Transforming Traditions

[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]T[/dropcap]he cannabis industry has come a long way from Banana Kush and medicated brownies. For an industry that hasn’t been around for too long, legally speaking, it’s amazing to see the availability and variety of different kinds of products that are on the shelves. It seems as though it’s one big, amazing science experiment and most of the time the results are better, innovative, purer products. Platforms like Instagram, cannabis lifestyle publications, industry expos and word-of-mouth help cannabis trends gain popularity rapidly and fiercely.

Innovation is a key word in this industry, and the ever-evolving cannabis trends aren’t going unnoticed. We tracked down the “now trending” cannabis consumption methods and products to keep you up-to-date with what to expect this 420.

“Innovation is a key word in this industry and the ever-evolving cannabis trends aren’t going unnoticed.”

Flower

In terms of smoking cannabis, methods and products have improved and been appreciated differently over time. Like with the introduction of cassette tapes and CDs, vinyl found itself collecting dust on shelves. But as time went on, vinyl found its way back into the homes and hearts of music lovers—and the same goes for smoking flower. A fancy dab rig is cool, but smoking a joint and raw buds are classic forms of consumption.

Multi-packs of joints

There are many different companies that offer packs of pre-rolled joints. Perfectly rolled (or stuffed) joints come in cigarette-type packs and tins, decorated with catchy designs and fun names. Some companies boast strain specific packs, some include a lighter or matches and packs have anywhere between three and 20 joints in them. Another fad in the pre-roll sector is infusing them with concentrates for an extra kick.

Kief-Coated Joint

The industry has once again created a powerhouse using old favorites. A kief-coated joint is a joint that is rolled in cannabis oil, which is often applied in a funky design, and then rolled into kief. Inevitably this type of smoking method packs a punch and results in feeling extremely strong effects. Directly follow with an actual churro (the cinnamon covered fried dough dessert kind) for maximum pleasure.

Moon Rock

Want to send yourself into space? Get ready to be blasted into a different universe by smoking on a Moon Rock, which is a top-shelf cannabis bud covered in hash oil and then rolled in a thick layer of kief. The aliens here on Earth love the potency of these little space nuggets. Some say that Moon Rocks were originally introduced using the strain Girl Scout Cookies, but mostly we’ve seen them made with any top-shelf strain. The taste is usually earthy and unspecific, as the flavors mash together from all three components.

Concentrates

Cannabis connoisseurs and industry scientists have raised the bar in the concentrate category. Oils, nectars, resins, distillates and sauces are just a few names. Beware of the potency—they are not for the faint of heart.

THC Distillate

The act of distilling cannabis products is fairly new and gaining tons of fame. THC distillate is created from first removing the terpenes and then removing impurities. Distillate is flavorless, odorless and one of the most pure and potent cannabis products on the market. Commonly found in vaporizer cartridges or on its own for dabbing, distillate is a clear, shiny, sticky product that contains up 99 percent pure THC. The refining process is what strips the distillate of its flavor and because of that, we are seeing a boom in reintroducing strain specific terpenes back in. Flavors like Tangie, Sour Diesel, Blue Dream, Cherry Pie and Granddaddy Purp work really well for this process.

Terp Sauce

Terp sauce is currently the subject of many Instagram photos and for good reason. This product looks unlike any concentrate we have ever seen before, which resembles little crystallized nuggets in honey. The production method is specifically designed to preserve the original terpenes and as a result, Terp sauce might be one of the most flavorful products out right now. Terp sauce vape pens are right around the corner if not lurking about already. The sauce itself has a high price tag. If your wallet can afford it, your taste buds will thank you.

Live Resin

This sticky icky is made from taking freshly harvested cannabis, freezing it at -10° F or below, and then extracting the resin, all while keeping it frozen to preserve plant matter. The result is full-flavor profiled, smokable concentrate. Often the whole plant is used, which creates a full-spectrum product that has greater health benefits than only CBD or THC. You can find live resin in vaporizer cartridges or on its own for bowl topping or dabbing.

Rosin Coins

When the cannabis community discovered rosin making, every concentrate fanatic with a hair straightener started making it at home. Rosin is a concentrate that is made from pressing raw cannabis or kief with heat and force in between parchment paper. The rosin industry has come a long way, proven with industrial grade rosin presses and its newest addition, rosin coins. These Wonka-looking buttons are so buttery and soft that we don’t know if we should smoke them or eat them. Either way, break off a piece or put a whole coin on top of a bowl.

Topical

Cannabis topicals have been a welcomed treatment for skin conditions and relieving aches and pains. Self-care itself has importance and interest, so it’s no wonder that this part of the industry is also soaring.

Bath Bombs and Bath Salts

If you thought drinking wine in the bathtub was relaxing, try dipping yourself into a bath infused with THC and CBD. The cannabinoids mixed with the added essential oils, dried flowers, herbs and salts work wonders on tired muscles. The effects are often ultimate relaxation and improved skin.

Transdermal Creams

Cannabis-infused salves and lotions are not new, but we are increasingly finding more offerings of transdermal products. What separates these from other products in the topical category is a permeation enhancer that allows the cannabinoids to penetrate the skin instead of just sitting on top like lotion can. The result is a faster-acting, intense pain-relieving effect. Because a transdermal product penetrates the skin deeply, some users may feel a psychoactive effect from THC, although there are CBD-only transdermal products as well.

Lubricants

Many might agree that we didn’t see medicated lube coming! Most reviewers who tried these kind of products claim that they had an incredible experience. The reported effects are a warming, tingling sensation along with increased blood flow and relaxed muscles. Women who typically experience painful sex say this is a wonder product to reduce discomfort and pain. There are even some recipes online to create your own.

Edibles

Eating cannabis is just as classic as smoking it. Ganja goo balls and good old brownies date way back as the edible pioneers. Ingesting as a way of medicating can have great effects for certain ailments, such as gastrointestinal and sleep issues.

Microdosing

Microdosing is a consumption trend on the rise, which consists of consuming small amounts of THC and other cannabinoids regularly or more often, but while keeping the psychoactive effects very mild or at bay. This is a desirable consumption method to many because you’re not getting inebriated but are receiving the benefits of cannabinoids.

Water-soluble 

This discreet, fast-acting and convenient product is a way to get cannabinoids in your body whenever you need them. Add this tasteless and odorless product to your beverage of choice, pasta sauce, yogurt and more. One of the appeals is the low sugar and calorie factor, which can be tough to find in an industry where gummies and soda drinks are popular.

CBD Isolate

This is not to be confused with the distillate we spoke of earlier. CBD Isolate is pure CBD that comes in a crystalline form and is easy to work with. Dab it, capsule it or sprinkle it on your food. Perfect for the person who doesn’t want to get high but needs some relief during the day. The isolate could be a great tool for microdosing.