With the legalization of cannabis, both for medical and recreational use in many areas, patients and consumers now have access to a wide variety of cannabis products. Among the different forms—such as flower, edibles, and topicals—cannabis concentrates stand out as one of the most diverse categories. Let’s dive into what cannabis concentrates are, how they’re made, and the different ways you can consume them.
What Are Cannabis Concentrates?
Cannabis concentrates are products that contain the most desirable compounds of the cannabis plant. Just as apple juice concentrate captures the flavor and aroma of apples while removing excess fluid, cannabis concentrates isolate the active compounds, such as cannabinoids and terpenes, while removing plant material like leaves and stems. The result is a more potent product with a concentrated dose of cannabinoids, offering faster onset and stronger effects compared to cannabis flower.
Popular Types of Cannabis Concentrates
As with most cannabis products, there is a need for more research in the sector of cannabis concentrates. But, here’s a breakdown of the most popular cannabis concentrates currently, including their defining characteristics and common consumption methods:
1. Kief (or Sift)
- Definition: Kief is made up of tiny, sticky crystals that cover cannabis flower, which contain a high concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes.
- How to Consume: Kief is often sprinkled on top of flower for an enhanced high or pressed into hash.
2. Hash
- Definition: Hash is created by compressing kief or trichomes into a dense block. It can range in texture from crumbly to firm.
- How to Consume: Hash can be smoked, vaporized, or used in edibles.
3. Rosin
- Definition: Rosin is a solventless concentrate made by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flower or kief.
- How to Consume: Rosin can be dabbed or used in vape pens.
4. Live Resin
- Definition: Live resin is made from fresh, frozen cannabis plants that are processed immediately after harvest to preserve the maximum amount of terpenes.
- How to Consume: Typically consumed by dabbing or vaping.
5. Shatter Wax
- Definition: Shatter is a brittle, glass-like concentrate that breaks easily. It’s transparent and usually has a high THC content.
- How to Consume: Shatter is best consumed by dabbing or using a vape pen.
6. Crumble Wax
- Definition: Crumble wax is a dry, crumbly concentrate that has a texture similar to honeycomb.
- How to Consume: Often used in dabbing or sprinkled on flower.
7. Honeycomb Wax
- Definition: Honeycomb wax has a light, airy texture and is typically rich in terpenes.
- How to Consume: Ideal for dabbing due to its consistency and flavor.
8. Budder (or Badder)
- Definition: Budder is a whipped concentrate with a creamy, buttery texture.
- How to Consume: Commonly used for dabbing or vaping.
9. Pull and Snap
- Definition: This concentrate is a taffy-like product that stretches when pulled and snaps cleanly when broken.
- How to Consume: Suitable for dabbing or vaporizing.
10. Tinctures
- Definition: Cannabis tinctures are liquid concentrates made by soaking cannabis in alcohol or another solvent.
- How to Consume: Typically taken sublingually (under the tongue) or added to food or drinks.
11. Capsules
- Definition: Capsules are pre-measured doses of cannabis oil or extract, encapsulated in a soft gel or pill.
- How to Consume: Swallowed like a traditional pill for discreet, controlled dosing.
12. THC Oil
- Definition: THC oil is a highly concentrated cannabis extract, often used for vaping or making edibles.
- How to Consume: Primarily consumed using vape pens or added to edibles.
13. BHO (Butane Hash Oil)
- Definition: Made using butane as a solvent, BHO is one of the most potent cannabis concentrates available.
- How to Consume: Dabbing is the most common method of consumption for BHO.
14. CO2 Extract Oil
- Definition: CO2 extraction uses carbon dioxide as a solvent, resulting in a clean, solvent-free concentrate.
- How to Consume: Often found in vape cartridges or used for dabbing.
15. Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) or Full Extract Cannabis Oil (FECO)
- Definition: RSO is a thick, potent oil created using a specific extraction process developed by Rick Simpson for medicinal purposes.
- How to Consume: Typically consumed orally or applied topically.
16. Distillates, Isolates & Crystallines
- Definition: These concentrates contain highly refined cannabinoids, often in pure form, such as THC or CBD isolate.
- How to Consume: Can be vaporized, used in edibles, or consumed sublingually.
Understanding Cannabis Concentrate Labels
When shopping for cannabis concentrates, labels can provide important information about the product’s composition. Some key terms to look for include:
- Type of Plant Material: This refers to whether the concentrate was made from dried flower, fresh frozen plants, or kief.
- Processing Technique: Methods like solvent-based (BHO, CO2) or solventless (rosin) can impact the quality and flavor of the product.
- Texture: Concentrates come in various textures, from brittle shatter to creamy budder.
- Consumption Method: Some concentrates are better suited for dabbing, while others work well in vape pens or edibles.
How to Consume Cannabis Concentrates
There are various ways to consume concentrates, depending on their form and texture. Here are the most common methods:
- Dabbing: Involves using a dab rig to vaporize concentrates at high temperatures. This method delivers an intense, fast-acting high.
- Vaping: Vape pens and vaporizers are portable options for consuming concentrates like distillates, oils, and waxes.
- Sprinkling: Some concentrates, like kief or hash, can be sprinkled on top of flower in a joint or bowl for added potency.
The Role of Networking in Finding the Right Concentrates
Finding the right cannabis concentrate and consumption method often comes down to personal preference and tolerance. Joining local patient support groups or connecting with other cannabis consumers through NORML chapters can help you learn more about the best products and accessories for your needs.
By understanding the different types of cannabis concentrates and their consumption methods, you can make informed choices based on your preferences, tolerance, and desired effects.
