Cannabis is a complicated plant. Despite the advances we have made in terpene research and understanding the endo-cannabinoid mechanism, it is still only grasped a small portion of the ways that this plant interacts with us and the reasons. Combine the multilayered power plant with the many modern technological advancements–and then add the enthralling consumer base you’ve got a vastly complicated world of many types of cannabis concentrates. A world that each hemp and hemp fan is part of, regardless of whether they smoke or not. We’ll guide you through the various types of cannabis concentrates throughout this blog.

Types of Cannabis Concentrates: What are Cannabis Concentrates?

If you’re new to the types of cannabis concentrates or cannabis generally, educating yourself with the specifics and aspects of the production process will help you determine what kind of concentrate will provide the advantages and effects you prefer. 

The term “cannabis concentrate” is used used to describe the seemingly endless variety of cannabis-related products. With the confusing terminology for concentrates, as well as the detailed chemical profile descriptions, and an overwhelming amount of products available, there’s a lot to be learned about the consumption of the various types of cannabis concentrates.

Different Types of Cannabis Concentrates

You know the definition of what they are, how they are made, and how they are consumed. The final step in becoming an expert in cannabis concentrates is to become familiar with the various properties, consistency, and industry terminology used to describe the different kinds of concentrates. After you properly familiarize yourself with the types of cannabis concentrates, you might just discover a fun new way to incorporate them into your smoking routine!

THC/CBD OIL CONCENTRATES

Oil Concentrates are much less thick and more fluid than other kinds of concentrate. The concentrate used in weed vapes or dab drops typically is THC and CBD oil. The colour of cannabis oil varies from near-clear to dark brown, and its consistency is similar to honey. Another term for marijuana oil is “sap.” Our favourite method of consuming cannabis oil is to rub thin layers of it on the surface of a joint or blunt. Then, we sprinkle it on kief using this oil to act as an adhering.

THC/CBD WAX EXTRACTS

The extracts from wax get whipped in production to allow air to be incorporated into the concentration. This process alters the consistency of the concentrate, from hard and stiff and rigid to flexible and malleable. The hue varies in the range of light to dark brown. Its appearance is reminiscent of ear butter or frosting.

BUDDER/BUTTER

Butter concentrates are created similarly to wax extracts. However, the Budder contains more whipping, resulting in a softer and smoother consistency. The colour of these concentrates can range from light yellow to dark brown. The name suggests that it looks similar to cake batter or whipped butter. Budder is usually dabbed on or added to joints or even blunts.

CRUMBLE “HONEYCOMB”

A crumble is a crumbly or powdery concentrate that is easily broken up. Crumble is a smokeable substance that can be enjoyed by itself. However, those who smoke crumble typically put the concentrate over (or layered over) the bowl filled with flowers. The colour can range in the range of light to dark yellow, and its appearance appears like that of an under-mixed pie crust. A different term for the concentrates of crumble can be “honeycomb.”

SHATTER

Shatter, sometimes referred to as “glass,” is a thin, brittle and frequently transparent cannabis concentrate. Shatter’s colour ranges from dark brown to yellow and appears similar to caramelized sugar when it has hardened. Shatter is usually applied by dabbing.

CRYSTALLINE

Purified, isolated, and crystallized CBD or THC. Crystalline’s colour ranges from clear and transparent to a cloudy yellow. Its appearance is like tiny quartz crystals. Other names commonly used for crystal concentrates are diamonds, isolated crystals and Wizard stones.

Terp SAUCE

Terp Sauce is a concentrated wet product that has a rich terpene content. It is frequently used to remove crystals to bettering the flavour, smell, and effects. The colour ranges from clear to transparent brown. Terp sauce is commonly known as “sauce.” When a product is made up of crystals and extracts from terp sauce, this is referred to as “sauce on the rocks.”

Cannabis Concentrates How?

Marijuana concentrates can be produced commercially using modern equipment or homemade. They are made in a variety of ways, such as:

• Dry processing
• Dry ice processing
• Processing using water
• Combining heat and pressure
• using nonflammable carbon dioxide solvents
• using flammable solvents, including Butane (lighter fluid) or propane, ether or alcohol

Types of Cannabis Concentrates: Method of Extraction

Solvent-Based Extraction Methods

1. Hydrocarbon Extraction

Hydrocarbon extraction, also known as butane hash oil (BHO) extraction, is one of the most popular and effective solvent-based extraction methods. Butane and propane are solvents made from decayed organic materials that are used in the food processing industry.

Hydrocarbons have the potential to produce a wide range of high-quality cannabis concentrates at scale in the cannabis industry. Butane and propane are light hydrocarbons, so-called because of their low molecular weight. Butane is the most commonly used solvent, but some extractors use a mixture of butane and propane (typically 70/30) to preserve more of the plant’s terpenes.

Because butane and propane have low boiling points, extractors can use low temperatures during the extraction process, resulting in a full-spectrum extract that contains the majority of the plant’s cannabinoids and terpenes. Butane and propane are both non-polar compounds with the following atmospheric pressure boiling points:

• Butane boiling point: 31.1ºF
• Propane boiling point: -46.3ºF

While this extraction method is common in other markets such as the fragrance and food industries, butane hash oil production has received some negative press due to amateur butane extraction methods that fail to provide enough ventilation for the flammable solvents, resulting in explosions.

Ventilation and gas detection systems, as well as other safety controls, are installed in a commercial lab setting that meets all building and fire codes to keep operators safe and prevent explosions. However, licensed processors’ butane extraction processes and products are generally safe and effective.

2. CO2 Extraction

Another common method for isolating specific cannabinoids from cannabis plant material, also known as biomass, is supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) extraction. Carbon dioxide is marketed as one of the least toxic and environmentally friendly solvents available today. CO2 extraction, in general, does not leave any residual toxins and is widely used in beverage and food manufacturing.

Carbon dioxide is a gas at standard pressures and temperatures, but when heated above its critical temperature (87.8F) and critical pressure (1,070 psi), it transforms into a liquid-gaseous state known as a supercritical fluid, which has the properties of both a gas and a liquid.

The cannabis buds are washed with supercritical CO2 during the CO2 extraction method. The CO2 can easily seep through every crevice of the biomass and separate the THC, CBD, and other desirable compounds from the plant in this supercritical state.

After being separated, the carbon dioxide is evaporated from the biomass, and a condenser converts the gas into a liquid, which is recycled and used in subsequent extraction runs. In some cases, post-processing techniques such as winterization and distillation are required to remove undesirable lipids, waxes, and other compounds from the CO2 crude extract.

Subcritical CO2 extraction is similar to supercritical CO2 extraction, but the pressure and temperature parameters are lower. While this extraction method takes longer and yields less, it can help preserve more of the plant’s fragile oils, such as temperature-sensitive terpenes.

Subcritical extraction yields extract with a viscous consistency as opposed to the buttery consistency of supercritical extraction.

3. Alcohol/Ethanol Extraction

Alcohol is a popular solvent in cannabis extraction, particularly when working with hemp biomass. Ethanol is a flammable grain alcohol derived from the fermentation of plant sugars derived from grains, primarily corn. Ethanol, as a food-grade solvent, is effective at separating cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis and hemp in large quantities.

Depending on the desired outcome, the ethanol extraction process can take place at a variety of cold and warm temperatures. Room temperature or chilled ethanol is used by extraction technicians. To dissolve the cannabinoids and terpenes in the raw plant material, the solvent is washed over it.

To improve the purity of the extract, the ethanol solvent is removed after the extraction process using a variety of evaporator systems. Unwanted substances can be removed during the solvent removal process, resulting in a flavorful and pure ethanol-based concentrate for the hemp industry.

Ethanol, as a polar solvent, can easily bind to water-soluble compounds in hemp plant material. As a result, ethanol can produce a crude extract with higher levels of undesirables that must be removed post-processing.

Furthermore, the boiling point of ethanol is higher than that of hydrocarbons, which can reduce the concentration of terpenes in the final product. Ethanol is useful for producing distillates or isolates, but it is ineffective for producing full-spectrum products with a higher percentage of terpenes.

Cannabis ethanol extraction for commercial purposes is both safe and effective. In fact, the FDA considers ethanol to be generally safe when used as a food preservative. Ethanol extraction is the preferred method for high-volume hemp extraction.

Solventless Extraction Methods

4. Agitation

Agitation methods can cause the trichomes on cannabis flower buds or trim to break. Dry sift kief, for example, or a collection of cannabis trichomes, are separated from the plant using various mesh screens or sieves. The sieves break up the resinous trichomes that collect at the bottom through manual or mechanical agitation. Kief can be used to create a variety of cannabis products, including pressed hash, as well as to increase the potency of joints and dry herbs alone.

Cannabis users can use a three-chamber grinder at home, which collects kief in the bottom container and ground-up flowers in the middle container. Kief can build up inside the chamber and be used to top off bowls and joints.

Another type of agitation extraction is ice water extraction, which involves immersing the cannabis material in a mixture of ice and water in a series of mesh bags. When agitated, the cold water easily breaks the trichomes, which fall to the bottom of the bags for collection later. Concentrates containing 50 to 70% THC can be obtained using these methods.

5. Heat and Pressure Extraction

Low heat and pressure are used in rosin pressing systems to melt and squeeze the sticky resin from the plant material (kief, trim, buds). The procedure is similar to that of making olive oil. The extraction systems during the olive oil production process break the plant’s cells and release the plant’s oils for consumption.

Rosin is the sticky, dark, and potent oil that results. Rosin can be dabbed or infused into a variety of products such as edibles, tinctures, and topicals. Another type of rosin is live rosin, which uses fresh frozen buds for a better flavour and aroma.

On a smaller scale, cannabis users can literally squeeze out the resin using pressure and the hair straightener on the lowest heat setting with a simple hair straightener and some buds. While not as high-quality as commercial rosin extraction, it can provide users with a concentrated and potent product.

Types of Cannabis Concentrates: How to Use

DAB and RIG

A “dab” or “dabbing” refers to the process of smoking marijuana concentrates. There are various methods to dab concentrates, for instance, using a rig, in vapes, or using nectar collectors. Each method of dabbing comes with tools of its own and distinctive techniques. Find out more about how concentrates are consumed.

There are numerous ways of using concentrates to smoke. The most well-known method of smoking concentrate is to dab utilizing the device. The term “rig” refers to the glass or silicone bong-like water filtering device used often for smoking dabs. There’s an iron or glass bit on the other end of the device, which is heated using the torch. The metal or glass bit is known as a dab nail or banger. After warming this piece, it is then dropped in an item of concentrate, and use the dab device to scoop out more malleable concentrates. When the dab is in contact with the heated part, inhale the smoke from the top of your rig, much like smoking with bongs.

NECTAR COLLECTOR

Another method of smoking dabs is with a nectar collector. Nectar collectors are straw-like glass or silicone tools. To use a nectar collection, make sure to warm its metal tip or glass with a torch. Then, you can carefully press and make the nectar concentrate using the hot end while breathing in the smoke that is emitted from on top of the device. Nectar collectors are quick and fun, and easy to carry around.

VAPING

The use of THC and CBD concentrates fast becoming a more well-known dab smoking method. This technique involves the use of a cartridge that contains cannabis concentrate and batteries to heat the. The resulting device is usually known as”a “weed pen” or a “weed vape.” Weed vapes are compact, discreet, and easy to use. Vaping concentrates in a vape is my preferred method to smoke cannabis extracts.

FAQS

What types of cannabis concentrates is best?

Of the various types of cannabis concentrates, the wax is the most efficient in terms of preserving the terpene profile following the extraction process. That means the flavour is usually more distinct than one would think of from a purer type of concentrate.

What is the best concentrate for beginners?

If you’re planning to experiment with dab rigs, consider solvent-free Cannabis extracts. These are good starting points for newbies.

What is the most flavorful concentrate?

Concentrates such as Shatter, wax, and distillate have been soaring off the shelves and taking over dab rigs. When it comes to flavour, one extract stands out over the rest: the live resin.

What should I look for when buying concentrate?

Make sure you purchase the types of cannabis concentrates you want from a trusted and authorized dispensary or delivery company. Also, ensure the product is lab tested to determine the quality and purity of the product.

What is better, Shatter or Budder?

First of all, Shatter is a very tough, brittle and hard material, unlike Budder, which is typically softer and more creamy. In addition, many consider shatter to be more appealing visually as opposed to Budder because Shatter is a brighter amber colour, whereas Budder tends to be a duller shade. Additionally, Shatter will keep its power longer over Budder.

What method of getting high is the best?

Dabs are the fastest method to get stoned now. Dabbing is the most efficient method of getting the THC fast into your system. Dabbing can get you from sober to stoned in just a few seconds!

References:

Marijuana Concentrates – What is Concentrated THC? (n.d.). Verilife. Retrieved November 11, 2022, from https://www.verilife.com/blog/cannabis-concentrates

The Ultimate Guide to Cannabis Concentrates. (n.d.). Thrillist. Retrieved November 11, 2022, from https://www.thrillist.com/eat/nation/types-of-cannabis-concentrates

Abuse, N. I. on D. (2020, June 25). Cannabis (Marijuana) Concentrates DrugFacts. National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/cannabis-marijuana-concentrates

The Facts About Marijuana Concentrates | Just Think Twice. (n.d.). Www.justthinktwice.gov. https://www.justthinktwice.gov/facts-about-marijuana-concentrates

Technologies, L. (n.d.). The 5 Most Common Cannabis Extraction Methods. Blog.lunatechequipment.com. https://blog.lunatechequipment.com/the-5-most-common-cannabis-extraction-methods