What Are Cannabis Concentrates?
Cannabis concentrates, also known as marijuana concentrates or extracts, are potent forms of cannabis that contain high levels of THC and/or CBD.
These concentrates are produced through various extraction methods, including solvent-based techniques using substances like ethanol, butane, propane, or hexane. However, these solvents can pose fire and explosion hazards if used in uncontrolled environments. Supercritical carbon dioxide (CO₂) extraction is a safer alternative that alleviates concerns of fire and explosion and results in a high-quality product.
Due to their high potency, cannabis concentrates offer a more intense experience compared to traditional cannabis products. They can be consumed through various methods, including vaporization, dabbing, or incorporation into edibles, catering to diverse user preferences.
Types of Cannabis Concentrates
Cannabis concentrates come in various forms, each offering unique characteristics and potency levels. Here are some common types:
Shatter: A translucent, glass-like concentrate known for its high THC content and brittle texture. It’s typically consumed through dabbing or vaporization.
Wax: An opaque, soft concentrate with a consistency similar to earwax. It’s favored for its ease of use in dabbing and can also be incorporated into edibles.
Live Resin: Produced from freshly harvested cannabis plants, live resin retains a higher concentration of terpenes, resulting in a more flavorful experience. It’s commonly used in dabbing and vaping.
Rosin: A solventless concentrate created by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flower or hash. Rosin is appreciated for its purity and is consumed via dabbing or vaping.
Budder: Featuring a creamy, butter-like consistency, budder is produced through specific extraction techniques that incorporate solvents. It’s suitable for dabbing and can be used in edibles.
Distillate: A highly refined concentrate with THC levels often exceeding 90%. Distillates are versatile and commonly used in edibles, tinctures, and vape cartridges.
Hash: One of the oldest forms of cannabis concentrate, hash is made by compressing the plant’s trichomes. It can be consumed by smoking, vaping, or adding to edibles.
What is the best form of cannabis concentrate?
Selecting the optimal cannabis concentrate depends on individual preferences, desired effects, and consumption methods. For those seeking high potency, concentrates like shatter or distillate offer elevated THC levels, providing intense experiences. Conversely, live resin and rosin are favored for their rich terpene profiles, delivering enhanced flavors and aromas. Consumption methods also play a role; for instance, distillates are versatile and can be used in edibles, tinctures, and vape cartridges, while shatter is typically consumed through dabbing or vaporization.
Ultimately, the “best” concentrate aligns with personal preferences, desired effects, and the chosen method of consumption. It’s advisable to consult with knowledgeable dispensary staff to find a product that suits your specific needs.
What’s the difference between dabs and concentrates?
Cannabis concentrates are potent extracts derived from the cannabis plant, encompassing a variety of forms such as wax, shatter, oils, and more. These products are created through processes that isolate cannabinoids and terpenes, resulting in substances with significantly higher potency than traditional cannabis flower.
Dabbing, in contrast, refers to a specific method of consuming these concentrates. It involves placing a small amount of concentrate—a “dab”—onto a heated surface, typically a nail or banger, within a specialized device known as a dab rig. The concentrate vaporizes upon contact with the hot surface, and the user inhales the resulting vapor. This method is favored for delivering rapid and intense effects due to the high concentration of cannabinoids present in the concentrates.
How about the Cannabis Concentrates Legality?
The legality of cannabis concentrates depends on the jurisdiction you are in. In regions where cannabis is legalized for either medicinal or recreational use, cannabis concentrates are generally legal as long as they comply with local regulations. For instance, in certain U.S. states like California and Colorado, cannabis concentrates are available for sale at licensed dispensaries, and their legality is governed by specific laws regulating THC content, packaging, and sale.
However, in places where cannabis remains illegal, cannabis concentrates are often also prohibited. Even in some areas where cannabis is legal, certain forms of concentrates, such as those with extremely high THC levels, may be subject to additional restrictions. Always check local laws to ensure you are in compliance when purchasing, using, or selling cannabis concentrates.
Here’s a list of U.S. states that have legalized or not legalized cannabis concentrates, depending on their cannabis laws. Keep in mind that the legality can vary by the specific form of concentrate and the THC content in different regions.
States Where Cannabis Concentrates Are Legal:
- California
- Colorado
- Oregon
- Washington
- Nevada
- Michigan
- Illinois
- Arizona
- Massachusetts
- Maine
- Alaska
- Vermont
- Rhode Island
- Connecticut
- New Jersey (for medical and recreational use)
States Where Cannabis Concentrates Are Not Legal (or heavily restricted):
- Idaho
- Wyoming
- Kansas
- Nebraska
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Tennessee
- Mississippi (medical cannabis legal, but some concentrates may be restricted)
- South Carolina
- North Dakota
How to make cannabis concentrates?
Making cannabis concentrates involves extracting cannabinoids (such as THC and CBD) and terpenes from the cannabis plant using various methods. Below are some of the most common extraction techniques used to create cannabis concentrates:
1. Solvent-Based Extraction
This is one of the most popular methods for creating concentrates, where solvents are used to separate cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material.
- Butane Hash Oil (BHO) Extraction:
Butane is used to dissolve the cannabinoids from the cannabis plant, resulting in a concentrated oil. The solvent is then evaporated, leaving behind the concentrate in forms like wax, shatter, or budder. - Ethanol Extraction:
Ethanol (alcohol) is used as a solvent to extract cannabinoids. This method is popular for producing oils and tinctures, and it’s often used in commercial extractions for its ability to capture a wide range of cannabinoids. - Propane Extraction:
Similar to butane, propane is used as a solvent to extract cannabinoids and terpenes. It results in concentrates with a similar texture and potency to BHO but with some differences in flavor and consistency.
2. Solventless Extraction
This method does not involve the use of chemicals or solvents. Instead, physical methods are used to extract cannabinoids.
- Rosin Pressing:
A popular solventless method where heat and pressure are applied to cannabis flower or hash to squeeze out the resin, creating rosin concentrate. It’s highly regarded for its purity, as no solvents are used. - Dry Sifting (Kief):
In this method, cannabis flowers are gently shaken through fine screens to separate the trichomes (the resin glands that contain cannabinoids) from the plant material. The resulting kief can be further refined to produce concentrates. - Ice Water Extraction (Bubble Hash):
Cannabis buds are agitated in ice-cold water to separate the trichomes. The trichomes then sink to the bottom of the container, and the resulting material is dried and pressed to create hash.
3. CO2 Extraction
Supercritical CO2 extraction is a more advanced method where carbon dioxide is used under high pressure and low temperatures to extract cannabinoids and terpenes. This method is known for producing high-quality concentrates and is often used by commercial producers for both THC and CBD extracts. It’s considered safer than solvent-based methods and is widely used in the production of vape cartridges and tinctures.
Bottom Line
Cannabis concentrates offer a potent and efficient way to experience the effects of cannabis, with various forms to suit different preferences. Whether you’re looking for high THC levels in distillates or the rich flavor profiles of live resin, the best concentrate depends on your desired effects and consumption method. Always consider potency, flavor, and your personal tolerance when choosing the right concentrate for you.
