Concentrates 101

Cannabis concentrates are quickly becoming one of the most popular products, in the industry. This growth is sparking innovation among brands, boosting sales. However, for beginners navigating the world of concentrates can be quite challenging.

Concentrates have gained popularity since they entered the cannabis market in the 2000s thanks to advanced extraction techniques that have led to a wide range of new products. There are now options each with its own unique characteristics, classifications and uses. Understanding the differences between varieties, like budder, shatter and THCA diamonds can be daunting for stoners. Let’s simplify things and discover the world of concentrates together!

Key Takeaways

• Cannabis concentrates are rapidly gaining popularity in the industry, driving innovation among brands.
• Since their introduction in the 2000s, concentrates have evolved thanks to advanced extraction techniques, resulting in a wide range of products with unique characteristics, classifications, and uses.
• Concentrates contain high levels of THC, often exceeding 90%, compared to the 10 to 30% typically found in cannabis flowers. This potency is attributed to the concentration of THC-rich trichomes, which also contribute to the flavor and aroma profile.
• Concentrates are extracted using various methods, including solvent-based and solventless techniques. Solvent-based extraction involves the use of compounds like butane or carbon dioxide, while solventless extraction relies on physical methods such as pressure or filtration.
• There are several types of concentrates, each with its own characteristics and potency levels.

What are Concentrates?

These substances, with a consistency similar to honey, have high levels of THC, the component responsible for the euphoric effects of marijuana. Concentrates can have THC concentrations of up to 90% significantly surpassing the 10 to 30% typically found in flowers sold at dispensaries.

The reason concentrates are so potent in THC is due to their trichome content which are the crystalline structures that give cannabis buds their sticky texture. These THC-rich trichomes are also responsible for producing most of the terpenes found in plants. Terpenes play a role, in determining the plants scent, taste and effects. Consequently, when you consume concentrates you’ll notice that they prominently feature the profiles of your strains.

How are Concentrates Made?

Cannabis concentrates are extracted through various methods, with the two primary techniques being solvent-based and solventless extractions.

Solvent-Based Extraction

Solvent-based extractions use compounds such as butane, carbon dioxide, ethanol, or propane to dissolve the plant material and extract cannabinoids and terpenes. This technique is similar to a science experiment in which various chemicals are combined to form a solution. For instance, think of removing paint with a stripper without harming the surface underneath. Two popular examples of solvent-based extracts are CO2 Oil and Butane Hash Oil (BHO).

CO2 Oil: This thick, liquidy concentrate is commonly produced using carbon dioxide (CO2). It requires lower extraction temperatures and helps retain more terpenes, thereby preserving the pure flavor and aroma. CO2 oil concentrates are often found in vape cartridges and disposable vapes.

Butane Hash Oil (BHO): Butane gas serves as the solvent in this extraction method, extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material. However, this method can be dangerous due to the flammability of butane. Commercial operations use closed-loop technology to ensure a safe extraction.

Solvent-based extractions are commonly used by growing centers for large-scale extraction, followed by a purging step to remove any leftover solvents.

Solventless Extraction

Unlike solvent-based methods, solventless extractions avoid the use of chemical solvents. Instead, they use physical methods like pressure, filtration, or temperature manipulation to separate concentrations from plant material. These approaches are better suited for at-home use.

Because of its natural extraction process, solventless extraction instruments produce a variety of cannabis concentrate products that are popular in the artisanal and handcrafted market. While there is an art to the procedure, the goal is the same: extract cannabinoids and terpenes without causing damage.

Types of Cannabis Concentrates

Wax

Wax concentrates exhibit a sticky, wax-like consistency. They are usually dense, sometimes granular, and often appear golden in color.  Wax concentrates are known for their intense aromas and robust flavors, which vary according to the strain from which they are generated. The THC content in most wax concentrates typically ranges from 60% to 80%, although in certain instances, it can surpass 90%.

Shatter

Shatter, a type of wax concentrate, possesses a thin, hard candy-like consistency and resembles glass. High-quality shatter is almost transparent, exhibiting a distinctive amber color. Precision is essential in shatter manufacture because the molecules must remain tightly aligned to allow light transmission, resulting in a translucent, glass-like appearance. Meticulous filtration also helps to get the hard candy consistency. Shatter typically maintains a potency level ranging from 80% to 90% THC. In contrast to live resin, shatter contains lower terpene content due to undergoing multiple purification and filtration processes to achieve its pristine structure.

Badder, Budder or Batter

They are all variations of the same sort of wax concentrate. Budder has a smooth, whipped consistency similar to butter, whereas badder and batter might have a saucier, looser, or bumpier texture. The procedure used to make these concentrates preserves a large number of terpenes from the plant, making budder one of the most aromatic and flavorful cannabis extracts available in dispensaries. It usually has between 80-90% of THC and its texture makes it ideal for scooping onto dab tool before hitting.

Crumble

Crumble concentrates are appealing products with a higher terpene content than the concentrates we previously mentioned.  At the same time, crumble products don’t quite match the aromatic superiority of live resin. Crumble color ranges from pale yellow to deep amber. Crumble resembles sugar clumps and is likely the driest type of cannabis concentrate. It usually has around 90% THC and is an ideal concentrate for sprinkling on a joint or a blunt.

Live Resin

Live resin is a cannabis concentrate made by freezing plant material to preserve its cannabinoid profile. This extraction procedure preserves terpenes, which closely resemble those found in the live plant. The resulting concentrate has a shiny or glossy appearance and ranges in color from golden to amber. What distinguishes live resin is its powerful scents and flavors, which are linked to the high concentration of retained terpenes—a trait that is sometimes lost in conventional extraction procedures. The THC content of live resin is usually between 80 to 90%, much like the other concentrates.

Final Word

Now you are equipped with the knowledge to pick the best possible concentrate for your needs. If you’re new to concentrates, start by taking a small amount. Sometimes lower doses can provide a more pleasurable experience, after all, you can easily take another hit of two if you’re not feeling the effects after some time.  Keep in mind that cannabis concentrates are extremely potent, the most important part is that you stay safe and have a pleasurable experience. Happy toking!