A Cannabis Concentrates Guide

If you’re looking for a new and intense way to experience cannabis, you’ve got to check out concentrates. 

They provide an incredibly strong, almost instantaneous high that regular smoking just can’t match. 

Concentrates are all the rage right now, so if you want in on the action and take your weed game up a notch, keep reading.

Let’s dive right into your comprehensive cannabis concentrates guide!

What Are Cannabis Concentrates?

Cannabis concentrates are substances made from the cannabis plant that have removed most plant material, leaving behind a highly concentrated and potent product. 

These concentrates generally have a higher THC content than traditional cannabis flowers, which can produce more potent and longer-lasting effects.

Most concentrates use extracted oils from cannabis, which are rich in terpenes and cannabinoids (the two most significant factors in giving each strain its unique aromas, tastes, and effects).

How Are Concentrates Made?

There are plenty of methods to get the highest quality cannabis concentrate.

For example, the solvent extraction method involves using a solvent, such as butane, propane, or ethanol, to extract the desired compounds from the cannabis plant material. 

The solvent is then evaporated, leaving behind a highly concentrated product.

On the other hand, CO2 extraction method uses carbon dioxide under high pressure and low temperature to extract the desired compounds from the cannabis plant material. 

It is considered one of the safest and most efficient extraction methods and produces a high-quality concentrate.

Rosin technique involves using heat and pressure to extract the resin from the cannabis plant. This is a solventless method, which is considered safe and produces high-THC extracts.

There is more:

Mechanical separation involves using physical means, such as sieving or agitation, to separate the trichomes from the cannabis plant material. Even though it is not an efficient extraction method, it is still safe.

Lastly, the water extraction method uses ice water to separate the trichomes from the cannabis plant material, similar to mechanical separation but using a cold temperature to make the trichomes brittle.

How to Consume Cannabis Concentrates?

You can consume cannabis concentrates in various ways.

Vaporization is the most common method of consuming concentrates and involves using a vaporizer or “vape pen” to heat the concentrate to a temperature that releases the active compounds in the form of vapor.

What about dabbing?

This method involves using a “dab rig,” a specialized water pipe designed for use with concentrates.

A small amount of the concentrate is placed on a heated surface, such as a nail, and then inhaled through the rig.

Some concentrates can also be smoked through a pipe or specialized smoking device.

And you can orally consume some concentrates, such as tinctures or capsules, for a longer-lasting effect.

Some concentrates like balms, salves, or lotions can be applied topically for localized relief.

Which concentrate is best for vaping?

Several types of concentrates are a perfect match for vaping.

For example, oils and distillates are made by extracting the active compounds from cannabis using solvents or heat and pressure. 

They are often liquid and can be used in vape pens or vaporizers compatible with oils or distillates.

Wax and shatter have a more solid consistency and can be used in vaporizers. They are made by extracting the active compounds from cannabis using solvents and then purifying the resulting material.

Live resin is made by freezing fresh cannabis plants immediately after harvest, preserving the terpenes and producing a more flavorful and aromatic vapor.

Is concentrate the same as dab?

We use “concentrate” and “dab” often interchangeably, but they technically refer to slightly different things.

A “concentrate” is a broad term that refers to any product made by removing the majority of plant material from cannabis, resulting in a highly concentrated and potent product. 

This can include various forms such as oils, waxes, shatters, and more.

While “dab” specifically refers to a method of consuming concentrates. Dabbing is heating a small amount of concentrate on a hot surface and then inhaling the resulting vapor.

It’s a popular way to consume concentrates because it allows for a potent and fast-acting effect. 

So all dabs are concentrates, but not all concentrates are dabs.

Different Kinds of Cannabis Concentrates

Finding the right cannabis concentrates for yourself can be REALLY hard.

But here is the catch:

There are plenty of them!

Made by separating the trichomes from the cannabis plant and pressing them into a solid form, you can smoke or vaporize hash (or hashish).

With the same process applied to trichomes and collecting them in a separate container, kief is an excellent option for smoking, vaporizing, or adding food and drinks.

Wax is made using a solvent to extract the desired compounds from the cannabis plant. It typically has a soft, waxy consistency, and you can consume it by vaporization.

Shatter has a hard, glass-like consistency, and vaping it will make your day better!

On the other hand, crumbles, like Gelato Crumble, are blessed with a crumbly consistency and are consumed by vaporization.

Live resin is made using fresh, frozen cannabis plant material instead of dried and cured material. This results in a concentrate with a more complex flavor and aroma profile.

CBD Isolate is made by isolating only CBD compound from the cannabis plant. It is an odorless and tasteless powder; you can use it in food, drinks, topicals, capsules, and more.

What is the best concentrate for beginners?

That’s for sure:

Regarding concentrates, there’s no one right formula for everyone. 

As a general rule, they’re much more potent than flowers. 

So, trying out various types of concentrates via your favorite consumption method is the most logical approach.

Starting with a low dosage and gradually making your way up will pay off. We can recommend shatter, live resin, or crumble to begin. 

How can you tell good quality concentrate?

Poorly made concentrates can come out darker in color than optimum-quality ones.

However, color alone is not a good indicator that the concentrate is bad. High-quality cannabis strains that have dark trichomes, for instance, will produce a darkly colored concentrate that is good quality.

Another way to determine if your cannabis concentrate is good quality is by a taste test. You can tell if a concentrate is good or bad by simply tasting it.

And, of course, smell. Since cannabis concentrates like wax or live resin have high terpene contents and a good smell, any sign besides this, means it’s not quality stuff.

Kushfly Offers High-Quality Cannabis Concentrates

Here at Kushfly, we offer top-notch cannabis concentrates that you can consume any way you want. You can check out our online shop and discover great products now.

Now, it’s your turn.

What is your favorite cannabis concentrate?

Please share your ideas in the comment section below!