How to Dose Cannabis Sprays
Last updated on Oct 7, 2024
Created on Aug 11, 2023
Article written by
Jordan WoldSEO Content Writer
Content reviewed by
Dr. Lewis Jassey
When it comes to experimenting with new cannabis consumption methods, cannabis sprays are great alternatives to more traditional methods like smoking or edibles.
And unlike these traditional methods, learning how to dose cannabis sprays is pretty straightforward and doesn’t require measuring out a certain amount of flower.
You should start with one spray at a time. Then, remain in tune with your body as you wait for the initial dose to take effect before taking any additional doses.
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What Are Cannabis Oral Sprays?
Cannabis sprays are popular cannabis products usually applied under the tongue, similar to other sublingual products like strips and tinctures.
Many sprays will contain both THC and CBD, the primary cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant.
In states where cannabis use remains illegal, you might be more likely to see sprays that consist primarily of CBD.
These cannabis sprays should contain less than 0.3% THC, so while taking more or less than you need is still possible, you should not be at significant risk of feeling any excessive psychoactive effects.
If you have used cannabis before, oral THC sprays will likely act as another delivery method for feeling the effects of cannabis use, commonly including feelings of relaxation, euphoria, chronic pain relief, and so much more.
And if you have never used cannabis before, oral sprays could be a smart way to get accustomed to the effects of cannabis.
You should always read the product label before using any cannabis products, however.
While some sprays contain light amounts of THC per spray, others are geared more toward those with high tolerance levels, which might be overwhelming for a first-time user.
How Do Cannabis Sprays Work?
Cannabis sprays work similarly to other cannabis products by causing cannabinoids like THC and CBD to interact with the cannabinoid receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system.
Oral cannabis sprays often use alcohol as a solvent to extract cannabis from the plant and turn it into a spray form.
Although you don’t have to worry about feeling intoxicated from using a cannabis spray containing alcohol, you can avoid sprays that use alcohol at all if you desire, as many sprays will use MCT oil as an alternative solvent.
How to Use a Cannabis Spray
Cannabis sprays can be a highly effective form of cannabis consumption.
They are great alternatives to more traditional consumption methods like edibles, which can take a while to kick in, and smoking, which comes with some risks associated with inhaled cannabis smoke.
When researching how to use and dose cannabis sprays, we turned to Mark Kasabuski, a doctor of pharmacy with over 15 years of experience working in pharmacies and medical cannabis dispensaries.
“Keep the dose under the tongue, so the medication has a chance to get absorbed by the blood vessels in the mouth,” he says.
Kasabuski also tells us that you should do more than simply spray and continue your day. After applying the spray under your tongue, you’ll want to hold the dose there for about a minute.
Mark notes if you’ve used your spray correctly, “You’ll start feeling the effects about 15 to 30 minutes later.”
If you don’t apply your spray correctly, you might have to wait longer before feeling the desired effects.
He warns, “If you don’t keep it under the tongue and it doesn’t get the chance to absorb, and you end up swallowing it, it’s going to take on more of a cannabis edible or consumable-type effect where it will have a one to two-hour onset until you are feeling any effects.”
How to Measure Your Dose
Dosing an oral cannabis spray is similar in some respects to dosing a tincture.
You will need to know the total cannabinoid content of the bottle and the amount of liquid in the bottle, and from this, you can calculate how much THC and CBD are in a single milliliter.
So, if you have a 30 ml bottle of cannabis spray containing 300 mg THC and 300 mg CBD, you have a product that contains 10 mg of THC and CBD per ml. So, the total cannabinoid content is divided by the volume of liquid.
Figuring out how many sprays there are in a 30 ml bottle can be difficult, as it can vary from product to product due to differences in nozzle size.
For example, Sativex, the 1:1 THC:CBD product available on prescription in some places outside the U.S., contains 90 metered sprays per 10 ml.
Some products may give you the total number of sprays in each bottle. Other products provide an approximate number online and generally list anywhere between 160 and 220 sprays per 30 ml product.
If we assume that each bottle of cannabis spray contains an average of 200 sprays, then using the above example of a 30 ml bottle of cannabis spray containing 300 mg THC and 300 mg CBD, a single dose (i.e., one spray) is 0.15 ml (30 divided by 200), containing about 1.5 mg THC and 1.5 mg CBD.
Are THC and CBD Sprays Safe?
THC and CBD sprays are safe, but there are still potential risks and side effects associated with improper dosage methods.
To avoid these risks as much as possible, take half of the recommended dosage and wait to feel the desired effects before increasing the dose.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Looking solely at CBD sprays, you may not feel intoxicated if you’ve taken more than the recommended dosage, but you could still feel adverse effects like nausea, dizziness, and more.
And if you’ve taken too much THC, you might feel similar adverse physical effects, in addition to potentially harmful psychoactive effects, like paranoia.
Whether you’ve taken too much THC, CBD, or both, remember to stay hydrated and that you will get through this experience.
Try to take a smaller dose next time to avoid repeated negative effects. High doses can feel overwhelming, even for experienced cannabis users.
And CBD and THC sprays can expire, so check for an expiration date on your chosen product. If you’re unsure if a product is still potent, it’s better to be safe than sorry and purchase something new.
The Bottom Line
Correct cannabis spray dosing relies on several factors, including an individual’s tolerance, desired effects, product type, etc.
But, a good general guideline is to start with one spray, hold it under your tongue for one minute, and wait 30 minutes. Repeat the process if you do not feel your desired effects after that period of time.
For more personalized help finding the right cannabis flower dose for you, consider making an appointment with Leafwell cannabis guidance.
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