CannaStraws: What They Are & How to Use Them

Imagine turning any drink into a cannabis edible without mixing anything, measuring anything, or tasting any weed. Just put a straw in your glass, sip like normal, and let the THC do its thing.

That's exactly what CannaStraws do.

These THC infused straws are one of the most interesting cannabis products to hit the market in recent years. They're simple, portable, and solve several problems that make traditional edibles inconvenient for some users. But because they're relatively new, most people have never heard of them or don't understand how they work.

This guide covers everything you need to know about CannaStraws. What they are, how they work, how to use them properly, and why they might be the perfect fit for certain types of cannabis consumers.


What Is a CannaStraw?

A CannaStraw is a drinking straw with THC concentrate coated on the inside. When you drink any liquid through the straw, the coating dissolves and infuses your beverage with cannabis. By the time the drink reaches your mouth, it contains THC.

The concept is brilliantly simple. You're not buying a pre-made cannabis beverage that might not be your preferred drink. You're not adding drops or powder to something and stirring it up. You're just drinking whatever you want through a special straw, and the straw handles the infusion automatically.

Most CannaStraws contain around 100mg of THC total, though this varies by brand and product. The coating is designed to dissolve gradually as liquid passes through, meaning the THC releases evenly throughout your drinking experience rather than hitting you all at once.

The straws themselves look like regular drinking straws. Most are made from compostable paper materials rather than plastic, making them more environmentally friendly than you might expect from a single use product.


How Do CannaStraws Work?

The technology behind CannaStraws involves something called nanoemulsion. Without getting too technical, nanoemulsion breaks cannabis oil into extremely tiny particles that mix with water based liquids more effectively than regular cannabis oil would.

Traditional cannabis oil doesn't mix well with water. If you tried to add regular THC oil to a glass of juice, it would float on top and clump together. The nanoemulsion process solves this problem by making the oil particles small enough to disperse evenly throughout any liquid.

When you put a CannaStraw in your drink and start sipping, liquid flows through the straw and contacts the THC coating on the inner walls. The coating begins dissolving immediately. As you drink, the nanoemulsified THC mixes into the liquid passing through, creating an infused beverage in real time.

The nanoemulsion technology also affects how quickly you feel effects. Because the THC particles are so small, your body can absorb them faster than it absorbs traditional edibles. Some users report feeling effects within 10 to 15 minutes, significantly faster than the 30 to 90 minute onset typical of gummies or baked goods.

This faster absorption happens because nanoemulsified cannabinoids can pass through mucous membranes in your mouth and throat before even reaching your stomach. Some of the THC gets absorbed sublingually (under the tongue and in the cheeks) as you sip, while the rest processes through your digestive system like a regular edible.


How to Use a CannaStraw

Using a CannaStraw couldn't be simpler. The process breaks down into three steps that some brands market as "Rip, Dip, Sip."

Step 1: Rip

Open the package and remove the straw. CannaStraws come individually wrapped to protect the THC coating from moisture and contamination. Tear open the wrapper when you're ready to use it.

Step 2: Dip

Place the straw in any beverage. Water works fine. So does juice, soda, iced tea, lemonade, coffee, or pretty much any drink you'd normally use a straw with. The THC coating doesn't care what liquid you choose.

Some drinks work slightly better than others. Cold beverages tend to work well because the coating dissolves at a steady pace. Very hot drinks might dissolve the coating faster, potentially front loading more THC into your first few sips. Room temperature drinks fall somewhere in between.

Step 3: Sip

Drink through the straw like you normally would. As liquid passes through, it picks up THC from the dissolving coating and delivers it to you. Keep sipping until you've finished your drink or consumed as much as you want.

Step 4: Wait

Even though CannaStraws can work faster than traditional edibles, you still need to wait before deciding if you need more. Give it at least 20 to 30 minutes to feel initial effects. The full experience may take an hour or more to develop.


CannaStraws vs Traditional Edibles

CannaStraws occupy a unique space in the edibles market. They're not trying to replace gummies or brownies, but they solve specific problems that other edibles don't address.

Faster Onset

Traditional edibles take 30 to 90 minutes to kick in because they need to pass through your entire digestive system before THC reaches your bloodstream. CannaStraws can produce effects faster, sometimes in 10 to 20 minutes, thanks to sublingual absorption as you drink.

This doesn't mean CannaStraws hit as fast as smoking or vaping. But they bridge the gap between instant inhalation effects and the long wait of traditional edibles.

No Cannabis Taste

One common complaint about edibles is the weed taste. Even well-made gummies often have a slightly herbal, earthy flavor that some people dislike. CannaStraws virtually eliminate this issue. The nanoemulsion technology reduces cannabis flavor significantly, and whatever taste remains gets masked by your chosen beverage.

If you've avoided edibles because you hate the taste, CannaStraws offer a way around that problem.

Ultimate Portability

A straw weighs almost nothing and takes up zero space. You can toss one in your pocket, bag, or wallet and forget about it until you need it. Compare that to carrying a jar of gummies or a package of chocolates that might melt or get crushed.

For travel, events, or situations where discretion matters, CannaStraws are about as convenient as cannabis products get.

Drink Flexibility

Pre-made cannabis beverages lock you into whatever flavor and drink type the manufacturer chose. CannaStraws let you infuse whatever you actually want to drink. Morning coffee. Afternoon iced tea. Evening cocktail (though mixing THC with alcohol increases effects and isn't recommended for beginners). The choice is yours.

Comparison Table:

Factor CannaStraws Traditional Edibles
Onset Time 10 to 30 minutes 30 to 90 minutes
Cannabis Taste Minimal to none Often noticeable
Portability Extremely portable Varies by product
Dosing Control Sip-based, gradual Fixed per piece
Drink Flexibility Any beverage Pre-determined or none
Duration 2 to 6 hours 4 to 8 hours

Dosing Tips and What to Expect

Most CannaStraws contain around 100mg of THC per straw. That's a significant dose, especially for inexperienced users. Understanding how to pace yourself prevents uncomfortable experiences.

For Beginners

If you're new to edibles or have low tolerance, 100mg is way too much for one session. The good news is you don't have to consume the entire straw at once.

Take a few sips and then wait. Let 20 to 30 minutes pass before drinking more. This lets you gauge how the partial dose affects you before committing to more. You can always put the straw down and save the rest for later.

Another approach: use the straw with a larger volume of liquid. If you put a 100mg straw in a small glass, each sip contains more THC. Put the same straw in a large bottle of water and sip slowly, and you spread that 100mg across many more sips over a longer period.

For Experienced Users

If you know your tolerance and 100mg sounds reasonable, you can drink more freely. But even experienced users should pace themselves with a new product. CannaStraws may hit differently than the edibles you're used to because of the faster absorption.

What to Expect

Effects from CannaStraws typically begin within 10 to 30 minutes for most people. You might notice a subtle mood shift first, followed by building relaxation or euphoria depending on the product.

Peak effects usually arrive within 1 to 2 hours. Duration varies but generally lasts 2 to 6 hours, shorter than some traditional edibles because of the different absorption pathway.

The experience tends to feel cleaner and more controllable than heavy edibles. Because you can pace your sips and stop when you've had enough, you have more real-time control over how high you get.


Where to Buy CannaStraws

CannaStraws are still a relatively niche product. You won't find them at every dispensary. But shops that stay current with new cannabis innovations often carry them.

At no STeMs, we stock CannaStraws because they fill a gap that other products don't cover. They're perfect for customers who want edibles without the edible experience, who need something ultra portable, or who just want to try something different.

When buying CannaStraws anywhere, look for:

Clear Labeling

The package should tell you exactly how much THC is in each straw. Avoid products with vague or missing dosage information.

Reputable Brands

Stick with brands that have a track record and provide lab testing. CannaStraws involve coating technology that needs to be done right to work properly and deliver consistent doses.

Proper Storage

CannaStraws should be individually wrapped and stored away from heat and moisture. The coating can degrade if exposed to improper conditions before you buy.


Frequently Asked Questions

Do CannaStraws work with hot drinks?

Yes, but hot liquids may dissolve the coating faster. This could concentrate more THC in your first few sips rather than spreading it evenly. If using with hot coffee or tea, sip slowly and be aware you might feel effects from the front loaded dose sooner.

How long does a CannaStraw stay good?

Check the packaging for expiration dates. Generally, properly stored CannaStraws last several months. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Can I reuse a CannaStraw?

No. Once the THC coating dissolves, the straw is just a regular straw with no remaining cannabis content. Each straw is single use.

Will I taste the THC?

Most users report little to no cannabis flavor. The nanoemulsion technology and your beverage of choice effectively mask any weed taste.

How is this different from cannabis drinks?

Pre-made cannabis beverages come in fixed flavors and sizes. CannaStraws let you choose your own drink. They're also far more portable than bottles or cans.


Try Something New

CannaStraws represent a genuinely innovative approach to cannabis consumption. They combine the benefits of edibles (no smoke, long lasting effects) with faster onset and unprecedented convenience. For the right user, they solve real problems that other products don't address.

They're not for everyone. If you love the ritual of eating a gummy or the immediate hit of a vape, CannaStraws might not replace your go-to. But as an addition to your options? They're worth trying at least once.

Stop by no STeMs to grab a CannaStraw and see what all the fuss is about. Our staff can answer any questions you have and help you figure out how to dose responsibly based on your experience level.

Rip, dip, sip. It really is that simple.

Previous post Next post

0 comments

Leave a comment