There are a million ways to enjoy the marijuana plant, and today, we’re diving into the intricate world of cannabis concentrates. What are concentrates, you might ask? They are substances extracted from the marijuana plant which are extremely potent and high in cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Think of it like this—regular weed is like the white wine spritzer that gives you a little buzz, but concentrate is the 150-proof shot that takes you to the next level. Keep reading to learn how to use THC concentrates.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF MARIJUANA CONCENTRATES
Concentrates come in a diverse variety of textures and formulas depending on how they are extracted or processed. You don’t need to memorize every type of concentrate to purchase and enjoy them, but we recommend familiarizing yourself with the basics.
THC Wax Extracts
Concentrates with a wax consistency are soft and pliable with an intense aroma and robust flavor. “Wax” is often used as a catch-all term to describe many types of dabs and concentrates, including budder, live resin, rosin, badder and crumble.
Cannabis Budder
Also known as “badder,” these oily concentrates are whipped into a smoother, fluffier consistency. This makes them easier to scoop and can even be spread on a joint or blunt. Budder is often more golden or light yellow in color.
Cannabis Crumble
As the name suggests, crumble has a crumbly consistency without the glossy look of a budder. Because it falls apart so easily, it can be smoked on its own or mixed in a bowl of flower. Due to its texture and golden color, crumble is sometimes called “honeycomb.”
THC Shatter
Named for its glass-like appearance, shatter is one of the more nostalgic concentrates available. It is typically a translucent yellow or golden color and will break into small pieces that are best for dabbing.
THC Rosin
Rosin is created by first extracting trichomes and trichome heads from the plant in the same process used to create bubble hash also known as full melt or water hash. The buds are “washed” in an ice bath which contains multiple different bag filters known as seethes which filter the different micron levels (sizes) of trichomes. These trichomes are then collected from the bags and are dried out. They are then pressed under high pressure and a little heat using a rosin press which presses the trichomes and creates a beautiful clear, flavorful, aromatic concentrate that most closely resembles the living plants aroma and flavor. And the best part is this process only uses water, ice and pressure and it does not introduce the plant material to any hydrocarbons or other chemicals.
Live Resin
Live resin is a very flavorful and aromatic concentrate that is loaded with terpenes. As terpenes degrade over time the best thing to do is catch them while they are freshest-right at the point of harvesting. Upon harvesting a flowering cannabis plant the entire plant is immediately taken to a flash freezer and is frozen. This immediate freezing helps preserve the trichomes, the flavonoids and the terpenes of the cannabis plant. This now frozen plant is transferred to the extraction facility, still frozen, to be extracted. The plant is extracted using a hydrocarbon, either BHO/PHO or a blend of them. This extraction process delivers a high potency, high terpene and high flavonoid concentrate known as live resin.
Sauce
Also called “terp sauce,” this potent concentrate is super wet and boasts high levels of aromatic terpenes. This is achieved by flash-freezing flower buds before the extraction process just as with live resin. Known for being extra flavorful, sauce is best enjoyed by dabbing or vaporizing as lower temperatures.
You may come across a few other types of cannabis concentrates on our menu from time to time, including wax, live resin, water hash, Moroccan hash, Lebanese hash, live rosin, or bubble hash. Don’t be afraid to ask a Greenfields budtender for more information if you’re interested in trying something new!
DIFFERENT METHODS OF CONSUMING THC CONCENTRATES
There are a few good ways to enjoy your favorite cannabis concentrate as long as you understand which consistencies work best with your preferred method. It’s ultimately a matter of using the right tools to get the job done. Explore the options below for guidance!
Dabbing
The process of dabbing involves applying heat to a concentrate and inhaling the resulting vapor. This works best with a dab rig (similar to a water bong) or using a torch. First, you turn on your dab rig to the desired temperature, we always suggest a lower temperature to achieve better flavor. Or you can use a torch to heat up an attachment called a “nail” or “banger” until it’s hot enough to dab. Then, you use a dab tool to place a small amount of concentrate into the bottom of the nail or banger. The concentrate will ideally start to bubble and not immediately vaporize, allowing you to inhale the dab through the mouthpiece. If it immediately vaporizes chances are that the banger was to hot.
Vaping
For a more discrete option, consider using a vaporizer designated for use with concentrates. Some people prefer e-rigs and vape pens because they have a consistent electric heating element or atomizer. Vaping involves loading your preferred concentrate into the chamber and pressing a button to heat the device to a predetermined temperature, again we suggest going with the lowest setting to achieve the most flavorful hit. Portable vaporizers can be loaded up for easy and convenient hits wherever you go! And the smell dissipates much quicker than if you were smoking a bowl or joint.
Smoking
Some concentrates with more solid consistencies, like crumble or Moroccan or Lebanese hash, are perfect for smoking with regular flower buds. This one’s pretty self-explanatory. Try sprinkling some over your pipes or in joints for that extra kick when you spark up! Or you can squish a pancake of it for bowl topping, one of the more nostalgic ways for smoking hashish.
EXPLORE THE DIVERSE RANGE OF GREENFIELDS CONCENTRATES FOR EVERY PREFERENCE
Whichever type of concentrate and method you choose, ensure you’re ready for a powerful and long-lasting high we always suggest going low and slow. Here at Greenfields Cannabis Co, our knowledgeable budtenders are happy to make recommendations and point you in the right direction. Visit one of our Denver dispensaries to find your new favorite concentrate!
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