinical guidance to "start low, go slow" and may minimize cognitive side effects while preserving therapeutic benefit. Formal clinical trials are lacking.