A Guide To Weed Concentrates
Cannabis concentrates offer a more potent and enjoyable experience than traditional flower, but they also come with their own set of risks. In this beginner’s guide to cannabis concentrates, we’ll cover the most common types of concentrates. With this information, you can start exploring the world of concentrates with confidence, and unlock a whole new level of enjoyment from your cannabis experience.
What Is Cannabis?
Cannabis is a plant species in the family Cannabaceae. It includes three primary subspecies: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. Cannabis has been used for a variety of purposes, including for its medicinal and recreational effects. It is also known for its psychoactive compounds, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
What Is THC?
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. It is responsible for the “high” commonly associated with cannabis use. THC acts on the cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which are involved in the regulation of mood, appetite, and other cognitive functions. The amount of THC in cannabis varies depending on the strain, with some strains having higher levels of THC than others.
What Is CBD?
CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant. CBD is one of many compounds, known as cannabinoids, that are found in the cannabis plant. Unlike the more well-known compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it does not produce the “high” commonly associated with cannabis use.
What are cannabis concentrates?
Cannabis concentrates are a highly potent form of cannabis that can be used in various ways. They are typically made by extracting the THC and other cannabinoids from the plant material, resulting in a product that is much more potent than regular cannabis.
Cannabis concentrates are extracted from the cannabis plant and contain high levels of cannabinoids and terpenes. They vary in appearance and consistency, but are all potent forms of cannabis. Concentrates are considered the “gold standard” for medical benefits.
Benefits of concentrates
- High potency: Concentrates are much more potent than traditional cannabis flower, meaning that a small amount can provide a powerful effect.
- Discreet: Concentrates can be consumed in a variety of ways that are less noticeable than smoking or vaping.
- Long shelf life: Concentrates can last for months or even years when stored properly, making them a convenient option for those who use cannabis regularly.
Disadvantages of concentrates
- High cost: Concentrates are often more expensive than traditional cannabis flower.
- Safety concerns: There is a risk of injury or fire when handling and consuming concentrates, especially when using open flames (like a butane torch)
- Lack of experience: Some people may not be familiar with using concentrates and may have difficulty finding the right method or dose for them.
Are concentrates safe?
Concentrates are not inherently unsafe, but there are some safety concerns to be aware of. For example, using butane to extract the active compounds from the cannabis plant can be dangerous if done improperly. Additionally, consuming too much concentrate can lead to negative side effects such as anxiety or paranoia.
How are they made?
There are several methods for creating concentrates, including:
- Solvent-based extraction: This method involves using a solvent (such as butane, propane, or ethanol) to extract the active compounds from the plant material.
- CO2 extraction: This method uses supercritical carbon dioxide to extract the active compounds from the plant material.
- Mechanical separation: This method involves using mechanical means (such as pressing or rubbing) to separate the active compounds from the plant material.
- Water-based extraction: This method uses water to extract the active compounds from the plant material.
Shatter
Shatter is a type of cannabis concentrate that is made by extracting the essential oils from the plant and cooling them down. This process forms a hard, transparent substance. Because shatter cools at a high rate, you may notice a small crack running through its surface. Shatter has a very potent flavour and is known to “crash” quickly when inhaled. For these reasons, it is best to carefully place a small amount in a bowl or joint and slowly inhale. Shatter is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a very intense high and powerful psychoactive effect.
Budder
Budder is a type of concentrate that is similar to shatter but much softer and easier to work with. It typically contains a higher amount of cannabinoids than shatter, making it a great choice for those looking to medicate with a smaller amount of concentrate. However, the high from budder is often shorter-lasting than from shatter. Budder has a variety of flavours that range from tart to fruity, making it a fun experience for first-time users to explore.
Wax
Wax is a thick, sticky concentrate made from a combination of BHO and CO2 extraction. It is higher in THC than other types of concentrates and is often eaten because it is very potent. Wax has a pungent, earthy aroma and flavour and is often used in dab rigs. It can be dabbed or scraped onto a small piece of flower and smoked.
Live resin
The live resin process preserves the delicate flavors and aromas of the cannabis plant, resulting in a more potent and flavorful product.
Live resin is a type of CO2 concentrate that’s been “forced” to propagate faster, resulting in a product with a high concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes. This makes it one of the most flavourful strains of cannabis concentrate, with a strong and pungent aroma and flavour. However, as it contains a high amount of terpenes, it can be difficult to find a strain that isn’t overwhelming. Live resin is a great product for first-time users due to its high levels of cannabinoids and terpenes, and it’s also a good choice for experienced users who want a potent but flavourful cannabis experience.
Crumble
Crumble is a type of CO2 concentrate that is crumbled into a powdery texture. It is typically made with a hybrid strain of cannabis, resulting in a product that has a high THC level and is low in terpenes. Crumble is a good choice for first-time users looking for a mild, flavourful experience. It can be eaten or smoked and is often mixed with flower or added to baked goods. Crumble is often a less expensive cannabis concentrate, making it a good choice for the cost-conscious cannabis user.
Benefits of using cannabis concentrates
Cannabis concentrates offer a stronger effect than regular cannabis, a variety of options to choose from, and little to no taste. Whether you’re looking for a quick high or a more intense experience, cannabis concentrates are a great option.
Cannabis concentrates offer a wide variety of benefits for all types of users. With a high cannabinoid content and low flavor, concentrates are perfect for those looking to experiment with new flavors and pairings. No matter what your desired cannabis experience may be, there is a concentrate out there for you.
