Concentrates
This method of consumption removes the flower and gets down to business, separating out the terpene and cannabinoid-filled resin located in the trichomes, those little hair-like growths on the flower that look a bit like a crystal frost. The extraction process delivers a final product that contains concentrated amounts of THC and CBD. While THC potency in flower might be 15-20%, this stuff can reach up to 90%.
Thus, concentrates are not typically advised for novice consumers. Consider yourself warned, and if you choose to proceed, just take it slow.
Types of Concentrates
Concentrates come in many forms, the oldest of which is hashish or hash. A seasoned flower smoker can also create a concentrate called kief by using a grinder. Kief will be the sticky, powdery stuff that collects at the bottom. You can then sprinkle it over your bowl to add extra a little extra kick when smoking.
Shatter – Hailed as one of the purest forms of concentrate, shatter is made via extraction using a butane solvent. As the name suggests, shatter comes in hardened glass-like pieces that break apart if dropped. It’s most often found in an amber to golden color and can have around 80% THC. A dab rig, vape or bong are the most common ways to enjoy shatter.
Wax – This form of sticky concentrate can actually be broken down into different names depending on the consistency of the end product after butane (BHO) extraction. Wax has the feel of sappy candle wax. Crumble is drier and broken up into smaller pieces. Finally, there’s Budder or Badder which is thick and gooey (like peanut butter), so keep dab tools handy.
CO2 Oil – Here, concentrate is extracted using supercritical carbon dioxide instead of butane which leaves behind more terpenes for added flavor and greater medical benefits. Aptly named, the end product is a thicker, but fully liquid concentrate that works great in vaporizers and vape pens. CO2 oil is often packaged in plastic syringes for easier measuring and application.
Live Resin– Another concentrate is called Live Resin which uses a relatively new method of extraction. Here, freshly harvested buds are frozen, then the resin is removed from the flower. The process is pretty complex and needs lab equipment, so don’t attempt this one at home.
Sugar – Cannabis sugars are sugar-like crystals made with cannabis products. This cannabis product essentially combines cannabis with sugar, using alcohol to pull the medically-important cannabinoids from the buds before mixing the alcohol with sugar, transferring those cannabinoids to sugar crystals.
Distillate – Gaining in popularity is distillate, a refined cannabinoid oil that is typically free of taste, smell & flavor. It is the base of most edibles and vape cartridges.
If you’re looking for powerful effects that you’ll feel almost immediately, a concentrate can provide the experience you’re seeking. It’s great for vaporizing instead of smoking flower and provides instant relief if you’re consuming it for a medical condition.
Looking for Taste?
Concentrates with more terpenes offer a deeper, clean flavor to meet the expectations of any aficionado.
If You’re Ready to Dab...
Browse Magic City Med Shop’s selection of concentrates by clicking on our Menu tab.
You can also visit our location in Millinocket, Maine to speak with a knowledgeable budtender.