What are Concentrates? How are They Made?

When people mention concentrates in the context of cannabis, they are referring to the highly potent extracts that are derived from cannabis. These concentrates come in many different forms and are the result of different processes that are used to isolate and "concentrate" the isolated terpenes and cannabinoids. As a result, these concentrates are typically very rich in flavor and smell, and are equally rich in potency.

Summary

• There is a wide variety of concentrate types, each offering a unique experience in terms of potency, flavor, and consistency.
• Some concentrates are more suitable for different applications and can be easier or harder to produce

The Basic of Cannabis Concentrates

Potency: Cannabis concentrates are far more potent than traditional flower, as a result of the significantly increased levels of cannabinoids (THC, CBD, etc.) and terpenes.

To be more exact with your consumption, you can use the DigiTul by Stache to scale out your concentrates before you consume.

Extraction Methods: There are various methods, such as solvent-based (e.g., butane, CO2), solventless (e.g., rosin, ice water hash), and mechanical (e.g., kief), that are used to extract and concentrate cannabinoids and terpenes.

Forms: Concentrates come in various forms depending on how they are extracted and handled, including: oils, waxes, shatters, budder, live resin, and more! Each variation comes has a unique texture and consistency.

Consumption: Concentrates can be introduced in a variety of different ways for consumption. There are the most common, vaporization and dabbing (essentially the same), or you can add the concentrates to edibles for a stronger and tastier effect than with flower. You can even mix the concentrate into a joint or packed bowl.

Different Types of Cannabis Concentrates

BHO (Butane Hash Oil): Butane Hash Oil concentrates include wax, budder, shatter and the less common honeycomb. They are created using butane as a solvent to extract the cannabinoids and terpenes before being removed so the concentrate can be produced.

CO2 Oil: CO2 Oil is produced using Carbon Dioxide that has been put into a liquid-like state to act as a solvent to extract the cannabinoids and terpenes. The process results in a highly pure product that is commonly used in cartridges.

Rosin: Rosin is produced by applying both pressure and heat to cannabis flower or hash in order to extract the cannabinoids and terpenes. It is solventless and results in a very pure concentrate, but there is typically some product wasted in the process. It can even be made at home, though we do not recommend trying! (Proper equipment and safety should be used when producing concentrates using this method.)

Live Resin: Live Resin is produced by freezing the cannabis plant (many processors do this immediately after harvest for the freshest compounds) and then extracting the beneficial compounds. This process preserves many of the plant's terpenes, resulting in a richer flavor profile.

Hashish: Hashish, or hash as it's commonly referred to, is one of the oldest known concentrates. Hash is made by physically compressing the trichomes of the cannabis flower into a solid form, most often a simple ball or brick. Some of the earliest use of hashish can be traced thousands of years back to the Middle East and Asia where the cannabis plant is native.

Rick Simpson Oil (RSO): RSO is a high-THC cannabis oil known for its potential medicinal properties. It's often used for various health conditions. Check out our article about RSO on the Official Stache Blog for more info about Rick Simpson and RSO!

Crumble: Crumble is a type of BHO concentrate with a crumbly texture, making it easy to handle and use.

Diamonds and Sauce: This type of concentrate consists of crystalline THC "diamonds" in a sauce made from terpenes and cannabinoids. It offers a potent and flavorful experience.

Full-Spectrum Extracts: These concentrates aim to preserve as many cannabinoids and terpenes as possible from the original plant, providing a well-rounded and balanced experience.

Kief: Kief is probably the most basic concentrate, as it is made by simply collecting the trichomes that naturally fall from the cannabis flower. Most modern grinders have the option of a chamber that will accumulate kief as you use it. It is often used to give a boost to a joint or bowl.

Ice Water Hash: This concentrate is made by using ice water to agitate and separate the trichomes from the cannabis flower. This solventless method results in a very pure and potent concentrate.

Distillate: Distillate is a highly refined cannabis concentrate that is well-known for its purity and its versatility. It is widely used in different products like edibles, vapes, topicals, and more!

Looking for an easy way to try concentrates? Check out the ConNectar by Stache for easy concentrate consumption anywhere!

Consuming cannabis in any capacity should be done after consulting with a Medical Health Professional first.