In Part 1 of our article, we covered many different concentrates and the extraction methods involved. In Part 2 we provide helpful information about additional concentrates.
Other Popular Concentrates
Cannabis Oil
Oil concentrates are much thinner and runnier than most other types of concentrate. They range in color from nearly clear to dark brown, with a consistency similar to honey. Another name for cannabis oil is “sap.”
The concentrates used in vapes or dab droppers are usually a THC or CBD oil. Another popular way to consume cannabis oil is by brushing a thin layer onto the outside of a joint or blunt. Some users then sprinkle kief on the oil, which acts as an adhesive.
Waxes
Wax extracts are whipped during production to incorporate air into the concentrate. This changes its consistency from thick and stiff to soft and malleable like icing, butter or melted candle wax. The color ranges from light yellow to dark brown. Wax is also known as “budder” or “frosting.” Like shatter, it’s typically produced using solvent-based extractions, with the major difference in consistency appearing during the final stages of the process.
Budders achieve a creamy, fluffy consistency because they are agitated during the cooldown stage. Whipping for several hours after extraction helps evaporate the final solvent molecules, removes additional moisture, and preserves more terpenes than the shatter process. Budder is often dabbed or added to infused joints or blunts.
Crumble
Crumble is a powdery or crumbly concentrate that falls apart easily. Its color ranges from light yellow to dark yellow, and its appearance is like under-mixed pie crust dough. Another name for crumble is “honeycomb.”
While crumble can be smoked on its own, users often add it on top of (or layered throughout) a packed bowl of flower. This requires high heat to get the bowl fully lit. However, once the bowl’s lit, be careful to not tamp down on the crumble with the butt of the lighter. You can also add crumble to a joint or blunt.
Shatter
Shatter, also known as “glass,” is a thin, brittle and often translucent cannabis concentrate. Shatter ranges in color from yellow to dark brown, depending on the cannabinoids and terpenes in the strain it was made from. It’s similar in appearance to caramelized sugar after it hardens. Shatter can be dabbed or vaped.
Shatters extractors typically rely on hydrocarbons like butane (and sometimes CO2) to pull the cannabinoids from the plant material. A secondary process, called vacuum oven purging, evaporates the final solvents and much of the remaining moisture to form a glass-like texture. Some producers may rely on a rosin extraction press to produce shatter, but this is less common.
The terpene profile in the original plant and what remains after extraction determines the final consistency and texture. Shatters contain lower moisture levels and terpene levels than other concentrates.
Whether you’re buying crumble, wax or shatter, you’ll want to pay attention to the strains they’re made from. As with most THC products, you can choose between a Sativa, Indica, or Hybrid strain. If the high is too intense, look for concentrates with lower THC percentages to get a gentler THC high. With a bit of experimentation, you’ll be able to choose the perfect strain and THC level to get the experience you want.
Additional Info
What is Delta-8 THC?
There are two main types of THC found in cannabis plants. The best known is Delta-9 THC, which is the cannabinoid that makes you high. Cannabis also contains small amounts of Delta-8 THC.
After being stored in the plant for a long time, Delta-9 THC eventually transforms into Delta-8 THC. It has fewer psychoactive properties than Delta 9 THC and its primary benefits include appetite stimulation and pain relief. Therefore, Delta-8 can be used in concentrates to produce customized medicinal therapies.
Prefilled Vape Cartridges
Vape cartridges can be filled with THC or CBD distillates, or a blend of both. If you live where THC is legal, try a vape cartridge with a blend to combine the different benefits of both cannabinoids.
Prefilled vape cartridges are usually sold alongside reusable vape pens and replacement batteries. The cartridge attaches to the pen and its internal battery ignites the concentrate in the cartridge. Simply replace the battery when necessary. You can also buy vape cartridges that come with disposable battery powered vape pens.
Safety Tips
If you have questions or concerns about the therapeutic and psychoactive effects of consuming marijuana extract, as well as their possible health risks, speak with a medical health professional.
Practice safe consumption by learning about different cannabis products before smoking them. And consider incorporating a filtration device into your cannabis regimen. A mouthpiece filter lets you experience the medical and recreational effects of marijuana, while reducing the risk of lung damage caused by smoke.
