Tinctures vs Edibles – Which One is Best For You?

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When it comes to choosing your dose of weed, there’s a wide variety of enticing options to choose from. You can smoke it, vape it, or eat it. One of the two more popular options is the tincture and the edible.

But between the two lies a burning question you want to be answered: which one is the better choice? Each method has its pros and cons. Deciding on the superior delivery method involves considering factors such as the onset of effects, potency, taste, and more.

Some people prefer one method over the others, but many people enjoy all of them. We’ll finally settle the score in this blog post: tinctures vs edibles. We’ll also discuss the benefits (and disadvantages) of both tinctures and edibles to help you discuss which one is right for you.

Cannabis Tinctures

Tinctures are a liquid form of cannabis made by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant using alcohol. Unlike other cannabis products, they are absorbed rather quickly into the bloodstream. Tinctures provide instant relief in a way that you won’t find without other concentrates of its kind.

Cannabis tincture is one of the oldest ways to consume cannabis. Despite its senior status in the industry, this cannabis product remains popular today because it is easy to use and provides quick relief. THC and CBD tinctures allow cannabis users to enjoy their daily dose without having to worry about when the effects will arrive!

Unlike other consumption methods, taking a tincture involves placing a drop or two underneath the tongue (though it can still be consumed orally). This consumption method is known as sublingual use. We’ll provide details on how to do this later on — so keep reading.

Advantages of tinctures

When it comes to tinctures, the main selling point is the fast-acting effects. They’re also relatively easy to dose, providing exact measurements, so you don’t have to worry about taking too much by accident.

They provide quick relief.

One of the main advantages of tinctures is that they provide quick relief. Because they’re absorbed directly into the bloodstream, you’ll feel the effects of the tincture almost immediately.

Because they’re taken sublingually, they bypass the digestive system, where things slow down a bit. Active CBD and THC interact directly with your body’s cannabinoid receptors instead of having to go through your stomach (and when you’re eating edibles). That said, you can still opt to consume your tinctures orally.

They’re discreet and can be taken anywhere.

Another advantage of tinctures is that they are discreet and can be taken anywhere. Tinctures are a great choice if you want to avoid drawing attention to yourself or if you need to take cannabis with you on a trip.

They’re easier to dose.

Another advantage of tinctures is that they are easier to dose. Each THC and CBD tincture bottle comes with its dropper for precise dosing. This makes it easier for the user to measure how many active compounds they take throughout the day.

Another advantage to precise dosing is that you’ll only need to take a few drops at a time. You don’t need to take a whole lot to achieve maximum effects. By limiting how much you take, you can maximize the cost-effectiveness of your alcohol-based tinctures.

They come in different flavours.

Gone are the days when herbal remedies used to taste unpalatable. Today, the cannabis concentrates you can buy taste just as good as the flavour they’re imitating. Tinctures, of course, are no exception.

Alcohol-based tinctures come in different flavours, making them a more enjoyable experience. Some of the most popular ones include mint, citrus, chocolate, and more. Some brands even recommend putting a few drops of CBD oil on your food or beverage to give it extra cannabinoid content (it does not have any, to begin with).

Disadvantages of tinctures

Though tinctures provide quick action, they come at a price — both literally and figuratively. The maximum effect you’d get from this concentrate won’t net you much relative to other more potent cannabis products (namely, marijuana edibles). And don’t be surprised if you find yourself shelving out more than what you’ve bargained for, as tinctures can be pretty costly.

They’re hard to find in some states.

Tinctures are a great choice if you want the effects of cannabis without drawing attention to yourself. They can be taken anywhere, so they’re perfect for people who need relief on the go or during travelling. However, there’re a few disadvantages to keep in mind. If you don’t find any tincture in your local dispensary, you may have to order it through online means.

They can be pricey

Another disadvantage of tinctures is that they can be pricey. Depending on the brand and the type of tincture you choose, you can end up spending a lot of money. Compared to other cannabis products, tinctures usually cost dollars more.

The reason why tinctures are so pricey is because of how they’re made. Only the highest quality and potent buds are used to make an effective tincture. Manufacturers soak the cannabis plant or the plant material in a mixture of solvents to derive the cannabinoids present.

The extraction involves complex chemical reactions, depending on what kind of extract the manufacturers are trying to make (full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate). Once the good stuff has been extracted, flavours or oils are added to boost the therapeutic qualities of the product further.

What you get is THC or CBD product at high concentrations — a pricey one for sure. It might not be a big deal if you have the financial resources, but it can be a problem for those on a tight budget.

They can cause psychoactive effects.

Another disadvantage of tinctures is that most of them can cause psychoactive effects. You’ll need to be specific with the kind you’re buying, as most brands offer tinctures that are either purely THC or mixed with THC.

Of course, this isn’t a disadvantage for those trying to get high or stoned. But for those looking to curb their ailment with CBD, an unexpected dose of the psychoactive cannabinoid might ruin their treatment plans.

They can be awkward to use

Though tinctures are discreet, they can still be awkward to dose — especially if you plan to take them sublingually. Imagine having to bend your neck upwards in a crowded space to take your medication. Indeed, there are more comfortable ways to consume cannabis.

Cannabis Edibles

Edibles refer to any cannabis product consumed by eating or drinking it. There are a plethora of different edibles to enjoy, so you’ll never run out of options with this delivery method. Best of all: they’re pretty good (depending on who makes them).

Most edibles are made by infusing cannabis into food or drink products. They’re probably second to fresh flowers when it comes to popularity. Don’t be surprised if you ever stumble across a new batch at your local cafe.

Edibles provide long-lasting relief, some even lasting up to eight hours. Because they taste great and fit seamlessly into our everyday life, they’re a perfect solution for people who want to avoid smoking or vaping but can’t quite commit cannabis just yet.

Advantages of edibles

Edibles combine the two things cannabis users love: sound high and long-lasting effects. And did we forget to mention that they taste delicious? A bite or two will take you to wonderland, so prying these away from your sweet tooth will take quite the effort.

They provide long-lasting relief.

Edibles provide long-lasting relief, which can be an excellent advantage for people who need sustained pain relief. Edibles also tend to have a more substantial effect than tinctures, so they can be a good choice for people who want to feel the effects of cannabis strongly.

There’s a rather complex mechanism behind why THC and CBD edibles provide more potent effects. Most edibles come with oils or fats (e.g., butter, coconut oil, canola oil0. These fats increase the bioavailability of cannabinoids, thus producing more pronounced effects.

They come in many different forms.

Edibles come in many different forms, including snacks, baked goods, and beverages. Some of the most popular edibles include brownies, cookies, and candy. If you can eat it or drink it, best bet there’s a canna-infused version of it out there waiting to be enjoyed (by you, of course).

They’re easy to make at home.

Edibles are also easy to make at home, which can be an excellent advantage for people who want to save money. Even amateurs can try their hand at making their weed brownies at home. Just go online, and you’ll find tons of recipes to choose from.

If you want a more challenging dish, why not try creating your own CBD gummies from scratch. You can also switch things up a bit by brewing your batch of canna coffee or tea. Turn your favourite food into a cannabis-infused edible for fun!

They taste great

Edibles also taste great, which can be a significant advantage for people who enjoy the taste of cannabis. To put it simply, many people are put off by the taste of cannabis or hemp. Edibles provide the same effects without tasting as bad as their canna counterparts.

There are many forms of edibles out there. It’s easy to find one that suits your taste and preferences.

Disadvantages of edibles

Though edibles taste delicious and provide potent effects, the sweet stuff can come at a bitter cost. Not only do they take quite a while before they kick in, controlling your dose with these treats can be quite a hassle. Here are some of the cons you’ll want to watch out for if you plan to dose on edibles. 

They can take time to kick in.

One disadvantage of edibles is that they can take time to kick in. This means that you may not feel the effects immediately, and you may have to wait for a while before they start to work. Always set a leeway – ideally an hour or two – to give the edibles time to work their way through your body.

They can be hard to dose correctly.

Another disadvantage of edibles is that it can be hard to dose them correctly. This means that you may end up taking too much or too little, which can lead to unpleasant side effects.

Because the onset is delayed, some people might think they’re dosing less than they’re supposed to. This can lead to overdosing, which can be dangerous, especially if THC is involved. Give yourself a few hours before trying to dose on another brownie again.

Eating or drinking edibles on an empty stomach can lead to more potent effects that can be harder to predict. Thus, it’s recommended to have a smaller, regular meal before dosing on these treats.

They can cause psychoactive effects.

Just like tinctures, edibles can also cause psychoactive effects. This means that you may feel the “high” associated with cannabis when you eat an edible. If you’re looking for something that won’t get you stoned (or high), you might need to look away from the sweets and into somewhere else.

So, which is better? Tinctures or edibles?

It depends on what you’re looking for. If you want something that will take effect quickly and provide long-lasting relief, then tinctures are a good choice.

If you’re looking for a stronger and more pronounced kind of high, then edibles may be the way to go. But if speed and safety is a factor, then tinctures are probably your best bet. The choice is yours!

Speed

In terms of speed, tinctures are the clear winner. When taken sublingually, cannabis acts quickly as compared to regular consumption.

This is because it does not pass through the digestive system, where the enzymes can break it down in the digestive juices. All in all, tinctures will take effect faster than edibles, which may take up to two hours before you feel anything at all.

Winner: Tinctures

Effectiveness

Edibles tend to provide a more potent high than tinctures in terms of effectiveness. The weed in edibles has been heated and decarboxylated before being infused into food or drink products.

This means that the cannabinoids have already been activated, making it easier for your body to process them. In contrast, tinctures have not been heated and decarboxylated. Thus, they may take more time to kick in than edibles.

The main disadvantage of tinctures is that they are not very potent. This means that you may have to take several doses to get the desired effects throughout the day. Additionally, tinctures can be expensive, depending on the quality of the product.

Winner: Edibles

Duration of effects

Tinctures tend to provide quick-acting relief because they’re taken orally rather than by smoking or vaping. Though the cannabinoid is absorbed quickly by the body, they also dissipate faster. The relief you get from tinctures will only last you a few hours (maximum of 4 hours).

In comparison, edibles usually provide long-lasting effects because of the unique interaction of their ingredients. Though the onset is delayed, the reward you get when consuming the edible product is a much more pronounced THC high or CBD relief.

Winner: Edibles

Safety

As mentioned earlier, both tinctures and edibles can cause psychoactive effects. This means that you may feel the “high” associated with cannabis when you consume them.

That said, it’s harder to control your doses with an edible. You might end up eating more than you need, thus leading to more severe side effects. It’s also harder to track how much THC or CBD you are consuming with an edible.

Tinctures also can cause side effects, but this is less likely to happen because of controlled dosing. Each drop contains a specific and measured amount of CBD or THC, thus making it easier for the user to monitor doses.

Winner: Tinctures

Price point

Tinctures tend to be more expensive than tinctures because they require more processing. This is why you’ll often find tinctures in higher price ranges than edibles, which are generally less expensive.

Edible prices may vary depending on which type it is. Generally speaking, they’re still on the lower end of the cost spectrum. To curb costs, one may even opt to create their batch of edibles at their home.

Winner: Edibles

Dosing

When it comes to proper dosing, tinctures are more accessible to dose. Each drop contains a specific amount of CBD or THC, thus making it easier for the user to monitor doses.

On the other hand, edible products do not provide clear dosing instructions. The amounts needed will depend on what type and how much you need to feel the desired effects.

Winner: Tinctures

Storage requirements

Though edibles and tinctures have different storage needs, they’re both quite hardy concentrates. For instance, some edibles can take years before perishing simply because they contain natural preservatives such as salts and sugars. Remember that others have more perishable ingredients and refrigerate after opening.

Similarly, most tinctures last long before they’re not fit for use. Alcohol-based tinctures last longer than oil-based tinctures simply because alcohol decomposes more slowly. When stored in a cool and dark place, they will last up to 18 months (or more).

Winner: Tie

Tinctures and edibles are two excellent choices for individuals who don’t want to smoke fresh cannabis nugs. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to consider which option will work best for you before deciding.

No matter what you choose, make sure to start with small doses until you find the amount that works best for you. And despite what’s mentioned here, you may find that one works better than the other depending on your personal use.

Some tips on dosing cannabis tinctures and edibles

  1. When starting with cannabis tinctures, it’s essential to begin with small doses. This will help you figure out how much you need to achieve the desired effects.
  2. It’s crucial to be aware of the tincture’s potency you’re using. Some products are more potent than others, so starting with a low dose and working your way up is essential.
  3. It’s also important to wait for the effects before increasing your dose. The time between consumption and feeling the effects can vary, but it usually takes about 30-90 minutes with edibles. If you take too much or an edible product with a higher potency than expected, symptoms like paranoia and anxiety are possible.
  4. Cannabis edibles are a fantastic alternative for individuals looking to avoid smoking. However, they can take longer to kick in, and the effects can be more potent than tinctures. Start with a tiny dose and wait at least an hour before taking more. If you aren’t feeling anything after two hours, try upping your dosage incrementally.
  5. If you’re new to edibles, start with 5mg per serving size and increase gradually by 2.5mg increments. Dispensaries usually provide an adjustment sheet or packaging that shows the suggested dose in milligrams.

Cannabis Tinctures vs Edibles — Final Thoughts

Which option is best for you will depend on the type of person you are. If you prefer to control how much cannabis enters your body, tinctures may be a good choice. If it’s more important for you to have more potent effects or if it makes sense logistically in terms of dosage size and frequency, edibles might work better.

The bottom line is there isn’t one perfect solution — both options come with pros and cons!

Whether ingesting cannabis appeals most to you, we can help find the right dose by providing some general guidelines on dosing tinctures versus edibles at different strengths. If you have any questions about what might work best for your needs, feel free to reach out!

Please go check out our huge variety of tinctures. Also, don’t miss our Delta 8 Edibles You Should Try Out — enjoy your canna-dose today.

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