Can you snort weed? What to know about cannabis nasal spray

The idea of snorting weed may sound unusual or unsafe. While inhaling ground cannabis flower through the nose won’t produce effects and can be harmful, specially designed intranasal cannabis products — like cannabis nasal sprays — are safe and effective, and are changing how some people consume cannabinoids.

Intranasal products are applied to the  inner lining of the nose for rapid absorption, leading to fast-acting effects. Read on to learn more about how different cannabis nasal sprays compare and how to use them safely.

What happens when you snort cannabis?

Only products specifically formulated for intranasal use should be snorted. Attempting to snort raw cannabis flower, edibles, or oils is ineffective and could cause damage to the tissues in your nose.

When cannabis compounds are delivered intranasally (by snorting), they bypass the digestive system and enter the bloodstream through the nasal mucosa, the soft tissue lining the inside of the nose.

This makes the method highly bioavailable, meaning more cannabinoids are absorbed than with delivery methods like edibles. The effects also start much faster, often within minutes.

What are cannabis nasal sprays?

A cannabis nasal spray is a liquid solution infused with cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD), dispensed through a spray bottle. The spray delivers a fine mist into the nasal cavity, where cannabinoids are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream.

Research on this consumption method is still limited and in early stages, with most studies focusing on CBD nasal sprays for pain, nausea, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to one review, CBD nasal sprays may work faster and be absorbed more effectively than other CBD delivery methods.

Researchers are also exploring ways to make these nasal sprays more efficient. In one study, the authors reported that a nasal spray delivering CBD via tiny carriers, known as nanoparticles, was absorbed through the nose much more efficiently than pure CBD. The nanoparticle spray also targeted the brain very effectively, making it a promising treatment method for neurological disorders, such as epilepsy.

While research is still limited,  people tend to use cannabis nasal sprays for:

• Fast-acting relief for acute conditions like migraines or anxiety
• A discreet and smoke-free consumption method
• Easier dosing compared to edibles or inhalation

To find the best THC or CBD nasal spray for your specific symptoms, purchase your product from a licensed dispensary or retailer that prioritizes third-party testing and is transparent about lab results. This will ensure you get a high-quality product.

What are cannabis bumps?

Cannabis bumps (aka “canna bumps”) are powdered extracts designed for intranasal use. They usually contain THC, sugar, and flavoring to make them easier to use.

Canna bumps caused a stir when they were first introduced to the cannabis market in 2021. The original product, created by the company THC Living, was controversial due to its intentional similarities to cocaine. It did not gain popularity among medical or recreational users and is no longer available.

Risks of intranasal cannabis products

Like all cannabis delivery methods, cannabis nasal sprays come with potential downsides. Risks may include:

• Nasal irritation or dryness from frequent use
• Limited research on long-term safety of intranasal cannabis
• Not ideal for individuals with nasal conditions, such as chronic sinusitis (inflamed sinus cavities)

Always consult a healthcare provider before trying intranasal cannabis, especially if you take other medications.

How to dose cannabis nasal sprays

Dosing cannabis nasal sprays depends on the specific product. A good starting point may be one spray per nostril.

Effects usually appear within 5 to 10 minutes, so give your body time to respond before taking more. The level of cannabinoids in your body peaks approximately 20 to 30 minutes after using intranasal sprays.

As with any cannabis product, start with a low dose and increase gradually to reduce the risk of unwanted side effects.

The bottom line: You can’t snort raw weed, but cannabis nasal sprays are available

So, can you snort weed? You should definitely not snort cannabis flower or keif, but cannabis sprays and CBD nasal sprays are available products designed for intranasal delivery.

Cannabis nasal sprays provide rapid absorption and relief, but research on their use is limited and the delivery method may also carry some risks, such as nasal irritation.

If you’re interested in using cannabis or CBD nasal sprays, always choose products made specifically for nasal use and speak with a doctor before trying them.

Resources

• Cannabidiol for the treatment of brain disorders: Therapeutic potential and routes of administration. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11095-023-03469-1
• Cannabidiol-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers for nose to brain delivery: an effective therapeutic approach against epilepsy. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40693913/
• Development of cannabidiol nanoemulsion for direct nose to brain delivery: Statistical optimization, in vitro and in vivo evaluation. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36108625/
• Nasal administration of drugs as a new non-invasive strategy for efficient treatment of multiple sclerosis. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23517929/
• Strategies to improve cannabidiol bioavailability and drug delivery. https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/17/2/244