As cannabis goes mainstream, there is more and more focus on cleaner, stronger, and just straight-up cooler methods of getting high—cannabis concentrates are arguably the apex of this development. 

In many words, “cannabis concentrates” refers to a range of products that feature cannabis extracts such as THC and CBD in higher concentrations than that found in flowers. 

These concentrates come in various shapes and monikers: shatter, hash, oils, tinctures, etc. However, all concentrates have potency in common: on average, THC concentrates range from 50-80% potency, compared to 10-25% for flowers. Unfortunately, these new techniques and products have led to seemingly endless (and perhaps endlessly confusing) options which may leave both first-timers and experienced smokers feeling overwhelmed. 

Don’t despair! We’ve got you covered with this guide to cannabis concentrates.

What are Cannabis Concentrates?

As cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds are contained in cannabis trichomes, concentrates, or extracts and are applied for recreational or medical purposes. Concentrates are created and processed in various ways and can be categorized into two types: full-spectrum concentrates and isolates.

Types of Concentrates

In general, concentrates can be categorized into two groups: extracted concentrates and non-extracted concentrates. Solvents are used to make extracts, which are often called hash oil. Hash, rosin hash, and kief are non-extract concentrates. Even though bubble hash uses water as a solvent, it is not considered an extract in the cannabis world.

There are two ways to categorize extracts: according to solvent and according to consistency. Solvent-based extractions use supercritical CO2 as a solvent, while alcohol-based extracts use alcohol as a solvent. BHO uses butane and propane, PHO, propane, and CO2-based extractions all use solvents.

Extracts can also be categorized according to consistency. For example, the terms wax, sap, and shatter describe extracts that are opaque, waxy, or gooey; pull ‘n’ snap describes extracts that have the consistency of toffee, and budder describes extracts that are opaque and fluffy.

 Some of the most popular cannabis concentrates out there include:

1. Shatter

Shatter is one of the more popular incarnations of cannabis concentrates. This concentrate often has a honey-like color and translucence and the consistency of glass; when cold—like glass, it can be shattered, hence the name. Shatter is produced by running a solvent such as CO2, butane, or propane through the buds to extract cannabinoids. This solvent is then evaporated, leaving only the good stuff behind.

While shatter can be smoked in a pipe or mixed with flower, it is most efficiently consumed using a purpose-built “oil rig.” These rigs are similar to water bongs, though with a glass nail in the place of a traditional bowl. This nail is heated with a blowtorch, and then shatter is applied. The shatter vaporizes on contact and is inhaled. This process is known as “dabbing.”

2. Rosin

Rosin looks and acts very much like shatter—indeed, it is extremely similar to shatter—except that it is not extracted using chemical solvents. Instead, rosin is extracted using a combination of heat and pressure, squeezing the cannabinoids from buds effectively. Even better, it is super easy to make and can be safely produced at home using cannabis flower, a hair straightener, parchment paper, and a collection tool.

3. Tinctures

Tinctures Take The Cannabis Experience To a Whole New Level 

Tinctures are unique in this list as they are sublingual—that means that they are dropped under the tongue and absorbed through the bloodstream, as opposed to the lungs or liver. Regarding non-smoking methods, tinctures are one of the faster actings; they act much faster than ingestible oils. However, due to the nature of this product, they are often less potent than other concentrates.

Tinctures come in bottles, often with a dropper provided. Simply use the dropper to place a drop (or two) under the tongue and wait for the magic to happen.

4. Bubblehash

Bubblehash is a feat of Canadian ingenuity that utilizes ice water (as opposed to heat, pressure, or chemical solvents) to isolate resin glands and cannabinoids. It is produced by placing busted-up buds in a fine-pored bag, such as cheesecloth, and then submerging it in ice water to “wash” the cannabis. 

This washing process uses temperature and friction to separate resin glands from the rest of the plant matter. After washing, the mixture is allowed to settle for fifteen to thirty minutes. The bag is then squeezed, causing a slurry of water and resin glands to be sifted through the pores into another bag. 

Next, resin glands are collected from the inside of the bag. The process is then repeated, passing the resin slurry through progressively finer-pored bags until the desired amount of resin glands has been achieved. These are then allowed to dry.

Bubblehash can be consumed using virtually any traditional smoking method, including mixing with flower in a joint.

5. Hash Oil

Hash oil, often called honey oil because of its color, is pre-cooled shatter. Like shatter, it is a cannabis extraction garnered through chemical solvents—the only real difference is that it maintains a liquid consistency.

Hash oil’s liquid consistency makes it ideal for various applications, including in cartridges for vape pens. It can also be applied to flower or other products for smoking.

6. Ingestible Oils

Ingestible oils act like edibles—indeed, ingestible oils are essentially the active ingredient in edibles. They are made by busting up cannabis flower and placing it in oil, such as olive oil, sunflower oil, or coconut oil. Heat is then applied, and cannabinoids are dissolved into the oil. The plant matter is often strained, leaving cannabis-infused oils, which can then be ingested on their own or mixed into various recipes, either pre- or post-cooking.

The high production by ingestible oils take longer to come into effect than smoking methods because of how the cannabinoids are metabolized through the liver. For the same reason, the high also lasts longer.

Potency of Concentrates

Concentrates Are The Most Potent Form of Marijuana 

The cannabis flower’s trichomes are broken open and some of their content is compressed in concentrates.Cannabinoids and terpenes in these plants provide cannabis’ effects.

There are two reasons why concentrates are popular: they tend to contain far more THC than leading strains of cannabis, providing far more of an intoxicating punch. Two, they tend to be richer in medicinal cannabinoids and terpenes, which enhances the medicinal effects of cannabis.

The greatest strength of a concentrate is its potency, but it can also be its greatest weakness. Inexperienced users may feel paranoia or unpleasant feelings after their first dab. Therefore concentrates should be used cautiously by those who are new to them.

How To Consume Concentrates

Vaping is The Way of Taking Cannabis Concentrates 

Most concentrates are dabbed, or flash vaporized through a dab rig, but some concentrates can also be added to the top of a flower bowl or used to make edibles. Concentrates also come as an oil in a pre-filled cartridge that can be attached to a battery for easy and discreet consumption.

Bottom Line: Concentrates And You

With all the variety of concentrates available, there is something to suit every need. Are you looking for a longer-lasting effect and willing to wait for it? Try ingestible oils. Want something super potent, hard-hitting, and that you can toss into an interesting apparatus? Shatter’s probably for you. Do you want to shatter that’s optimal for your shiny new vape pen? Check out hash oil. Are you looking for something simpler and more reliable? Tinctures. Want to make your own at home? Look up instructional videos for bubblehash or rosin.

A whole world of cannabis concentrates is out there for you to try. So start testing them out and find what works best for your particular needs. Or hey, why not try them all?