Edibles or Oils: Which is Better?

With the cannabis industry booming in Canada, there has been substantial growth in various cannabis products. How you consume cannabis impacts your experience, its duration and your long-term enjoyment, making your choice more important than ever before.

Not only can you go down the traditional route of smoking, but you can also now choose from vaping, edibles or oils, topicals, beverages, and many other products, including bath salts. Essentially, you have your pick of the litter when it comes to choosing between cannabis products.

However, most of these products are distinctly different from each other. While vaping and smoking are similar, it is different compared to edibles, oils and beverages. Then it goes down to another deeper level. Vaping and smoking are separate elements and can have various effects when compared to each other. The same goes for edibles or oils.

And that’s what we’re going to talk about in this special blog post. We’re taking a deep, deep dive into the edibles vs oils battle, so you know which side to choose (or you can always join both!).

Edible Cannabis

What Are Edibles?

Cannabis edibles cover a wide range of ingestible products. This class of product works when the edibles dissolve in the stomach, releasing the THC, CBD or hybrid cannabinoids into your body. In many cases, edibles are mainly CBD-based, but there are plenty of mixtures available.

The effects usually last a few hours. The different types of products can include drinks, candies, gummies, chocolates, capsules, brownies – anything that can be eaten!

The Pros of Edibles

A huge line-up of edible products is available, so your tastes and preferences can be met easily. You’ll have an easier time finding something that works for you, be it chocolate bars, granola bars or gummies.
Packaged edibles can also make it easier to take a specific dose, so you are well-aware of what you’re taking.
It is a convenient method to ingest cannabis and can be used for actual meals as toppings or ingredients.
Edibles may also help individuals avoid the dangers that are smoking or vaping presents. It’s a safe method for many people, particularly for those with medical conditions with vaping or smoking is a concern.
Compared to oils, edibles taste like the products they are – normal! You won’t have the lingering taste of cannabis (which is grainy and every earth-like).

The Cons of Edibles

The absorption of edible products can be very erratic and slow. Many factors impact cannabis, such as if you ate beforehand or not, dehydration and during the day that you ate it. This can make it difficult to gauge how much you should take.
It tapers off much slower than other forms, such as vaping or smoking. If you’re high, you’ll have to wait it out, which could be a few hours (between two to 12), depending, once again, on the factors mentioned above.
You will have to implement the “take it slow” method. Eating edibles and then feeling nothing before having some more again can prove problematic, as you’ll over-consume.

Oil & Tinctures Cannabis

What are Oil & Tinctures?

Cannabis oils or tinctures (the droplet) are very different from edibles. Oils are extractions that come directly from the cannabis plant and are diluted to make “edible” oil.

While you consume edibles (generally eating them), you only place a few drops of cannabis oil under your tongue (with the tincture). Known as sublingual administration, this type of cannabis will be absorbed directly into the bloodstream, resulting in a quick result.

Similar to edibles, the effects usually last a few hours. However, the flavours are limited; you’ll mostly get standard cannabis drops (with that earthy-like taste), with a few options of sesame, fruits and cinnamon.

The Pros of Oil & Tinctures

You can expect a quicker result because the oil will go directly into the bloodstream, usually within 30 minutes or so. However, if you consume it with food, you might have to wait a little longer.
Like edibles, it’s a safer and healthier alternative compared to vaping or smoking.
It’s more effective for pain and inflammation, particularly if you take it instantly (always talk with your physician before taking cannabis as pain medication).

The Cons of Oil & Tinctures

Despite the packaging labels and tincture amount, it can be difficult to consume the right amount of cannabis. Dosing can be tricky, so you’ll have to test and try it bit by bit.
There is a limited amount of flavours available compared to edibles. You’ll most likely be stuck with the natural, earthy flavour that accompanies cannabis.
You will have to implement the “take it slow” method to ensure that you consume the right amount each time. Failure to do so can result in you getting too high.
Cannabis oils are slightly more expensive than edibles because they’re set amounts and usually in larger doses (like 80ml).

Discuss, Experiment, Perfect

These pros and cons for edibles or oils should provide you with some idea of what to expect when trying either one. However, there are some essential points that you should consider when choosing a product:

The type of experience you want. THC-based means a more mental high while CBD is more for the body. Hybrids are often a blend of both. Consider which one you want for your journey.
The amount of THC and CBD in the packages can help you choose which one is best for your experience.
The manufacturer of the product, including their overall ingredients and the reviews of the product. How they process and make these products will impact your experience.
If the company has been approved by Health Canada or the FDA, ensuring that it has been tested and safe for consumption. If they’re not, and you don’t know where it comes from, don’t take it. It can be laced with something.

Crucially, make sure you speak to a bud expert at an established and well-recognized cannabis dispensary. Getting firsthand information from a professional can open up your world and guide you on the right path to get the best experience. Look for a dispensary with positive customer reviews and ratings while being readily available to help you with your needs.

Edibles or oils? Which is your preference? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Jarad Wilson

Jarad is an avid medical cannabis advocate and has been serving the cause through blogging for over 10 years by sharing his extensive knowledge and experience on the benefits of using cannabis.