Cannabis concentrates, also known as cannabis extracts, are far more potent versions of weed than the typical joint that you make. They are typically used in the medical setting for many patients with different conditions, but they are also introduced to many food and beverages. Cannabis concentrates are extracted from a specific cannabis strain that has all the flavors and aroma, and the only difference is that it has a more potent and magnified concentration.
In this article, you will learn what cannabis concentrates, the types of cannabis extracts, the different ways to make cannabis extracts, and how they are consumed are.
What Are Cannabis Concentrates?
Cannabis concentrates are extracted from cannabis plants. They are rich in cannabinoid content and are isolated forms of cannabis compounds. There are specific concentrates that are extracted with the use of solvents or chemicals. Cannabis concentrates offer a more potent experience and has a wide variety of consumption methods. It all boils down to your preference and can vary from one individual to the next.
Cannabis concentrates are a diverse group of extracts and can be used in various products. With these options, you can find the most optimal way to enjoy cannabis and find the ideal combination to make sure you get the most benefit out of the different options you have with cannabis concentrates.
While cannabis concentrates and extracts can be used interchangeably, all extracts can be termed as concentrates; however, not all concentrates can be termed as extracts. The main difference between cannabis concentrates and extracts is the use of solvents. Extracts are made by extracting the cannabinoids through the use of solvents. Concentrates, on the other hand, are made without the use of solvents.
Different Cannabis Concentrates and How They Are Produced
Here are some of the best examples of cannabis concentrates and how they are produced.
1. Kief
Kief is one of the easiest and simplest way to produce cannabis concentrates. Kief is mainly composed of the crystalline structures at the surface of the flower known as trichomes. They break away during the process of drying the plant material. To make kief, they are filtered or sifted through a screen mesh. Kief is a great way to enhance your overall experience with cannabis through its extremely clean extraction process.
2. Dry Sift
Another popular type of cannabis concentrates that do not involve the use of solvents is dry sift. Dry sift just kief that has undergone several more sifting through a series of screens. It is largely made up of trichomes that have been refined through the filtering process. Dry also sift an easier way of producing cannabis concentrates, and with the help of a few good screen filters, you can easily make your own dry sift. While it does take a huge chunk of your time, it can make up for the massive difference in its effects.
3. Rosin
Rosin is another cannabis concentrate that has been making rounds in the medical community. It is a solid concentrate that is made through heat and pressure. Normally, it is made through the use of machines that generate heat as well as pressure, but anyone can make rosin right at their own home through the use of a hair straightener. The technique involves pressing a bunch of cannabis together with the application of heat and pressure coming from the hair straightener. It slowly produces a gooey extract, which is known as rosin. You can easily make rosin in a matter of seconds.
4. Bubble Hash
One of the cleanest and easiest type of cannabis concentrate to produce is bubble hash. Bubble hash is a solvent-free concentrate that can be made right in your home. It is made by using ice to freeze the trichomes of your selected cannabis to extract them. It is then collected through straining the liquid that has all the trichomes and resin and undergoes several filtrations to fully isolate the substance. The collected concentrated resin is then pressed, and the excess water is removed. The specimen is dried, and once it solidifies, it is now ready to be consumed.
5. Traditional Hash/Hashish
Hashish is one of the oldest forms of cannabis concentrates. It has been made ever since man has discovered the power of cannabis. Traditional hash is made by rubbing cannabis buds together until the juice sticks to the palm of your hand. The sticky substance is collected and compacted into blocks where it can then be added to your joint or other food products.
6. Cannabutter
Cannabutter or cannabis-infused oil is another way to make cannabis concentrates. This version is made by using a stick of butter that is melted in a saucepan, and cannabis is added. It slowly infuses the butter with the cannabis. The plant material is later filtered out. Once the butter cools down and solidifies, you now have your stock of cannabutter. The same process is done in making cannabis oil.
Different Methods of Consuming Cannabis Concentrates
Cannabis concentrates can be consumed in many different ways. These different methods open up a wide variety of possibilities for people to enjoy concentrated forms of cannabis.
- Topping your joint with kief or hash will add a certain kick to your experience. This method does not require you to have access to tools or any other items. All you need is to sprinkle a few cannabis concentrates on your joint and smoke it like you always do.
- Dabbing is a popular way to consume cannabis concentrates. It uses a dab rig where you can vaporize the concentrate. It is usually made of glass or ceramic and applies heat to the concentrate to activate it and turn it into vapor for easier consumption.
- Vaporizers or vaping pen is a discreet way to enjoy cannabis concentrates. You can simply add your preferred cannabis concentrate into the cartridge, and you can vape all day long. Just make sure that the vape pen or vaporizer you are using is made to accommodate cannabis products. Vaporizers apply heat to concentrate and turn it into vapor for consumption. It provides a discreet method, especially when you do not want others to know you are using weed.
Conclusion
These examples of cannabis concentrates are just the tip of the iceberg. With so many options to choose from and many ways to make them, you can only try and experiment with each one to know which one you prefer. Whether you want to use the traditional hash or the popular rosin, it is all up to you.
