Flower, Oil or Extract - Which Form of Medical Cannabis to Choose

Medical cannabis is not only flower. Pharmacies stock three main forms: flower for vaporization, an oral oil and a vaporization extract. Each works a little differently and suits different needs.

Below we compare them without jargon, so you know what to ask your doctor. The final choice always rests with the doctor, but it helps to understand the differences.

In short: flower works fast but has a smell; oil is discreet and lasts long but starts more slowly; the extract combines a fast onset with discretion but tends to cost more.

Flower is the most common form. You take it by vaporization (heating without burning), which gives a fast onset - useful when you need acute relief. It is priced per gram, so the cost is easy to work out.

The downsides can be a distinct smell and having to carry a vaporizer. We describe flower prices in our article on the price of medical cannabis per gram.

Oil (extractum normatum) is taken orally or under the tongue. It works more slowly, because it has to be absorbed, but lasts longer - it works well for steady, maintenance dosing, for example at night.

It is odourless and very discreet, and the dose is easy to measure in drops. It is a common choice for people who do not want or cannot inhale, including older patients.

An extract is a concentrated, purified form (usually with a high THC content) in a ready cartridge for a vape pen. It combines a fast onset with discretion - a faint smell, and the device fits in your pocket.

Its high concentration makes it efficient but calls for more care with dosing. We say more about this form in our article on extractum purum 80% THC.

There is no single best form - there is the one that fits your problem and lifestyle. Roughly:

This is a rough orientation, not a recommendation. The form, dose and THC to CBD ratio are chosen by the doctor at the visit - we cover dosing in our article on medical cannabis dosing.

Flower, oil or extract - which works fastest?

The fastest onset comes from the vaporization forms, that is flower and extract. Oil taken orally works more slowly but lasts longer, as it first has to be absorbed.

Which form is the most discreet?

Oil is odourless and the most discreet. An extract in a vape pen has a faint smell and is also discreet. Flower has the most distinct smell.

Which form is the cheapest?

Flower is usually the cheapest per gram. Extracts tend to cost more per gram but are efficient thanks to their high concentration. The real cost depends on the dose and how you take it.

Can I choose the form of the medicine myself?

You can tell the doctor which form suits you, but the final choice of form, dose and THC to CBD ratio rests with the doctor, after assessing your situation.

Can different forms be combined?

Sometimes yes - for example oil for a steady effect and flower for acute relief. Whether and how to combine forms is decided by the doctor guiding the therapy.