Cannabis Concentrates

Marijuana concentrates are relatively new to the market. However, it is estimated that people have used them for over 12,000 years! Chinese Steppe Mountains residents may utilize this strong product from the cannabis plant many millennia ago, according to historians.

Concentrates are often referred to as “hash,” although in reality, this potent marijuana is nothing like the black bricks smuggled into North America and Europe from countries such as Morocco.

Concentrates, sometimes known as super-concentrates or dabs, are strains of cannabis with a high THC level. They’re widely available online and in dispensaries that have been properly licensed. This thorough tutorial will tell you all you need to know about cannabis concentrates, including the many varieties, how to consume them, what to consider while purchasing them, and how much to take.

What Is Marijuana Concentrate?

A cannabis concentrate is a type of product that has a high amount of THC. It can refer to anything manufactured from the cannabis plant that has been transformed into a concentrated form. It includes all of the terpenes and cannabinoids produced by the flowers, as well as no extra plant material.

Many different products are available, each with a slightly different THC concentration and texture, although the amounts are the same. When it comes to these items, texture is very important. Vaping, wax concentrate extracts, or mixing them with a joint or blunt are just a few possibilities.

The chemicals in marijuana that give it its scent, flavor, and effects are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other cannabinoids and terpenes. These chemicals can be found in the plant’s trichomes, which are tiny droplets that glisten. The production of these products is accomplished by condensing the trichomes to provide you with items that produce an extremely powerful, intoxicating high.

Types of Cannabis Concentrates

When it comes to the most popular sorts of cannabis concentrates, keep in mind that they are classified as solvent-based or solventless. Wax concentrates, for example, fall under the category of “solvent-based,” whereas kief production does not require a solvent. Let’s take a look at each category and then give you an overview of nine of the best-known concentrates across both groups.

Marijuana Concentrates – Solvent-Based or Solventless?

There are solventless and solvent-based concentrates from marijuana, which are considerably more powerful than the flower alone. A solvent-based extract is made by extracting THC – as well as other cannabinoids and terpenes – from the cannabis with a substance such as butane, ethanol, or CO2.

A solventless concentrate does not entail the use of a solvent to extract the substance of interest. Instead, heat and cold, pressure, and water are utilized to isolate cannabinoids and terpenes from plants. As new technologies emerge to remove cannabinoids and terpenes from plant material, the number of concentrates accessible is increasing.

When it comes to how concentrates are made, there are many varied methods. The chemical and biological make-up of the end products is altered by the extraction process. While you may not notice a difference,

Solvent-Based Extraction

Because of the fear that solvent-based concentrates are unclean, there is a lot of resistance to them. There’s also the issue of risk since you could be using butane or propane.

Solvent extractions are risky in a do-it-yourself sense. However, advances in technology enable businesses to use certified lab personnel and sophisticated equipment to produce clean concentrates safely by utilizing solvents to extract the plant material. These businesses employ a closed-loop system to ensure that no airborne chemical exposure occurs during extraction.

Solvent extractions, on the other hand, are considered to be more potent and comprehensive in their spectrum of terpenes and cannabinoids. Because the flower isn’t shaken physically, the bud’s structure is preserved, preserving terpenes.

Contamination is addressed through the technique of ‘purging,’ which involves removing any residual solvent. Whether you’re using butane, CO2, propane, or alcohol as your extraction solvent, you’ll need to purge after production to remove any remaining solvent. Purging can refer to hand-whipping, vacuuming, or evaporation.

Let’s take a look at the most popular solvent-based cannabis concentrate products.

CO2 Oil

CO2 is used to extract oil from the marijuana plant in this method. Supercritical extraction is used. To separate plant components, it uses a lot of pressure and carbon dioxide. CO2 oil with an amber color and little residual solvent is produced.

To reduce the overall strength of the oil, most businesses include other substances. However, it’s not uncommon for the oil to have 30mg of THC per milliliter.

Wax/Budder

Wax is a type of concentrate that’s often used to dab. A solvent is utilized in the production of wax. The material has a lumpy texture and is heated at low enough temperatures to protect terpenes and cannabinoids. It’s whipped afterward to remove the solvent residue.

The consistency of the final concentrates will determine their distinctions at this stage. Wax is known for being dry and powdery, whereas budder has a greater moisture level and resembles butter.

Shatter

The method for creating this concentrate is similar to that of wax in that it requires a closed-loop system and a solvent. In this example, the slurry is applied to parchment paper, after which purging with a vacuum oven is performed. After many burps, the substance begins to cover the paper, and residual solvent is removed by burping repeatedly.

Finally, shatter is simple to break into pieces. If the purge isn’t thorough enough, the resultant material is known as “taffy,” which has a similar texture to taffy. Both shatter and taffy have a pale to dark amber hue.

Live Resin

The process for using live resin is similar to that of wax, however it utilizes fresh frozen plant material. The advantage is that the cannabinoid profile is comparable to what a living plant would display. Live resin is highly popular owing to its rich flavor and fragrance, in large part because the terpene profile of a live plant has been maintained. Live resin has a yellow gold to light amber color and a glistening sheen.

Distillate

This is a somewhat unusual sort of concentrate that employs high-tech scientific equipment to heat and Extracted cannabinoids from cannabis flower. The vapors are directed into a cooling system and collected in containers after becoming frigid. The procedure is repeated on a regular basis in order to guarantee you get only pure cannabinoids with no residual solvent.

Solventless Extraction

This technique, as the name implies, relies on the removal of cannabinoids and terpenes without the use of solvents. Ice is one of the most popular non-solvent extraction techniques. The resin glands are agitated during this procedure, which causes them to detach from the flowers’ epidermis.

Extracts like rosin and bubble hash, which are free of solvents, have grown in popularity. On a part per million (ppm) scale, you can ensure zero residual solvents, at least. During the procedure, however, you run the risk of damaging the bud’s structure.

Let’s take a look at the most popular solventless concentrates.

Bubble Hash

Ice water hash is a non-solvent extract made with water, ice, and micron bags (also known as bubble bags) to filter the plant material and waste. Bubble hash may be produced in your home safely. You’ll just need marijuana flower, water, ice, a bucket, and at least seven-micron bags ranging from 25 to 220 microns.

You shatter the trichome glands of the cannabis plant by freezing them in ice water. Because trichomes are heavier than water, they sink to the bottom. You filter the water and collect the trichomes using the bags. Bubble hash is classed as “graded,” with 1-star being the worst grade and 6-star being the best.

Kief

This is the simplest marijuana concentrate to create. All you have to do is agitate and isolate the plant’s trichomes by rubbing marijuana flower against a specific filtration screen. A three-chamber grinder usually enough gathers the trichomes into one chamber.

Finally, there’s live kief, which is extracted from fresh-frozen cannabis flower. In other words, the plant was harvested and immediately frozen to maintain its full cannabinoid and terpene profile. The usual technique involves a nitrogen bath. After that, you shake the trichomes to extract the kief.

Rosin

To create rosin, you must apply high pressure and high temperatures. The goal is to isolate the essential oils from the trichome heads in order to form a hard resin. You may safely produce rosin at home since it doesn’t require any solvents. The quality of the rosin you obtain is determined entirely by the quality of marijuana used.

In the past, people combined heat and pressure with tortilla presses and hair straighteners to create rosin. There are machines designed specifically for this purpose in the present day.

Dry Sift

This is extremely refined kief that has been mechanically or manually extracted with a number of micron screens to preserve the trichomes. The finest dry sift on the market is called “full melt,” and it contains up to 90% trichome resin heads. Half melt includes buds and stalks, while dry sift is generally tan or ivory in color.

Methods of Consuming Marijuana Concentrates

There are several ways to consume marijuana, including options that allow you to use it while traveling.

Bowl Topping

Adding concentrates to cannabis flower is known as booster dabs. You get the same amount of strength without overdoing it, which is nice. Bowl topping is perfect for individuals trying their hand at dabbing for the first time.

Sprinkle just a little bit of concentrate into the bowl with the flower if you use a bong or pipe, for example. If you’re making joints or blunts, add some concentrate when rolling; this is known as “twaxing.” You can even make a long line of it and roll around the outside of the joint if you have stretchy concentrate!

Most individuals enjoy bubble hash as a bowl topping due to its combustible characteristics, which are comparable to those of flower. Please keep in mind that if too much heat is used, bubble hash may stay lit, so put out the fire as soon as possible. Ideally, you should begin by placing the flame just far enough away to allow the bubble hash to melt yet not catch fire.

Dabbing

The preferred way to consume concentrates is with a dab rig, which is a gadget designed for dabbing. A borosilicate glass rig is the greatest option. It’s also beneficial to get a little rig since you’ll have better flavor. The first step is to fill the machine with water. Experts recommend filling the apparatus until the water level reaches two inches above or below the diffuser or downstem.

Check the water level with the mouthpiece opened up. You added too much water if you get water in your mouth! nNow put your nail (also known as a banger) into the joint of the rig. Joints in sizes such as 10mm, 14mm, and 18mm exist. ‘Season’ the nail by heating it with a torch until it glows bright red. After that, add a tiny amount of concentrate to the nail and repeat at least twice more before letting it cool down.

When you’re ready to dab, add some concentrate to the red-hot nail and breathe in the vapor. There’s no need for a lot of concentrate since a high can be produced with little amounts, so start small.

Vaporizers

Although you may still use a desktop vaporizer, many people are turning to portable vape devices like pens. Vape pens that don’t include any frills simply work by putting concentrate in the chamber and it immediately converts to vapor. All you have to do is breathe in! There are more sophisticated gadgets on the market that allow you to adjust the temperature. If you want to keep as much terpenes and cannabinoids as feasible, this is something you’ll want to consider.

Purchasing Cannabis Concentrate: What to Consider

There are many items on the market, but they aren’t all made equal. Marijuana concentrates are pricey, so do your homework before purchasing any brands you’re considering. Otherwise, you could be cheated or poisoned by dangerous chemicals in the product.

Look for supercritical CO2 extracted cannabis concentrate if you want the best quality. Otherwise, you won’t know whether or not the product is high-quality. Also, why spend a lot of money on butane-extracted concentrate when you can make your own at home?

Pay attention to the THC content. The greatest isolates on the market have a THC concentration of 90% or more. Any product containing less than 80% THC has a significant quantity of polyunsaturated fatty acids. A 60% THC concentrate, for example, may include up to 40% waxes that aren’t necessarily good for you.

The THC concentration in isolates and concentrates is generally at least 80%. The finest manufacturers use 90% or more.

When it comes to dosing, be cautious since dabbing wax, for example, is simple to do. It takes just a little quantity to create an extremely powerful high.

Using an excessive amount of concentrate, on the other hand, might be costly. A gram of 90+ percent THC concentrate can cost between $50 and $100 depending on where you live and what type of product you’re buying.

Second, as you are using cannabis as medicine, it’s critical to start small by microdosing and seeing how it affects you. Your aim should be to gradually increase the dose until you discover the minimal effective dosage. You’ll rapidly develop a tolerance if you take too much too soon, wiping out any medicinal benefits.

Storing Your Marijuana Concentrates

While your concentrates may appear to be indestructible, you must store them properly or they will dry out. We recommend keeping your concentrate in an airtight container in a cold, dark location. There’s a danger of your concentrate melting and losing its fragrance, flavor, and cannabinoids if it’s kept in a warm place.

Parchment Paper

Place the concentrate on parchment paper before sealing it in an airtight container to prevent it from adhering to the surface.

Silicone Containers

These tiny containers are intended to keep concentrates. They’re simple to maintain and clean, and they ensure that your product is at the proper temperature. They won’t shatter, are recyclable, and may be used again. If you want to vape on the move, they also provide convenient storage.

Other Options

Dispensaries generally sell glass or plastic bottles, but if they aren’t non-stick, the concentrate will adhere to them. A container constructed of heat-resistant, tempered glass is what you’re looking for.

Why Consume Cannabis Concentrate?

Cannabis concentrates are a type of cannabis extract that can be used to make edibles and tinctures, as well as more potent extracts. They allow individuals who use recreationally to explore new territory in the world of cannabis. It may provide you with a degree of intoxication you’ve never before experienced. Concentrates enable MMJ patients to experience a quicker and more powerful effect than smoking flower.

Concentrates are a type of cannabinoid that is not smoked but rather vaporized in a heating process. They provide long-lasting effects, fragrance, and taste. The sheer amount of terpenes guarantees that you receive the very best taste and aroma possible from cannabis.

Cannabis concentrates, when vaped, give a level of discretion to smoking marijuana. These items might also offer a cleaner high depending on the extraction method.

Users quickly discover that there is no best THC concentrate type; rather, it depends on their specific requirements. If you want to enjoy the exquisite flavor of a certain strain while obtaining an unforgettable high, cannabis concentrates should be on your “to-try” list. However, proceed with caution!

Marijuana Concentrate Dosing

Concentrate is commonly sold in 0.5-gram or 1-gram portions. Reputable vendors make public the cannabinoid and terpene content of their goods using lab reports on their websites. Some solventless concentrates may have as little as 50% THC, but the most powerful solvent-based choices can contain up to 90%.

Let’s assume you have a gram of concentrate with a THC concentration of 80 percent. This indicates that there are 800mg of THC in the gram. The suggested starting dose for an edible is 5-10 mg, which is nearly impossible to do! A gram of concentrate can’t be divided into 80-160 pieces, as it stands.

Although this may be done with any strain, we recommend breaking down your concentrate into portions with roughly 100mg of THC in the first place. It’s much easier to obtain a 20mg dab from a 100mg portion than an 800mg chunk. Another alternative is to buy pre-filled vape pen cartridges, which allow you to microdoses effectively.

If you’re using concentrate to dab, make sure you use the tiniest amount feasible. Examine the effects of each piece and see if it’s okay to increase the amount next time. It is always preferable to use a little and be underwhelamed than to use a lot and be overwhelmed when it comes to concentrates.