Contents
A comprehensive guide to cannabis concentrates , including what they are, how to consume them, and their effects.
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Introduction
Cannabis concentrates are products that are made by extracting the desired compounds (such as Cannabinoids like THC and CBD) from the Cannabis plant. These products are then processed to remove impurities and excess plant matter, resulting in a highly potent product that can be consumed in various ways.
There are many different types of cannabis concentrates, each with their own unique properties and benefits. Some of the most popular types include:
-Hash (or Hashish): A concentrate made from the resin of the cannabis plant. Hash is typically smoked or vaporized, and can also be used to make edibles.
-Kief: A powdery substance made up of trichomes (the frosty glands that contain THC and other cannabinoids). Kief can be used to make hash, or it can be sprinkled on top of cannabis buds before smoking.
-Oil: A concentrate made by extracting cannabinoids with a solvent (such as CO2 or alcohol). Oils can be consumed directly, used in edibles, or vaporized using a special device known as a “dab rig”.
-Wax: A type of oil concentrate that has a waxy consistency. Like other oil concentrates, wax can be consumed directly, used in edibles, or vaporized using a dab rig.
-Shatter: Another type of oil concentrate that has a hard, glass-like consistency. Shatter can also be consumed directly, used in edibles, or vaporized using a dab rig
What are Cannabis Concentrates?
Cannabis concentrates are products made from the cannabis plant that have been processed to remove all the plant material, leaving behind only the active ingredients (cannabinoids and terpenes). This results in a much higher concentration of cannabinoids (such as THC and CBD) than what you would find in traditional cannabis flower. There are many different types of cannabis concentrates, each with their own unique properties.
Types of Cannabis Concentrates
Cannabis concentrates come in many forms, textures, and consistencies. They can be runny or jellied oils, waxy budder, or hard candy-like shatter. Each type of concentrate requires a specific process and has unique characteristics.
While there are many ways to categorize cannabis concentrates, we generally group them into four main types:
– hash/kief
– CO2 oil
– BHO (butane hash oil)
– Phoenix tears/Rick Simpson oil (RSO)
Hash/Kief
Hash is made by separating the trichomes—the crystals that cover the cannabis flower—from the plant material. The resulting product is a potent powder that can be pressed into a solid brick of hashish or smoked on its own. Kief is simply loose, dry hash. It’s often collected from cannabis grinders and can be used to make hash or sprinkled on top of regular cannabis flower before smoking.
CO2 Oil
CO2 oil is made using carbon dioxide as a solvent to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant. This type of concentrate typically has a lighter color and is less viscous than other oils. It can be consumed using a vape pen or smoked using a dab rig.
BHO (Butane Hash Oil)
BHO is made by running butane (a solvent) through the cannabis plant material to strip away the cannabinoids and terpenes, resulting in an extremely potent concentrate. BHO can take on many forms—wax, budder, crumble, or honeycomb—depending on how it’s processed after extraction. It’s typically consumed using a dab rig but can also be added to joints or blunts.
RSO (Rick Simpson Oil)/Phoenix Tears
RSO/Phoenix tears are high-potency marijuana oils made using ethanol as a solvent to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material. This type of concentrate is thick and sticky with a dark brown color. It’s often consumed orally but can also be added to joints or blunts for smoking
Hashish
Hashish is made from the resin of the cannabis plant. It usually comes in the form of a soft, brownie-like substance that is easy to break apart. The taste of hashish can vary depending on the type of cannabis plant it came from and how it was made, but it is often described as being earthy or nutty. Hashish can be smoked on its own or added to cigarettes or joints.
Kief
Kief is the term given to the trichomes, or resin glands, that fall off cannabis flowers. These glands are where THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids and terpenes are produced. The squishy, crystal-like powder that collects at the bottom of your grinder is kief. While kief is generally considered to be a lower-quality concentrate because it contains a higher proportion of plant matter, it can still pack a powerful punch.
Oil
Oil is a type of cannabis concentrate that is made by extracting THC and other cannabinoids from the plant using a solvent. The most common solvents used to make cannabis oil are butane, CO2, and propane. Cannabis oil can be consumed orally, smoked, or vaporized, and can also be added to food and drinks. The THC content in cannabis oil can vary depending on the amount of THC in the original plant material and the efficiency of the extraction process.
Wax
Cannabis concentrates come in many forms including oils, tinctures, hash, butter, honey, and wax. Each type of concentrate is designed for a specific purpose and has its own set of benefits.
Wax is one of the most popular types of cannabis concentrates. It’s made by extracting the THC-rich resin from the cannabis plant using either a solvent or CO2. The end result is a yellowish or brownish substance that can be either hard or soft.
Wax is most often used in dabbing, which is a method of consuming cannabis concentrates that involves heating the wax and inhaling the resulting vapor. Dabbing is an extremely efficient way to consume cannabis since it allows you to get the highest concentration of THC possible.
The main downside to wax is that it can be difficult to work with since it’s so sticky. However, this can be remedied by using a “dab tool” which is a small metal implement that helps you handle the wax without getting it all over your hands.
How are Cannabis Concentrates Made?
Cannabis concentrates are a type of cannabis extract that contains high levels of THC and other cannabinoids. They can be made using a variety of methods, but the most common method is solvent extraction. This type of extraction uses a solvent, like butane, to extract the cannabinoids from the plant material. The extract is then evaporated, leaving behind a highly concentrated product.
The Extraction Process
Cannabis concentrates are created through a process that separates the potent THC-rich resinous material from the plant matter. The result is a potent, versatile product that can be consumed in many different ways.
There are a few different ways to extract the resin from the plant, but they all involve using a solvent to strip the THC and other cannabinoids from the plant matter. The most common solvents used are butane, propane, CO2, and alcohol.
Once the THC-rich resin has been extracted, it can be further processed into a variety of concentrate forms including oils, waxes, shatters, and more. These products can then be consumed using various methods including vaporizing, smoking, dabbing, and even eating.
Solvents
Cannabis concentrates are made by extracting the desirable compounds from the plant material and eliminating the undesirables. The final product is a potent, flavorful, and extremely versatile concentrate that can be consumed in a number of ways.
There are a few different ways to go about making cannabis concentrates, but they all typically involve some form of solvent. The most common solvents used in cannabis extraction are butane, propane, CO2, and ethanol. Each solvent has its own set of advantages and disadvantages that make it more or less suitable for certain types of extraction.
Butane is a highly effective solvent that produces a very pure extract. However, it is also highly flammable and can be dangerous to work with if you don’t know what you’re doing. Propane is similar to butane in terms of effectiveness and purity, but it is slightly less flammable. CO2 is a supercritical fluid, meaning it can exist in both liquid and gaseous states at high pressures. This makes it an ideal solvent for extraction because it can be precisely controlled and doesn’t leave behind any harmful residues. Ethanol is another popular solvent for extraction because it is safe to consume and relatively easy to work with. However, it is not as effective at extracting certain compounds from the plant material, so the final product is not as pure as it could be.
Once the desired compounds have been extracted from the plant material, they need to be purified before they can be used. This process typically involves washing the extract with a solvent like hexane or ethanol to remove any impurities. The final product is a highly concentrated extract that contains all of the desirable compounds from the plant material without any of the undesirables.
CO2
CO2 extraction is a “safe, environmentally friendly and efficient technology that can be applied to a wide variety of botanical material,” according to this University of California Davis guide. In fact, it’s already being used to make essential oils, natural flavors and fragrances.
To extract concentrate using CO2, manufacturers start by turning the gas into a “supercritical fluid” by applying high pressure and low temperature. In this state, CO2 acts like both a liquid and gas. It can then be passed through the plant material where it pulls out the desired compounds. Afterward, the supercritical CO2 is returned to its gaseous state and released into the atmosphere.
The Refinement Process
Cannabis concentrates are made by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant using a solvent. The most common solvents used are butane, propane, CO2, and alcohol. The extraction process removes all the plant matter, leaving behind a sticky resin rich in cannabinoids and terpenes.
The next step in the process is to remove the solvent from the concentrate. This can be done through evaporation or by using a vacuum oven. Once the solvent has been removed, the concentrate is left with a dark brown or black color and a glass-like consistency.
The final step is to Purge the concentrate of any residual solvents or impurities. This is done by heating the concentrate at a low temperature until all the solvents have evaporated off.
How to Use Cannabis Concentrates
Cannabis concentrates come in many forms including oils, waxes, shatters, and more. They are made by extracting the THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids from the plant material. This results in a more potent product that can be used in many different ways. Let’s take a look at how to use cannabis concentrates.
Smoking
Smoking is the most common way to consume cannabis. It can be done with a pipe, bong, joint, or blunt. Smoking is a quick and effective way to feel the effects of cannabis. The downside to smoking is that it can be harsh on the throat and lungs and is not suitable for people with respiratory conditions.
Vaping
Vaping cannabis concentrates is one of the most popular methods of consuming these potent products. But if you’ve never done it before, the process can seem a bit daunting.
The first step is to choose the right vaporizer. There are many different types on the market, so do your research to find one that’s compatible with the type of concentrate you’ve purchased.
Once you have your vaporizer, it’s time to load it. The amount you’ll need will vary depending on the strength of the product and your personal preferences, but a good rule of thumb is to start with a pea-sized amount.
Once your device is loaded, it’s time to start vaping! Begin by taking slow, shallow breaths and gradually increase the depth and pace of your inhales. Pay attention to how you feel and stop when you’ve reached your desired level of effect.
Dabbing
Dabbing is a great way to consume cannabis concentrates, and it’s not as complicated as it might seem. All you need is a “dab rig,” which is basically a water pipe with a nail instead of a bowl. The nail is heated with a torch (butane or propane), and then the concentrate is placed on the hot nail and inhaled through the pipe.
If you don’t have a dab rig, you can also use a bong or pipe. Just heat up the nail with the torch and place the concentrate on the hot nail. Inhale slowly and steadily until you’ve got all the concentrate in your lungs. Hold your breath for as long as possible before exhaling.
The Benefits of Cannabis Concentrates
Cannabis concentrates are a type of cannabis product that have been increasing in popularity in recent years. They are made by extracting the THC and other cannabinoids from the cannabis plant, resulting in a product that is much more potent than traditional flower. Cannabis concentrates can be used in a variety of ways, including smoking, vaping, and dabbing. They can also be used to make edibles, topicals, and tinctures. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of cannabis concentrates.
Increased Potency
One of the main benefits of cannabis concentrates is their high potency. When comparing cannabis flowers to concentrates, THC levels can be up to four times higher in the latter. For this reason, it is essential that first-time users start slow with a very small dose (think the size of a grain of rice). With such increased potency, the effects of cannabis concentrates will be felt more quickly and strongly, so it is important to take things slow at first. Experienced cannabis users will also enjoy the increased potency of these products.
Longer-Lasting Effects
Longer-Lasting Effects: One of the benefits of cannabis concentrates is that they tend to offer longer-lasting effects than other cannabis products. This is because concentrates are more potent and have a higher concentration of THC. For this reason, concentrates are often a good choice for people who need relief from chronic pain or other conditions that require long-lasting relief.
Discreet Use
Cannabis concentrates are a great way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis without drawing attention to yourself. Some people use cannabis for medicinal purposes and don’t want others to know about it. Others simply want to enjoy cannabis without the smell or the need to roll a joint.
Discreet use is one of the main benefits of cannabis concentrates. You can easily take them with you on the go and use them whenever you need them. Simply put a few drops of concentrate under your tongue or add it to your favorite beverage. There’s no need to smoke cannabis concentrates, so you can keep your use private if you choose.
