The Ultimate Guide to Cannabis Oils
Cannabis oils, extracts, and concentrates are umbrella terms that encompass a wide range of products including CBD oils, tinctures, hash, vape oils, dabs, and more. These products are derived by processing the hemp flower into a concentrated form, but each type of cannabis oil has unique characteristics and uses.
So why consider cannabis concentrates if you’ve already experienced traditional flower? While cannabis flower offers numerous benefits, extracts provide targeted advantages worth exploring.
- No combustion required – Most cannabis extracts are vaporized or ingested, offering a smoke-free delivery method.
- Higher efficiency – A small amount of extract can deliver powerful effects, making it a cost-effective option.
- Cleaner consumption – Extracts isolate cannabinoids and essential oils, resulting in a smooth, refined vapor experience.
Types of Cannabis Oils
Let’s break down the major types of cannabis oils and concentrates to help you better understand your options:
- CBD Oils – These non-psychoactive oils are commonly used for therapeutic purposes, often sold as tinctures or capsules.
- THC Oils – These intoxicating oils deliver euphoric effects and are used both recreationally and medicinally. THC oils can be found as tinctures, capsules, or vape-ready solids.
- Ingestible Oils – Fully activated cannabis oils meant for oral consumption. They can be taken alone, mixed into food and beverages, or encapsulated.
- Vape Cartridges – Pre-filled, portable oil cartridges designed for easy use with vaporizer batteries—similar to e-cigarettes but infused with cannabis.
Finding the Right Cannabis Product for you
Each form of cannabis extract caters to a different user profile and use case. Below are recommendations based on your experience level:
- Beginners – If you're new to cannabis extracts, start with low-dose options like CBD oil, hemp oil, Kief, Rick Simpson Oil (RSO), tinctures, vape oils, ingestible capsules, or hash. These products vary in onset time and intensity, so experiment carefully to find what suits your body and needs.
- Intermediate – For users ready to go beyond basic tinctures and vape pens, solvent-based extracts like CO₂ oil, butane hash oil (BHO), and distillate offer stronger effects and more refined delivery. These are commonly consumed through vape cartridges or dabbing. Solventless options—such as dry sift, rosin, and ice water hash—provide a more natural extraction experience.
- Expert – For cannabis connoisseurs, high-potency extracts like live resin, nug run, trim run, full-spectrum oils, THC isolate, sauce, and diamonds offer the most refined and powerful cannabis experiences. These advanced products often feature enhanced terpene profiles, cannabinoid diversity, and are ideal for exploring the full effects of the plant.