White THC powder being sprinkled into a glass of clear liquid

What is THC Powder & How Do You Use It?

Verilife
Verilife

THC powder is a unique, modern product that offers a powdered version of THC that can be easily added to foods and beverages. Innovative? Yes. Confusing? Also yes. In this guide, we’ll give you all the details you need to know about THC powder by answering these questions and more:

  • What is THC Powder?
  • What’s in THC Powder?
  • How Long Does THC Powder Take To Work?
  • How Are Powdered Cannabinoids Made?
  • How Do You Use THC Powder?
  • What Are The Benefits of THC Powder?
  • Answering FAQs About THC Powder

What is THC Powder & What’s In It?

THC powder, or powdered cannabis, is a crystalline powder that contains the cannabinoid THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis.1 This form of THC allows for precise dosing and versatile consumption methods thanks to its flavorless, water-soluble properties. Cannabis in powdered form offers a potent and concentrated experience compared to traditional methods of cannabis consumption because of its easy absorption into the body.1

THC powder consists of pure tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, and sometimes other non-cannabis additions, such as tapioca starch or coconut oil. There is also THC powder that contains CBD, allowing you to customize your experience to your preferences and take advantage of the entourage effect. 

How Long Does THC Powder Take To Work?

If you’re used to consuming edibles, you might think THC powder has the same wait time as traditional edibles. In truth, THC powder works much faster within the body, and you could feel its effects as soon as 2-20 minutes after taking it.2 

How Are Powdered Cannabinoids Made?

The production of powdered cannabinoids involves extracting THC from cannabis plant matter and purifying it. This process typically includes the use of solvents and advanced extraction techniques to isolate THC and then turn it into a powder.1 This is difficult because cannabinoids are hydrophobic, which means they repel water. This is why we make cannabutter and canna-oil—because cannabinoids stick to fat. 

To create water-soluble THC, THC distillate or THC isolate undergoes nanoemulsification, where it is broken down into tiny droplets and coated with emulsifiers (like maltodextrin) to ensure stability in water. Once the THC is properly emulsified, the mixture undergoes a drying process to remove any remaining moisture, which requires specialized ovens and takes several days. The final result is a fine THC powder that seamlessly dissolves into any liquid, even a simple glass of water.

An overturned jar spills green-tinted THC powder on a white backgroundAn overturned jar spills green-tinted THC powder on a white background

How Do You Use THC Powder?

One of the reasons THC powder is taking the market by storm is because it can be consumed just about any way you like, offering flexibility, discretion, and novelty to cannabis enthusiasts.2

Infused Beverages

THC powder can be added to just about any beverage, creating THC-infused drinks that have no hint of cannabis flavor. You can add THC powder to coffee, lemonade, soda, sports drinks, and just about anything else you can think of. This allows for a discreet and enjoyable way to consume cannabis. 

DIY Edibles

If you like to make your own edibles, you’re going to want to try THC powder. With THC powder, you can skip the hassle of decarboxylating flower and infusing it into oil or butter. Eating a bowl of popcorn and wanting to make it into an edible? Sprinkle a bit of cannabis powder over it. Want to elevate your favorite plate of spaghetti? Add THC powder. Because it’s flavorless, it won’t change the taste of any recipe.

Pill Capsules

THC powder can be encapsulated for precise and convenient dosing. Simply purchase empty capsules—either online or from your local pharmacy, vitamin store, etc.—and fill them with the powder. It’s important to find the right amount of THC for your unique endocannabinoid system, so we always recommend starting low and going slow. 

What Are The Benefits of THC Powder?

Fast-acting, versatile, and precise, it’s no wonder THC powder is so popular. Here are all the benefits that make this method of cannabis consumption something not to be missed: 

  • Discrete: Unlike many other forms of edibles, THC powder is flavorless and odorless. You can add it to any of your favorite foods—or really anything you can think of—and it won't change the flavor or texture.

  • Exact dosing: The powdered formula allows for precision in dosing out your edible experience, so you can customize your THC consumption—and always be sure of exactly how much THC you’re consuming.

  • Water-soluble: Cannabinoids are fat-soluble, but THC powder is water-soluble, meaning it dissolves in liquid. With THC powder, you can infuse any beverage with THC. This is different from most other kinds of edible cannabis, which rely on a fatty substance (like oil or butter) to bind with their cannabinoids.1

  • Fast effects: This water-soluble quality also gives THC powder a high level of bioavailability, meaning it can be absorbed and circulated around the body more efficiently than other edibles. It can bypass the digestive system and get right to work, with effects setting in as soon as 2-20 minutes after consumption and lasting up to 4 hours.1 
A glass of soda containing a marijuana leafA glass of soda containing a marijuana leaf

Can I Make THC Powder At Home?

Yes! You can make your own THC powder at home, and it only requires two ingredients. Here’s the tools you’ll need:

  • Mixing bowl
  • Sieve, flour sifter or other fine mesh strainer

And the ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons of your favorite canna-oil
  • ½ cup maltodextrin powder
  • ½ teaspoon sunflower lecithin powder (optional)

Step 1: Combine Canna-Oil, Maltodextrin, and Sunflower Lecithin Powder

Put maltodextrin powder in a large mixing bowl and add canna-oil. Stir together until well combined with no clumps. Then mix in your sunflower lecithin powder (if using).

Step 2: Sieve

Push the mixture through a sieve, flour sifter, or other fine mesh strainer to create a fine, powdery consistency.

Step 3: Test and Enjoy

Take a sample of your powder and see if it dissolves in water. If it does, congrats! You have created water-soluble THC. Your THC powder is ready to enjoy.

Step 4: Store

Store your THC powder in an airtight container somewhere cool and dark.3 

Answering FAQs About THC Powder

It’s no surprise that we get a lot of questions about powdered THC. It’s newer to the market, and cannabis enthusiasts want to know what to do with it. Here are a few answers to common questions:

How long does it take for THC powder to kick in?
The effects of THC powder can come on quickly; you could start to feel it anywhere from 2-20 minutes after consuming.2

Can you snort THC powder?
No, you definitely shouldn’t snort THC powder. Our nasal lining isn’t able to absorb THC in this manner, so you won’t feel any effects. Plus snorting THC powder can lead to some significant health problems, including damage to your septum and the delicate mucous membranes in your nose and sinuses.4 

Is THC powder the same as THC isolate?
They may share some similarities, but THC powder and THC isolate are not the same. While both are powdery, crystalline substances with high concentrations of THC, THC isolate is not water-soluble and requires fat for absorption in the body. This gives it a slower onset time than THC powder and less versatility when it comes to adding to food and drink. However, you can use THC isolate to make THC powder.5

How much cannabis powder should I use?
Like all cannabis products, the right dosage depends on your tolerance levels and experience.1 We always recommend starting low to avoid any unpleasant experiences due to overconsumption. 

Explore THC Powders

Sold on THC powder? You’re not alone. We suggest checking out your local dispensary’s online menu to see if they carry THC powder. Of course, if they don’t, just talk to your budtender and let them know you’re interested. They may be more inclined to get some in stock if they know their customers are interested. 
 

Sources

1. “Dissolvable Cannabinoids: A New Frontier in Cannabis Consumables,” Leafly, July 28, 2020, https://www.leafly.com/news/strains-products/dissolvable-cannabinoids-the-future-of-marijuana-edibles

2. “THC Powder: Everything You Need To Know,” Herb, July 5, 2024, https://herb.co/learn/will-powdered-cannabis-next-big-thing

3. “How to Make Cannabis Oil Powder,” Emily Kyle Nutrition, July 5, 2021, https://emilykylenutrition.com/cannabis-oil-powder/

4. “Thinking of Snorting CBD? Better Not” Veriheal, June 21, 2022, https://www.veriheal.com/blog/cbd/snorting/ 

5. “What is THC Powder?” NuggMD, May 22, 2024, https://www.nuggmd.com/blog/what-is-thc-powder 

cannabis leaf outline in a green circle

Recreational cannabis is not available in all states. Cannabis is for medical use only and may only be used by certified patients in Pennsylvania. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and certified patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.