THC Concentrates

Cannabis concentrates can be manufactured either at home or in a professional setting using cutting-edge machinery. There are many ways in which they can be created, including:

• Dry processing
• Dry ice processing
• Water-based processing
• Pressure and heat
• Alcohol, butane, propane, ether, or butane (lighter fluid) are flammable solvents
• Non Flammable carbon dioxide solvents

Cannabis concentrates demonstrate much greater potency compared to traditional flowers. Cannabis concentrates usually exhibit cannabinoid content between 40% and more than 90%, which significantly surpasses the 20% found in top-tier flowers. The high strength of cannabis concentrates attracts both seasoned users and consumers who want stronger cannabis products. Begin with small doses to establish your tolerance level.

Common cannabis concentrates include oil, wax, shatter, live resin, distillate, and rosin. Each form of concentrate offers varied sensations and intensity levels, catering to different preferences among consumers. Results may differ for each individual.

Using Solvents to Extract

During solvent-based extractions, a chemical substance such as butane, carbon dioxide, ethanol, or propane is used to disintegrate the plant and carefully separate the cannabinoids and terpenes. Imagine it being similar to the science experiment you may have dozed off during in high school where you combine two chemicals to create a single solution. Or, simply picture a straightforward solvent, such as nail polish remover—you want to remove the color from your nails without breaking them.

There are two most commonly used materials: CO2 oil and butane hash oil.

The majority of CO2 oil concentrates are typically thick and liquid in nature. The oil can be extracted using this extraction method at a lower temperature, which makes it popular. As a result of the technique, which is known to maintain the original flavor and scent, more terpenes are retained. The majority of disposable and cartridge vapes use oil concentrates, also referred to as CO2 oil.

Butane gas is used as the solvent in hydrocarbon extracts known as butane hash oil (BHO) to draw cannabinoids and terpenes from plant matter. Since butane is highly flammable, it can pose a very serious safety hazard. In order to safely extract the resin, closed-loop machinery will be used in commercial operations.

Cannabis concentrates are mass-extracted in cultivation facilities using solvent-based extraction methods, and they are subsequently purified. All solvents used in this chemical reaction are evaporated.

In solventless extractions, pressure, filtration, or heat are used instead of chemicals, such as butane or propane, to extract a concentrate from plant material. These solvent-free extraction tools are more appropriate for at-home shoppers.

Yes, any products that contain the cannabinoids and terpenes found in marijuana flowers are referred to as “concentrates,” whether they are solventless or solvent-based. Extracts are created by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis flowers using solvents. Although not all extracts are concentrations, all concentrates are extracts.

When using flower, you use more than just terpenes and cannabinoids. You are also using plant matter and other substances, which may support the entourage effect.

When using concentrates, you only use pure cannabinoids and terpenes. There is no plant substance that acts as a buffer to prevent cannabinoids from being absorbed. Concentrates will always be more potent than flowers.

As with raw flowers, if you want to maintain the quality of your concentrates, you must store them properly. How you store your concentrates depends on how long you intend to keep them there.

USE PARCHMENT PAPER

Folding your concentrates in parchment paper and storing them in a cool, dry area where it’s dark is one method of short-term storage. This technique functions reasonably well, but since it is not airtight, you could notice that over time your concentrates start to lose their moisture and begin to harden.

You can freeze the parchment paper for a few hours to cause any remaining concentrate to “flake” off if it is stuck with the concentrate.

USE SILICONE CONTAINER

For storing a quantity of concentrate that you’ll use in less than a week, a silicon container works best. Just place your concentration in the silicon container after folding it in parchment paper. It’s essential to store your concentrate in a cool, dark environment, even for this short amount of time.

USE GLASS

For storing your concentrate for longer than a week, glass containers are the best choice. Take the concentrates and place them in an airtight glass jar after folding the parchment paper as described above. Put the jar somewhere dark, dry, and cool. This will maintain the composition, consistency, and hydration of your concentrates.

You can simply pour your concentrate directly into a glass jar with a wide rim if it is too sticky to be wrapped in parchment paper.

Some people may think about freezing their concentrate. This might not be a bad idea if you’re storing your concentrate for a long time, but it can degrade the quality and moisture content. If you decide to freeze your concentrate, make sure to completely thaw it before using it, wrap it in parchment paper, and store it in a glass jar with an airtight plastic bag. Tinctures made with alcohol need to be kept in the fridge.

Cannabis concentrates can be used in a variety of ways:

• Dabbing: The process of vaporizing concentrates using a dab rig is how most cannabis lovers consume concentrates.
• Vaping: Compatible with concentrate-specific vaporizers, vaping is a portable and convenient way to consume cannabis concentrates.
• Burning: Add concentrates to the flower for enhanced effects. You can add concentrates to your preroll to give it that extra kick you were looking for.
• Infusing: Incorporating them into edibles (requires decarboxylation) is a fun DIY way to use concentrates (we say leave it to the pros).

Choose a method that fits your lifestyle and preferences.

Visit an online dispensary like us at ATLRx to buy your preferred cannabis concentrates or any novel concentrates you want to try. Due to its popularity, most dispensaries have a wide selection of concentrates on hand. Of course, ask one of our knowledgeable budtenders any questions you may have while you’re there; they’re always pleased to assist a fellow cannabis enthusiast.