When I was researching cannabis products in Washington back in 2017, I came across a sublingual cannabis spray and was like, yeah, now we’re talking. Move over, Binaca. I’ve been waiting for a quality cannabis mist (no relation to Karl the Fog) to launch in California, and we now have an import from Colorado to try: Verra Wellness.

This isn’t just some cannabis tincture mixed with some mint and put into a pocket-sized mister—Verra Wellness has some serious biotech, advanced pharmaceutical methods, and science behind its product line (which includes nasal and transdermal products as well). Whether you use Verra’s products medicinally or recreationally or both, you can count on them for being well-made and highly effective.

Their line of Micromist Tinctures comes in three different ratios: 20:1, 1:1, or 1:10 (CBD:THC). They also come in two flavors: a refreshing peppermint or fruity-zippy strawberry-ginger, and it’s really hard to detect any cannabis in either. The peppermint is my preference—it tastes natural and gives you fresh breath while it does its magic.

I had a couple samples of the 1:10, and have been test-driving it for a few months now (on me and my friends—perhaps I have spritzed you already). At 1mg per spray, it’s the perfect microdose. Another thing I love about the Micromist is how discreet it is. It just looks like a breath spray, and someone would really have to look very closely at it to determine it even has cannabis in it. I have spritzed on the dance floor, at a restaurant, at the movies, even while walking down the street, and no one has any idea I just gave myself a nice little lift.

It’s also so shareable! You can give someone a spritz and there’s no sharing of germs—just have good aim (otherwise they’ll get a slightly oily spritz on their lips—the formulation contains MCT oil from coconut).

Since you’re administering it sublingually (under your tongue), it enters your bloodstream much more quickly than an edible, and is more predictable as well. I spoke with Verra’s Vice President of Product Development, Dot Colagiovanni, who says the onset time depends upon your BMI and gender: if you’re on the smaller side, you can expect to feel something in around 15 minutes, while bigger folks may not feel effects for 30 minutes. (I tend to notice something around 20 minutes.) Effects can peak in an hour or two.

I have also noted that this product has some serious endurance—a 3mg dose can last more than a few hours for me and for some people, effects can last four–eight hours (depending on your dose). Colagiovanni says it’s due to the biphasic effect: even though you’re administering the tincture sublingually, some of it may be swallowed and have more of an edible effect and show up a little later after it’s converted into 11-Hydroxy-THC (a more potent form of THC that occurs when you ingest it). This is great news for people suffering from pain, anxiety, or want some sleep.

Verra uses purified THC distillate in the Micromist, which has obviously passed the current rigorous testing for pesticides, metals, and more. They initially sourced sun-grown flower from Humboldt, but their sourcing may fluctuate. They also use sustainably sourced/green-certified MCT oil (for maximum bioavailability).

I’m going to walk you through the three ratios, but one thing to note is when you first open your Micromist, you’ll want to snap off the small safety tab on the front. Next: it’s time to release the child-resistant lock. Press the button on the back and then turn the top dial counter-clockwise until it stops—it will slide the button under the cover. Check and make sure you have aligned the spritzer to the front section where that safety tab used to be. (Sometimes I haven’t twisted it all the way and I mess up my spritz.)

The very first time, you’ll want to prime it, so spritz 2–5 times into the air (away from your face or your friend’s, safety first!) until you see it come out. You are ready to roll. Spritz the dose you desire under your tongue, and try to hold it under there for two minutes before swallowing or drinking anything.

You never need to shake the Micromist, and it won’t clog. You also don’t need to refrigerate it. It’s sugar-free, gluten-free, vegan, and low-calorie. The peppermint contains sustainably sourced MCT oil, CO2-extracted and purified THC oil, cannabidiol, ethyl alcohol, Vitamin E (to assist with uptake), and natural peppermint oil, while the strawberry-ginger contains sustainably sourced MCT oil, CO2-extracted and purified THC oil, cannabidiol, ethyl alcohol, ginger essential oil, Vitamin E, strawberry flavor, and sweetener.

Let’s look more closely at the ratios:

The Recover 20:1 Micromist. Photo: Marcia Gagliardi. © mymilligram. Styling: Christian Jusinski/Surfacehaus.

Recover 20:1 CBD:THC

There are so many applications for this ratio, it’s rather fantastic. One spray is 4mg of CBD, and .2mg of THC (which you won’t get high from, but it will boost the efficacy of the CBD). CBD can act as an anti-inflammatory, minimize pain (like from arthritis, cramps, headaches, and migraines), and some people also find CBD helps with mood stabilization, promoting calm feelings when anxiety rises up.

Colagiovanni said some users keep it close to their bed to help with sleep—when those early-morning insomnia moments strike, a couple sprays can help you relax and get back to sleep. See how you react to CBD at bedtime: some folks can be activated by it, so it may be better for daytime (try the 1:1 ratio if that’s the case).

I also think this 20:1 is a marvelous “ripcord” for those moments when you may have consumed too much THC. Here’s your parachute. A few sprays of CBD can help dial that lift down.

Depending on your experience with CBD, start with one or two sprays and take it from there. Give it a few hours and see. The effects of CBD can be subtle for many, but notable for some, especially with consistent, daily use over a month.

Something to note: when I first saw the retail price, I admittedly gagged at the $90 price tag. WHOA. But that little canister contains a whopping 600mg of CBD (and 150 sprays), so if you consider the tincture you love may have 300mg of CBD in a $65 bottle, then this is a pretty good deal. Yay, math.

The Relief 1:1 Micromist. Photo: Marcia Gagliardi. © mymilligram. Styling: Christian Jusinski/Surfacehaus.

Relief 1:1 CBD:THC

This ratio is more designed for pain, whether you have a muscle bothering you, nerve pain, or maybe a backache or headache. Colagiovanni recommends using the Relief and a topical together for physical pain (Verra makes a topical salve that is also a 1:1 ratio, see below for more). The 1:1 Micromist could also be helpful for anxiety and insomnia.

One spray is 1mg of CBD and 1mg of THC, which work synergistically. Start with two sprays if you’re a beginner—people typically feel the euphoric effects from THC around 2mg or 2.5mg, but everyone is different, so go low and slow. Wait at least a couple hours before administering more, but you will probably start feeling it after 30 minutes, and it can last for hours. There are 100 sprays in this bottle.

The Refresh 1:10 Micromist. Photo: Marcia Gagliardi. © mymilligram. Styling: Christian Jusinski/Surfacehaus.

Refresh 1:10 CBD:10

This one is my little party friend. With 1mg of THC per spray, you can decide how much you want to consume, but start at 2mg (two sprays) if you’re a beginner or microdoser. When you want to take the edge off, relax, or get a little lift (or get silly), this is the ticket. Obviously, it can also be taken medicinally, helping with nausea, pain, and more. You get 100 sprays of fun in this bottle.

Colagiovanni says some users call this mother’s little helper, and she would know all about how cannabis can help relieve anxiety. She was formerly working as a pharmaceutical executive, and one of her two children was going through some very serious health issues (at age 10, he needed a liver transplant). The level of stress and worry in her life was immense—after the kids would go to bed, she was able to find relief smoking a joint in the evening. She realized cannabis was helping her cope with the intensity of her life better than any pharmaceutical drug, and it’s what inspired her to launch Verra.

Topical Salves

A quick note about Verra’s line of 1:1 salves, which feature whole-plant extract for maximum cannabinoid and terpene benefits. These effective topicals contain arnica (for pain) and naturally occurring cannabis terpenes, like B-Caryophyllene, which enhance anti-inflammatory benefits by penetrating deep into joints and muscles (these permeation enhancers help the THC and CBD reach CB1 and CB2 receptors below the epidermis). Unlike many salves on the market, these don’t smell weedy, and were purposefully crafted with essential oils to smell good, like a scented lotion. They come in Cedarwood (my preference—I enjoy the woodsy-spicy scent) and Lavender-Vanilla. They aren’t greasy or oily either.

I’ve used the salve on my feet before hosting a huge event when I knew I was going to be running around in my platforms for hours—I hope drag queens are hip to this magic. Colagiovanni says a friend who was suffering from gout found much-needed relief, ditto for plantar fasciitis. You can expect to feel some relief within 10 minutes of application, and it can last for up to 4 hours. Reminder: you won’t get high from applying a topical.

Visit verrawellness.com for more info and the mymilligram page at getsava.com/mymilligram to purchase any of these tincture sprays.

SHOP on Sava

Disclaimer: The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product.

Verra Wellness: Micromist Tinctures