Cannabis Education Concentrates

CANNABIS CONCENTRATES & EXTRACTS

Today marijuana products are available in thousands of different forms and labels. More choice always brings confusion with itself. In the presence of an uncountable number of products, it has become difficult to differentiate between them. The same thing goes for cannabis concentrates and extracts.

It is challenging to discriminate one from another. Despite popular perception, extracts and concentrates are two entirely different substances. You cannot use these terms interchangeably.

Concentrates and extracts differ in the methods of preparation.

Methods of Preparation

Now, the fundamental question is how you would differentiate between them. To give an accurate answer, we have to dig deeper into the methods used to obtain them.

Usually, concentrates are acquired using a mechanical process without the use of solvent. On the other hand, extracts need an additional step of solvent usage for their preparation. So, technically speaking, all the extracts are concentrates, but not all the concentrates are extracts.

We can say that cannabis concentrates are made through solventless extraction. In this method, the resin is typically rubbed, beaten, or pressed out of the cannabis plant. Therefore, it is also called the mechanical process. The following mechanical methods are generally used for this purpose:

Using pressure or heat
Sifting
Ice Water Extraction

At the same time, cannabis extracts are prepared using a solvent-based method. This process includes the manipulation of solvents to liquefy plant resins. After its dissolution, the liquid material is removed to separate extracts from it. The following solvents are typically used in the method:

Hydrocarbons, for example, propane, butane, and hexane
Alcohol like ethanol
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

CONCENTRATES

HASH

Probably the most widely used and ancient type of cannabis concentrate is hash or hashish. It is prepared using solventless extraction by rubbing the cannabis plant together. The action generates a combination of friction and heat, giving out the resin or trichome heads. These heads consequently form a solid and dense chunk. Nowadays, new techniques have also been developed to generate more potent forms.

EXTRACTS

OILS

Perhaps the most prevalent cannabis extracts are oils. Today cannabis oils are available in several types, including THC, CBD, CBG, and HHC oils. All the varieties are made through solvent extraction using different methods.

CRUMBLE

Crumble is a cannabis concentrate that is very potent. It also has a crumbly texture that ranges in color from yellow to light brown. Crumble can contain up to 90% THC.

SHATTER

Shatter is considered one of the most potent cannabis products containing up to 60% THC. Shatter is prepared using a solvent such as butane or propane. The final product gives a bright, beautiful, and transparent look, and its color is usually amber or gold.

WAX

Wax is another highly potent marijuana extract. Some wax products might contain up to 90% THC. It can be used recreationally as well as medicinally. It is mainly preferred by the pro-users who want a substantial hit. Wax is also prepared through solvent-based extraction. The solvent used is typically butane.

LIVE RESIN

Live resin is gaining popularity due to its rich flavor and unique aroma. The flavor and smell are due to high terpene contents. Solvents like ethanol or propane are used to make live resin.

RSO (RICK SIMPSON OIL)

It is an oil extract of cannabis famous for its high THC levels. First developed by Canadian medical cannabis activist Rick Simpson, the oil is considered best for managing chronic pain. It is prepared using a solvent like 100 proof alcohol or light naphtha.

BUDDER

Budder dabs are similar to wax in terms of production but have more moisture content and creamy texture when compared to wax or shatter. It’s created by whipping cannabis extracts at high temperatures which gives it its unique consistency and flavor profile.