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Cannabis oil containing THC can come in a number of different forms. Firstly, it could come in a raw and undiluted form. This is the pure concentrate of the plant oils that contain THC and other cannabinoids like CBD, THCV, CBN, CBG, and the full selection of all other chemical compounds within the plant. This includes terpenes and flavonoids, plant pigments like anthocyanins and chlorophyll, and a range of secondary compounds in very small quantities
This concentrated THC oil can be administered as it is, but it is very rarely prescribed in this form. Instead, it is used as the base to make a range of other medicinal THC products, like tinctures, capsules, and edibles, or mixed with a carrier oil to drop the concentration.
Uncut and concentrated THC oil from cannabis can taste bitter, sharp, spicy and tangy. Due to its very sticky nature, this taste can linger in the mouth for several hours, and washing it away with water doesn’t work very well. The lighter the colour of the oil is towards the yellow end of the spectrum, the purer it is. If THC oil is green, it will have a plant-like taste which increases the bitterness. The greener colour and the bitterness are due to higher levels of chlorophyll. Terpenes can also make THC oil taste bitter, and their presence can influence the effects.
When THC oil is diluted in seed oil or other carrier oil (like MCT oil), the negative tastes are reduced but can still be present. The taste of the carrier oil will also be noticeable, so take into consideration this ingredient when choosing your cannabis oil. The THC oil should never taste rancid. If you do notice any rancid flavour, you should stop taking the oil as it can cause negative health side effects.
If your oil has changed in taste after you have been using it for a while, this may be down to a number of factors. You must store your THC oil correctly by keeping it in a cool dark place that does not exceed 25 degrees Celsius. This is because heat will degrade both the THC in the oil and the carrier oil is at risk of spoiling and becoming rancid. Rancid oil has a specific taste and smell to it, similar to a wax crayon or melting wax candle. It can be more bitter than usual and also have a metallic taste to it. If you have received a THC oil product like this, contact the seller, prescriber, or manufacturer straight away without delay.
If you have good THC oil, but you still do not like the taste of it, you can try adding something to improve the flavour, such as peppermint or orange oil. Many people just eat something sweet, as this is the best way to cover up the bitterness that THC often has associated with it. After a time, most people come to like the taste, as they associate it with the side effects of feeling good and having beneficial symptom relief.
The taste of THC oil can be described as sharp, spicy and tangy in its raw form. Once it is diluted with a carrier oil, the taste is lessened but can still be present. Factors such as heat, bad storage, and rancidity can all lead to a change in the flavour of medical THC oil, and if you do notice these changes, make sure to discontinue the application and contact your prescribing doctor.
If you are still finding cannabis oil difficult to swallow due to the flavour, you may want to try adding something to the oil to improve the flavour or eating something sweet immediately afterwards. With time, it is likely that you will come to appreciate the base flavour, but in the meantime, there are many ways to make THC oil more palatable.
Accessing medical cannabis can be challenging due to the stigma surrounding it. However, Releaf makes it simple with our tailored monthly packages, specialist consultations for medical cannabis, and a unique medical cannabis card for protection, all based on your cannabis prescription.
It is important to seek medical advice before starting any new treatments. The patient advisors at Releaf are available to provide expert advice and support. Alternatively, click here to book a consultation with one of our specialist doctors.
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Article written by the Releaf Editorial Team, a group of seasoned experts in cannabis healthcare, dedicated to enhancing awareness and accessibility in the field through their wealth of knowledge and experience.
Our articles are written by experts and reviewed by medical professionals or compliance specialists. Adhering to stringent sourcing guidelines, we reference peer-reviewed studies and scholarly research. View our editorial policy.
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