THC Oil: Buyer’s Guide, DIY Instructions, Safety, Dosage, & More

THC oil is just one of the many products available and is largely underestimated. Everyone loves gummies, but people don’t get as excited over oil. Maybe it’s time we do.

I’ll go over what’s to love about oil, its drawbacks, how to use it, what’s legal, and how to buy stuff that’s worth the cost (it can be expensive — no one wants to waste money).

Let’s start with where to buy it, and then dig into the rest.

The Best THC Oil Vendors

Yes, it can be a lot of work, digging through companies. If you want to skip the hassle, check out this list of our favorite THC vendors. We had to search for the best for ourselves, and now we can pass the info on to you.

The following vendors have THC oil, but they’re often called tinctures. Technically, tinctures are made with alcohol, but THC binds to fats, so they’re made with oil for optimum extraction.

Each brand has the lab results on its website and is FDA-compliant.

1. Area 52 UFO Full-Spectrum Tincture

The team at Area 52 knows that perfection comes with time and dedication — it’s what they strive for with every product they give life to. They push the limits of hemp so we can push our personal limits and find new levels of creativity and growth.

There’s a money-back guarantee, showing they’re serious about building trust and customer satisfaction.

They’re known for their potent delta-8 and Amanita gummies but have a full-spectrum THC oil (otherwise known as the UFO tincture) that shouldn’t be underestimated.

The 2 oz bottle is federally compliant and has 150 mg of THC, 2400 mg of CBD, and 3100 mg of total cannabinoids. It’s flavored with Strawberry Cough terpenes and is low-calorie.

They also carry a delta-8 oil with 1200 mg of D8 and come in cherry or vanilla.

Specs: Area 52 UFO Full-Spectrum THC Tincture:

Total THC: 1200 mg
All Cannabinoids: 3100 mg
Total Cost: $170
Shipping: Some restrictions apply. USA-only
Return Policy: 30-day money-back guarantee

Likes & Dislikes: Area 52 UFO Full-Spectrum THC Tincture:

✅ Very strong (only need a few drops)
✅ Available in both cherry and vanilla flavors
✅ Made from raw hemp (no modified or synthetic cannabinoids)
❌ Some state restrictions apply (see website)

Shop Area 52

2. Neurogan Full-Spectrum THC Oil

Neurogan is a family-owned business that’s been around since 2016. Their focus is on providing high-potency and consistent products that can be used for natural wellness and medicinal purposes.

While they mostly offer ultra-concentrated CBD products, there are a variety of other cannabinoids, including THC oil. The 4 oz bottle has 300 mg of THC and is citrus-flavored.

They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and will match competitor’s prices.

Specs: Neurogan Full-Spectrum THC Tincture:

Total THC: 300 mg
All Cannabinoids: 8400 mg
Total Cost: $70
Shipping: Some restrictions apply. USA-only.
Return Policy: 30-days

Likes & Dislikes: Neurogan Full-Spectrum THC Oil:

✅ Very high dose of CBD per dropper
✅ Reputable company with many positive reviews
✅ Limited flavor options
❌ Low dose of THC per dropper

Shop Neurogan

3. NuLeaf Naturals Delta 9 THC Oil

Nuleaf is another company that aims to be a trusted source for plant medicine. Their products are cGMP-certified, come from organic hemp, and are made with green extraction processes.

Nuleaf’s THC oil is full-spectrum and comes in a 50 mL bottle with 125 or 250 mg of THC. The only ingredients are hemp extract and hemp seed oil, so it will have a strong flavor.

Specs: NuLeaf Naturals Delta 9 THC Oil:

Total THC: 125 mg
All Cannabinoids: Not listed
Total Cost: $34
Shipping: Some restrictions apply. USA-only.
Return Policy: None

Likes & Dislikes: NuLeaf Naturals Delta 9 THC Oil:

✅ Cheap option for users looking for microdoses of THC
✅ One of the oldest companies in the hemp space
✅ Known for very high-grade, fresh hemp extracts
❌ Very low dose of THC per dropper
❌ No flavor options
❌ Does not list cannabinoid breakdown

Shop NuLeaf

4. 3Chi HHC & Delta 9 THC Tincture

While the quality of 3Chi oils isn’t as good as other brands on this list, they certainly get the job done and the selection is nothing short of amazing. 3Chi sells a wide range of THC oils and tinctures ranging from pure delta 8, 9, or 10, to combinations like the one pictured above (HHC + Delta 9 THC).

This 1 oz (30 mL) bottle contains 750 mg of HHC and 75 mg of THC and contains hemp extract, medium chain triglycerides, and vitamin E.

Specs: 3Chi HHC + Delta 9 THC Tincture:

Total THC: 75 mg
All Cannabinoids: 825 mg
Total Cost: $25
Shipping: Some restrictions apply. USA-only.
Return Policy: None

Likes & Dislikes: 3Chi HHC + Delta 9 THC Tincture:

✅ Strong dose due to additional psychoactive cannabinoids
✅ Low cost (not the best value, but cheap initial cost)
❌ Includes modified cannabinoids (not all-natural)
❌ Relatively poor value when you consider $/mg active ingredient

Shop 3Chi

5. Koi Delta 8 THC Oil

Koi CBD has a good selection; you can find gummies, vapes, pre-rolls, flower, edibles, dab wax, capsules, and more.

This company’s delta 8 THC oil contains 1000 mg of pure delta 8 THC plus a variety of cannabis-derived terpenes and fruity flavoring. You can choose between Blue Raspberry, Watermelon, Lime, Strawberry, and Mango for flavoring.

Specs: Koi Delta 8 THC Tincture:

Total THC: 1000 mg
All Cannabinoids: 1000 mg
Total Cost: $50
Shipping: Some restrictions apply. USA-only.
Return Policy: None

Likes & Dislikes: Koi Delta 8 THC Tincture:

✅ Reputable brand with lots of positive reviews
✅ Great cost-to-potency ratio
✅ Available in several delicious flavors
❌ Uses modified cannabinoids (not all-natural)
❌ Illegal in several states

Shop Koi CBD

How to Find High-Quality THC Oil

Trippy packaging and clever names are appealing but in no way represent a product’s quality. It’s never a good idea to judge a book by its cover, but even more so when safety is an issue.

Some states regulate cannabis products, so you have less to worry about. Companies can’t just slap a label on poorly-produced THC oil — or anything else — and sell it to the masses.

Still, there’s okay THC oil, and then there’s mind-blowing THC oil. Which one do you want?

Here’s how to find the latter:

1. Look At the Third-Party Lab Tests

This is easy to do if you’re shopping online (recommended). If a company puts its products through third-party tests, they’ll say so. Often, they post the results on the website, but contact customer service if you don’t see them.

If they don’t say anything about testing, go elsewhere. It’s a pretty standard practice now (among reputable companies), so you shouldn’t have trouble finding one that does.

Buying from a local shop makes it harder to verify the testing. Even if a company does do it, a lot can happen from the manufacturer to the store shelf.

2. Does the Company Work Within the Law?

It might seem cool at first to find a company that breaks a few laws here and there to get you something more potent, but if they’re willing to do that, they might be cutting corners elsewhere. Black market dealings, no matter how legit they look, can get you in trouble and compromise your safety.

Whether it’s online or in person, one of the first things you usually need to do is verify your age. While it might not be illegal to sell to minors in your state, it’s still the responsible thing to do. Or not do? The point is, consider it the first red flag if they don’t ask your age.

It’s hard to know if they meet legal requirements if you don’t know what they are, so spend ten minutes finding out what’s okay in your state. It’s good to know, anyway. Keeps you out of trouble (well, you’re at least aware of how to avoid it).

If marijuana isn’t legal, THC products have to have less than 0.3% THC and come from hemp. This is usually made clear on packaging or websites.

3. Is the Company Transparent?

Not only should they be performing tests and obeying the law, they should go above and beyond to prove their products are worth your time and money.

That means being specific about who they are, their hemp source, the manufacturing processes, and the ingredients used.

Vague terminology or a lack of information doesn’t fly. They can do better, and if they don’t, maybe it’s because they’re hiding something.

4. What Do Other Customers Say?

Go ahead and check out the website for reviews. They aren’t always reliable, but reading through half a dozen will give you a feel for how trustworthy the comments are.

A lack of customer reviews isn’t necessarily a bad sign – the company could be new or the underdog in a tough market. If they check out in these other areas, they’re likely fine. Maybe you found a gem.

You can also look on review sites like TrustPilot, or go to Reddit. People are pretty vocal about their experiences.

5. Does it Pass the Vibe Check?

Does the website or store feel shady or “off” in any way? Look for details that suggest carelessness or apathy. If you’re shopping online, is the website confusing, or does it have misspelled words, a shoddy layout, or unattractive pictures? How’s the customer service?

If you’re in a store, is it clean? Is it set up well, and do the products look well cared for? Or are they dusty, expired, and scattered? Are the employees pleasant and knowledgeable?

THC Oil 101

THC oil is a simple concept and somewhat self-explanatory, but some details are easy to miss.

How Is THC Oil Different from CBD Oil?

CBD (cannabidiol) oil comes in three ways — full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate. Full-spectrum means all of the cannabinoids are in the oil. Broad-spectrum means everything, but THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) is in there. Isolate means it’s CBD only.

There can be benefits to using just CBD, but research suggests the cannabinoids work better together (the entourage effect). Broad spectrums are handy if you don’t want the THC, but again, THC brings a lot to the table. Besides, CBD oils usually have a minimal amount since CBD is the focus.

THC is the star of THC oil, so obviously, broad-spectrum doesn’t exist. You can find full-spectrum and isolates, though the former is most common.

Pros & Cons of Using THC Oil

Why choose oil over any of the other methods? It’s really up to you and what you prefer, but there are benefits to using THC oil:

Can be used topically
Discreet
Easy to dose
Long shelf life
Portable
Simple to use
Variety of ways to use it

There are also cons to consider:

Easy to take too much or not enough
Effects don’t last as long as edibles
Not as instant as vaping or smoking
Taste can be an issue

Fortunately, you don’t have to pick just one way to take THC. Each method has pros and cons, and what’s “best” depends on the situation and personal preferences. Keep oil on hand for your smoothie, smoke joints when you’re socializing, and vape when you need a quick hit.

THC’s Benefits & Side Effects

THC is full of benefits, and the research proving it keeps piling up. However, THC works best with the other cannabinoids — think of them as a team, encouraging each other, balancing each other out (the entourage effect).

A full-spectrum THC oil can have the following benefits [1]:

Decrease anxiety (low doses)
Improve mood
Improve sleep
Increase appetite
Provide pain relief
Reduce nausea and vomiting

Studies are inconclusive, but delta-9 may also be neuroprotective and could help treat neurodegenerative diseases, slow tumor growth, and be a new avenue for treating diabetes, among other things [2].

Of course, there are drawbacks and risks to any THC product, so we’ll look at those next.

THC oil can cause the following side effects:

Anxiety
Impaired short-term memory
Impaired thinking and motor skills
Increased appetite
Lethargy
Paranoia
Psychoactive effects

Delta-9 is relatively safe, but talk to your doctor before using it if you have a history of mental disorders, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are on any prescription medications.

How Long Do the Effects Last?

Using THC oil sublingually (under the tongue) allows the cannabinoids to get into your bloodstream quicker, so you can feel it in 15 minutes.

Adding the oil to food or a drink means it has to be digested first, so it’ll take closer to an hour to feel the effects.

The effects last 4-6 hours, give or take. None of this is an exact science — THC affects everyone differently, and there are too many variables, like body weight, metabolism, tolerance, and probably things we aren’t even aware of.

If you’ve never used THC oil before, make sure you don’t have plans for a good eight hours to be safe.

What’s the Dosage for THC Oil?

To determine dosage, there are some things you need to consider:

What’s your tolerance?
How potent is the THC oil?
What are the desired effects (microdosing, intense high, or somewhere in between)?

If you’re new to weed or even if you’re trying THC oil for the first time (or a new brand!), try starting with 2.5-5 mg. The bottle will have dosage recommendations and how much is in each dropper.

Note the effects, then increase it next time. Remember, you can’t take less, so make sure you give it an hour and a half to fully kick in, and don’t take a drastic jump in the amount you use.

Is THC Oil Legal?

In the U.S., THC oil is federally legal if it comes from hemp and has less than 0.3% THC in it. While delta-9 is federally illegal, your state government might say otherwise — a few are quite strict, while others have legalized marijuana. Same with some countries.

THC oil is legal in most states if it’s hemp-derived, but check your local laws to be sure.

The following states have rigid laws regarding all THC:

Iowa
Kansas
Louisiana (must have under 8 mg THC per serving and 1% by dry weight)
Minnesota (must have under 0.3% THC and less than 5 mg per serving)
New Hampshire
Virginia (2 mg THC serving limit or >25:1 CBD:THC ratio)

The following states have legalized recreational marijuana, so you aren’t limited to hemp-derived products:

Alaska
Arizona
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Guam
Illinois
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Montana
Nevada
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
Ohio
Oregon
Rhode Island
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
Washington, D.C.

Making Your Own THC Oil

THC oil is pretty easy to make if you want to try your hand at it. It’s not as fast as buying it, but you have more control over the flavor, strains, and potency.

The most difficult part is figuring out the dosage, but I have faith in you.

Before you start, consider what strain and type of oil you want to use — the flavors will come through, as will the strain’s effects. This largely depends on what you’ll use the oil for.

1. Decarb the Weed

Decarboxylation turns THCa into THC, so you can’t skip this step; otherwise, we’re not really making THC oil here. THCa is the responsible one of the two — it can help with inflammation and has other benefits, but it isn’t the one you want to take to a party.

Our article on how to decarb weed will give you the details, but here are the basic steps:

Preheat the oven to 220℉ (105℃)
Break the desired amount of buds into small pieces
Spread them in a thin layer evenly on a baking sheet
Bake for 45-60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes or so; don’t overbake
Remove from oven and allow to cool
Store them in an airtight glass jar for future use, or move on to the oil….

2. Gather the Supplies

Now you can gather what you’ll need to make the oil:

1 cup of high-quality cooking oil; olive and coconut work best
1 cup coarsely ground weed (about a quarter)
Double boiler or alternative
An airtight container, ideally glass
Approximately 2-4 hours with little to do except babysit the oil

One note about the cooking oils – both olive and coconut can have strong flavors. Choose a light olive oil or a refined coconut oil if you want to make it as low-key as possible.

If you don’t have a double-boiler, that’s fine. Most people don’t. You can use a cooking pot and heat-resistant bowl instead. Here’s a video showing how to make your own double-boiler.

3. Steep the Weed

Now, for the fun part, and by fun, I mean time-consuming.

Set the double-boiler up with water in the lower part
Pour the oil into the top bowl and set it carefully into the pot; be very careful not to get water into the bowl
Heat the oil to 160-180 ℉
Add the buds and stir
Allow them to steep for 2-4 hours, stirring occasionally
Add water to the pot as needed; don’t let it all evaporate out
Strain into a glass jar through a cheesecloth
Seal and keep in a cool, dark place

4. Use the THC Oil

Now that you have the final product feel free to test it out. Make sure you’ve figured out dosing first, and always start with a little, no matter what you think the right dose is. You don’t want to find out the hard way that you made a mistake with the numbers.

If you’re not sure what to do with THC oil, here are some ideas.

How to Use THC Oil

You know how to get great THC oil, but what do you do with it besides drip it onto food or under your tongue?

The options go far beyond that, my friend. Check out these three fun ways to use THC oil, along with the usual.

1. Mocktails

Non-alcoholic cocktails with THC? Why not?

These drinks don’t have alcohol because it’s better to avoid combining weed with liquor, especially if you’re new to either.

Just add the desired amount of oil to the drink, give it a good stir, and enjoy. Make sure the taste of the oil goes well with your drink.

2. Massage Oils

THC oil can be used topically, but be careful how much you use. Add it to another oil or mix it with lotion to stretch it, dilute it, and make it easier to work with.

The oil can help reduce inflammation and muscle aches, making it ideal for a massage.

3. Bath Salts & Bombs

Cost-effective? Absolutely not. However, adding THC oil to homemade or store-bought bath bombs or salts can take your time in the tub to the next level.

It can be a relaxing way to wind down, easing away the stress and sore muscles.

4. Food & Drink

These last two are obvious, but I might as well mention them. It’s easy to work within the box instead of thinking outside of it, but be creative with the THC oil. Or, stick with the usuals and mix it with your morning smoothie, lunchtime yogurt, evening salad, or dessert. Check out our weed brownie recipes for inspiration.

Just watch the dosing — don’t get too carried away.

5. Sublingually

This is simply taking the THC oil and putting a few drops under your tongue. Allow it to sit there for about 3-5 minutes before swallowing.

This method works quickly — about 5-15 minutes — but the effects also fade faster.

FAQs: THC Oil

There’s always more to learn. Here are a few of the top questions we see, along with the answers.

1. How old do I have to be to buy THC oil?

Likely, you’ll have to be 18 or 21, but it depends on where you live and how rigid the laws are. Even if the state doesn’t have a minimum age, most companies do — online and physical.

2. Can I use THC oil topically?

Yes, but carefully. THC oil can help with sore muscles and inflammation, but don’t use too much. Adding it to lotions can make it easier to apply and keeps it from being overly concentrated.

Never apply it to open wounds, and test a drop on your skin to make sure it doesn’t cause irritation or an allergic reaction.

3. What does THC oil taste like?

The taste depends on a number of things, like what strain and oil was used and how potent it is. Expect it to taste like weed with undernotes of whatever tastes the terpenes and oil add.

Mixing the THC oil with food or drinks helps mask the taste, but watch what you add it to. For example, you might not want to combine a fruity oil with spaghetti (no judgment if you do).

4. Is there a difference between THC oil & CBD oil?

Yes, there’s a significant difference. THC oil contains high levels of THC, the psychoactive compound that makes you “high.” CBD oil, on the other hand, is rich in CBD, a non-psychoactive compound known for its potential therapeutic benefits without the intoxicating effects. Both are derived from cannabis plants but are used and regulated differently due to their distinct effects.

5. How should THC oil be stored to maintain its potency?

THC oil should be stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to preserve its potency. Always store your oil in an airtight container and make sure the lid is sealed before putting it away in storage. You can further extend the shelf-life of THC oil by keeping it in the fridge.

6. Can THC oil be used in a vape pen?

No! The oil found in oral THC oils is completely different than vape oil. Putting oil-based tinctures in a vape pen can result in the production of toxic byproducts and lead to serious injury to the lungs.

References

Desai, U., & Patel, P. (2013). Medical marijuana: a public health perspective. International Journal of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 2(2), 136-143.
Maroon, J., & Bost, J. (2018). Review of the neurological benefits of phytocannabinoids. Surgical neurology international, 9.