Edibles and tinctures are very similar. Technically, both can be considered edible cannabis products, but they differ in how they can be beneficial for different needs. We’ll break down the specifics of both and give you a quick rundown of how to choose the best one for you.
What Are Tinctures?
Tinctures are highly concentrated compounds from plants that can be ingested orally. They are typically made by soaking different plants in alcohol, vinegar, or oil. While tinctures have been used for centuries as a form of herbal medicine using a variety of plants, we’ll be referring specifically to cannabis tinctures. Most tinctures today are oil-based, meaning they don’t use alcohol or vinegar in the extraction process.
While tinctures are technically edibles because they are orally ingested and absorbed through the digestive system, they have their own category because their dosage and consumption perks differ from that of traditional edibles (more on that later).
Cannabis tinctures vary in their contents when it comes to cannabinoids. You can find a variety of them, from CBD isolate to full-spectrum THC products. While some tinctures come flavored, they tend to have an earthy taste and sometimes retain flavors from the original cannabis plant because of the terpenes and other compounds from the plant.
What Are Edibles?
Edibles are food products that contain hemp and/or marijuana and are usually made with cannabis-infused oil or butter. Edibles commonly come in the form of baked goods, gummies, chocolates, and beverages, but there are a lot of interesting edibles out there for a variety of tastes.
Edibles can also have different amounts and types of cannabinoids within them, and they are also very easy to dose because of how they are portioned. When you purchase an edible cannabis product, dosing and cannabinoid levels are clearly labeled on the packaging, which can help you navigate how much you should take.
What’s the Difference Between Edibles and Tinctures?
Put simply, they’re different because of how they’re used. Depending on your needs for convenience, speed, or discreteness, one might benefit you more than the other.
How Edibles Work
Edibles are absorbed through the digestive system after you eat them. As the cannabinoids are metabolized in your body, they make their way into your bloodstream to deliver their effects to your body. They can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours to take effect and are sometimes known to have longer-lasting effects than methods like smoking or vaping cannabis.
Know as a convenient and discreet option, edibles are favored by people who enjoy an easy way to enjoy cannabis without the ritual of smoking. Edibles eliminate the issue of smell and are a great option for those who can’t or prefer not to use inhalable products like traditional flower or concentrates. They’re versatile, too. Edibles can be taken whenever you need them, like before bed or as part of a daily routine.
How Tinctures Work
Tinctures are similar to edibles in the way they can be absorbed in the digestive system, but they have the unique ability to be used sublingually. In order to get the full benefits of tinctures, you can take the drops and hold them under your tongue for about 30 seconds. This is sublingual consumption, and it allows the cannabinoids in your tincture to be absorbed directly into your bloodstream through the blood vessels under your tongue. After holding the tincture under your tongue, you can swallow to receive the rest of the tincture through your digestive system. You don’t have to take tinctures sublingually, but this method increases their effectiveness significantly.
Tinctures carry a lot of the same benefits as edibles when it comes to convenience, as they are easy and quick to use. They have a faster absorption rate than edibles when taken sublingually and are also easy to dose using the dropper. They are, however, slightly less discreet than edibles, which may be a dealbreaker for some depending on your needs.
Cannabis Edibles Vs Tinctures: Which is Better?
We know we say this a lot, but it all depends on you, your needs, and your preferences!
Edibles have a few key perks: convenience, ease of use, discreetness, and flavor. They are a favorite among people who don’t enjoy smoking or can’t use inhalable products, people who need an option that isn’t obvious, and people who enjoy the taste of edibles over other options. People who have a lot of dietary restrictions may not prefer edibles, as they are often made with ingredients like gluten, dairy, or gelatin that may not be suitable for certain dietary needs.
Tinctures are great for their faster absorption time, ease of use, and reliable dosage. People who use tinctures usually prefer them for how easy they are to incorporate into a wellness routine as opposed to using them on an as-needed basis. Some people are not fond of the taste of tinctures or using them sublingually, which is something to keep in mind when thinking about trying them.
If you’re looking for an option that’s discreet, easy, and tasty, we recommend edibles. They may take longer to absorb in your body, but edibles reign supreme when it comes to taste and discreetness.
If you’re looking for something easy, quick, and consistent, tinctures may work well for you. We recommend tinctures for people interested in developing a cannabis wellness routine, people who don’t prefer inhalable products, and people who enjoy edibles but would prefer a faster absorption time.
How do I Try Edibles and Tinctures?
If you’re having trouble deciding between the two, you can always go to your local budtender to have a more in-depth conversation about the two. Our Dreamz budtenders are there for you! We can help you figure out what products might work best for you and walk you through how to find your sweet spot with our products.
If you already have an idea of what you’re looking for, you can view our locations and shop for edibles and tinctures online. We also carry other cannabis products in case neither of these are what you’re looking for.
We hope this blog post helped you better understand the differences between edibles and tinctures. If you have more questions, visit one of our locations or reach out to us on our contact page. We’d love to hear from you!
