Oral Sprays: How Much Should I Take?

HIGHLIGHTS

  • When trying oral spray or any new product for the first time, start low and go slow.
  • There is no specific recommended dosage — you will have to determine the correct amount for you.

Oral sprays are a smoke-free option for consuming cannabis. Cannabis extract is mixed with a neutral oil and packaged in a convenient, portable spray bottle.

How Do I Use It?

Shake the bottle well before using to ensure the extract is evenly mixed with the oil. Typical use is to push down on the pump and spray under your tongue or on the inside of your cheek.

How Much Should I Take?

As with other cannabis products, there is no recommended dosage. Every consumer will experience individual effects, depending on many factors, including sex, age, frequency of use and how much is consumed.

Health Canada recommends starting with a low dose, such as one spray, and gradually increasing it as the effects become apparent. If you’re new to cannabis, Health Canada recommends that you opt for a product with a mild THC level or equal or higher amounts of CBD, which has been reported anecdotally by cannabis consumers to counteract the psychoactive effects of the THC.

To figure out how much THC and CBD you are getting with each spray, take a look at the packaging to learn how much of the oil each spray delivers. For example, this oral spray comes in a 40 mL size, and the packaging states one spray equals 0.1 mL. The product contains 25 mg of THC per mL, and 30 mg of CBD per mL, so you’ll get 2.5 mg of THC and 3.0 mg of CBD per spray.

How Long Will It Take to Feel an Effect?

When you ingest an oral cannabis product, your body processes it differently than when cannabis is inhaled. One difference is in the onset of effects: Health Canada reports that while smoking or vaporizing cannabis produces an effect within minutes, it may take longer for the effects of oral spray to become apparent, depending on factors such as how much food is in your stomach and the dosage. The effects of oral spray also last much longer than when cannabis is inhaled.