As cannabis continues to sit center stage, exciting and fresh takes on enjoying it are popping up everywhere. Anyone newer to the cannabis scene could easily be overwhelmed by an ocean of options when they head to their local dispensary. One of the more unique ways to get into cannabis is through concentrates. This article will go through the different types of concentrates in detail, so you can make an informed choice the next time you’re shopping for cannabis.
What is a Cannabis Concentrate?
Cannabis concentrates are made by separating resin from the flower. The result is an ultra-concentrated cannabis that contains the maximum amount of cannabinoids. Most concentrates are separated into two camps: ones that are high in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and ones that are high in cannabidiol (CBD). Some overlap in cannabis products and some are marketed to highlight certain cannabinoids over others. Concentrates are almost always more potent than the flowers they derive from, and you’ll find them in many different forms.
Each form is distinct from the next, whether in how it’s consumed or presented in the body. Regardless, concentrates are the way to go if you’re looking for a hyper-intense cannabis experience that reaps all possible benefits from the plant. The extraction process also generally delivers a cleaner high, although the psychoactive compounds are more potent in concentrates than with flowers.
THC and CBD Oil Concentrates
The most common of the concentrates, THC or CBD oil, is precisely what it sounds like: oils primarily consisting of THC or CBD. THC oil, also nicknamed “sap,” for its resemblance to rich, dark honey. It has a reputation for creating feelings of euphoria and an overall heady, visceral experience.
You can pick THC oil up at virtually any dispensary, but just because it’s popular doesn’t mean it’s for everyone. This concentrate is usually very intense, so take care if you’re newer to cannabis and make sure you purchase THC oil from a trustworthy brand. CBD oil, however, is much milder. It’s associated with relaxation and calm and gives the user no psychoactive effects, so it’s perfect for dipping your toes into the realm of concentrates.
Oils are beloved for their versatility. For example, placing a dose of CBD oil under your tongue to relax after a long workday is easy. And it’s just as simple to incorporate THC oil into an elegant dinner to create an incredible sensory experience. While they each have their uses and markets, both oils are an excellent place to start if you’re curious about cannabis.
THC Distillate
THC Distillate is highly purified and very potent, even for a concentrate. The distillation process allows one isolated cannabinoid to become isolated, though this process also eliminates other plant elements like terpenes and lipids. Of all of the options in this list, THC distillate is not for the faint of heart. And you’ll usually feel strong effects even with a smaller amount.
One of the preferred ways to enjoy THC distillate is to use a vape if you have an e-nail or a dab rig. But you can also ingest it, and it’s a go-to option for many cannabis edibles in stores. In addition, since it takes such a tiny dose to get the desired effects, it’s much easier to incorporate it into baking, where too much of certain elements could ruin the product.
Hash
Hash, also called hashish, is a common cannabis concentrate that’s been around for thousands of years. It’s also straightforward to make, so it’s one of the more user-friendly concentrates to whip up at home and doesn’t require much special equipment. Hash has a separate grading system, with six stars being the highest quality and one star being the lowest.
There are two ways to make hash. One is called the dry sift or dry sieve method, and the other is called “bubble” or ice water hash. Both rely on collecting and refining the resin from cannabis buds. The result is a green-yellow substance that many sprinkle into a joint or on top of a bowl for added potency or enjoy by itself by dabbing.
Wax Extracts
Wax extracts can be any colour from pale yellow to dark brown and typically have the consistency of whipped frosting. Which you choose comes down to personal preference. When choosing, think about how you’d like to handle or consume the product, as some extracts fit into better experiences than others.
Budder
A play on “butter,” budder is a waxy concentrate that tends to be softer and oilier than other waxes. Its unique texture is thanks to the high temperatures during the extraction process. Budder first became a cannabis option in the 1990s, but it’s enjoying a renaissance and is now one of the most desirable ways to enjoy cannabis.
Budder doesn’t have as many cannabinoids as some concentrates but is richer in terpenes than other extractions. The terpene potency makes it an excellent contender for a smooth dabbing session. It’s also extraordinarily pure and contains no toxins, heavy metals, solvents, or other contaminants.
Budder lovers will often enjoy this concentrate in a dab rig, a vaporizer, or a bong. Whichever way you indulge, keep the heat on the lower end. A low temperature helps bring out the flavour-rich terpenes for a more delicious and exciting experience.
Shatter
Shatter or “glass” is a translucent cannabis concentrate that gets its name from it looking brittle and breakable, like a sheet of caramelized sugar. However, it has a clean taste and attractive sheen, making it one of the more popular types of wax. The glass-like appearance comes from how it’s processed and contains a high concentration of THC and CBD.
Shatter is usually dabbed or vaporized. While shatter is cosmetically very different from wax extracts, that’s where the differences end. Waxes tend to be soft and malleable, while shatter is hard and cracks easily. One minor drawback of shatter is that it can be more challenging to use than wax. But that doesn’t stop it from being enjoyed by countless cannabis connoisseurs everywhere.
Crumble
Crumble can feel like the halfway point between budder and shatter. It’s a concentrate with a powdery consistency, and it falls apart easily. It’s made similarly to shatter but cooked at a lower heat for a longer time, drying it out.
Crumble, also called “honeycomb,” is traditionally layered. It’s usually a yellow hue and looks like a crumbly pie crust. Because of how dry it is, crumble has little chance of becoming contaminated by mould. Still, like all concentrates, you should store them properly, so it stays fresh and safe.
Crystalline
This concentrate is isolated and crystalized THC or CBD. They’re strikingly similar to actual quartz crystals and are often affectionately called “diamonds” or even “wizard stones.” However, unlike other concentrates, crystalline is free of plant matter or terpenes, giving it a blank canvas for aroma and flavour.
THC crystalline is still very potent, but since it lacks terpenes, the user won’t enjoy any of the benefits they bring to the table. Crystalline is much like oil in that it’s very versatile. Many crystalline enjoyers will use it in baking by dissolving it in olive or coconut oil. Another route is to use a dab rig to heat the crystalline. Using a specific crystal size allows you to dab a more measured dose.
A Conclusion on Cannabis Concentrates
Cannabis concentrates are a way to get the most out of the cannabis plant. Each type of concentrate has unique strengths and drawbacks, and it’s up to consumers to discover which one they like best. If you’re new to cannabis, start small and ask your local budtender for advice on getting the most out of your experience with concentrates.
Learn more about marijuana-related topics at Cannabis Ontario.
References
Lynch, Patrick. (2021, July 13). What is Budder? All You Need to Know. Way of Leaf. Available at: https://wayofleaf.com/education/what-is-budder
Leafly. (2022). Shatter. Available at: https://www.leafly.com/learn/cannabis-glossary/shatter
Weed List. (2023, March 5). Buy Cannabis Concentrates Online in Canada. Available at: https://weedlist.org/product-category/concentrates/
Cornerstone Wellness. (2022) The Different Types of Cannabis Concentrates. Cornerstone Collection. Available at: https://cornerstonecollective.com/the-different-types-of-cannabis-concentrates/
WeedMaps. (2021, July 16). Crystalline. Available at: https://weedmaps.com/learn/dictionary/crystalline
Body Builder Gyms. (2023, March 5). Find the Best Gyms in Canada. Available at: https://bodybuildergym.net/
Silver Therapeutics. (2021, September 18). What is Distillate THC? Available at: https://silver-therapeutics.com/blog/what-is-distillate-thc/#:~:text=What%20is%20THC%20distillate%3F,clear%20to%20amber%20in%20color.
