It’s the age-old question in cannabis products: tinctures or edibles? Both types of products have their pros and cons, but is one better than the other? Today, we’ll explore the world of delta-9 THC, including its many benefits, and we’ll take a long look at the variety of legal cannabis products available in the US. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of THC edibles and oils, and you’ll also learn some tips on how to find the best THC and CBD products in terms of purity and potency, so that you can purchase with confidence.
What Is Delta-9 THC?
To understand delta-9 products, it’s important to first understand just what THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is. Delta-9 THC is one of a group of compounds that come from the cannabis plant, which are called cannabinoids. Delta-9 is one of two “major cannabinoids” (along with CBD), which are called so because they occur in high quantities in the plant. There are also over a hundred minor cannabinoids, such as CBG and CBN, which occur in very small quantities, but can have beneficial effects, as well. Cannabis also produces health-boosting terpenes and flavonoids, but let’s concentrate on those major cannabinoids: delta-9 and CBD.
THC CBD ratios vary, depending on the type of cannabis you’re dealing with. Tetrahydrocannabinol occurs in very high concentrations in the type of cannabis we generally refer to as marijuana. Low-THC hemp, on the other hand, contains high concentrations of CBD (cannabidiol). Each of these cannabinoids has different properties, which yield differing effects on the mind and body. But they share in common the ability of nearly all cannabinoids to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This cell-signaling system is interconnected with receptors in various organs and systems throughout the body. The body creates its own cannabinoids, called endocannabinoids, which interact with these receptors and help those various organs and systems to maintain homeostasis, or balance. This, in turn, helps the body to regulate such crucial functions as sleep, pain suppression, stress relief, appetite, mood, memory, motor control, and much more. Plant-based cannabinoids, when consumed, mimic the body’s own endocannabinoids in delivering these benefits. CBD is particularly effective in helping the body maintain balance, which is why it has become such a popular wellness product. But delta-9 has many wellness benefits, too.
Benefits of the Cannabinoid, Tetrahydrocannabinol
Let’s begin with the obvious: Tetrahydrocannabinol is the cannabinoid in marijuana that’s famous for getting you high. We mentioned that the benefits of cannabinoids stem from their interaction with the endocannabinoid system, affecting various bodily functions. Well, THC can go a bit overboard in really elevating your mood, sometimes boosting your appetite (got munchies?), affecting your motor control abilities, and so on. These are the reasons people generally use marijuana, to accentuate those effects.
But in lower dosed hemp, THC can bring with it a host of wellness benefits, as well as powerful relaxation effects. People have used cannabis for millennia to take advantage of delta-9’s ability to calm nerves and ease stress. The calming properties of THC can help release tension in your muscles, which may also help with cramping and similar issues. Delta-9 can also elevate your mood, making bedtime or any “chill” session extra blissful. THC has been shown to have antihistamine and antioxidant benefits, as well, and can help prevent nausea. And (especially with indica cannabis strains) this potent cannabinoid can deliver wonderful sleep-supporting effects.
What Are Cannabis Edibles?
CBD and delta-9 cannabis edibles are simply products packed with a particular cannabinoid (or cannabinoids), that are consumed by eating or drinking. This means that the cannabinoid in question must pass through the digestive tract in order to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Popular cannabis edible products include CBD or delta-9 gummies, capsules, pills, cookies, brownies, drinks, and more.
What Are Cannabis Oil Tinctures?
Tinctures are oil products that are taken by using a dropper. Technically, tinctures are edibles if you simply swallow them or add them to a drink or food. In the case of this type of consumption, the oil cannabis tincture will need to travel through your digestive tract before you feel its effects. Generally, though — for reasons we’ll set forth below — tinctures are meant to be taken sublingually (under the tongue). In this way, the CBD or delta-9 cannabinoid is absorbed through the capillaries of the mouth.
The Benefits & Effects of Tinctures Versus Edible Products
In comparing tinctures and edibles, the tincture can have much faster-acting effects than edibles. This is because, when you take tinctures, the cannabis content doesn’t have to travel all the way through your digestive tract before being absorbed into your bloodstream. A sublingual tincture can deliver cannabis compounds into your bloodstream, generally speaking, in 15 to 30 minutes. We say “generally speaking,” because everyone’s body works differently and we all have differing bioavailability factors that affect the way we absorb CBD and delta-9. These factors can include height, weight, metabolism, CBD or delta-9 tolerance, and more. As we say, compared to tinctures, edible products can take longer for you to feel the effects, generally 30 minutes to two hours.
It seems like a no-brainer, then, to take tinctures vs cannabis edibles. You do generally feel the effects of a tincture quicker than an edible, after all. However, the effects of an edible can last considerably longer than the effects of cannabis tinctures. The effects of an oil tincture can last roughly four to six hours, depending on (you guessed it) bioavailability factors. The effects of a CBD or delta-9 edible, on the other hand, can last six to eight hours.
So, it really comes down to how long you’re willing to wait for the effects of your cannabis product and how long you’d like those cannabis effects to last to determine whether cannabis oil drops or edibles are best for you.
Finding the Best Cannabis Products
Not all cannabis products are created equally. In fact, many tinctures and edibles on the market are ineffective and even unsafe. So, it’s important to know what to look for when you’re shopping for cannabis tinctures and edibles.
First, make sure your CBD or delta-9 product is made with organic hemp, so there’s no likelihood that your oil or gummy contains pesticides, heavy metals, or other potentially harmful compounds that can be absorbed from the soil. And make sure the CBD oil was extracted by means of clean carbon dioxide, which won’t leave behind any potentially toxic residues, as can happen with some cheaper methods of oil extraction. The purity and potency of your product can be verified by checking that product’s Certificate of Analysis, which is a report conducted by an independent, third-party laboratory. This report will tell you how much CBD and other cannabinoids are in your product, as well as alert you to the presence of any contaminants.
At CBDfx, we adhere to all of these best practices, which is why our tinctures and edibles are considered the gold standard in the world of legal cannabis products. We encourage you to explore our broad collection of delta-9 THC gummies, delta-9 THC pills, and delta-9 THC tinctures.
Final Thoughts on Tinctures & Edibles
Now that you know how to shop for the highest-quality tinctures and edibles, and you understand the differing effects of tinctures and edibles, as well, we encourage you to experiment with various gummies, capsules, tinctures, and other cannabis products to get a sense of what works best for you. We wish you all the best on your cannabis journey.
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