Different brands and dispensaries now sell a dizzying array of THC oils, extracts, and concentrates as cannabis products become more popular and legal in more states.
Know what kind of oil you want
It helps to educate yourself on the different types of THC oils available today. The three main categories are:
- THC Vape Oils – Special oil formulations designed for use in a vape pen or vaporizer. Offer fast-acting effects good for microdosing.
- THC Tinctures – Liquid cannabis extracts suspended in a carrier oil like coconut MCT oil or glycerin. Easy to use sublingually or in edibles.
- Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) – A thick, sticky THC oil known for its very high potency and concentration and used primarily for medical purposes.
Understanding oil varieties and potency levels will help narrow your selection. Beginners often prefer lower-concentration THC vape oils or tinctures for example.
Research brand reputation and transparency
In an unregulated market, brand reputation and transparency around production methods are crucial. Look into the background of any THC oil company you consider. Where is their oil sourced and manufactured? Years in business and customer reviews indicate if a brand is reliable. Quality-focused brands also make third-party lab test results easily accessible. It shows the verified cannabinoid potency levels and checks for contaminants in each product batch. Steer away from THC oil products without batch testing details available.
Assess the ingredients and extraction method
Premium quality THC vape oils and tinctures will list all ingredients used including the extraction method. Common methods include hydrocarbon processing using butane or propane, CO2 extraction, and ethanol or alcohol extraction. CO2 extraction is considered the gold standard – it delivers pure, potent extracts safely without residue. Ethanol extraction also creates clean, high-quality THC oils when done properly. Oils using hydrocarbon or propane extraction tend to be cheaper but lack the same cannabinoid and terpene retention.
Evaluate potency levels
THC oil potency varies widely from 1mg per bottle to over 1000mg per bottle. Dosage needs differ substantially between users. For many, high-strength THC oil with a potency above 600mg is too strong for general use. Oils with lower or moderate potency levels between 250-500mg allow for easier titration. Do you want a pure THC distillate oil with almost no CBD content for maximum psychoactive effect? Or a balanced THC and CBD oil with moderate potency that avoids intense ‘highs’? Look at lab results for exact THC: CBD ratios to get the desired experience. CBD counter some unwanted side effects of THC like anxiety or paranoia in high doses for some users.
Assess terpene profiles
Along with varying potency levels, THC oil products have distinct terpene profiles that influence the taste and effects. Checking for terpene diversity maximizes desired benefits – whether relieving insomnia, pain, or depression. Opting for thc oil with a complete terpene profile brings out the entourage effect. Pricing matters when selecting the best value THC oils for your money. While cheap THC oil exists, quality comes at a cost. Oil cartridges or tinctures of good quality can be found for $30 to $100, depending on their potency and format of supply. You often get what you pay for with THC oils.