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A Concentrated Approach To Cannabis
Cannabis concentrates are the cannabinoids and terpenes left over after all the excess plant matter is processed and removed. Through different extraction methods, the concentrate produced is usually a thick and gooey substance that is denser in THC than flower alone. In a recent report, concentrated forms of cannabis were found to possess on average 62.1% THC while flower sold in dispensaries were on average found to be at 17.1% THC.[1] Depending on the method of extraction and the type of flower used, a concentrate can yield a more euphoric high when compared to just flower alone
Benefits of Concentrates
Concentrates offer new ways of experiencing the wonderful properties of cannabis. Concentrates offer the consumer a plethora of avenues to ingest, smoke, and apply cannabis products. Here at Medallion Wellness, we are keen on bringing you only the best quality products. At one of our 6 California dispensaries, you are sure to find just the right concentrate for you!
A Higher High
Due to the higher potency of THC found in concentrates, a consumer can expect more euphoria as opposed to smoking flower. But this might be a deterrent for some who feel that this may impair them in ways flower does not. But that is not the case. While they are known to be higher in THC, a study done at The University of Colorado Boulder found that although the concentrates delivered more THC into the subjects’ bloodstreams, they did not enhance their level of impairment. The only thing that was noted was memory loss that was eventually regained an hour after concentrate use.[2]
A More Natural Product
Through solventless extraction methods, the consumer can be granted the purest form of cannabis, void of additives. This can promote a more natural experience with the concentrate and allow the consumer to feel safe knowing exactly what is inside the products they are using.
Cannabinoids
After all the excess plant matter is excavated from a cannabis plant, there are three elements of the plant still left intact: Cannabidiol, Tetrahydrocannabinol, and a various assortment of terpenes. These three elements are vital in the structure and function of the plant to achieve the desired medical results.
Cannabidiol
Known commonly as CBD, this chemical makes up around 10-20% of an untreated, naturally occurring cannabis plant. Cannabidiol is key in providing different responses in the human body. These responses can promote a calming effect, relieving pain and tension in the body, and serve as an anti-inflammatory. It is also understood be the non-psychoactive part of the plant.
Tetrahydrocannabinol
Otherwise known as THC, tetrahydrocannabinol is the element compound that promotes the “high” advertised when consuming cannabis products. This chemical makes up the majority of the unadulterated flower and is known to provide feelings of euphoria, calming states of mind, and differing levels of creativity and relaxation. Based on the strain of flower utilized, a person can experience degrees of “high” predicated on the potency of tetrahydrocannabinol found in that particular strain of flower. To learn more about different factors that go into strains and how they affect our endocannabinoid system check out our blog where we discuss the difference between sativa and indica strains of cannabis.
Terpenes
We encounter terpenes in our everyday lives. There are over 200 types of terpenes. Terpenes are what give different flowers, fruits, and vegetables their trademark aroma. The cannabis plant is no different. Terpenes in cannabis are the elements that produce the smell of the plant when smoked or concentrated. Whether it be a sweet, sugary scent, a tangy, zesty fragrance, or an oaky, earthy spice, terpenes serve as the perfume producing element for all cannabis products. If concentrated properly, these terpenes can be preserved and even enhanced to bring that smell right to the forefront of any cannabis users’ smoke sesh.
Extractions Methods
After harvesting and processing cannabis plants, the goal in distilling cannabis plants into concentrates is to cultivate a product that is rich in the plant’s innate, nature-borne elements and perfect for any enjoyer’s needs. Cannabis concentrate is forged through two techniques that garner a myriad of different cannabis-rich products. Those two processes are solvent-based and solventless
Solvent-Based
Solvent-based extraction is done by using chemical compounds such as butane, carbon dioxide, ethanol or propane to remove the cannabinoids and terpenes from the rest of the plant matter, thus preserving the two parts of the plant while the excess is discarded. After the cannabinoids and terpenes are carefully extracted, another chemical reaction is performed to dissipate the remaining solvent solutions. Solvent-based concentrates include:
- Oil concentrates: These are found commonly in vape cartridges, wax, and other concentrates are produced through a CO2 extraction method which ensures the retention of the concentrate’s aroma and flavor.
- Live resin: A shiny and glossy concentrate that varies between hues of golden and amber, live resin is extracted from frozen plant matter in an effort to protect its cannabinoid profile. This helps secure the terpenes as if they were still in a live plant. Live resin is known for its powerful essence and fragrance.
- Butane hash oil: Known as hydrocarbon extracts, this concentrate is created by using butane and propane to strip the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant. This method is seen as a way of accumulating a pure concentrate from the plant’s original cannabinoid profile. Butane hash oil is popular for dabbing as this mode of use vaporizes the concentration, releasing a pure, direct cannabis experience.
- Distillate oil: Known in the industry as crude extract, this process allows for the concentrate to be divided into exclusively CBD or THC. It is found in vape pens, edibles, and many topical products. As the cannabinoid profile can be divided away, distillate oil is popular in many cannabis-infused cooking ingredients as terpenes can be removed to leave a flavor-less, strictly cannabinoid product.
- Shatter: A cannabis product that is high in potency, shatter is thought of by experts as the purest form of cannabis concentrates. It’s sticky, candy-like appearance earned its name by mimicking the properties of glass and when dropped it – you guessed it – will shatter.
- Crumble: Made from either dried or freshly frozen cannabis, crumble is concentrate made similarly to shatter through butane, propane, or CO2. This dry, powdery concentrate is highly potent in THC. It is popular for its dry properties as those give it a lower risk for mold and contamination.
Solventless
Made through various methods such as changing levels of heat, pressure, and filtration, solventless concentrates have exploded onto the cannabis scene in just the past few years. With the change in legal status in most states to recreational cannabis use, the technology and innovation to provide consumers with novel products have led to the cultivation of many solventless concentrates.
- Budder: This solventless hash oil has the creamy consistency of butter and is extracted through varying levels of heat. It is then whipped into a vacuum sealed oven until it reaches the perfect texture. This can be made using cured nugs, trims, or live resin. Budder is ideal for dabbing, smoking from a bong, or adding to a joint or blunt.
- Rosin: Rosin is made by placing cannabis plant matter in a nylon mesh bag between two hot plates that hold the bag in place. Then, the two heated plates press against each other with enough force to seep oil from the plant material. In that oil is the plant’s cannabinoids and terpenes. And that oil is rosin. Rosin is known to be great for dabbing, adding to joints, bongs, or blunts. Rosin is so natural that it can even be made at home.
Concentrate Products
With the methods of distilling cannabis concentrates developing to keep up with consumer wants, the products on the market are pretty vast and continue to grow rapidly. Concentrate products include:
- Vapes
- Edibles
- Tinctures
- Budder
- Badder
- Shatter
- Hash
- Live resin
- Rosin
- And many more!
Concentrates at Medallion
Here at Medallion, we know how exciting and enticing the new concentrates can be to both experienced and new cannabis consumers. That’s why our expert budtenders are trained to precisely answer any and all your questions you may have regarding concentrates and other forms of cannabis. At any of our 6 dispensaries in Central California, we are here to bring you the best products and the best knowledge about our inventory. If you want to stay up to date on our dispensaries’ selections, you can find a menu for each of our locations on our website. If you need to contact us or wish to call us our number is (888) 354-0139.
References
- Cinnamon Bidwell, L., YorkWilliams, S. L., Mueller, R. L., Bryan, A. D., & Hutchison, K. E. (2018). Exploring cannabis concentrates on the legal market: User profiles, product strength, and health-related outcomes. Addictive Behaviors Reports, 8, 102–106. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.abrep.2018.08.004
- Marijuana concentrates spike THC levels but don’t boost impairment. (2020). ScienceDaily. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/06/200610135016.htm
