Do cannabis concentrates seem like more work than they’re worth? It can be tricky to determine the best type of cannabis concentrates, how to use them, or even what they are, to begin with!
Even with all the complicated terminology and hype, concentrates offer a unique way to soak up the supposed benefits of cannabis.
In the following article, we’re exploring all about cannabis concentrates and how you can start your journey to enjoying this unique method of cannabis consumption.
What are cannabis concentrates?
Cannabis concentrates are potent cannabis products that include mechanically separated products like hash and extracted products like cannabis oil and waxes.
Concentrates serve to better preserve high levels of cannabinoids and deliver a more potent experience, either for high-tolerance consumers or people seeking relief from certain symptoms.
The potency of concentrates comes from either separating the resin glands, or trichomes, of the plant from the flower itself or extracting the cannabinoid-rich resin from the trichomes. The result is a significantly elevated cannabinoid and terpene content relative to cannabis flower.
Why you might want to try concentrates
Here are some reasons why trying cannabis concentrates could be a great choice:
- Higher terpene and cannabinoid content: Concentrates often have a higher terpene and cannabinoid profile compared to traditional cannabis flower.
- Faster onset: Concentrates can provide quicker relief or effects due to their potency and method of consumption.
- Refined experience: Vaporizing concentrates offer a different experience than smoking flower, which may be preferable to some consumers. This refined experience includes a variety of new tastes and aromas and an overall different consumption experience.
How concentrates are made
Concentrates can be made in several ways, depending on the type of concentrate being produced.
Mechanical separation
Conventional methods, some of which date back to ancient civilizations, include mechanical separation. Originally, this looked like simply rubbing cannabis flower between one’s hands to gather resin and then compress it into a ball or brick.
Today, mechanical separation methods include dry sifting, and rubbing flower over a series of fine mesh screens to collect the trichomes that fall from it and separate them from the plant material. The collected trichomes can then be used to produce hash.
Similarly, a specific type of hash known as bubble hash can be made through ice-water extraction. This method is not truly an extraction method but instead uses cold water to make the trichomes brittle.
The water is then agitated to separate the trichomes from the plant, which are then strained through a series of fine mesh bags. The trichomes are collected and pressed into bricks of bubble hash.
Solvent-based extraction
Another type of concentrate are extracts, which are made of cannabinoids and terpenes pulled from the plant using solvents.
These include hydrocarbons like butane or propane, ethanol, or supercritical CO2. The cannabis oil you see in vape carts is often produced through solvent-based extraction.
Butane hash oil (BHO) is an example of an extract produced using solvent-based extraction, specifically hydrocarbon extraction.
Solventless extraction
Extracts can also be produced through solventless means. Bubble hash can be placed in a device called a rosin press, which uses heat and pressure to squeeze a thick cannabis oil from the brick of hash.
The result is a potent, flavorful extract that is produced without the use of solvents.
5 types of THC concentrates
Cannabis concentrates are available in a variety of forms through a variety of methods. The most common types of THC concentrates include:
Hash
Hash is a traditional concentrate made from a solventless extraction method. Hash can be made either with a dry sift method or an ice water extraction method, both of which separate the trichomes, or resin glands of the plant, from the bud.
Whichever method is used, the collected trichomes are then compressed and dried into a solid brick or ball. This process preserves the natural cannabinoids and terpenes, resulting in a potent and flavorful concentrate.
Rosin
Rosin is another solventless concentrate known for its purity and straightforward extraction method. It’s made by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flower or hash, typically using a device called a rosin press, which squeezes out the cannabis oil.
The result is a sticky, golden oil that maintains the plant’s natural terpene profile. Rosin is prized for its clean taste and high potency and is often used in vaping or dabbing.
Budder
Budder, sometimes referred to as badder, is a whipped waxy extract with a creamy, butter-like texture.
It’s created through a process of purging solvents from the concentrate and whipping the extract, fluffing it up and changing its consistency.
Budder is known for its smooth texture and ability to provide a potent, flavorful experience.
Crumble
Crumble is a type of wax concentrate with a dry, crumbly texture. It is made with pre-purge oil at lower temperatures, which results in its brittle consistency.
Crumble is valued for its ease of handling and its potency, often used in dabbing or as a topping for other forms of cannabis consumption.
Shatter
Shatter is a cannabis extract that has a translucent appearance and glass-like structure.
It is made by pouring cannabis extract into a thin sheet and allowing it to dry and harden. It is often broken, or shattered, into smaller pieces to be sold as potent shards of concentrate.
What Are The Benefits of Cannabis Concentrates?
Pain Relief
Pain relief is one of the most common reasons people turn to cannabis concentrates. Research has shown that THC is responsible for more significant pain relief and can be an excellent option for people suffering from long-term chronic pain.
The higher potency of concentrates means they can deliver effective relief with a smaller dose, compared to standard flower, making them practical for those needing robust and sustained pain control.
Nausea
Cannabinoids, and THC in particular, have long been known to help relieve nausea in chemotherapy patients. People struggling with nausea and vomiting may want to turn to cannabis concentrates for relief.
By utilizing concentrates, patients can achieve more concentrated doses of THC, potentially offering faster and more effective relief compared to other methods.
Migraines
The effects that THC has on serotonin and the central nervous system could create the relief migraine sufferers seek. By modulating serotonin pathways and influencing pain perception, THC may offer relief from the severe pain associated with migraines.
Anti-Inflammatory
Inflammation is another reason cannabis consumers turn to concentrates. People struggling with heart disease, cancer, and autoimmune disorders can leverage concentrates to reduce symptoms potentially.
By delivering concentrated doses of cannabinoids, these products may help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.
Appetite Stimulation
THC is known for its appetite-stimulating effects, often referred to as the “munchies.” This can be particularly useful for individuals with conditions that cause reduced appetite.
Concentrates can deliver a potent dose of THC to help stimulate appetite and ensure proper nutrition.
Do You Get Higher from Cannabis Concentrates?
Cannabis extracts have been said to have up to 99% THC levels. When compared with dried cannabis buds at 10-25%, there is some concern over how quickly and how high you can become when consuming weed concentrates.
Interestingly, however, a study out of CU Boulder revealed that smoking high-potency cannabis skyrockets THC in the blood by over two times as much as smoking conventional weed, but the effects aren’t much different. While the reason isn’t apparent, it does highlight the need to understand how frequent cannabis consumption can lead to tolerance in the body.
We recommend starting with a low dose and going slow to prevent having a negative experience or effect from a high dose of cannabis concentrate.
How to Use Cannabis Concentrate
Concentrates can be used in multiple ways. Here’s an overview of the different methods to consume concentrates:
Dabbing
Dabbing is a popular method of consuming concentrates due to its potency and efficiency. To dab, you need a rig, which resembles a bong but is specifically designed for concentrates.
First, heat the nail or banger with a torch to a temperature between 400 and 650℉.
Once heated, use a tab tool to place a small amount of concentrate on the hot surface. The concentrate will vaporize quickly.
Inhale through a mouthpiece to draw the vapor into your lungs. And enjoy the effects.
Remember, especially, go slow with dabbing and use only a tiny amount.
Portable vaporizers
Portable vaporizers are convenient for consuming concentrates, especially for on-the-go use. Many modern vapes are equipped to handle concentrates, featuring specific chambers or attachments designed for this purpose.
Disposable vapes come pre-filled with concentrate, such as distillate or oil, and are activated by buttons or simply inhaling.
Cartridges, or carts, come pre-filled and ready to attach to a compatible battery or pen, making them easy to use and highly portable.
Adding to flower
Combining concentrates with cannabis flower enhances the potency and flavor of your smoke.
Place a small amount of concentrate on top of a bowl in a pipe or bong. As you smoke, the concentrate melts and blends with the flower, resulting in a richer and more intense experience.
This method is suitable for those who enjoy traditional smoking methods but seek increased potency.
Edibles
Incorporating concentrates into edibles provides a different way to experience cannabis.
Infused concentrates are added to cooking oils, butter, or other ingredients used in recipes by mixing them into the base at a low temperature.
Because concentrates are highly potent, start with a small amount and be cautious with dosing to avoid overconsumption.
Want to Learn More About Cannabis Concentrates?
If you’re curious about cannabis concentrates and which ones are right for you, visit us in person!
There are so many unique ways to experience and enjoy cannabis, and concentrates offer a viable consumption method that you may fall in love with.
