The world of cannabis concentrates has been booming in recent years. With a growing list of options and different consumption methods, it’s important to know the basics before diving into this exciting territory.
In this article, we’ll go over the types of concentrates available on the market today and how they’re used. If you’ve ever wondered what separates extracts from concentrates or wanted to get started with dabbing but weren’t sure where to start, then read on!
What is a Concentrate?
A marijuana concentrate is a cannabis product that contains a high concentration of cannabinoids. The most common form is made by extracting all the THC and other plant materials from marijuana using an extraction method such as butane, ethanol, COâ‚‚ extraction/purging, rosin presses, etc.
It’s important to note that extracts are a subset of concentrates, as all extracts are concentrates, but not vice versa. The difference lies in the method of extraction.
Extracts are made using a chemical solvent to isolate one cannabinoid or terpene out of the plant material. Concentrates do not necessarily need solvents. For example, bubble hash is made with screens and water, while live rosin is made with nothing more than a rosin press and heat.
How to Consume Concentrates?
Concentrates may be confusing to newcomers because they do not look like marijuana flowers. They are usually a dark, crystalline substance that’s either solid or liquid.
The most popular option to consume concentrates is the dab rig. A dab rig is a pipe with a heating element called an “oil rig.” A bowl is positioned over the heat source, and concentrates are put on top of it.
To consume concentrates with a vaporizer, use a specialized vape or add a concentrate atomizer attachment to your flower setup. The concept is the same: Coils will heat the substance when activated, resulting in a vapour that can then be inhaled.
There are many ways to ingest concentrates if you do not want to smoke them. Distillate, for example, can be taken sublingually or mixed into literally any food or recipe since it is already decarbed.
Types of Concentrates
Let’s take a closer look at the types of concentrates offered here at Kannabis Kulture.
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Shatter
Shatter is a form of concentrate that is transparent to amber-coloured and waxy to brittle/solid. The name comes from its glassy appearance and the fact that it can be “shattered” like glass.
Shatter’s consistency is usually a little bit thicker than waxes, making them ideal for use with vaporizers or dabbing apparatus such as a quartz banger. A good rule of thumb to follow would be: Thinner concentrates are typically used in vaping devices, and thicker concentrates are used for dabbing.
Budder
Budder is a favourite amongst 710 users. Budder is a more solid form of concentrate that looks like whipped butter. It is loved for its versatility in terms of smoking options.
Budder is ideal for sprinkling on top of a joint. However, keep in mind that you will end up wasting some of your extracts up in smoke.
Distillate
Distillate is also known as dabbing purist. This type of concentrate is made from refining cannabis extracts and has the purest form of THC possible. Because everything but one cannabinoid has been removed(THC or CBD), the flavour profiles(terpenes) are eliminated as well, rendering the distillate naturally flavourless.
Artificial flavouring can be added at later stages of production, though, and they taste great!
Distillate is most often sold in vape pens but can also come in free form inside a syringe or mason jar, depending on the quantities bought.
HTFSE
High-Terpene Full-Spectrum Extracts are made from an extractor that is capable of capturing the compounds and terpenes found in raw cannabis. The final result is sometimes called “sauce” and varies in appearance, depending on the initial flower used.
It is regarded as one of the purest, most natural forms of concentrates because it captures the true essence of the raw cannabis plant with a high terpene concentration devoid of undesirables such as wax and lipids.
Live Resin
Live resin is a type of concentrate created by using fresh uncured frozen plant material to create a glycol-like consistency. The frozen plant material is extracted using chilled solvents such as butane under pressure leaving you with only the desirable components; THC, CBD, terpenes, and other cannabinoids. Finally the concentrated solvent solution is distilled to remove any unwanted fats and waxes, leaving behind just a pure, concentrated oil preserving all its natural flavours and aromas.
This can be used for dabbing or vaping, and it has been known to provide a wide range of medicinal benefits due to it’s high aromatic terpene concentration and increased synergistic effect.
Diamonds
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, and the same could be said about THC diamonds, which look exactly like their namesake gemstones.
They’re 99% pure tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The remaining 1%, called terpenes, is made up of other cannabinoids, including cannabidiol or CBD for short.
This is what happens when you get your hands on THC in its most potent form possible!
Hash
Hash is a concentrated form of cannabis that typically has a THC content between 27% and 47%. Hash is primarily created by separating the resins from the plant. This process can be done with ice water, cold sieves, or mechanical separation methods such as using bubble bags.
The product made from this process is called “bubble hash.” Hash is a crowd favourite because of its versatility and history.
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Phoenix Tears/RSO
Rick Simpson Oil (RSO), also known as Phoenix tears, is named after the man who pioneered it, Rick Simpson. In 2003, he was diagnosed with a form of skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma. In 2003, he was diagnosed with a form of skin cancer called basal cell carcinoma. After reading about a study in which THC was found to kill cancer cells in mice, he decided to treat his cancer with full extract cannabis oil by applying it directly to the affected area and hopefully watch it disappear. To his surprise, it did in fact completely disappear!
This concentrated medicinal cannabis full plant extract is now sold as RSO or Phoenix tears and packs a powerful punch of THC and full range of cannabinoids.
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Tinctures/Oils
A cannabis tincture is a cannabis extract in the form of a liquid. It can be consumed by dropper or applied to food and is used as an alternative for people who dislike smoking cannabis but still want its effects.
Compared to edibles, tinctures kick in faster and typically last longer.
Tinctures are usually alcohol-based, while oils are extracted and combined with a carrier oil, such as coconut MCT.
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Concentrate on the Future!
Marijuana concentrates are the wave of the future. Tiny amounts are needed to feel a powerful effect, making consuming weed a more enjoyable experience for most. They also smell less in general vs smoking weed, and have a fuller flavour.
So whether you want to start dabbing or just want to dip your toes into the world of concentrates, Kannabis Kulture has what you need.
Check out our concentrates section today and try something new! We are constantly adjusting our inventory to only stock brands that live up to the quality standards our customers and us expect.
