Entering into THC’s territory for the first time can be daunting. You may be curious about what the benefits of THC oil are as well as how it interacts with your brain or body. And, much like CBD, THC can be associated with different formulations, called strains. Of course, there are also several types of THC products to explore, which will be the focus of this post.
THC for smoking or vaping
When you think of cannabis, you likely first think of smoking. You can smoke the dried or flower form of your strain of choice in a pipe, bong, or in a joint. A pro to smoking flower is that it’s the most economical manner of consuming THC. Plus, there’s a good chance your local dispensary has a wide variety of strains to sample. A con is that the amount of THC in each strain or batch could vary greatly.
Perhaps you’d prefer to inhale a THC product using a vape pen or dab pen. In this case, the THC would be presented in a liquid form, often called a concentrate. A benefit to this is that the concentration of THC is likely much more consistent since it has already been processed. However, these products are often much more potent than natural flowers and are often more expensive.
There are also products known as vaporizers that provide a balloon filled with air to inhale from. Dried herbs or infused oils can be used with vaporizers, depending on your preference. These vaporizers can be in portable sizes or be made for use on a tabletop at home.
Smoking or inhalation is among the fastest and most effective ways to absorb a substance like THC. This is because the substance is able to travel throughout the body quickly as well as reach the brain via the bloodstream.
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Wax and rosin
THC waxes are on the spectrum between oil and a product called shatter. Waxes are concentrated to include the most desirable of the plant components, like cannabinoids and terpenes, making them significantly stronger. As we mentioned prior, some waxes, depending on their consistency, can be enjoyed in a pen or even added to a spliff or a joint. They can also be used in a dab rig. Rosin is a type of concentrate that you can make at home from leftover herbs or hash (a potent solid made from flower parts) by adding heat and then reserving the sticky, leftover substance.
Tinctures
You can also enjoy THC in the form of tinctures. Tinctures are oil- and alcohol-based products infused with hemp extract. This extract may be broad-spectrum, meaning a broad spectrum of cannabinoids, full-spectrum, meaning a full spectrum of cannabinoids, or an isolate, meaning an isolated cannabinoid.
Wondering how you enjoy a tincture? It’s simple, and the effects can set in shortly, much like smoking. You begin by filling the dropper with your desired amount and then placing the oil under your tongue (sublingual). Then, hold it there for 30 seconds to a minute and then swallow any remaining. You can shop from unflavored or even delicious flavored varieties of tinctures.
Topicals
THC products also come in a topical form. THC topicals often provide some sort of pain-relieving or skin-soothing benefit. If you’re looking for some sort of intoxicating effect, you won’t find it from THC topicals, unfortunately.
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THC edibles
THC edibles are arguably the most enjoyable option to consume. Of course, this all depends on your preference or the recommendation from your care provider. Edibles incorporate THC in some way, likely in the form of an oil additive. Since oil is a key ingredient in a wide variety of dishes, the possibilities are basically endless. It’s common to infuse butter or coconut oil with THC, for example, and there are plenty of recipes out there to get you started. From there, you can enjoy THC-infused baked goods, sauces and savory dishes, candy, and even beverages.
A downside to THC edibles is a common confusion surrounding serving size and onset of effects. Since the THC has to be processed through the digestive system, it often takes a bit longer for any desired effects to set in. This is the first reason why edibles sometimes lead to overconsumption. The second reason is that serving sizes may call for you to eat 1/4 of a brownie to ingest the correct amount. Naturally, it’s difficult enough to only eat 1/4 of a regular brownie, much less a “special” one.
Talk to a care professional
When it comes to types of THC products, there’s a necessary process of trial-and-error to find what works best for you. Not every strain may mesh well with your unique body system and needs. Similarly, not every product may be as enjoyable for you to consume as the next. Always consult a healthcare or other certified professional prior to consuming any THC product. And, of course, the best way to enjoy THC products is to do so legally and responsibly.
