Understanding Concentrates: A Beginner’s Guide

[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]C[/dropcap]oncentrates are the cannabis of tomorrow. As flower sales begin to top out or even dwindle in some states, concentrate consumption is on the rise. Understanding the intricacies of concentrates is critical, as they contain much more tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD) than flower. Concentrates are typically geared more for the experienced cannabis consumer who has graduated from basic flower.

Types of Concentrates

Many concentrates begin as butane hash oil (BHO) or a raw concentrate and are further refined using various methods. Most concentrate types are defined simply based off of the consistency of the sample. Others begin as propane has oil or CO2-extracted concentrate and are refined using the supercritical fluid extraction method.

Photo courtesy Oleum Extracts

Budder

Budder is known for its thick, peanut butter-like consistency and incredible taste. It’s halfway between wax and crumble. Budder is made by whipping sap or shatter until it is broken down into budder.

Crumble

Crumble is a dry form of concentrate that is the preferred concentrate for some cannasseurs. It is made by purging cannabis for a longer amount of time, but at a lower heat, which preserves terpenes.

Full Melt

Full melt is made by refining or melting trichomes after using the dry sift or ice water method. Full melts melt completely because there is no plant matter left in the concentrate.

Hash/Hashish

Hash usually has a more peppery, spicy flavor. It is made by applying varying amounts of pressure or heat to kief or dry sifted trichomes.

Kief/Dry Sift

Kief is known in The United States as dry sift and the root of the word means “pleasure” in Arabic. Kief, as many of you already know, is what accumulates at the bottom of your grinder. It’s made by letting the resinous trichomes fall through a sieve or mesh screen.

Oil/Errl/Sap

Oil is the smoothest and thinnest form of concentrate. Nowadays, the inevitable messiness of oils can be abated with the use of plastic syringes. Thick oil is called sap.

Shatter

Shatter is a stable concentrate that is identifiable by its clear and hard glass-like or pull-and-snap properties. Unlike wax or budder, shatter is not malleable, and it is considered one of the purest (and most expensive) forms of concentrate available.

Tincture

Unlike cannabis-based oils, tinctures are alcohol-based. The often dark-green liquid is stored in droppers. Tinctures are typically consumed medicinally and are administered sublingually.

Trim Run

Since only the trimmings are used, trim run extracts are cheaper and less potent than more expensive offerings. Trim run usually looks like a slightly browner slab of shatter or wax.

Wax/Dab

Most dabbers begin with wax and work their way up to shatter and more expensive forms of concentrate. It feels like earwax to the touch and will stick to almost any surface.

Tools of the Trade

Use the right tool for the right job. Also, don’t use tools without research or training first.

Banger

The removable cup that holds the concentrate in a rig, like a bowl, but designed for runny concentrates.

Dab Mat

Usually made out of silicone, these mats really come in hand given the ultra-sticky nature of almost every kind of concentrate.

Dab Rig

A dab rig or an oil rig is a bubbler designed specifically for concentrates instead of flower. You’ll also need a torch, nail and other accessories.

Dab Straw

Dab straws, honey straws or dab pens are designed to enable you to dab while you’re on-the-go.

Nails

Nails are nail-like tools used to apply sticky concentrates to dab rigs.

Torches

Torches heat glass or metal nails for dabs. Concentrates vaporize at very high temps—315°F-440°F to be exact, and glass or metal heated at these temps will melt your skin right off, so use with care.

Vape Pens

There are countless varieties of vape pens on the market, and for good reason. Vape pens can be used with a variety of concentrates, and they are one of the most discreet and mess-free ways to consume concentrates.

2018 Concentrate Trends

CBD Wax

One of the more recent trending topics is dabbing with CBD. Like THC, CBD can also be concentrated as tincture, crumble or shatter.

Isolate

An isolate is a stabilized pure crystalline that looks like a clear rock or an off-white powder. Other cannabinoids can be isolated using a complex process. Isolates are becoming more popular for cannabis purists as a preferred method of consumption.

Rosin

Rosin is a solventless concentrate that can easily be made at home using a hair straightener or a rosin press. There are no harmful chemicals used in the process.

Terpene Additives

Companies such as Drizzledab, FreshTerps and True Terpenes sell terpenes, which are organic compounds that add flavor and aroma, that can be adde