Cannabis concentrates are definitely having a moment.
They have been for a while, actually.
That’s because they are extremely potent.
But there are many different kinds of concentrates.
And each has unique characteristics.
That means everyone will have their own favorites.
Keep reading to learn all about the different types of concentrates available, to help you figure out which one to try. Or try first. I definitely recommend giving them all a try, at some point!
Contents
What Are Cannabis Concentrates?
Cannabis concentrates are potent cannabis products derived from the cannabis plant’s microscopic, mushroom-shaped, hair-like compounds called trichomes
These trichomes are extremely rich in cannabinoids (especially THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol) and terpenes. This is why some cannabis concentrates can reach THC levels in the 90%+ range.
Cannabis concentrates are available in different forms like oil, wax, and shatter. They are rich in THC, terpenes, and flavonoids. You can vaporize and inhale them using a vape pen – a process called dabbing. Concentrates are also available as edibles.
How Are Cannabis Concentrates Made?
There are two methods of extracting concentrates: solvent-based and solventless. The former uses solvents like ethanol, CO2, or butane to separate the resinous trichomes from the unwanted plant materials.
Solventless concentrates like rosins are extracted using heat extraction, or pressure, or a combination of these mechanical methods.
Difference Between Cannabis Extracts And Concentrates
People often use the terms cannabis concentrate and cannabis extract interchangeably, but there are subtle differences between the two.
Concentrates
Cannabis concentrates refer to any cannabis product having a higher concentration of the desired compounds, such as cannabinoids and terpenes. As mentioned earlier, concentrates come in various forms, including wax, oil, resin, rosin, and shatter, depending on the extraction process used.
The high levels of cannabinoids and terpenes in concentrates make them popular on dispensary shelves due to their increased potency and effectiveness. Cannabis concentrates can contain up to (or more than) 90% THC, making them more potent than flowers.
Extracts
Unlike concentrates, extracts initially contain both desirable and undesirable compounds. Therefore, extracts are often called ‘pre-refinement concentrates’, because they may require further refinement before they are ready for sale in dispensaries to ensure that they meet quality and purity standards.
Cannabis extracts are also obtained using different extraction methods, such as ice water pressing, ethanol extraction, or carbon dioxide extraction.
Different Types Of Cannabis Concentrates
There are a number of different types of cannabis concentrates. The main ones are:
Rosin
Rosin is a solventless concentrate. It is obtained by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flowers. Rosin is prized for its purity and potency and is known to give a more intense and flavorful high (although the effects can vary depending on the strain used). It is more expensive than other concentrates because of its manufacturing method.
Resin (Hash)
Cannabis resin is a sticky concentrate known for its rich terpene profile and potent effects. Unlike rosin, which is made using only heat and pressure, live resin is produced through a solvent-based extraction method. You can also make it using ice and water. Learn how to make bubble hash at home here.
Cannabis enthusiasts commonly consume resin by dabbing, a process that involves vaporizing the concentrate on a heated surface.
BHO (Butane Hash Oil Or Butane Honey Oil)
BHO is a highly potent cannabis concentrate, with THC levels reaching up to 90%. This makes it one of the strongest concentrates available. It is used in a variety of cannabis products, including topicals, vape juices, edibles, and more. We will discuss BHO in detail later in this guide.
Shatter
Cannabis shatter is a brittle, glass-like concentrate known for its high THC content. It is known to offer a potent high that many users find stronger than smoking flowers.
Shatter is cheaper than other concentrates due to its simpler extraction process and ready availability. Compared to resin, shatter is also more potent, but it does take special skills to produce.
Budder/Butter
Don’t confuse cannabis budder or butter with cannabutter. Cannabis budder, or simply butter, is a highly potent concentrate containing 82% to 99% THC.
It is made by whipping cannabinoids and terpenes after removing the solvent. The whipping process yields a butter-like consistency. Cannabis budder shares the benefits of live resin but is more malleable and easier to handle.
Sauce
Cannabis sauce is the liquid component of live resin. It is rich in terpenes, which contribute to the aroma, flavor, and effects of different strains.
Sauce is made by extracting oils and trichomes from the cannabis plant using a solvent. The solvent is then removed, and the mixture is winterized to remove fats and lipids, resulting in a yellow or amber-colored sauce.
Kief (Pollen/Dust/Chief)
Cannabis kief, often erroneously spelled keef, refers to the pure, loose resinous crystals located on cannabis trichomes. It is sifted from the cannabis buds using a mesh screen.
Kief is also known as dust and chief and is highly prized for its potency and versatility. Kief contains both cannabinoids and terpenes, which contribute to a potent high. This also makes it more expensive than other concentrates.
Diamonds
Cannabis diamonds are the crystalline part of live resin. They contain almost 95% to 99% tetrahydrocannabinolic acid or THCa. THCa is a non-psychoactive compound that transforms into THC after heating. Diamonds are more potent than shatter and stronger than rosin.
What Is The Most Popular Cannabis Concentrate?
Cannabis concentrates have gained immense popularity among enthusiasts and medical users alike. Growers and manufacturers also continuously experiment with different extraction processes, leading to a variety of concentrates, each with unique properties.
Butane Hash Oil (BHO)
The most popular and long-standing concentrate is butane hash oil (BHO). It is renowned for its potency and effectiveness because of its high THC content
During extraction, the plant is subjected to hydrocarbon butane rinses to extract only the desired compounds from cannabis. Butane strips away unwanted plant materials and preserves high concentrations of terpenes and THC.
This extraction method yields products with THC levels often exceeding 90%. After extraction, the concentrate undergoes filtration to eliminate impurities.
If you plan to use BHO, ensure you purchase it from a reliable manufacturer who can remove all traces of butane. Otherwise, you could end up ingesting trace butane residues.
What Cannabis Concentrate Gets You The Highest?
The potency of cannabis concentrates varies widely from person to person. Some users feel that BHO (butane hash oil), with its high THC content of up to 90%, provides the strongest high.
Others contend that live resin, known for its rich terpene profile and potency, offers a more potent experience. Still others vote for crystalline concentrates like diamonds and kiefs, which are composed of pure THC crystals and often contain over 90% THC.
Ultimately, the strongest cannabis concentrate depends on individual tolerance and preference, as each type offers unique effects and intensity levels.
Cannabis Concentrates 101: Final Thoughts
Cannabis concentrates offer a potent and versatile way to experience the benefits of cannabis. Derived from the trichomes of the cannabis plant, these concentrates can reach THC levels exceeding 90%, providing a powerful option for both recreational and medicinal users.
These products are available in various forms, such as oil, wax, shatter, and more. You can consume them through methods like dabbing or vaping, and even as edibles.
Understanding the differences between solvent-based and solventless extraction methods, as well as the distinctions between concentrates and extracts, is crucial for making informed choices.
Each type of concentrate, from rosin to BHO to diamonds, offers unique properties and effects, catering to diverse user preferences and needs.
As the popularity of cannabis concentrates continues to grow, it is essential to purchase these products from reputable sources to ensure quality and safety.
Whether you seek the intense high of BHO or the flavorful experience of live resin, cannabis concentrates provide a potent and customizable way to enjoy the myriad benefits of cannabis.
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