Cannabis Concentrates 101: the Complete Guide
Uninitiated people might be confused by cannabis concentrates. High-potency cannabis products have quickly become a popular way to consume cannabis. A "little" is better than a lot. What is cannabis concentrate? Are they safe? What are the best ways to use weed concentrates? This is a quick guide to help you get started.
What are cannabis concentrates?
Concentrates of cannabis are the most concentrated parts of the cannabis plant. They are made from the condensed, extracted parts. Concentrates are made from the extracted oils of cannabis. These oils are rich in cannabinoids and terpenes. You can get a variety of concentrated cannabis forms by using a wide range of extraction and manipulation methods. This allows you to have a broad array of appearances and qualities.
Is cannabis concentrate safe?
THC concentrates can be safely used if they are responsibly sourced from a trusted marijuana dispensary. THC concentrates are extremely potent, meaning you only need to use a small amount to get intense effects. This is why it's important to be cautious if you're just starting out in the marijuana world. It's a good idea to consult an expert before you start using concentrates. Some concentrates contain high levels of THC, some as high as 90%. It is possible to only use a small amount of marijuana, such as a pinhead or a grain of rice.
Different types of cannabis concentrates
Jump to:
- Wax
- Rosin & Live Resin
- Smash
- Budder, Badder and Batter
- Hash & Bubble Hash
- Distillate
- Sauce
- Sugar
- Tincture
Wax
Wax is waxy, as one would expect. It is thick and can sometimes be a bit granular. The color is usually opaque and golden. Although wax can be added to cannabis flowers for twaxing (wax mixed with cannabis), it is more commonly smoked by using a dab pen.
Live Rosin and Live Resin
Live resin is somewhere between sauce and wax on the consistency scale. The sticky, potent nature of live resin makes it sticky. Because it's harvested after freezing the cannabis plant, the resin is infused with natural cannabis terpenes. The solvent is used to extract the good stuff. The term "live" is derived from the fact that resins can be used in vaping using a dab pen or a standard dab rig. What is resin and rosin? They have the same properties, profiles and usages, but rosin can be made without solvents. Kabunky Live Resin is a good option if you want to buy some.
Shatter
Shatter is a BHO concentration and its name comes from the fact it looks almost like glass. It is thin and hard candy-like, and has an amber hue when it is of high quality.
Budder, Badder and Batter
The three types of concentrate are basically the same. They are all extremely potent and can all be used together. However, there are some differences. The consistency of Budder is smooth and creamy, much like butter. Budder is well-known for its potency. However, extra heating may result in a decrease in aromatics. Sometimes, batter and badder can be a little less smooth. Some can be more loose and saucy while others can have a more bumpy consistency.
Hash and Bubble Hash
To create hash, you press and manipulate the cannabis buds to extract the sticky trichomes. You get a sticky, pressed powder. Bubble hash is made by using ice to remove the sticky trichomes. The result is a loose mixture of bubbly trichomes, which resembles brown sugar. Both types of hash can be smoked or vaporized using a dab-rig.
Distillate
Distillate looks like honey and is actually resin or rosein that has been refined for a better product. You might also hear distillate called THC oil. You may only need a small amount of distillate to get high. The majority of distillates can be used with an e-rig, dab nail or a dab pen. However, they can also be used in vape pens and cartridges. Distillate can also be used for cooking.
Sauce
Sauce is also known as THC sauce, Terp sauce, or "diamonds". It is a sticky, syrupy cannabis extract that is made by combining the cannabinoids of each strain with their terpenes (THCA). Sauce may also contain crystal structures (THCa), depending on how the cannabinoid profile was extracted. This is why it's known as Diamonds.
Sugar and Crumble
Crumble is a little like sugar clumps, but it's very dry and easy to use. Crumble is the most dry form of cannabis concentrate that you will find. It can be sprinkled on a rolled joint or used as a topping. You can also vaporize crumble on a dab set or rig. Although it looks similar to cannabis sugar, it is slightly more wet so it should be used with a vape.
Tinctures
Tinctures are made from a mixture of concentrated cannabis extracts with carrier solutions. Tinctures are not to be confused with THC oil or pure distillate. However, they can be taken sublingually or ingested.
How to store cannabis concentrates
Concentrates of cannabis can be sensitive to temperature changes, sunlight and oxygen. Therefore, pretty much every concentrate you find should be kept in a cool or temperature-controlled environment, out of direct sunlight, and in an airtight container.Are you looking for the best selection of cannabis concentrates available? Check out the menu of your nearest cannabis dispensary for a wide selection of high-quality weed concentrates.