Sometimes, an overwhelming surge of relaxation that tethers you to your couch or shoots your head into the clouds isn’t quite what you want. Maybe you’re looking for just a touch of serenity or to loosen up a bit after a long day. If this sounds like you, then THC oral spray might be for you. It’s among the most convenient and least potent — but still effective — cannabis products available at New Jersey’s licensed dispensaries. Here’s everything you need to know.
What is THC oral spray? How it works
THC oral spray is a product in which cannabis extract is combined with a carrier oil in a small spray bottle. The THC (short for delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol) in this spray produces intoxicating effects, and it could also melt away stress and help manage pain.
To consume THC oral spray, you spray it under your tongue — this is called “sublingual administration.” The mucus membrane under your tongue will absorb the THC, which then enters your bloodstream directly through the capillaries in this membrane.
THC oral spray vs. tinctures
THC oral sprays and tinctures are both administered sublingually, but you use a dropper to administer a tincture. You might find precise dosing easier with a dropper, but sprays are considerably easier to use on the go.
Notably, on our menu here at High Street, you’ll find THC oral sprays in the tinctures section. This is because, other than the way they’re consumed, these two products are effectively the same thing.
THC oral spray vs. edibles
THC oral spray is not the same thing as an edible cannabis product. Think of sublingual administration as a shortcut that offers a faster-acting experience. Since edibles go through your digestive system and get metabolized in your liver, your onset time, effects, and duration may vary based on your metabolism, how much you’ve eaten, and other factors.
Sublingual administration is more consistent on all these fronts since it bypasses the digestive system. In particular, its onset time is considerably faster. Oral THC may take 15 to 45 minutes to kick in, whereas edibles can take up to two hours.
When you swallow a THC oral spray, some of the cannabinoids may also be digested in the same way as an edible. As a result, swallowing THC oral spray is often found to extend the duration of the experience. Since THC oral sprays generally come in low doses, swallowing is like taking a low-dose edible.
When you might enjoy THC oral spray
THC oral spray is a great choice for discretion and convenience. It lacks the aromas often associated with cannabis, so you can enjoy it whenever, wherever without attracting unwanted attention. It also fits snugly in your pocket or bag, and you don’t need any cannabis accessories or fragile items to dose and consume it. You might enjoy it if you’re looking for a quick, secretive, fun, no-hassle way to elevate your day as you’re on the move.
This is especially true if you find other discreet options, such as edibles, too overwhelming or long-lasting. A quick spritz of a THC oral spray can take just a bit of the edge off, with mild effects that typically fade sooner than with edibles.
For some consumers, applying THC spray may help manage pain, such as when sprayed directly on a sore tooth for example. However, THC oral sprays are typically more associated with relaxation than management of physical symptoms.
How to use THC oral spray
Taking THC oral spray is a simple process that involves the following steps:
- Shake your THC spray vigorously to adequately combine the THC with its carrier oil.
- If it’s the first time you’re using the spray, prime the pump by pushing it down a few times — this will help you get a full, even spray. You may be able to skip this step if you’ve used the spray before.
- Spray the appropriate amount of THC oral spray under your tongue, keep it there for 30 to 60 seconds, then swallow it or spit it out.
Remember, swallowing the spray means you’ll also digest cannabinoids much like you would with an edible, increasing the duration. If you want a shorter-lived experience, spit it out instead.
How to dose THC oral spray
Some THC oral sprays indicate how much THC is in one spray (as in, how much THC you get every time you push down on the sprayer). This quantity is a great starting point for dosing THC oral spray.
If the label of your product doesn’t describe how much is in one spray, it may require a bit of math. Many labels describe how many sprays are in each bottle and how many milligrams of THC. Divide the number of milligrams by the number of sprays to determine how many milligrams of THC are in a single spray.
For example, a bottle that provides 100 sprays and contains 100 mg THC would produce 1 mg THC per spray.
Once you sublingually administer your first spray, heed the classic advice to start low and go slow, meaning you should start with a small dose and not rush into taking more. Wait at least 45 minutes — the maximum average onset time for sublingual products — before administering more spray. After this time passes, only consume more spray if you’re seeking stronger effects.
Any amount of oral THC that causes you to experience overly strong effects is too much and worth avoiding next time. Or, if you’re an experienced cannabis consumer and you’re using a strong THC oral spray, one dose might be perfect for the experience you desire.
THC oral spray at High Street Dispensary
When you browse the tinctures menu at High Street Dispensary, you’ll see the HAMSA Blast Mint Flavored Oral Spray among your options. With 1.5mg THC per spray and 100mg total THC per container, this THC oral spray is an excellent choice for microdosing.
You may find that this dose gently melts your stress away, and there’s basically no chance of overwhelming sensations. Not strong enough for you? A second spray gets you to 3mg THC, which is still a comparatively low dose but should be a bit more potent.
All HAMSA products, including the brand’s THC oral spray, are fast-acting thanks to the NANO₂O™ Water Soluble-Nano Technology the brand uses in its formulations. The spray is vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free, and kosher-certified. Similarly, HAMSA’s Green Apple gummies, which are among our favorite autumn-inspired cannabis products, are vegan, gluten-free, and kosher-certified.
Swing by High Street for THC oral spray and more
THC oral sprays are just one of the many types of cannabis products available at High Street Dispensary, and you may find that others help you feel balanced too. Come visit us in the heart of Hackettstown to explore your options and get help from our welcoming, knowledgeable budtenders in deciding which products might be best for your goals and needs.
Too busy to drop in? We have other ways to shop, including drive-thru, delivery, and order-ahead. Say Hi at High Street, or don’t — with us, you get cannabis on your own terms.