Cannabis Concentrates

THC, the famed intoxicating component of cannabis, and CBD, a non-intoxicating cannabinoid known for its variety of potential medical benefits, are compounds of cannabis known as cannabinoids. While a wide variety of consumption methods are available, those who use cannabis in a concentrated form get a higher dose of cannabinoids.

Cannabis concentrates are made by extracting the most valuable portions of the cannabis plant. They typically include a blend of cannabinoids and terpenes. These two compounds are found in cannabis flowers; concentrated extracts contain considerably more cannabinoids and terpenes than raw cannabis flowers.

Different Types of Concentrates

Cannabis concentrates are available in a variety of different forms based on their extraction method, which can change the consistency. Generally, concentrates are made using cured cannabis flower. Most consumers have their own preferences, but here are the most common types you’ll likely find in a dispensary:

• Wax: A “dab” of the wax itself is generally yellowish-brown in color. It can be easily smoked using just a pipe or vape, though it’s best to consume it at a higher heat point that will fully vaporize the extract. Wax is the stickiest type of concentrate and should be handled exclusively with a dab tool. 
• Shatter: Arguably the most commonly-known concentrate consistency. The majority of shatter is silky, transparent, and solid. However, certain varieties can be slightly sticky. Shatter is a kind of BHO (butane hash oil) extraction that is regarded to be a remarkably consistent and glass-like concentrate that will “shatter” into multiple pieces most of the time.
• Crumble: Crumble is a dry cannabis concentrate that breaks apart easily due to its consistency. It is made through an extraction process using solvents such as butane, propane, or CO2, though CO2 extractions tend to yield a concentrate with higher moisture content.
• Oil: Usually a slightly runny finished product, which is occasionally delivered in a syringe or bottle. Instead of Butane, CO2 is typically used to make these concentrates.
• Rosin: Rosin is unique in that it can be easily manufactured with the help of a hair straightener or a little palm pressure. It is a modern and widely used form of concentrate currently available and is one of the only solventless methods of extracting cannabis. Rosin is most often made from dried cannabis buds or cannabis trim.
• Live Resin: While concentrates are typically made using dried and cured flower, live resin uses freshly harvested and frozen material. This provides a fresher terpene profile and is often regarded as a more accurate representation of a strain’s “true” flavor and terpene profile than other methods.

Different Extraction Methods

Extraction can be done either by using different solvents (such as butane, propane, etc) or by direct extraction from the plant using various means like heat, water, or pressure. The concentrates extracted by using solvents are called extracts.

Solvent-Based Extraction Methods

CO2 Cannabis Extraction: The cannabis buds are rinsed with supercritical CO2 during the CO2 extraction technique. CO2 may readily penetrate through the biomass’ pores, separating THC, CBD, and other valuable compounds from the plant.

Hydrocarbon Extraction: Because butane and propane have a low boiling point, they may be extracted at low temperatures, resulting in a full-spectrum extract containing most of the plant’s cannabinoids and terpenes.

Solventless Extraction Methods

Pressure and Heat Extraction: The procedure is identical to that of making olive oil. Low temperature and pressure are employed in rosin pressing devices to liquefy and compress the viscous resin from the plant matter such as kief, trim, and buds.

Agitation: Agitation techniques can break the trichomes on cannabis flower buds or trim them. Kief can be quickly accumulated at home by using a three-chamber grinder. Solventless water hash is another common extract made through an agitation process.

Takeaway

The method of extraction is decided on the basis of what the desired end product is. It is worthwhile to explore the world of concentrates as you will get introduced to the effects of cannabis you have never experienced before! There is a lot more possibility of gaining benefits with cannabis concentrates. 

Thanks for reading,