What Are Cannabis Concentrates?

September 29, 2023

Cannabis concentrates are a fascinating aspect of the ever-evolving cannabis industry. Essentially, these are highly potent extracts that we derive from the cannabis plant. They also come in various forms, each possessing unique characteristics and uses. Think of it as making a super strong cup of tea. The more concentrated it is, the more intense the flavor. Similarly, in cannabis, concentration is all about getting the most potent and beneficial compounds out of those green leaves and flowers.

The main targets in the extraction process of concentrates are cannabinoids and terpenes. Cannabinoids are the main players in cannabis. You’ve probably heard of THC (the one that gives you that euphoric high) and CBD (the chill, non-intoxicating one). Well, there are many more cannabinoids in the mix, each with its own unique talents.

On the other hand, terpenes are like the spices and herbs in your favorite dish. They’re the aromatic compounds that not only give cannabis its distinct smells and flavors but also play a big role in how it affects your mood and body. Some are zesty, some are sweet, and some are downright skunky.

The Benefits of Cannabis Concentrates

Firstly, cannabis concentrates have certainly earned their place in the hearts of cannabis enthusiasts and those seeking therapeutic relief, but why is that? Here are several benefits to using cannabis concentrates over other cannabis products:

Potent Punch: Concentrates pack a potent punch, delivering intense effects in a small package.
Precision Dosing: Concentrates allow precise dosing, ideal for medical users managing specific symptoms.
Versatile Consumption: Concentrates offer versatility, with options for vaping, dabbing, edibles, or enhancing joints.
Swift Relief: Concentrates may provide fast relief, perfect for those seeking rapid alleviation of symptoms pain or anxiety.
Extended Shelf Life: Concentrates have a longer shelf life, making them great for occasional users.
Cleaner Inhalation: Concentrates contain fewer impurities, making them a smoother alternative to smoking.
Tailored Experience: Various concentrate types (shatter, wax, oil) enable customized cannabis experiences.

Solvent vs. Solventless Extraction

Furthermore, there are two types of processes to create cannabis concentrates: solvent and solventless. We’ll go through each one individually.

Solvent Extraction

Solvent extraction is a common method for creating cannabis concentrates, where chemical solvents like butane, propane, ethanol, or CO2 are used to dissolve and extract valuable compounds from the cannabis plant material. This process separates cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial elements, yielding concentrates with high potency.

Additionally, advantages of solvent extraction include higher yields, versatility in targeting specific compounds, and efficiency. However, careful management is necessary to remove all traces of solvents, as residual solvents can pose health risks. The complexity of the process and the potential introduction of impurities are notable disadvantages.

Solventless Extraction

Solventless extraction methods, on the other hand, prioritize purity and natural qualities by avoiding chemical solvents. Techniques like rosin pressing, ice water extraction (hashish), and dry sifting rely on mechanical or heat-based processes to separate resin glands from the plant material. This approach tends to yield concentrates with a higher degree of purity and preserves the natural terpene profiles of the cannabis strain.

Solventless methods are more straightforward and also require less specialized equipment, but may produce lower yields. Some methods can also be labor-intensive, and there may be limited control over the final product’s characteristics. The choice between solvent and solventless extraction depends on individual preferences and priorities, whether it’s maximizing yield or seeking a more natural cannabis concentrate experience.

Types of Cannabis Concentrates

Thirdly, because there are different ways to create cannabis concentrates, there are also several types of concentrates to choose from. Therefore, it’s essential to understand the characteristics of each concentrate to choose the one that aligns with your preferences and desired effects. Here’s a rundown of all of the types of concentrates you’ll likely find at your local dispensary:

Shatter: Shatter has a glass-like appearance and is brittle at room temperature. Shatter is known for its high potency, often containing upwards of 80% THC.
Wax & Budder: Wax and budder have a soft, waxy consistency, with budder being slightly more malleable. Wax and budder are both typically high in THC, ranging from 60% to 80%.
Hash: Hash can vary from soft and pliable (like Moroccan hash) to hard and brittle (like Lebanese hash). Potency varies widely, but it can be quite strong, depending on the source material.
Live Resin: Live resin is a sticky, aromatic concentrate with a texture similar to honey. It is made from freshly harvested, frozen cannabis plants which preserves the plant’s terpene profile and provides a flavorful and potent experience.
Rosin: Rosin can range from a sap-like consistency to a brittle, glassy texture. Rosin is produced by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flower or hash, squeezing out the resin, providing a THC content of 60-80%.
Oil & Tinctures: Oils are liquid concentrates, while tinctures are liquids infused with cannabinoids and often come with a dropper for precise dosing. Potency varies depending on the product, making them versatile for both beginners and experienced users.
Live Sauce: Live sauce is a terpene-rich concentrate with a saucy consistency, often containing diamonds (see below). You can add it as a fantastic addition to blunts or you can also vape it alone. Its high concentration of both THC and terpenes provides a flavorful and potent experience.
Diamonds: Diamonds are crystalline structures often found in sauce or live resin concentrates. These crystallizations of THCA are extremely potent, with some diamonds reaching THC concentrations of 99% or higher.
Terp Sugar: Terp sugar is a granulated concentrate with a sugar-like texture and a high terpene content. The potency can still be very high in terp sugar, but the main focus is on the intense terpene profile.
Splatter: Splatter is a concentrate with a gooey, sticky texture that falls between shatter and wax. Potency varies but is generally high, also falling between shatter and wax.
THCA Powder: THCA powder is a crystalline, fine powder that can resemble white sugar or salt. Powder is extremely high in THCA, often reaching purity levels of 99% or more, with a potential to convert to THC when heated.

Shop Cannabis Concentrates at Elevation 2477

Finally, now that you’re well-versed in the world of cannabis concentrates, why not put that knowledge to good use? Explore and discover an array of high-quality concentrates to suit your preferences. Check out the online dispensary menus at our various locations before your visit: