What are Cannabis Concentrates?

Cannabis concentrates are highly potent extracts derived from the cannabis plant. They are produced by isolating the desirable compounds, such as cannabinoids and terpenes, from the plant material, resulting in a concentrated form of the desired constituents. These concentrates are known for their high levels of cannabinoids and often provide more potent effects compared to traditional cannabis flower.

Cannabis concentrates are typically consumed by vaporization, dabbing, or incorporating them into various products such as edibles, topicals, and tinctures.

There are various types of cannabis concentrates, each with its own unique production methods and characteristics. Some common types of cannabis concentrates include:

1. Hash: Hash is one of the oldest and most traditional forms of cannabis concentrate. It is made by separating the resinous trichomes from the plant material, resulting in a compressed or powdered form of concentrated cannabinoids.
2. Kief: Kief consists of the resinous trichomes that accumulate on the surface of the cannabis flower. It is typically collected by sifting or shaking the plant material. Kief is often used to sprinkle on top of cannabis flower or to create other concentrates.
3. BHO (Butane Hash Oil): BHO is a popular type of concentrate made by using butane as a solvent to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material. The resulting concentrate can have various consistencies, such as shatter, wax, or oil, depending on the extraction process and post-processing techniques.
4. CO2 Oil: CO2 oil is created by using carbon dioxide as a solvent to extract cannabinoids and other compounds from the cannabis plant. It is considered a cleaner and safer extraction method compared to BHO, as it does not involve the use of potentially harmful solvents.
5. Distillate: Cannabis distillate is a highly refined concentrate that goes through a purification process to remove impurities and isolate specific cannabinoids, such as THC or CBD. It often comes in a liquid or oil form and can be used in various applications, including vape cartridges, edibles, and topicals.
6. Live Resin: Live resin is a type of concentrate that is made from freshly harvested, flash-frozen cannabis plants. This process helps preserve the terpenes and other volatile compounds, resulting in a concentrate with a robust flavor profile and aromatic qualities.