Since bursting onto the scene roughly 25 years ago, cannabis concentrates have become arguably the hottest sector of the marijuana world. Offering unparalleled potency and the potential for never-before-experienced flavors, these high-THC products are truly a game-changer.
That said, marijuana concentrates aren’t for everyone. Because they contain THC levels far exceeding those found in even the most potent flower, concentrates require both skill and thoughtfulness to use. Before we begin though, a word of caution. In the world of cannabis concentrates, and especially if you’re new to this exciting family of products, we always advise you “start low and go slow.”
Some of the questions we’ll tackle today include:
- What are cannabis concentrates?
- What are some common types of cannabis concentrates?
- What’s the best way to try cannabis concentrates?
By the end, you should feel amply prepared to try this all-new way to access the benefits of cannabis.
Ready? Let’s begin.
What Are Cannabis Concentrates?
At the simplest level, cannabis concentrates are nothing more than highly concentrated marijuana products. By extracting and then concentrating cannabinoids such as THC and CBD, they offer high potency and flavor in a shelf-stable form.
Though marijuana concentrates seem new, that’s not completely true. Hashish, made from dried and pressed resinous trichomes, is perhaps the oldest cannabis concentrate—with its use dating back centuries. Modern-day concentrates often use solvents such as butane or CO2 to extract cannabis compounds in a far more high-tech fashion. We’ll explore a few of them in just a moment.
While tiny amounts of cannabis concentrates can be added to a joint or a bowl, they’re more commonly consumed using a specialized “dab rig.” While not strictly necessary, dab rigs do make the process of consuming concentrates easier to manage.
If you’ve visited any of our family of dispensaries, you may have seen products labeled “wax,” “shatter,” “budder,” among other names. They’re all types of cannabis concentrates, and in this next section we’ll introduce you to some of the most important.
Types of Cannabis Concentrates
One of the main distinctions in the world of marijuana concentrates is whether they’re produced using solvents or not. As we mentioned earlier, solvent-based extracts use products such as CO2 or butane to extract cannabinoids from cannabis flower. By comparison, solventless concentrates typically use gentle heat and pressure instead.
Is one style “better” than another? That’s a question of personal preference. While fans of solventless concentrates point out that they don’t require chemicals in their creation, with solvent-based THC concentrates the solvents are carefully purged (and laboratory-tested) before they reach our shelves. At the end of the day, either style yields a flavorful and potent product.
With that in mind, here’s a rundown of a few of the most popular types of cannabis concentrates:
- Rosin: A dense, brick-like concentrate made using gentle heat and pressure
- Live Resin: Made from flash-frozen fresh cannabis, these concentrates are incredibly flavorful
- Budder: Named for its smooth, butter-like consistency, this is one highly potent concentrate
- RSO: Developed by an amateur chemist, this unusual concentrate is often consumed as an edible or as part of a medical cannabis protocol
- Sauce: A syrupy liquid typically containing crystals of THCa, the chemical precursor to THC
- Badder: While similar to “budder,” this waxy concentrate has a stiffer consistency
- Oil: A highly refined distillate, typically consumed via vaporizer
Cannabis Concentrate FAQs
Q: Do you need a dab rig to smoke concentrates?
A: No. That said, they do make the process easier to manage as well as delivering more of the essential cannabinoids and terpenes. There are also a variety of other accessories that allow for simple and easy consumption of concentrates, such as wax pens, vape pens, honey straws and more.
Q: Are concentrates bad for you?
A: No. But as with edibles, it’s easy to take more than you intended. Start with the smallest possible amount of marijuana concentrate to gauge its effects before increasing the quantity. With concentrates a little goes a long way.
Q: Do cannabis concentrates last a long time?
A: Yes. But like all cannabis products, they should be stored away from light, heat, and oxygen since these environmental factors can cause cannabinoids to degrade over time.
Concentrates and More: Shop Cannabis Products with Mission
Cannabis concentrates have been steadily rising as one of the most popular product types among consumers and patients alike. Offering high potency in an intriguing variety of textures and flavors, concentrates offer a whole new world of cannabis products to explore—but remember to proceed mindfully if you’re new to them.
With a family of dispensaries spanning Illinois, Massachusetts and Michigan, Mission has become a trusted source for cannabis concentrates and all you need to consume them.
Looking to buy THC concentrate or find a great dab? Just choose the dispensary closest to you and browse our expansive selection. Better yet, we invite you to visit us in person and ask your friendly budtender for more information on concentrates. We hope to see you soon!
