An Introduction to Cannabis Extractions
With the expansion of the cannabis market, consumers are introduced to an ever-growing variety of products. One category gaining significant traction is cannabis concentrates – potent, versatile, and offering a unique experience; they stand as a testament to the incredible diversity of the cannabis plant. These products are derived through an extraction process that isolates the most beneficial compounds from the cannabis flower – the cannabinoids and terpenes that contribute to the plant’s effects and flavours.
Cannabis concentrates come in many forms, including shatter, wax, crumble, oil, and distillate. They can be consumed in various ways, from dabbing and vaping to being used in edibles Fast Vancouver Weed Delivery. This article is a beginner’s guide to understanding cannabis extractions and the journey from flower to concentrate.
The Basics of Cannabis Extraction
The objective of cannabis extraction is to separate the desirable compounds (like THC and CBD) from the plant matter. This process typically involves a solvent, a physical method (like heat and pressure) or a chemical one (like butane or CO2).
One standard method is Butane Hash Oil (BHO) extraction, which uses butane to pull out the cannabinoids and terpenes. Once the extraction is complete, the butane is purged to ensure no residual solvents remain. Depending on the purging process, BHO extraction can result in various concentrates like shatter, wax, and budder.
Another popular method is CO2 extraction, often used to create cannabis oils. This process uses carbon dioxide under high pressure and low temperatures, preserving and isolating the pure essential oils of the cannabis plant.
The Different Types of Concentrates
Once the extraction process is complete, the resulting product can take many forms, each with its unique characteristics:
Shatter: This concentrate has a glass-like consistency and is known for its transparency and potency. Shatter can be dabbed, vaporized, or added to a joint or bowl with a flower.
Wax: Wax has a consistency similar to candle wax. It is less transparent than shatter but just as potent. It can be consumed in the same ways as shatter.
Oil: Cannabis oil is a versatile concentrate that can be vaporized, consumed orally, or used as an edible ingredient. It is often sold in pre-filled vape cartridges or syringes.
Distillate: This is one of the purest forms of cannabis concentrate. Distillates undergo an additional refining process, removing impurities and unwanted compounds. The product is potent and flavourless, perfect for edibles or THC vape juice.
How to Consume Cannabis Concentrates
Once you’ve chosen a concentrate, the next step is consumption. The method you choose will depend on the type of concentrate and personal preference:
Dabbing involves heating a small amount of concentrate on a hot surface (usually a nail or banger) and inhaling the vapour. Dabbing provides an intense, immediate effect and best suits more experienced users.
Vaping: Vaporizers and vape pens are famous for consuming concentrates, mainly oils and distillates. They heat the focus to a point where it turns into vapour but doesn’t combust, providing a cleaner, smoother experience.
Edibles: Concentrates like oil and distillate are often used in edibles. This is a discreet and long-lasting way to consume cannabis, but it can take longer to feel the effects.
Cannabis concentrates offer a unique and potent experience, providing many consumers with an alternative to traditional flowers. As always, when trying a new cannabis product, start low and go slow to gauge your tolerance level. Enjoy the journey from flower to concentrate and the myriad experiences that cannabis offers.
