Cannabis Oil: What It Is,and How to Choose the Right One in New York

You’ve heard about cannabis oil, maybe a friend swears by it for winding down after work, or you spotted it on Simply Green’s menu and weren’t sure exactly what you were looking at. This plain-English guide breaks down every type of cannabis oil available in New York so you can shop with confidence.

What Exactly Is Cannabis Oil?

At its most basic, cannabis oil is any oil-based product derived from the cannabis plant. That umbrella covers products made from hemp (typically high in CBD, low in THC) and products made from recreational cannabis flower (higher in THC, sold exclusively at licensed New York dispensaries like Simply Green).

The oil is extracted from the plant using methods like CO2 extraction, ethanol extraction, or mechanical pressing, then suspended in a carrier oil such as MCT (coconut-derived), hemp seed oil, or olive oil to make it bioavailable and easy to dose.

The result is a concentrated, versatile product that can be taken under the tongue, added to food or drinks, applied to the skin, or used for dabbing, depending on the type. That versatility is exactly why cannabis oil has become one of the most popular product categories at dispensaries across New York.

THC Oil vs. CBD Oil: What Is the Difference?

This is the question our team at Simply Green gets asked most often at the counter.

THC oil contains tetrahydrocannabinol, the cannabinoid responsible for the psychoactive experience associated with cannabis. THC oils are regulated recreational products in New York, available only at licensed dispensaries. They suit consumers seeking mood elevation, relaxation, creativity, or sleep support.

CBD oil contains cannabidiol, a non-intoxicating cannabinoid derived primarily from hemp. CBD oil does not produce a high. Many people reach for it for a sense of calm, physical ease, and general daily wellness without psychoactive effects.

Many products also blend both cannabinoids in deliberate ratios, a 1:1 THC: CBD oil, for example, giving a more nuanced, balanced experience. Our staff can walk you through the options based on your specific goals.

Full-Spectrum, Broad-Spectrum, and Isolate Explained

Full-spectrum cannabis oil retains the complete range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and plant compounds found in the original plant, including trace THC in hemp products, or full recreational THC levels in dispensary products. Many consumers point to the “entourage effect”: the theory that these compounds work better together than in isolation.

Broad-spectrum oil keeps most of the plant’s compounds but has THC removed. A solid middle ground for people who want the entourage effect without any THC content.

Isolate is the purest form  a single cannabinoid (usually CBD or THC) extracted and separated from everything else. Isolates are odorless, nearly tasteless, and highly consistent in dosing  good for people who want precision and simplicity.

Cannabis Oil vs. Tinctures vs. Concentrates: What Is the Difference?

Browse a dispensary menu in New York, and you will see cannabis oil listed under several different categories. Here is how they typically differ:

Tinctures are cannabis oil products specifically designed for sublingual (under the tongue) use. They come in small dropper bottles, are dosed in milliliters, and are one of the most beginner-friendly formats available. Simply Green carries unflavored tinctures that make precise dosing easy.

Concentrate oils  including CO2 oil, distillate, and live resin are cannabis oils in their most potent, concentrated forms. They are used for dabbing or as the oil inside vape cartridges. Higher in THC concentration, they are designed for more experienced consumers.

Topical oils and balms are cannabis oil infused into a skin-friendly base for external application. They do not produce a systemic high but may provide localized comfort. Simply Green carries a range of topical lotions and balms in our Coram, NY shop.

Edible and beverage oils are cannabis oils incorporated into food or drinks. Effects take longer to arrive (30–90 minutes) but tend to last longer than other consumption methods.

How to Use Cannabis Oil: Methods and Dosage Guidance

One of the biggest advantages of cannabis oil is its versatility. There is no combustion involved, just the oil and your chosen delivery method. Here are the most common approaches:

Sublingual (Under the Tongue): The Gold Standard for Tinctures

Place your measured dose under your tongue and hold it for 60–90 seconds before swallowing. The mucous membranes absorb the cannabinoids directly into the bloodstream, bypassing digestion. This means faster onset, typically 15 to 45 minutes, and more predictable effects compared to edibles. It is the most recommended starting point for new cannabis oil users.

Adding Cannabis Oil to Food and Drinks

Cannabis oil can be stirred into coffee, smoothies, salad dressings, or most foods that will not be cooked above 350°F (high heat can degrade cannabinoids). When consumed this way, the oil travels through your digestive system. Onset can take 30 minutes to 2 hours, and effects tend to be stronger and longer-lasting than sublingual use. Start with a smaller dose than you think you need.

Topical Application for External Use

Cannabis oil in a topical base lotion, balm, or salve is applied directly to the skin. Cannabinoids interact with local receptors without entering the bloodstream in any significant quantity, meaning no psychoactive effect. Simply Green carries a curated selection of topical cannabis products for targeted external use.

Is Cannabis Oil Legal in New York?

Yes, with an important distinction.

Recreational THC cannabis oil is fully legal in New York State for adults 21 and older, but it must be purchased from a dispensary licensed by the New York Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). Simply Green operates under the CAURD license OCM-CAURD-25-000295 and is fully compliant with all state regulations.

CBD oil derived from hemp with less than 0.3% THC is legal federally and in New York, available through various retail channels. However, for quality assurance and verified lab testing, purchasing from a licensed dispensary is always the safest route.

New York’s cannabis regulations require that all products sold at licensed dispensaries pass third-party lab testing for potency, pesticides, heavy metals, and microbials. Every cannabis oil product on Simply Green’s shelves has cleared this testing, something you simply cannot verify when buying from unlicensed sources.

How to Read a Cannabis Oil Lab Report Before You Buy

Every legitimate cannabis oil product sold in New York comes with a Certificate of Analysis (COA), a third-party lab report that tells you exactly what is in the product. Here is what to look at:

Total THC and Total CBD: These numbers reflect the true potency of the product after activation. A product labeled 20mg THC per ml should match on the COA.

Cannabinoid profile: Look for minor cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, and CBC if you want a full-spectrum experience. A broad-spectrum product should show 0% THC.

Terpene profile: Terpenes like myrcene, limonene, and linalool shape the aroma, flavor, and effect character of the oil. Full-spectrum and live resin products carry a richer terpene fingerprint.

Residual solvents: Should read “not detected” (ND) for all solvents. Any detectable level is a red flag.

Pesticides, heavy metals, and microbials: All must fall below OCM action limits. Simply Green only carries products that pass on every count. If you want to see the COA for a specific product, our staff can pull it up in-store.

Who Is Cannabis Oil Right For?

Cannabis oil is one of the most versatile formats in the dispensary, which is why it appeals to such a wide range of people:

If you are still not sure which type fits your lifestyle, that is exactly what our team at Simply Green is here for. We do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach; we believe in finding your match.

Shop Cannabis Oil at Simply Green, Coram, NY

Simply Green is Suffolk County’s trusted, licensed cannabis dispensary. We carry a hand-curated selection of cannabis oil products across multiple categories: tinctures, concentrates, topicals, and CBD  all lab-tested, locally sourced where possible, and chosen for quality, potency, and consistency.

Whether you are picking up your first tincture or restocking your favorite concentrate, our team is here to make the experience comfortable, easy, and genuinely helpful.