From hiking trails to living rooms, cannabis fits into more routines than ever. While flower and vapes remain popular, tinctures and edibles shine for being smoke-free and subtle. Both can be easily mixed into food or drinks, making them a convenient addition to everyday life.
But if you’ve ever wondered what cannabis tinctures are or how they stack up against edibles, this guide breaks down the similarities, the differences, and how to choose the right option for your lifestyle.
What Are Cannabis Tinctures?
Cannabis tinctures are created by soaking cannabis flower in a liquid to infuse it with the cannabinoids and other compounds. Traditionally, a tincture is produced using alcohol as the base liquid, but in common vernacular, “infusions” made in oil or glycerin are also referred to as tinctures.
Tinctures can be consumed in multiple ways. Many consumers prefer to take them sublingually, which means they are placed (by dropper) underneath the tongue. Other options for consumption include swallowing directly or mixing with food or drink.
Cannabis Tincture Benefits
Cannabis tinctures come with a handful of advantages that set them apart from edibles:
- Fast acting: Many users will notice the impact of a tincture within 15 minutes. Tinctures enter the bloodstream through membranes in the mouth and under the tongue, allowing for the effects to be felt quickly.
- Dosage control: Tinctures are delivered one drop at a time, allowing consumers to find the exact amount that provides the desired effect, and ensuring a consistent dose in each drop. Edibles, on the other hand, can be inconsistent—especially when baked into batches of foods like brownies or cookies.
- Cleaner ingredients: Health-conscious cannabis consumers find tinctures to be a great fit because they can isolate their cannabis from other ingredients. Edibles often contain sugars, gluten, gelatin, and food coloring—all ingredients that those with allergies or sensitivities may want to avoid.
Another benefit of tinctures versus edibles is that they are not regulated in the same way. Edibles are considered a “food product” and have a THC cap in many markets. Even if you live somewhere without this cap, many cannabis manufacturers will adhere to it to make their products compliant with other stores. Tinctures are not considered food products and are therefore not subject to the same limitations.
What Are Cannabis Edibles?
Edibles refer to food and beverages that have been infused with ground cannabis flower or cannabis extracts. While many people do still enjoy the classic “magic” brownie, today’s edibles have gotten quite innovative and creative. Some consumers are even creating entire menus focused on cannabis-infused foods.
The effects of edibles usually kick in between 30 minutes and two hours after consumption. Because edibles must be processed through the digestive system, it can take up to four hours to feel the full effects. However, effects can be very individualized, and two people might respond to the exact dosage at different times and with varying levels of intensity.
Comparing Tinctures vs. Edibles
If you are trying to decide between cannabis tinctures and edibles, you will want to consider your overall goals.
Onset Time & Duration
If you want to feel the effects of your product quickly, tinctures will provide a faster result. Initial onset from tinctures will typically kick in within 15 minutes, while edibles will require longer—sometimes up to a few hours.
When it comes to the lasting impact, edibles have an edge. The effects of tinctures may last between four and six hours, but edibles will usually last longer. Many people will continue to feel some effects from edibles for up to 12 hours.
Potency
Because edibles are processed through the digestive system and must be metabolized by the liver, they have a more potent impact. While this can certainly be a benefit, it also means that consumers (especially those new to edibles) need to be mindful of how much they consume. The potency, coupled with the late onset, can cause inexperienced edible consumers to take too much too fast and regret their decision.
While tinctures may not be as potent as edibles due to their absorption, the customization of dosage allows for greater control over impact.
Convenience & Discretion
Both tinctures and edibles offer a discreet, highly portable, and quick way to consume cannabis. Neither creates a distinct odor or leaves a cloud of smoke to tip off passerbys, and neither requires consumers to remember or carry other equipment.
Finding the Right Option for You
What’s the best choice for you? It really depends on your needs, and those might be different depending on the day, the event, or the circumstances. If you’re heading out to a party and want a long-lasting impact, an edible might be a great choice. If you’re taking cannabis for wellness, a tincture may give you the specific level of control you need for your usage.
Cannabis Tincture Recommendations from Native Sun
Whether you are a long-time tincture fan or trying them out for the first time, Native Sun offers a variety of options to meet your needs.
For a powerful impact you’ll feel right away, check out Good Vibes Grape Syrup Tincture. With an impressive 500mg of THC, this one-ounce bottle packs a punch! The grape flavor also makes it enjoyable on its own or added to a refreshing seltzer.
Those looking for medicinal cannabis tincture benefits will want to try Treeworks Relief drops. This CBD-heavy formula combines a broad spectrum of cannabinoids to offer pain relief and relaxation.
For those looking to reap the benefits of both medicinal and recreational usages, Treeworks’ award-winning Jungle Drops offers a balanced hybrid of THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, and CBC for an uplifting and relaxing experience.
Shop Tinctures and Edibles at Native Sun
If you are looking for a discreet way to enjoy cannabis for recreational or medicinal purposes, we have a range of top-notch, fan-favorite products. Explore tinctures and edibles across Native Sun’s Massachusetts locations in South Boston, North Attleboro, and Hudson to find your perfect fit!