Ready to Kick Things Up a Notch?
Your Guide to Cannabis Concentrates
By Meagan Chris
So, you’ve dipped your toes into the world of cannabis, and maybe you’re feeling ready for a more intense experience. Let’s talk concentrates.
Imagine squeezing all the best stuff out of the cannabis plant, the flavor, the aroma, and all that potency, and then packing all that into a smaller, more powerful form. That’s essentially what concentrates are!
This guide will break down the basics of concentrates, from what they are and how they’re made to the different ways you can enjoy them. Whether you’re a curious beginner or looking to expand your cannabis repertoire, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s dive in!
Types of Concentrates
Rosin: Solventless, made by pressing cannabis flower or hash under high pressure and heat.
Live Rosin: Created from fresh-frozen cannabis flower, preserving terpenes for a more flavorful experience.
Resin: A general term for cannabis extracts, often referring to solvent-based extracts with a sticky, resinous texture.
Live Resin: Made from fresh-frozen cannabis flower using solvents like butane or CO2. Known for its full-spectrum terpene profile.
Distillate: Highly refined cannabis oil with a high THC potency and a neutral flavor. Created through a distillation process that removes impurities.
Cannabis Oil: A broad term encompassing various cannabis extracts, including those made with solvents or through heat and pressure. Can be used in edibles, topicals, and more.
How are Concentrates Made?
Solvent-based methods: Involve using solvents like butane, propane, or CO2 to extract cannabinoids from the plant material.
Solventless methods: Utilize pressure and heat to extract cannabinoids without the use of solvents. Examples include rosin pressing and ice water extraction.
How to Consume Concentrates
Dabbing: Involves heating a small amount of concentrate on a hot surface (like a “nail”) and inhaling the vapor.
Pros: Provides the most potent and “true-to-plant” flavor experience.
Cons: Requires specialized equipment like dab rigs/torches, and can have a steep learning curve. Must get the temperature right to ensure a safe experience.
Vaping:
Involves everything from pre-made cartridges to at-home loadable devices.
Pen-style vapes: Designed specifically for concentrates, these devices are discreet and easy to use.
Desktop vapes: Offer more precise temperature control and often provide a smoother, more flavorful experience.
Pros: Generally easier to use than dabbing, many offer temperature control for customizable experiences.
Cons: Can be more expensive than some other methods. Smoke from cartridge-style vapes can sometimes be harsh.
Adding to Edibles: Concentrates can be infused into edibles like brownies, gummies, or chocolates.
Pros: Long-lasting effects, discreet consumption.
Cons: The onset of effects can take longer than other methods. Edibles cannot be baked at high temperatures.
Smoking with flower: Some people add a small amount of concentrate to their joints or bowls.
Pros: Simple and readily available for those who already smoke flower.
Cons: May alter the flavor of the flower and hash. Can make the smoke very harsh. Can increase negative side effects such as anxiety or paranoia for new consumers.
Choosing the Right Method
Experience Level: Beginners might find cartridge-style vaping the most user-friendly.
Desired Effects: Dabbing is often preferred for intense and immediate effects, while edibles offer a more gradual and long-lasting experience.
Portability: Pen-style vapes are ideal for on-the-go use.
Flavor: Dabbing and high-quality desktop vapes are often considered to provide the best flavor.
Budget: Consider the cost of the equipment and the overall cost of consumption.
Important Note:
Start Low, Go Slow: Always begin with a very small amount, especially when trying a new method or concentrate.
Remember, safety first! Proper Ventilation / Fire Safety: Always ensure proper ventilation when using any heat-based method, and be mindful of fire hazards when using open flames (like torches for dabbing). Keep flammable materials away from heat sources.
Temperature Control: Always start with a low temperature and gradually increase as needed. Overheating can produce harsh smoke and potentially harmful compounds.
Meagan Chris
Co-Owner of CannaChris Consulting,
Meagan Chris is a passionate advocate for elevating the cannabis industry. With over 6 years of experience, including leadership roles and diverse consulting projects, Meagan specializes in cannabis education & training, business consulting, product development, and patient advocacy. She’s dedicated to improving patient outcomes and driving business success within the cannabis sector.
