By: Olivia Walters
For vapers, THC oil is a cherished extract from the cannabis plant that once inhaled, brings on a calming, euphoric sensation.
Whether you’re vaping THC for recreational or medicinal reasons, the benefits of this easy-to-use delivery method are sure to please.
What is THC oil?
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a psychoactive compound found in the Cannabis sativa plant.
Although it’s primarily known for producing a “high,” the stoney effects only tell a part of the story.
Along with THC, hundreds of other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids are synthesized in the buds of this complex and abundant botanical.
Cannabis can be consumed in several ways: edibles, dry herb, capsules, lotions, tinctures, and vaporizers.
Traditionally, people have been smoking dried herb (flower) for centuries. Fast forward to modern times: advancements in marijuana science now allow people to enjoy a cleaner, more concentrated form of THC.
With the development of vaporizers, the entire THC experience has changed. No longer are the days when rolling a joint meant fumbling with sticky, wet papers. Now, you can push a button, inhale, and feel the effects of THC within seconds.
THC oil is made from a solventless or solvent-based method. Extraction via the solvent-based method involves either hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide (CO2), or isopropyl alcohol (aka Rick Simpson oil).
The solventless rosin method, on the other hand, is growing in popularity as an alternative to chemically manufactured vape cartridges.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both of these methods. At a glance, know that vape oil is made by heating and applying pressure to squeeze THC and terpenes from the cannabis plant.
How to use THC oil
Vaping THC is a simple process, although there are some mechanics involved. The oil comes in small, clear cartridges, in the form of a square or cylinder.
Some cartridges feature a flat mouth tip, such as Cannavative’s Live Clear Cartridge, while others come with a circular “drip tip” style.
Fans of the flat mouth tip love this style because it draws the oil slowly and carefully.
Once you have your vape cartridge, you’ll need a compatible battery to begin vaping.
Vaping offers a lot of room for customization since you can buy accessories such as vape cases and cleaning tools.
After you have all the parts, you attach the cartridge to the battery and you’re ready to go!
Is cannabis oil and THC vape oil the same thing?
The short answer: technically, yes. Cannabis oil is similar to THC vape oil in the sense that they’re both extracted from the same plant. However, if we’re talking specifics, there are differences.
Cannabis oil comes in two forms. The THC variety is one we’ve already mentioned, but the CBD variety has its advantages. Short for cannabidiol, CBD is another cannabinoid from the cannabis plant.
Often referred to as hemp (to distinguish it from marijuana), CBD is non-psychoactive, which means it won’t make you “high.”
People use CBD for anxiety relief, pain management, and sleep. Those who still wish to experience the therapeutic benefits of cannabis minus the psychoactive sensation can try CBD vape oil.
Some vape cartridges feature a 1:1 CBD to THC ratio. This combination is said to offer a balanced “high” and synergistic health perks.
THC cartridges – how to buy them
As you shop for a THC cartridge (the part that attaches to the battery), there are important considerations to keep in mind.
First, you’ll want to know how the oil is made and what’s inside it. Some THC cartridges contain additives such as MCT (coconut oil), PG (propylene glycol), and VG (vegetable glycol).
These ingredients change the viscosity of vape juice and affect how the e-liquid hits.
Some vape manufacturers argue that these additives amplify the vape experience, but the bottom line is this: they’re all non-cannabis derivatives.
The Cannavative Live Clear Cartridge is made with 100% cannabis—just THC and terpenes.
Stripped down to the essentials, you get a highly refined distillate form of THC.
If this jargon went over your head, all you need to know is this: with distillate, you’re able to vape 100% THC, minus all the non-cannabis additives.
One thing that often gets overlooked as people shop for vape cartridges is the fact that they’re not legal in every state.
Unfortunately, if you’re in a non-legal state, you may have to settle on CBD (for now).
For those living in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Vermont, or Washington, you can legally buy vape cartridges.
THC oil effects
THC affects people differently. Some people experience sudden bursts of creativity and feel more comfortable in social situations, while others get sleepy and prefer to set up a comfortable spot on the couch.
In general, the effects of THC are strain-specific. Additionally, terpenes (the aromatic compound of cannabis) influence how a strain smokes and tastes.
Despite all of the categorizations of marijuana, i.e. Sativa, Hybrid, and Indica, THC is an entirely subjective experience.
That said, vaping THC is more intense than smoking regular flower, as vape juice is extracted to preserve valuable cannabinoids and terpenes.
In doing so, you end up with a stronger product that intensifies the “high.” Smoking a joint, bong, or bowl, on the other hand, you may need more product to achieve the same intensity.
That said, those who are new to vaping should hit slow and dose in small quantities.
FAQs
Is THC oil legal?
It varies from state to state. As of now, THC oil is federally illegal, however many states have passed laws to distinguish between recreational and medical marijuana.
Others have decriminalized it all together. See this list for more information about your state’s laws.
Can you use THC oil for pain?
It’s possible, yes. Pain management is one of the top reasons why people use marijuana. Especially for people managing cancer pain, THC oil may alleviate some of the negative side effects.
Depending on your condition and the severity of the symptoms, you may benefit from THC oil.
Olivia Walters is a writer who focuses on cannabis culture and lifestyle.