Types of Cannabis Concentrates

The cannabis industry has been experiencing constant growth since the legalization of the cannabis plant. Many cannabis enthusiasts have had the opportunity to try out the overwhelming amount of product variety. Still, with new products constantly on the rise, you may be interested in learning more about the types of cannabis concentrates used in the creation of such products.

In this article, we at Sorting Robotics want to dive deep into the variety of concentrates, their use, and the reason behind their popularity. By elaborating on their unique effects and consumption methods, you’ll understand how they may affect the overall smoking experience while also adding a creative twist to the typical cannabis product. 

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Cannabis Concentrates

So, what are cannabis concentrates? These concentrates, also known as cannabis or marijuana extracts, represent a concentrated mass of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). Renowned for their high potency, these products may also contain a variety of cannabis resins, such as cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes.

As a result, these products often vary in consistency, effects, terpenes, and appearance. When compared with the raw cannabis flower, a cannabis concentrate may contain four times higher levels of THC. Furthermore, it allows the users a wider range of options to enhance their smoking experience to their preference.

Since these concentrates must first be extracted before being converted into shelf products, manufacturers rely on different extraction methods. While various options are available, the two main types are solvent-based and solventless methods. 

Solvent-based extraction methods

With a self-explanatory name, solvent-based methods use various solvents to extract the trichomes from the cannabis plant. Once extracted, they must be thoroughly cleaned so no solvent residue is left behind. Failing to do so may pose a risk to the users’ health. The most common options are:

• Ethanol extraction

• Solvent evaporation

• Hydrocarbon extraction

• CO2 extraction

Solventless extraction methods

On the other hand, solventless methods avoid the use of chemicals during extraction. Instead, they rely on agitation, such as low temperatures and high pressure, to remove the trichomes. This option is not only safer for users but also considered more environmentally friendly. The most common options for a solventless extraction method are the following:

• Rosin

• Heat and pressure

• Dry sift

Types of Cannabis Concentrates

Now that you’re well-informed about what cannabis concentrates are, we want to elaborate on some of the most popular types. Remember that each concentrate may vary in strength, appearance, and effects, so they provide a unique user experience. That being said, here are the most popular options for cannabis concentrates:

• Hashish

• Live resin

• Oil and tinctures

• Wax and budder

Hashish

One of the most popular cannabis concentrates is hashish, also known as hash. This renowned cannabis product has a rich history that originates from eastern countries, such as Iran, Nepal, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Egypt, and Lebanon. It’s made by compressing and processing female flower buds containing the highest levels of trichomes.

Moreover, its appearance and consistency may vary depending on the extraction process. Even though it usually comes in a solid form, you may come across various consistencies, ranging from malleable to brittle. While the primary color of hashish is brown, it may also appear yellow, red, and black. 

Furthermore, a hash concentrate can be used in a variety of ways. One of the most popular extraction methods is the already mentioned dry sifting, where the trichomes are manually separated through a screen or a motorized tumbler. The result is a powder-like product called kief, which is then compressed with heat into the solid hashish form. 

Even though the most common way to consume hashish is by smoking it, the latest advancements in the cannabis industry have offered various use options. For example, this concentrate is available in oil, wax, and shatter forms. 

Live resin

The second common cannabis concentrate type is live resin. It’s made from fresh frozen materials that deliver a high-quality taste and feel. Even though it’s a fairly new product on the market, it quickly became a customer favorite due to its rich aroma.

The reason why live resin is so unique is because the freshly picked materials from the cannabis plant are flash-frozen at low temperatures. Remember that many cannabis products lose a vast amount of their terpenes during production. However, the live resin extraction process ensures the terpene profile is as close to the natural cannabis plant as possible.

Furthermore, it may be blasted with different solvents, such as propane, butane, and BHO (butane hash oil). Then, this product is usually pressed to get the desired form and consistency.

As for the appearance and consistency, these elements highly depend on the cannabis flower and terpenes used. However, this concentrate usually comes in different shades of gold or yellow. Since the terpenes present determine the consistency, their texture may be soft and sticky or keep a fluid-like form, such as oils and sauces. This variety allows different consumption options, including dabbing, vaping, or turning it into wax, budder, or diamonds.

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Oil and tinctures

Oils and tinctures are another common option for many cannabis concentrate users. Even though many people use these terms interchangeably, they represent two different products.

Tinctures are extracted with an alcohol-based method to protect the cannabinoids from oxidation. Since they require a lot of filtration and refinement, the end products may have a bitter flavor. Thus, any cannabis-related businesses try to mask the taste with flavoring, sweeteners, and vegetable glycerin.

On the other hand, oils can be extracted with both solvent-based and solventless methods. Due to its variety, this concentrate may also be extracted at home using common household items and then turned into cooking oil from which edibles are made using olive and coconut oil.

The main consumption method for these products is orally. Since this cannabis product has to go through the digestive system, it may take up to an hour or two to feel its full effects. Many users also add these concentrates to drinks and food for a better taste.

If you want to accelerate their effects, many people place a few drops under the tongue to skip the digestive system. Lastly, some oils can be applied topically on the skin to achieve on-the-spot relief.

Wax and budder

The last popular cannabis concentrates are wax and budder. Even though many people find it hard to distinguish these concentrates, there are a few ways to tell them apart.

With a self-explanatory name, cannabis wax looks very similar to natural bee wax when it comes to texture and consistency. On the other hand, budder has a smoother texture that appears almost creamy. Even though they’re both derivatives of butane hash oil, this difference in texture sets them apart the most.

Their extraction involves a whipping process alongside the heating, vacuum purging, condensation, and cooling that hardens these concentrates into their renowned appearance. So, their texture is highly based on how long they’re whipped during production. To achieve drier and crumblier wax, it’s important to whip the extract longer. On the other hand, the creamy texture is achieved by whipping the product for half the time it takes to create wax.

The two most common ways you can use these products are by dabbing or smoking. However, it’s important to remember that wax and budder require higher temperatures to light up.

Factors Influencing Choice and Quality

As with any product on the market, several factors influence the quality of these products. Here are the main elements you should look out for when choosing the right option for you:

• Quality of starting material – choosing the right materials will highly influence the quality of the end product. Thus, it’s important to take the time and find trustworthy vendors that have proof of their product quality.

• Extraction methods and technologies – choosing the right extraction method will also influence the taste, safety, and overall smoking experience. Choosing solventless extraction methods is considered to be better than solvent-based ones. 

• Purity, potency, and consistency standards – it’s important to follow cannabis safety standards to ensure the most enjoyable smoking experience for the users. Remember that even though there are different types of THC wax, these products fall under FDA regulations and must keep the THC limit below 0.3%

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Conclusion

After reviewing the most common types of cannabis concentrates, it's up to you to decide which is your best option. Remember that each concentrate has a unique extraction method, consistency, and texture, which affect the overall experience. 

If you’re willing to try some of these products, remember to start slowly and watch out for your limit. It’s important to be responsible when it comes to using cannabis to avoid any negative side effects and experiences.