Cannabis comes in many forms these days. We can purchase traditional buds, oils, concentrates, beverages, and even lotions and creams.

Now, marijuana is being produced in powdered form. Powdered THC, also known as powdered cannabis or marijuana, uses the same technology that powdered sports drink mixes and powdered alcohol do.

These powders are conveniently packaged for long-term storage. That means you don’t have to spark a bowl or joint to feel the effects of cannabis, nor do you have to wait an hour to feel the effects of edibles. Powdered cannabis is the solution for all.

Is it the next big thing in the cannabis world? Only time will tell. In the meantime, read on to learn more about THC powder, how it’s made, its benefits, and how to consume it.

The first time I heard of THC powder, I thought we were talking about kief, that powdery, crystal-like substance sitting in the bottom of your grinder. That’s not the case.

THC powder, also known as powdered cannabis, is just that, cannabis in powdered form. The modern cannabis industry is constantly unveiling new ways to consume cannabis that aren’t only fast-acting but healthier than smoking and vaping.

Turns out, cannabis powder may even be healthier than regular edibles like brownies, gummies, and cookies, considering these sweets are high in refined sugar. With THC powder, you have the freedom to consume it however way you want, which we’ll get to below.

In the meantime, it’s worth noting that THC powder kicks in faster than regular edibles. Yes, you will be eating or drinking it, but expect the effects to appear within 15 minutes max. That’s because regular edibles use regular fat-soluble cannabinoids like THC and CBD, which must be baked with fat like butter or oil in order for the cannabinoids to bind and produce effects.

On the other hand, recently, industry technology has created water-soluble cannabinoids. These cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, can be taken on their own or with a food/beverage to bypass the lengthy digestive tract and produce effects within 15 minutes.

Before we dive into how THC powder is made, it’s worth understanding how powdered alcohol is made. See below for more information.

Powdered alcohol uses chemicals known as cyclodextrins to create highly concentrated and water-soluble granules. Cyclodextrins are circular structures of sugar molecules that are known to absorb other compounds into their center.

Acting like a molecule magnet, cyclodextrins absorb other molecules and assume their properties. These molecules can absorb up to 60% of their weight in alcohol while remaining in powdered form. It isn’t until you mix them with water that they dissolve.

Interestingly this same process is applicable to THC. Experiments with THC-cyclodextrin compounds are proving to increase THC water solubility by nearly 1000 times. Just like alcohol, THC and cyclodextrin combine to make a highly concentrated powder that can be dissolved in water.

Medical marijuana patients are often challenged by the mediums they are offered for consuming cannabis. Powdered cannabis could potentially provide them with a convenient—and smokeless—alternative to access the valuable cannabinoids they need.

Powdered cannabis is still in its infancy as far as research goes. Scientists are working to perfect the concentrations and applications of the powder in order to ensure its efficacy as a safe medium for cannabis consumption.

Although, there have been some exciting findings regarding its benefits, which we discuss below.

Discreet: THC powder is one of the most discreet ways to use cannabis. No one will bat an eye. If someone sees you pouring powder into a beverage, they’ll likely think it’s a sports drink mix or something for flavor, vitamins, or minerals. Plus, cannabis powder is also odorless and flavorless (unless enhanced with natural flavors, which will be indicated on the product packaging). Besides tinctures, it’s the most discreet way to consume THC.

Easy To Dose: When buying cannabis powder, companies are required to make a note of how much THC or other cannabinoids are present in each pack. Most often, it will be 10mg THC per pack. That makes THC powder incredibly easy to dose, meaning you can predict your effects before you feel them. All consumers have a right to know exaclty what they’re consuming and how much of it.

Fast-Acting Effects: As mentioned, the THC in cannabis powder is water-soluble, unlike regular cannabinoids that are fat-soluble and must be infused into fat in order to produce effects after digestion. On the other hand, water-soluble edibles bypass the digestive tract and produce effects anywhere from 2 minutes to 15 minutes.

Versatile: Below, we’ve included three ways you can consume THC powder. We’ve already dropped hints throughout the guide, but in case you need a rundown on how this stuff works, find your answer below.

The brilliance of powdered cannabis is that it can be introduced to more than just water. For example, you can dissolve it in whatever beverage you choose. Or, you can include the powder in baked goods and other culinary creations. Here’s a more precise breakdown below.

Homemade Edibles: Ever wanted to make homemade edibles without the lengthy decarboxylation and cannabutter process? What about edibles that don’t contain butter or oil? With THC powder, you have free rein to create any edible you want. Mix the powder into an omelet, salad dressing, or practically anything you feel like munching on.

THC Beverages: As mentioned, THC powder can dissolve in water without leaving an unwanted flavor. If you’re looking for a way to dose cannabis without actual cannabis or concentrates, THC powder makes the process incredibly easy. And don’t limit yourself to water. Pour it into your morning cup of coffee or even a zesty lemonade on a hot summer day.

Empty Pill Capsules: If you prefer to take your cannabis powder in pill form, you have that option too. The only downside is you’ll have to purchase empty pill capsules and fill them yourself. From there, you should also determine the THC amount per capsule. Do so by verifying the THC milligrams on the packaging and dividing that number by how many pills you’re filling.