If you’re relatively new to cannabis, chances are you’ve heard people talk about concentrates or spotted them on the shelf without fully knowing what they are.
Concentrates deliver a more intense experience than flower, useful for both recreational and medical customers looking for stronger effects in a smaller amount of product.
We’ll break down what concentrates actually are, the different types you’ll find on our shelves, and a few solid picks for beginners just starting to explore this side of cannabis.
Cannabis Concentrates Explained
Concentrates are produced by extracting the desired cannabinoids and terpenes through a solvent-based or a solvent-free process.
Most concentrates have a THC level of between 40 and 80 percent. Other cannabinoids added to create certain effects or balance the effects of the THC include CBD, CBN, THCA, and others. Terpene profiles add flavor and aroma to the experience while also supporting the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The process of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other properties all working together is known as the entourage effect.
How Concentrates Are Made
To produce a concentrate, the plant’s resin glands or trichomes need to be isolated. These trichomes contain the highest concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes. To extract the desired plant material, either a solvent-based or solventless method is used.
The solvent-based method of extraction is typically CO₂ extraction, in which pressurized carbon dioxide strips the plant material. Products such as vape pens and cartridges often rely on this method.
Solventless methods use heat, pressure, and sometimes ice water to extract the wanted materials.
Distillates are made to extract only one cannabinoid, such as THC or CBD. This is done through repeated rounds of heating and condensation.
Types of Concentrates
Cannabis concentrates can take many forms. Some of the types that may work for beginners are listed below:
- Badder has the consistency of wax. This potent form of concentrate is sometimes used with a dabbing ring.
- Live resin is a full-spectrum product that uses fresh-frozen cannabis. Most of these products have an intense terpene profile, which improves the experience through flavor and aroma.
- Vape concentrates provide a convenient way for newcomers to enjoy a concentrate. The vape oil is created through pressurizing the cannabis to remove the unwanted parts and extract the desired cannabinoids and terpenes.
- Live rosin uses heat and pressure as its extraction method. This full-spectrum product is a good example of employing the entourage effect and usually features an impressive terpene profile.
How To Use Cannabis Concentrates
The most popular ways to consume concentrate products include these methods:
Vaping is discreet, easy to dose accurately, and a great entry point for beginners exploring concentrates for the first time. Vape pens and disposables in particular are convenient, portable, and simple to use straight out of the box, with no extra equipment required.
Infusing a joint with kief or wax is another popular method, adding extra potency and a richer flavor profile to a familiar smoking experience.
Ingesting a tincture or distillate by placing the desired amount under your tongue is both discreet and effective, delivering consistent effects without any smoke or vapor involved. Concentrate products can also be added to homemade edibles, giving you full control over dosing and flavor in your own kitchen.
Dabbing uses specialized equipment, like a dab rig or a titanium nail set on a heated quartz base, to vaporize concentrate almost instantly. The result is an intense, fast-acting experience that hits harder and faster than most other methods. Because of that intensity, it’s usually smarter to get comfortable with other methods first before working your way up to dabbing.
As you get familiar with concentrates, always start with a very low dose. Even experienced enthusiasts typically need only a small amount of concentrate to achieve the effects they’re after, since these products are significantly more potent than flower.
Have an honest, judgment-free conversation with a qualified budtender about your experience level, and ask for their advice and suggestions. A good budtender can help you find the right product, method, and dose for exactly where you are in your cannabis journey.
Beginner-Friendly Concentrate Picks
When selecting a concentrate product as a novice, you should pay attention to the THC level. Some products have THC levels of over 90%. Consider products with a slightly lower THC level and perhaps a higher terpene profile. Here are some popular picks we think you’ll enjoy:
- Original Massachusetts Growers Black Maple Live Rosin is an indica-hybrid with a THC level of nearly 78% and a very impressive terpene profile of 7.31%. You’ll love the citrus and pine flavors and aromas, followed by a very euphoric and relaxed feeling.
- Brown Bag Weed Pour Decisions Live Hash Rosin has a slightly higher THC level of 83.8% and terpenes of almost 8%. You’ll think you’re on a tropical beach feasting on papayas and other tropical fruits.
- Belushi’s Farm Pura Vida Brick Hash is a sativa-hybrid with a THC level of 62.1%. This is still enough to deliver a reliable, energetic high with creative, inspired effects.
- Crispy Commission Super Boof Live Resin Disposable Vape is a sativa-hybrid strain boasting 81.48% THC. This live resin vape treats you to a delicious black cherry flavor and then a very relaxing and euphoric experience.
- Good Chemistry Nurseries Gush Mints live Rosin Vape Cart is an indica hybrid that balances feelings of energy and relaxation. At 77.26% THC, it’s considered a heavy hitter, but you’ll also enjoy the earthy taste and aroma.
- Good Vibes Bliss Fast-Acting Tincture is easy to use and dose. CBG helps balance the THC, and you can microdose to energize your day, or use more to create a Zen experience.
- Brown Bag Weed Molten Jam Live Hash Rosin is pressed with cherry-forward strains with high terpene profiles and nearly 80% THC.
Get Guidance at The Vault
At The Vault, we’re proud of our tested product lineup covering every corner of cannabis. What we’re even prouder of, though, is our knowledgeable and passionate staff, the people who make the real difference in your experience. Have questions about trying concentrates or exploring a new cannabis form? We’d love to talk it through with you.
