Cannabis Concentrates: A Guide
Cannabis concentrates are products made by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant. The result is a potent form of cannabis that can be consumed in several ways. Concentrates can be made from THC-rich plants or CBD-rich plants. This guide covers what concentrates are, how they are made, how to use them, and safety points.
What Are Cannabis Concentrates?
Cannabis concentrates are created by removing plant material and collecting the active compounds. These compounds include cannabinoids like THC and CBD, plus terpenes that give flavor and aroma. Concentrates can range from mild to very strong. For example, hash and kief are traditional concentrates. Modern products include shatter, wax, budder, live resin, and distillate. CBD concentrates include CBD isolate, full-spectrum CBD extract, and broad-spectrum CBD extract.
Common Types of Cannabis Concentrates
- Kief: Trichomes collected from the plant surface. It is a powder that can be sprinkled on flower.
- Hash: Kief that is pressed and heated to form a solid block.
- Shatter: A glass-like concentrate with high potency.
- Wax and budder: Softer concentrates with a waxy or creamy texture.
- Live resin: Made from fresh frozen plants to preserve terpenes.
- Distillate: A refined oil that contains mostly one cannabinoid, often THC or CBD.
- CBD isolate: Pure CBD powder with no other cannabinoids or terpenes.
- Full-spectrum CBD extract: Contains CBD, other cannabinoids, and terpenes from the plant.
How Concentrates Are Made
Extraction methods fall into two groups: solvent-based and solventless. Solvent-based methods use butane, ethanol, or carbon dioxide to strip cannabinoids from the plant. The solvent is then removed. Solventless methods use ice water, heat, or pressure. For example, ice water hash uses cold water and agitation. Rosin uses heat and pressure to squeeze oil from the plant. CBD concentrates often use CO2 extraction because it is clean and precise.
How to Use Cannabis Concentrates
Follow these steps to use concentrates. Start with a small amount and wait to see how it affects you.
- Choose a concentrate that matches your goal. For CBD, look for a product with a lab test.
- Decide on a dose. For THC concentrates, start with a tiny amount, such as a grain of rice. For CBD, follow the product label.
- Pick a method. You can vaporize, dab, or add the concentrate to food or drink.
- Heat the concentrate if you are inhaling. Use a dab rig, vaporizer, or electronic pen.
- Inhale or ingest. If vaping, take a slow breath. If eating, mix with a fat like oil or butter.
- Store the concentrate in a cool, dark place. Keep it away from children and pets.
Safety and Legal Considerations
Concentrates are strong. THC concentrates can have THC levels of 50% to 90% or higher. That is much stronger than dried flower. Start with a low dose to avoid unpleasant effects. Vaping concentrates from illegal sources has been linked to severe lung injury called EVALI. The CDC advises against using vaping products that contain vitamin E acetate. For CBD, choose products that come with a certificate of analysis (COA) from a third-party lab. The FDA has not approved CBD for all uses, and CBD can interact with some medications.
How to Choose a CBD Concentrate
Look for a COA that shows cannabinoid content and tests for pesticides, heavy metals, and residual solvents. Decide between isolate, broad-spectrum, and full-spectrum. Isolate is pure CBD. Broad-spectrum has no THC. Full-spectrum has trace THC and other cannabinoids. Check the label for the amount of CBD per serving. Avoid products with artificial additives.