In recent years, the world of cannabis consumption has undergone a profound transformation with the rise of cannabis concentrates.
Extracts provide users with an intensely concentrated and refined experience, highlighting all the cannabinoids and terpenes present within a plant’s cells at maximum intensity
In this article, we will explore the fascinating realm of cannabis concentrates, delving into their types, production methods, and the growing popularity that has propelled them into the spotlight.
Types of Cannabis Concentrates
Cannabis concentrates offer many varieties and experiences; here are a few popular ones:
Hashish
Hashish (hash), commonly referred to as hashish, is one of the oldest and simplest forms of cannabis concentrate produced from collecting and compressing resinous trichomes found on cannabis plants.
Hashish comes in various textures from soft to flexible or hard and rigid; most commonly consumed through smoking or vapourizing.
Wax
Wax concentrates, more commonly referred to as earwax or “budder,” are produced via butane hash oil extraction technology (BHO).
This method employs butane as a solvent to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from plant material, yielding an extract rich in THC as well as other cannabinoids resembling wax in terms of THC concentration levels.
Shatter
Shatter is an opaque and glass-like concentrate produced using BHO extraction methods similar to wax extraction.
Key differences lie in their post-extraction processes, where any residual solvents are flushed away through purging to ensure an even and silky consistency for their concentrates.
Live Resin
Live resin is extracted using technology designed to preserve freshly frozen cannabis plant’s original terpene profiles for an enhanced flavorful and aromatic experience.
Extractions typically involve using solvents such as butane or CO2 to capture the essence of living plants.
CO2 Oil
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) extraction is an extraction technique using pressurized CO2, usually at higher pressure than that used for vape cartridge or edible extraction, to isolate cannabinoids and terpenes found within cannabis plants for subsequent extraction into oil form and use by various products, including vape cartridges or edibles. CO2 oil provides multiple uses within multiple industries – it works equally well in vape cartridges as it does edibles as a medicinal extraction medium.
Production Methods
The production of cannabis concentrates involves intricate processes that require precision and expertise. Here are some common extraction methods:
Butane Hash Oil (BHO) Extraction
BHO extraction employs butane as the solvent to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis plants, with any excess solvent flushed off after extraction to leave wax or shatter as final products.
CO2 Extraction
CO2 Extraction CO2 extraction uses carbon dioxide at supercritical pressure to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis flowers and stems safely and cleanly – producing CO2 oil concentrates with all their natural flavors and aromas intact from each strain harvested. Rosin Pressing/Cold Extraction
Rosin Pressing
Rosin pressing is an innovative solvent-free technique used to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis plants with heat and pressure, quickly and without using solvents. Due to its simplicity and the plant’s natural compounds being accessible from Rosin pressing’s technique. Rosin pressing has rapidly gained in popularity.
Ice Water Hash
Ice water hash, or bubble hash, is produced by mixing cannabis plant material in cold water with enough vibrational force to separate out its trichomes and separate trichomes from one another. The extracted resin is then dried and pressed into hashish. This method is praised for its solventless nature and ability to preserve the plant’s integrity.
Popularity and Accessibility
Cannabis concentrates have seen tremendous growth over the years for various reasons. Their high potency allows users to experience cannabinoid effects quickly while needing lower dosage requirements; making these concentrates attractive options both medically and recreationally.
Focuses offer discreet ways of indulging, with vape pens or dab rigs as options for inhalation.
As cannabis legality evolves, availability of concentrates has expanded significantly. Legalized areas provide consumers with access to an impressive selection of concentrates that match their preferences – providing ample choice when searching for their perfect products.
Conclusion
Concentrated cannabis remains an ever-evolving industry that continues to amaze both enthusiasts and consumers. From the ancient tradition of hashish to the cutting-edge techniques of BHO and CO2 extraction, concentrates offer a concentrated and refined experience that reflects the plant’s diverse array of cannabinoids and terpenes.
As legalization efforts progress, the popularity and accessibility of cannabis concentrates are likely to grow, providing users with new and exciting ways to explore the vast potential of the cannabis plant. Whether for medicinal or recreational use, the concentrated essence of cannabis is undeniably a force to be reckoned with in the ever-expanding world of cannabis consumption.
