Among the many forms of cannabis available today, concentrates are rapidly gaining ground as one of the most popular. Promising to deliver all the purported benefits of cannabis in a highly potent package, concentrates are a favorite for many consumers.
In this in-depth guide, we’re explaining cannabis concentrates and showing you exactly why they’re worth a second look.
What are Cannabis Concentrates?
Cannabis concentrates are powerful extracts derived from the cannabis plant. They hone in on the plant’s active compounds (chiefly cannabinoids like THC and CBD, along with terpenes), providing a concentrated, intense experience compared to traditional cannabis flowers.
How are Cannabis Concentrates Made?
There are many different meticulous processes behind the creation of concentrates, and we expect to see even more methods emerge as the industry advances.
Solvent-Based Extraction
- Butane Hash Oil (BHO): One of the most popular extraction methods, BHO uses butane as a solvent to pull essential oils, cannabinoids, and terpenes from the plant material. Once the extraction is complete, the butane is carefully purged from the concentrate using heat and vacuum processes, resulting in products like shatter, wax, and budder.
- CO2 Oil: Leveraging supercritical carbon dioxide, this method is both safe and efficient. The CO2 acts as a solvent at certain pressures, extracting the desired compounds. Once the extraction is over, changes in pressure allow the CO2 to evaporate, leaving behind a clean, viscous oil.
- Alcohol Extractions: Primarily using ethanol, this method soaks the cannabis plant, pulling out the cannabinoids and terpenes. The solvent is then evaporated, leaving a thick, potent oil. Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is one notable product from this method, often lauded for its medicinal attributes.
Solventless Extractions
- Rosin Technique: This process involves the application of heat and pressure to cannabis material, pushing out the resinous sap. It’s a natural and chemical-free method, producing a pure, high-quality concentrate.
- Water Hash Production: This involves the agitation of cannabis in cold water. This process causes trichomes to separate from the plant. The mixture is subsequently filtered through micron bags, collecting the hash in various grades based on purity and trichome size.
Distillation
The advanced method known as fractional distillation isolates cannabinoids by heating the extract to specific boiling points, allowing unwanted materials to be separated and discarded. The result is a highly pure and potent concentrate, often referred to as a THC distillate, known for its clarity and high THC content.
Mechanical Methods
A time-tested technique, collecting kief involves the separation of trichomes (tiny hair-like structures rich in cannabinoids) from cannabis buds. This powdery substance accumulates at the bottom of cannabis grinders and can be utilized in various ways, from smoking to cooking.
Types of Cannabis Concentrates
When you consider just how innovative the cannabis industry can be, it’s not surprising to learn that there are over a dozen different kinds of marijuana concentrates out there. Each one comes with its own unique characteristics and benefits:
1. Shatter
Among the most popular concentrates, shatter boasts a transparent, often amber appearance. Its glass-like texture tends to shatter easily (hence the name), and it offers a high degree of purity and potency.
2. Wax
Wax’s unique consistency ranges from soft to somewhat crumbly, mirroring candle wax. This texture results from specific solvent extraction techniques, and its versatility makes it a favorite among users.
3. Budder
Creamy like butter, budder offers a middle-ground consistency between shatter and wax. It emerges from whipping the concentrate during the purging process, which airs it out and gives it that distinct, dab-friendly texture.
4. Crumble
More crumbly and drier than budder, the crumble’s distinctive texture derives from its residual moisture and the specific heat levels used during its extraction.
5. Rosin
Distinct for its solvent-free creation, rosin is derived by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flowers. The outcome is a sticky, sap-like substance that offers a more natural experience.
6. Tinctures
Tinctures are alcohol-based extracts. While not as concentrated as other forms on this list, they’re valued for their discretion and ease of dosage. Consumed sublingually or mixed into drinks, tinctures offer a different approach to cannabis enjoyment.
7. Distillate
Often hailed as one of the purest cannabis concentrates, distillates undergo a rigorous distillation process. This removes most impurities, resulting in a clear, odorless, and highly potent product that’s versatile in its uses.
8. Live Resin
Celebrated for its outstanding terpene profile, live resin captures the essence of the living plant. By freezing cannabis immediately after harvest and using it in the extraction process, it offers users a more authentic flavor and aroma experience.
9. Hash
A traditional favorite, hash is produced by pressing or rubbing to extract the plant’s resin. Depending on its origin, hash might range from soft and pliable to hard and brittle.
10. Isolates
Representing the epitome of purity, isolates are the crystalline forms of specific cannabinoids. All other compounds are meticulously removed, leaving behind only the desired cannabinoid—like THC or CBD.
11. Oil
Cannabis oils are liquid extracts that can be consumed directly, mixed with food, or filled in capsules. They can be full-spectrum (containing all cannabinoids and terpenes) or isolates (only one cannabinoid).
12. Pull and Snap
This concentrate is reminiscent of taffy candy in its consistency. It’s stretchy and can be “pulled” and “snapped,” offering a middle-ground between shatter and wax in terms of pliability.
13. CO2 Oil
Using supercritical CO2 as a solvent, this oil is known for its purity and is often used in vape pen cartridges. The absence of residual solvents makes it a cleaner choice for those who are health-conscious.
14. THCa Crystalline
Arguably the most potent concentrate on the market, THCa Crystalline is nearly 100% pure THCa. Once heated, THCa converts to THC, providing an extremely potent experience.
How to Enjoy Cannabis Concentrates
So, exactly how do you use cannabis concentrates? With such an array of product types, your options are pretty limitless.
Dabbing
Perhaps the most popular method for consuming concentrates, dabbing involves heating a small amount of concentrate on a hot surface (typically a nail or banger) and then inhaling the vapor. This method requires a dab rig, a specialized piece of equipment designed explicitly for this purpose.
Vaping
With the rise of vaporizer technology, many enthusiasts now opt to vape their concentrates. Portable vape pens that accommodate waxes, shatters, and oils offer a discreet and convenient way to enjoy concentrates on the go.
Edibles
Concentrates can be infused into butter or oil, which can then be used in cooking or baking. This method transforms your favorite meals and snacks into potent cannabis delights.
Tinctures
Directly consumed by placing drops under the tongue or incorporated into drinks, tinctures offer a discreet way to consume cannabis, with the added benefit of easy dose control.
Topicals
Concentrates can also be infused into creams, balms, and lotions. When applied topically, the active compounds interact with localized cells without entering the bloodstream, making it ideal for consumers who are hoping to achieve targeted relief.
Explore the Potent World of Concentrates at Giving Tree
Cannabis concentrates offer a broad spectrum of experiences, from terpene-rich live resin to THCa crystalline and beyond. And with so many different products, there are concentrates for virtually every goal, need, and preference.
As you navigate your options for weed concentrates, make sure you prioritize quality and authenticity and above all. Choosing the right dispensary is the key to finding the best types of THC concentrates to suit your needs, so you can be confident that you’re investing in reputable, trusted brands and products. At Giving Tree Dispensary in Phoenix, we take pride in curating an exceptional selection of cannabis concentrates, making it easy to find the ideal options to elevate your lifestyle.
For more information about where to find cannabis concentrates in Phoenix, contact our team or visit our dispensary today!
Photo Credit: fukume
