#3: The Glass-Eyed Guide to Concentrates: A Detailed Look at 11 Different Extracts
#3: The Glass-Eyed Guide to Concentrates: A Detailed Look at 11 Different Extracts
When cannabis was popularized in the 1960s, the potency of pot was relatively low and most people smoked it in the form of dried flower. However, as cannabis use became more widespread and the industry began to flourish, the demand for more potent and concentrated forms of cannabis increased. Today, it is common to find a wide variety of cannabis extracts and concentrates on the market, ranging from super-potent hash to terpene-rich distillates. Some of the most popular cannabis extracts include hash, shatter, oil, live resin, kief, distillate, and isolates.
Because of the wide variety of cannabis extracts available, it can be difficult and overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. However, it is important to do your research and understand the different types of extracts available, so that you can make an informed decision about which one will work best for you.
Whether you are a seasoned cannabis user looking to try something new, or if you are just starting and want to learn more about the different types of cannabis extracts, this guide is a great place to start. With its detailed descriptions and helpful tips, you will be able to navigate the world of concentrates with confidence! So, let's dive in and get ready to explore the world of concentrates.
How concentrates stack up to other forms of consumption
Cannabis extracts are concentrated forms of cannabis that are made by extracting cannabinoids from the plant using various methods, such as solvent-based extraction or CO₂ extraction. Compared to smoking or vaping dried flower, concentrates tend to be more potent and can deliver much higher doses of THC and CBD in a single hit.
Many people prefer the taste of concentrates over flower, as they have a smoother and more intense flavour profile. However, because concentrates are much stronger than flower, it is important to take extra care when consuming them so that you can avoid unwanted side effects such as paranoia or anxiety. It is also essential to start with lower doses and work your way up gradually until you find the right amount that works for you.
Here is a list of the major types of cannabis extracts, along with their main characteristics and recommended methods for consumption:
Hash
Hash is one of the most well-known types of concentrates, due to its long history and prevalence in many countries around the world. The name "hash" comes from the Hindi word for "grass", and it was first introduced to the West by Indian soldiers in the early 1800s. It is typically made by rubbing or "rubbing out" cannabis flowers and trichomes together, which separates the resin from the plant material.
There are many ways to enjoy hash, but it is most commonly smoked in a pipe, bong, or joint. It can also be vaporized using a dry herb vaporizer designed for use with cannabis flower. Others like to add a bit of hash to their joint or bowl of flower for that extra kick. With its intense flavour and potent effects, it's no wonder that hash has remained a popular and beloved cannabis concentrate for so many years!
Shatter
A type of cannabis concentrate with a glass-like texture, shatter is made by extracting cannabinoids from cannabis using solvents such as butane or propane. The resulting concentrate is then heated to remove any remaining solvents, and the result is a thick, glass-like substance that shatters when broken. It is one of the purest and most potent forms of cannabis concentrates, with a THC concentration that can reach over 90%.
Shatter can be consumed in many different ways, but is most commonly vaporized using a dab rig, a specially designed water pipe that can vaporize the concentrate at extremely high temperatures. It can also be added to a joint, bowl, or bong for a powerful hit. Because of its high potency and smooth flavour profile, shatter is a popular choice for many cannabis users looking for that intensely medicating experience.
Wax
Made by whipping cannabis extract while it is still warm, wax is a type of cannabis concentrate that has a thick and sticky consistency. Like shatter, wax is made by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant using a solvent - usually butane or CO₂. However, unlike shatter which uses heat to remove the residual solvent from the final product, wax is left to cure at room temperature and then whipped using a machine or hand mixer. Other wax-like cannabis concentrates include budder, crumble, sugar wax, and honeycomb.
Wax can be consumed in many ways, but it is most commonly vaporized using a dab rig, vape pen, or portable vaporizer. It can also be added to joints, bowls, or bongs, or eaten by mixing it into foods such as brownies, cookies, and other baked goods. With its intense flavour and powerful effects, wax is a popular go-to choice for many cannabis users who are looking for a potent and flavourful concentrate.
Rosin
A popular alternative to more traditional concentrates such as shatter and oil, rosin is a concentrate made by extracting cannabis resin using heat and pressure. Unlike many other concentrates that utilize solvents such as butane or CO₂, rosin uses no chemicals or additives at all - just pure heat and pressure. This results in a sticky, sap-like substance that is rich in terpenes and cannabinoids.
There are many ways to enjoy rosin, but it is typically vaporized using a dab rig or added to flower or hash in a joint, bowl, or bong. Because of its potent effects, smooth flavour profile, and lack of additives or solvents, rosin is a popular choice for many cannabis users looking for a clean and convenient way to medicate. Whether you're looking for a high-powered dab or a subtle addition to your flower, rosin is the perfect choice for any cannabis user seeking an elevated experience.
Distillate
An ultra-refined concentrate, distillate is made by using a process of heating and cooling to separate the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other molecules from the plant material. Through this process, all of the plant's natural compounds are separated into individual molecules. The result is a pure and potent concentrate with a high concentration of THC or CBD - often over 90%.
Distillate can be enjoyed in many different ways, but it is typically vaporized using a dab rig or added to flower or edible products. Its clean flavour profile and powerful effects make it a popular choice for many cannabis users who are looking for a clean and powerful experience. Additionally, distillate can be infused with other terpenes and cannabinoids to create custom blends that offer a wide range of effects and flavours. If you're looking for a versatile and potent concentrate, then distillate is a perfect choice.
Kief AKA Dry Sift
A real OG in the world of concentrates, kief AKA dry sift is a solventless product made by sifting or shaking cannabis flower to extract the trichomes from the plant material. It can be collected using a number of methods, including specially designed kief boxes or trichome screens. The final product is a fine powder that contains high concentrations of THC or CBD.
A versatile concentrate, kief can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It can be vaporized using a dab rig or added to flower or hash in joints and bowls. Its potent effects and unique flavour profile make it a popular choice for many cannabis users. An affordable and convenient option for anyone looking to enjoy the benefits of cannabis concentrates, kief is a must-try for any seasoned or novice user alike. You can't go wrong with this OG of concentrates!
Live Resin
Live resin is a type of cannabis concentrate that is made by using solvents to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from freshly harvested cannabis plants which have been frozen immediately after harvest. It can be extracted using various methods, including CO₂ extraction or solven extraction. Live resin preserves the terpene profile of the cannabis plant much better than other methods of extraction, resulting in a final product that is incredibly aromatic and potent. Other "live" products include live rosin, live kief, and live budder.
Live resin is a popular choice for many cannabis users who want to experience the full flavour and effects of the terpenes found in cannabis plants. It can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, including dabbing or vaporizing. Because it is so aromatic and potent, live resin is also commonly infused into edibles and other products to add flavour and potency. If you're seeking a full-spectrum cannabis concentrate that is bursting with flavour and effects, then live resin is the perfect choice for you!
Diamonds
A relatively new type of concentrate, diamonds are made using a multi-step process that involves extracting the cannabinoids from cannabis, refining them into a crystalline powder, and then allowing the powder to harden into tiny crystals. Diamonds are characterized by their appearance - they are small and shiny like diamonds, hence the name. They are also one of the most potent concentrates, often containing over 90% THC or CBD.
Diamonds are ideal for those who want a powerful experience with minimal flavour or other cannabis compounds. They can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, including dabbing, vaporizing, and adding them to food and drinks. And because they are so pure, diamonds can also be infused with terpenes or other cannabinoids to create custom blends that offer specific effects or flavours. Give diamonds a try if you're looking for a high-quality concentrate with potent effects and minimal flavour!
Phoenix Tears
Also known as Rick Simpson Oil, Phoenix Tears is a type of cannabis oil that is decarboxylated (heated) to activate its cannabinoids before use. It is made by extracting the resin from cannabis using a solvent such as ethanol or Naptha, then heating it over low heat for several hours to evaporate off any remaining solvent. The resulting concentrate is then heated to remove any residual solvents, creating a dark, sticky oil that contains high concentrations of THC or CBD - up to 60%.
Phoenix Tears is most commonly used to treat medical conditions such as chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety, and depression. Although the primary method of consumption is oral ingestion, it can also be consumed by dabbing, vaporizing, or adding it to food and drinks. With its potent effects, Phoenix Tears is a popular choice for many cannabis users looking for relief from their symptoms.
Isolates
A pure and potent concentrate, isolates are made by extracting THC or CBD from the cannabis plant and refining it into a crystalline powder that contains nothing but pure cannabinoids. Isolates can contain up to 99% THC or CBD, making them some of the most potent concentrates on the market today. This makes them ideal for those looking to experience the full effects of high-potency cannabinoids without any additional terpenes or other compounds.
Isolates can be enjoyed in many different ways, including dabbing, vaporizing, and adding them to food and drinks. They can also be infused with terpenes to create custom blends or added to topicals to create powerful cannabinoid-infused creams and balms. Isolates are the way to go if you're looking to experience the full effects of pure THC or CBD without any additional compounds or flavours.
Co2 Oil
Solventless and potent, Co² oil is a highly concentrated cannabis extract made using carbon dioxide extraction. This process allows for the separation of cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material without the use of solvents or additives. It is a clean and potent concentrate with a flavour profile that is often described as smooth and subtle.
Because it is so potent (often over 90% THC or CBD), Co² oil is typically used in dabbing or vaporizing to achieve its full effects. Like other concentrates, Co² oil can be infused with additional terpenes and cannabinoids to create custom blends such as vape cartridges or infused edibles. It is also a popular additive for topicals and tinctures, due to its potent healing properties. If you're looking for a potent and powerful concentrate with the cleanest possible flavour profile, then Co² oil is definitely worth trying!
Slow and steady wins the race
If you're new to concentrates, it's important to start slow and avoid consuming too much at once. When it comes to dabs, a small amount is all you need to start feeling the effects - so be sure to start small and work your way up until you find the right dosage for you. A low dose is typically around 0.05 grams, and you should never consume more than 0.25 grams in one sitting.
If you happen to consume too much and start to feel overwhelmed, remember that the effects will wear off with time. Take some deep breaths, relax, and try to stay calm until the high passes. It may take a few tries to find the right amount, but slow and steady wins the race when it comes to concentrates.
Now that we've hashed it all out...
Overall, concentrates are a potent way to experience the full effects of cannabis. Whether you're looking for an intense high or a soothing experience with minimal flavour, there is sure to be a concentrate that meets your needs. So if you're ready to try out some concentrates, do your research, start slow, and enjoy the ride!
There you have it - an overview of cannabis concentrates and all the available different types. We hope you find the perfect concentrate for your needs and enjoy all of the incredible benefits that these powerful extracts have to offer! If you have any questions about concentrates, feel free to reach out and chat with one of our knowledgeable staff. We're always happy to help!
