The Ultimate Beginners’ Guide to THC Oil

If you have been knowledgeable of the cannabis scene over the past few years, you would know that evolution and innovation is at an all time high when it comes to a single flower and plant. THC, also known as tetrahydrocannabinol, remains the most popular variation of marijuana and has been since it was first discovered back in 2800 BC. Even since being discovered in ancient China, this complex plant has always been deemed as beneficial and positive towards treating certain ailments. 

Nowadays, the amazing compounds of this plant can be ingested or consumed in nearly any way imaginable. It can be experienced through a tasty treat, a pure distillate vape pen, in beverage form, concentrated form and the list doesn’t end there. One newer method of consumption that has been on the rise is best known as THC oils and tinctures. When people think of cannabis oils, their initial thought probably goes to CBD, but THC oils have proven to be just as beneficial if not more impactful. 

Our Bud Lab team has put together all you need to know about THC oils from top to bottom and squished it into the ultimate guide. Whether you’re a complete marijuana newbie, or a veteran who’s been interested in spicing up their THC lifestyle, this is the perfect time to learn about the fascinating world of THC oils. Quick, effective and easy is all you need to know. In this article we will go over what THC oils are, how they work, their benefits and everything bit of information in between.

What are THC Oils?

THC and CBD oils are extracts from cannabis plants. Unprocessed, they contain the same 100 or so active ingredients as the plants, but the balance of compounds depends on the specific plants the oil comes from. The two main active compounds in marijuana plants are cannabidiol, or CBD, and delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. Oil extracted from hemp plants can contain a lot of CBD, while oil from skunk plants will contain far more THC. THC is the compound that the majority of recreational cannabis users seek, while oils for medical use contain mostly CBD.

Technically speaking, THC oil is a concentrate or an extract. That means the cannabis plant material has been washed with a solvent of some kind [common solvents include isopropyl alcohol, butane, and carbon dioxide (CO2)]. When soaked in a solvent, the trichomes, THC, CBD, CBN, and other cannabinoids dissolve within the liquid. Following the soaking process, the plant matter is removed and the solvent is boiled off leaving behind an oily substance which is concentrated cannabinoids. When an extraction process is conducted on high THC strains of cannabis, the result is a highly-concentrated THC oil.

While majority of the marijuana flower you smoke can top out at around 20% THC, cannabis concentrates like THC oil often break the 80% THC barrier. Some products & strains can even push for the coveted triple-digit (100%) THC concentration. This is a reason why this variation of cannabis is becoming such a phenomenon in the industry, the consumer gets one of the purest forms of THC available on the market.

How Do THC Oils Work?

While cannabis oil doesn’t work as rapidly as inhalation methods like vaping or smoking, it can work much more quickly than ingesting edibles and deliver identical effects. It also comes in a variety of potency options, from oils that contain only CBD to those with a wide range of THC concentrations.

The most effective way to take cannabis oil is sublingually, where the oil is placed under the tongue with a dropper and absorbed by the mucous membranes that shoot directly to the bloodstream. This trick allows it to bypass the stomach, which raises the bioavailability (the number of cannabinoids that make it to your bloodstream when your body absorbs the medicine) and takes about 15 to 30 minutes to set in. Edibles on the other hand, can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2 hours to kick in, let alone reach their full effects.

Ways to Use THC Oils

Although THC tinctures only come in one specific form, you would be surprised to know how many methods there are of consumption. Obviously given that the product comes in liquid form, the primary method of consuming THC oils is on its own. Many enthusiasts opt to add it to their favourite beverage, especially with the majority of THC tinctures being flavoured. And although that is the most common and effective method of consumption, some cannabis connoisseurs take it a step further. 

THC Oils/Tinctures are also oftentimes used in the creation of edible treats and snacks. They serve as the perfect ingredient for anyone who wants to kick their cuisine game up a notch. Oils can be incorporated in nearly anything, but are often used in creating canna-butter or similar basic baking ingredients. From there on, the baking/cooking choices become endless. 

One more method THC oils prove to be useful for is either creating or enhancing other concentrate products. As an example, some THC oils are suitable for use with a dab rig, or even vape pens. This option is most compatible with thicker THC oils, such as RSO oil, that is easy to drip onto a heated nail in a controlled fashion. No matter how you decide to enjoy THC oils, the fantastic euphoric effects are always guaranteed.

The Benefits of THC

Early in the days of THC exploration, this compound was often deemed as harmful and non-beneficial by the public eye. As research continued to develop, it was found that THC actually contained a number of beneficial qualities for health and wellness conditions. Here are a few of the notable ones: 

• Chronic Pain
• Brain Health & Protection
• Nausea/Vomiting
• Insomnia
• Tumours
• Appetite Loss
• Anti-inflammatory
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Overall sedative feeling of relaxation 

The list above is only a dent in all the beneficial qualities THC possesses, it’s easy to see why so many individuals are hopping on the wave now. Not only does this special compound provide utmost relaxation, its sedative effects help aid millions of cannabis enthusiasts yearly with their beneficial factors.

Shop our THC Oils and Tinctures below.

The Difference Between CBD and THC Oils

THC oil is specifically created to contain high levels of THC; CBD oil is formulated with high levels of CBD. While both CBD and THC have therapeutic properties, CBD does not provide euphoric effects. It’s for this reason why many lean towards the THC side of tinctures, as it delivers to the relief users desire while also imposing the intoxication effects. If you’d like to dive deeper on the difference between these two compounds, check out this article here.

CBD Oils

Typically, CBD oil is created by extracting cannabinoids from hemp, which is naturally low in THC. Full-spectrum CBD and broad-spectrum CBD also contain minimal amounts of THC, meaning there’s a slight chance you may notice vague side effects of the THC. Unless you severely react to THC in a negative fashion, this only makes the relief better. You can also find 1:1 CBD and THC oil, which can have equal amounts of CBD and THC, which is thought to offer excellent therapeutic effects.

THC Oils

As mentioned previously, the primary difference between THC oils and CBD oils is THC products containing psychoactive qualities. This means that the beneficial effects are rather similar, but THC tinctures provide intoxicating effects. For those who desire relief while also wanting to feel the euphoric properties, THC oils are the way to go.

Potential Side Effects

Although it’s scientifically proven impossible to overdose on cannabis, THC specifically, it’s still very possible to overdo it with the dosage you consume. Ingesting too much THC can lead to an uncomfortable situation for practically anyone, and no one likes getting too baked. THC can be responsible for the following side effects:

• Increased heart rate
• Coordination problems
• Dry mouth
• Red eyes
• Slower reaction times
• Memory loss
• Anxiety

Although some of these side effects can seem daunting, it’s unlikely to experience these in a severe sense unless you consume much more THC than you can handle. If you’re unsure, check out a THC dosage guide here.

Final Thoughts

When dosed responsibly, THC oil can offer an excellent alternative for enjoying the effects of cannabis. Oils are more discreet, often have a higher potent, and have a diverse listing of ways they can be used. To make sure you have the best experience with any THC oil/tincture, always buy a product that fits your planned consumption method. For example, make sure the THC oil you’re purchasing is not designed for vaping when you want a tincture to add to your beverages. Additionally, look for high-quality oils manufactured by reputable companies that give you the exact potency levels right on the bottle. Bud Lab makes it easy to shop the highest quality of THC oils & tinctures from only the most reputable and professional brands. If you still have any remaining thoughts on THC oils or Bud Lab, feel free to send a message to our Customer Support Team and we would be happy to help.