cannabis
Tinctures vs. Edibles: Exploring Canada’s Favourite Cannabis Options
In Canada’s growing cannabis market, consumers have more choices than ever—from dried flower and vapes to high-potency concentrates and infused beverages. Among the most popular and user-friendly options are tinctures and edibles. Both provide a smoke-free way to enjoy cannabis, but they work differently in the body, affect timing and intensity, and are suited to different goals.
In this blog, we break down everything you need to know about tinctures vs. edibles in Canada. We’ll answer common questions, compare their effectiveness, and help you decide which is best for your lifestyle and needs.
What Are Cannabis Tinctures?
Cannabis tinctures are liquid extracts made by soaking cannabis flower in alcohol or oil to pull out cannabinoids like THC and CBD. The result is a potent, easy-to-dose liquid often sold in dropper bottles. Tinctures are taken:
- Sublingually (under the tongue) for faster absorption
- Orally (swallowed) for a longer-lasting effect
- Added to food or drinks for convenience
Tinctures allow for precise dosing, making them a great choice for beginners, medical users, and those who want to microdose.
How Many Drops of Tincture Are Recommended?
Tincture dosage varies depending on the product’s potency and your personal tolerance. A common beginner dose is:
- 2.5 to 5 mg THC or CBD
Most tincture bottles come with a measured dropper. For example, if a 30 ml bottle contains 300 mg of THC, then:
- 1 full dropper (1 ml) = 10 mg THC
- 1/4 dropper = 2.5 mg THC
Always check the label and start low. A few drops under the tongue can go a long way, especially if you’re new to cannabis.
How Much Is 1 Dropper in Tincture?
One standard dropper holds 1 millilitre (ml) of liquid. The actual THC or CBD amount depends on the tincture’s concentration.
Here’s a quick reference:
| Bottle Strength | 1 Dropper (1ml) Contains |
|---|---|
| 300 mg / 30 ml | 10 mg per dropper |
| 600 mg / 30 ml | 20 mg per dropper |
| 900 mg / 30 ml | 30 mg per dropper |
If the label says “10 mg per 1 ml,” then a full dropper gives you 10 mg. You can divide that into smaller doses as needed.
How Long Do Tinctures Keep You High For?
Tincture effects depend on how you take them:
- Sublingual use: Onset in 15–45 minutes, lasts 2–4 hours
- Swallowed (like an edible): Onset in 45–90 minutes, lasts 4–8+ hours
Tinctures offer more flexibility than edibles. You can hold them under your tongue for quick relief or swallow them for sustained effects.
Is Tincture Stronger Than Edibles?
Not necessarily—it’s more about how it’s absorbed. Tinctures and edibles can have the same dose, but tinctures offer more control and faster onset (if taken sublingually).
Edibles are metabolized by the liver, converting THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent compound. That’s why edibles often feel stronger and last longer, even at lower doses.
| Method | Onset | Duration | Intensity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tincture (sublingual) | 15–45 mins | 2–4 hours | Moderate |
| Tincture (swallowed) | 45–90 mins | 4–8 hours | Strong |
| Edible | 45–90 mins | 4–8+ hours | Stronger |
Do Tinctures Last as Long as Edibles?
Tinctures can last as long as edibles if swallowed. However, if taken under the tongue, their effects usually wear off sooner (2–4 hours vs. 4–8+ hours for edibles).
For overnight relief (e.g., sleep), many Canadians choose edibles or swallowed tinctures. For daytime use or quick onset, sublingual tinctures may be the better option.
What Works Faster: Tincture or Gummies?
Tinctures (sublingually) work faster than gummies or any other edible:
- Tincture: 15–45 minutes (under the tongue)
- Gummies: 45–90 minutes (digested)
If you need fast relief for stress, anxiety, or pain, tinctures are ideal. If you want longer-lasting effects (like help sleeping through the night), gummies may be a better fit.
Does Tincture Get You More High?
If you’re comparing the same dose of THC, the edible will usually feel stronger due to the way THC is metabolized in the liver.
That said, tinctures are often easier to dose, and users can avoid overwhelming highs by taking smaller amounts. Tinctures also tend to feel more clear-headed and manageable, especially when used with CBD.
Is Smoking Weed or Edibles Better for You?
Smoking delivers cannabinoids quickly but comes with lung irritation and exposure to combustion byproducts. Edibles and tinctures:
- Are smoke-free
- Offer longer effects
- Are easier on the lungs
However, they require more caution with dosing. It’s easier to accidentally overconsume edibles or tinctures, especially because of their delayed onset.
If you’re focused on health and control, edibles and tinctures are safer than smoking.
How to Choose Between Tinctures and Edibles
| Feature | Tinctures | Edibles |
|---|---|---|
| Onset Time | Fast (under tongue) | Slow (digestive) |
| Duration | Short to medium | Long-lasting |
| Dose Control | High (adjustable drops) | Moderate (per piece) |
| Potency Feeling | Mild to strong | Strong to very strong |
| Ideal For | Daytime, anxiety, flexible use | Nighttime, pain, sleep |
| Discretion | Very discreet | Discreet, but often larger |
Tinctures give you full control over your cannabis experience. Edibles provide long, body-focused highs that are ideal for rest and recovery.
Where to Buy Tinctures and Edibles in Canada
Licensed cannabis retailers like OneStopBudShop carry a wide selection of:
- THC tinctures (low to high dose)
- CBD tinctures (non-intoxicating, great for daytime)
- Balanced tinctures (1:1 CBD:THC)
- Sleep gummies
- Full-spectrum edibles
- Microdose THC/CBD gummies
All products meet Health Canada standards and include lab-tested potency, child-safe packaging, and clear dosing.
Tips for Safe Use
- Start low and go slow: Especially if you’re new.
- Read the label carefully: Understand how much THC is in each drop or piece.
- Wait before taking more: It can take up to 90 minutes to feel the full effects.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Store in a cool, dark place.
Final Thoughts
Tinctures and edibles are two of the most effective and accessible cannabis products in Canada. They provide long-lasting, smoke-free relief for a wide range of needs—from anxiety and pain to better sleep and focus.
Tinctures are ideal for users who value speed, flexibility, and precise control, while edibles offer powerful, sustained effects with minimal effort. Whether you’re new to cannabis or an experienced user, there’s a place for both in your routine.
Explore top-rated tinctures and delicious edibles today at OneStopBudShop, and discover a better, more personalized way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis.