Tincture vs Edible [4 Game-Changing Differences You Can’t Ignore]

With the world of cannabis becoming more diverse, there are various consumption methods available. Tinctures and edibles are two popular options. Many consumers often wonder which one is right for them. That’s where the tincture vs edible debate begins.

 

Both methods can be consumed orally, but they differ in their delivery methods, onset, duration, and potency. Their formulations vary, affecting how they impact the body. They can be suited to unique health and wellness needs. When choosing between edible vs tincture, there is no right or wrong answer. It varies depending on your goals and preferences. This article will review both options so you can determine which method of cannabis consumption is right for you.

 

 

What Is a Tincture?

Cannabis tinctures are plant extracts that are made by soaking cannabis flower in an alcohol-based liquid. The cannabis remains in the liquid for several weeks, allowing the liquid to gain potency before it is strained. The effects of cannabis extracts vary depending on the compounds in the liquid. For example, THC tinctures have euphoric effects. CBD tinctures promote well-being without mind-altering results.

 

 

 

 

There are three primary methods of consumption for tinctures. They are:

 

• Sublingual Absorption. The sublingual method involves using a dropper to place your recommended tincture dosage under the tongue and holding it there for about one minute before swallowing. The glands underneath your tongue facilitate the quicker absorption of the tincture, resulting in a faster onset of effects.
• Orally. Some consume THC tinctures directly without under-the-tongue administration. Just use the dropper to place your recommended dose directly under your tongue or into your mouth, then swallow.
• In Food and Beverages. You can add tinctures to food and beverages. Mix them into your favorite drinks or add them to a meal—the possibilities are endless, and you can turn just about any food or drink into an edible product.

 

Is a Tincture the Same as an Oil?

A tincture is typically alcohol-based, whereas an oil is made by infusing cannabinoids into a carrier oil, such as MCT or hemp seed oil. However, confusion arises because people often use the terms “tincture” and “oil” interchangeably. Many usually confuse the two as the same thing.

 

Although tinctures and oils are both liquid cannabis products, they are not made the same and differ in their extraction methods and production. Oils use carbon dioxide extraction to isolate cannabinoids from cannabis flower. Manufacturers then blend the isolate with a carrier oil and create various strengths to suit different consumer needs. Tinctures, on the other hand, are made by taking cannabis flower and soaking it in a solvent, such as alcohol or glycerin, allowing the cannabinoids to infuse over time, often with gentle heat to accelerate the process.

 

 

What Is an Edible?

Cannabis edibles are food products coated with or infused with cannabis extracts. Plant compounds are typically extracted from cannabis plant material and sautéed in butter or oil, then baked or incorporated into food. Some edibles are dusted or coated with cannabis isolate. Although you can add cannabis to any food product, it’s usually found in baked goods, candies, and—the most widely available edibles—gummies.

 

 

 

 

After you consume an edible, it makes a long, languid journey through your digestive tract. There, the edible is broken down, and the cannabinoids are absorbed into your system through your stomach and small intestine. This process takes about 45-60 minutes, but it can be longer depending on factors such as dosage, whether you have taken them on an empty stomach or right after a meal. The slow onset of effects produces potent results, with effects lasting up to eight hours or more.

 

 

Tincture vs Edible

When deciding between a THC tincture vs edibles, it’s helpful to weigh a few key differences. Here are four main points to consider:

 

1. Different Formulation

Although cannabis beverages fall under the category of edibles, most cannabis edibles are solid food products. Tinctures are always liquid.

 

2. Onset, Duration, and Potency

Edibles travel through the digestive system, resulting in a slower onset and more potent, longer-lasting effects. Cannabis tinctures are consumed sublingually, under the tongue, and take effect almost immediately. Taking tinctures orally or mixing them into food typically results in a similar onset time and duration of effects as traditional edibles.

 

3. Extraction Methods

Manufacturers formulate tinctures by soaking cannabis in a solvent. With edibles, the cannabis compounds are extracted, incorporated into butter or oil, and added to food products. Edibles are often made with either raw cannabis flower or isolates that have been chemically extracted.

 

4. Precise Dosing

With the sublingual dosing method, you can measure exactly how much cannabis you need to get the ideal dose. Edibles provide similar convenience if you are taking gummies with an exact serving size. However, it can be more challenging to determine dosing if you are consuming cannabis in baked goods, as it may be more concentrated in certain parts of the product.

 

 

 

 

Benefits of Tinctures and Edibles

Here are five key benefits of cannabis tinctures and edibles to consider.

 

• Onset of Effects. When taken sublingually, tinctures have a rapid onset, typically within 15 minutes of administration, providing immediate relief for chronic pain management. Eating edibles takes longer to take effect because they must pass through your digestive system, typically kicking in about 45-60 minutes after consumption.
• Duration of Effects. THC edibles last for a long time, sometimes up to eight hours. Alcohol-based tinctures usually last up to two hours. While the longer duration can be ideal for some, it can be excessive for others.
• More Precise Dosing. Tinctures are taken with a dropper, allowing for precise and customizable dosing. With edibles, dosing accuracy can vary—store-bought options usually offer clearly labeled, reliable doses, while homemade edibles tend to be less consistent.
• Efficient Extraction. With tinctures, cannabis is soaked in a solvent, requiring an extraction method that is not as efficient as CO2 extraction. The cannabis used for edibles can be extracted similarly, but CO2 extraction is more commonly used as it is more efficient and eco-friendly.
• Possible Risks of Food Products. Consuming edibles could require eating foods that disagree with you due to dietary restrictions, calorie count, and other factors. Tinctures don’t pose the same risk.

 

 

How to Choose the Right Option

Cannabis consumers should consider the following six considerations when selecting consumption methods that suit their needs:

 

• Physical Discomfort Relief. If you are consuming cannabis for chronic pain management, you may prefer a tincture, which provides rapid relief, over an edible, which offers a delayed onset. However, the relief you’ll feel from consuming an edible will generally last longer.
• Type of Cannabis Compound. Consumers taking THC may prefer the short-term effects of cannabis tinctures, as they may not want prolonged euphoric effects that could limit productivity. However, if they take something non-euphoric, like CBD, they may not mind the prolonged duration.
• Dietary Restrictions. Individuals who prefer not to consume sugar, gluten, dairy, and other ingredients that may cause digestive issues may opt for tinctures. For those avoiding alcohol-based cannabis products due to dietary or religious reasons, edibles offer a suitable alternative.
• Convenience. Both tinctures and edibles can be convenient and discreet. However, when compared to edibles, the sublingual consumption method for tinctures allows for quick and precise dosing. An edible can take longer to consume, and it may also take time to ensure precise dosing. However, edibles typically come in the form of gummies, which are discreet and inconspicuous.
• Potency. Edibles take longer to take effect, and when they do, they hit hard. If you prefer mild effects, tinctures may be a better option.

 

 

 

 

Effects of Tinctures and Edibles

Choosing between tinctures and edibles isn’t just about preference—it’s about how each form interacts with your body and mind. Understanding their effects can help you make a more informed, personalized choice.

 

Let’s take a look at the effects of tinctures and edibles so you can further determine which is the best fit for you:

 

Edibles:

1. Slower Onset Time. Edibles tend to take effect within 45 minutes to one hour. They may take up to two hours to fully take effect due to stomach contents, metabolism, tolerance, and a host of other factors.
2. Duration of Effects. Depending on your tolerance and other biological factors, you may feel the effects of edibles for eight hours or more.
3. Various Effects Depending on the Therapeutic Compounds. During this time, you will feel the effects of the compound in the product. If you take THC edibles, you will feel potent euphoric effects. CBD edibles offer optimal well-being without the euphoria. Edibles that blend various cannabinoids and compounds will produce varying results depending on the formula.

 

Tinctures:

1. Rapid Onset. When administered sublingually, the effects of tinctures are typically felt within 15 minutes.
2. Duration of Effects. Tinctures typically wear off in about four to six hours.
3. Various Effects of Therapeutic Compounds. You’ll experience effects based on the specific cannabinoids and compounds in the product. However, when using a tincture with THC, the effects may feel milder or come on more gradually compared to the stronger, longer-lasting buzz often associated with THC cannabis edibles.

 

 

 

 

Legal Status of Tincture vs Edible

Both tinctures and edibles have similar legal status. Legal considerations have more to do with the cannabis type and origin than the consumption methods.

 

The Farm Bill of 2018 made hemp-derived cannabis products with 0.3% or less of THC legal on a federal level. Many states followed suit, adopting similar laws. However, some states have adopted stricter rules, while others are more lenient.

 

Therefore, tincture and edibles are federally legal and legal in all states that align with the Farm Bill, provided they contain hemp-derived, low-THC cannabis. Marijuana edibles and marijuana tinctures are illegal at the federal level. However, they may be legal at the state or local level. Be sure to research your region’s cannabis laws to stay informed and compliant with the law.

 

 

 

 

FAQs About Tinctures vs Edibles

 

Is Tincture Better Than Edibles?

A tincture is not necessarily better than an edible. However, it can offer certain advantages. For example, its quicker onset, when taken sublingually, provides faster relief from issues such as chronic discomfort. Some may also prefer it because it allows for more precise dosing. At the end of the day, it depends on you and what you desire from a cannabis product.

 

What Are the Disadvantages of Tinctures?

Disadvantages of tinctures include the fact that some people may prefer not to use them because they wear off quickly and don’t provide sustained relief. However, they impact the bloodstream directly, offering rapid action when taken sublingually, making them ideal for those who want a quicker onset of effects.

 

Do Tinctures Last as Long as Edibles?

No, tinctures do not last as long as edibles. They typically last about four to six hours, unlike edibles, which can last up to eight hours or more.

 

How Many Drops of Tincture Should I Take?

Tincture dosage varies from person to person and depends on factors like tolerance, body weight, and individual goals. First, consider how many mg of THC or another compound are in each dropper-full. Then, confirm how many drops you need. Generally, a dose of 1-5 mg is what many consider to be a low dose, ideal for beginners, and 5-15 mg is a moderate dose. At higher doses, you may experience impaired judgment and paranoia depending on the cannabinoid or blend. Just remember to start with a low dose, take it slow, pay attention to how you feel, and adjust gradually to find what works best for you.

 

Why Are Edibles More Potent?

Edibles are more potent because they go through the digestive tract. In doing so, a THC edible, for example, converts to 11-hydroxy-THC, a more powerful form of the compound. In contrast, tinctures absorbed through the mouth or digestive system produce a milder effect, especially when not fully digested.

 

 

Final Thoughts- Tincture vs Edible [4 Game-Changing Differences You Can’t Ignore]

Tinctures and edibles are both popular forms of cannabis consumption. Tinctures allow you to take them in three ways: sublingually, direct consumption, or mixing into food or drinks. When taken sublingually, tinctures have a quicker onset and don’t last as long as edibles. Cannabis edibles have a slow onset, last longer, and may be more potent.

 

The one you choose is up to you. However, you will have the best experience when purchasing cannabis products from a reliable provider like Exhale Wellness. Our products are high quality, Farm Bill-compliant, and shipped securely to your doorstep. Browse our wide selection of hemp-derived cannabis oils and THC gummies to find the products best suited to your needs.