Cannabis concentrates offer a range of options, from vape oils to ingredients in edibles and balms. If you're new to concentrates or want to learn more, this guide will help you explore the types available and how to use them. Whether you're into vaping, dabbing, or mixing them into your favourite recipes, there's a concentration to match your preferences and experience level.
Cannabis concentrates are highly potent products created by extracting the most desirable compounds from the cannabis plant, including cannabinoids and terpenes. These compounds are responsible for the effects, flavours, and aromas associated with cannabis. Concentrates deliver a more robust experience because of their high levels of cannabinoids and terpenes compared to raw cannabis flowers.
Cannabinoids and terpenes are housed in trichomes—tiny, sparkling structures that cover the cannabis plant, especially the flower buds. Concentrates are essentially a concentrated collection of these trichomes. By removing excess plant material, concentrates offer a purer, more potent form of cannabis.
The terms "concentrate" and "extract" are often used interchangeably, but there's a critical difference between them. While all extracts are concentrates, not all concentrates are extracts. Extracts are made using a solvent, such as butane or alcohol, to pull out cannabinoids and terpenes. Products like Butane Hash Oil (BHO) and Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) are typical examples of extracts.
Concentrates that don't involve solvents are created using mechanical methods, like heat or pressure. Examples include rosin, kief, and dry sift. Solventless concentrates offer a cleaner option for those seeking a pure product. Regardless of whether a product is a concentrate or extract, it can take on a variety of textures and appearances, making it difficult to distinguish it by sight alone.
Cannabis concentrates can be consumed in several ways, each offering a different experience. It is up to you to decide which method will work best for your preferences and what you want to achieve. Here are the most popular ways to use concentrates:
One of the simplest ways to enjoy concentrates is by adding them to your cannabis flower. Sprinkling kief onto a bowl or wrapping wax around a joint can increase the potency of your smoke with minimal effort. This method doesn't require expensive tools and can also enhance the flavour of your smoke. This is an easy and affordable option for those who want a more potent high without the hassle of dabbing.
Dabbing is the most common method associated with cannabis concentrates. It involves heating a small amount of focus on a dab rig—similar to a bong but designed for vaporizing concentrates—until it produces a potent vapour. Dab rigs can be made of glass, ceramic, or titanium, and the nail (the part that's heated) is typically heated with a torch, though electric nails (e-nails) are becoming popular.
Dabbing is ideal for those seeking an intense, fast-acting high. While high-THC concentrates dominate the market, dabbable CBD products are also available for those who prefer a more balanced or non-intoxicating experience. Dabbing might be your go-to method if you're looking for potent relief in seconds.
Vape pens offer a convenient and discrete way of consuming cannabis concentrates. Pre-filled cartridges make vaping simple—attach a cartridge to a battery, press a button, and inhale. The vapour is milder than smoke, and the effects kick in almost immediately. Although vape pens won't get you as high as dabbing, they offer a more portable and less intense experience.
For those looking for more control, dab pens allow you to manually load concentrates into the chamber, offering the flexibility of a dab rig in a portable form.
While dabbing and vaping are the most well-known methods of consuming concentrates, they're not the only options. If you're looking for something smoke-free, edibles and topicals might be the answer.
Edibles, whether store-bought or homemade, are made using cannabis extracts. Unlike inhaled cannabis, which takes effect almost immediately, edibles take longer to kick in (up to two hours) but deliver a more sustained high. They are easy for new consumers to try and don't require any special equipment.
When you consume an edible, the cannabis is metabolized by your liver, resulting in a more intense and long-lasting experience. If you want potent effects without smoking, edibles are a great choice.
Topicals are another often-overlooked way to benefit from cannabis concentrates. When applied directly to the skin, cannabis-infused lotions, balms, and oils can provide targeted relief for sore muscles, inflammation, and other localized issues—without the psychoactive effects of THC. This makes topicals an excellent option for those who want the therapeutic benefits of cannabis without getting high.
When shopping for cannabis concentrates, you'll encounter a variety of product descriptions that can be confusing. Here's a quick breakdown to help you decode the most common terms:
Shatter: A brittle, glass-like concentrate that breaks easily into pieces.
Wax: A softer, opaque concentrate with a consistency similar to earwax.
Live Resin: It is made from fresh, flash-frozen cannabis to preserve more terpenes, offering a flavorful and aromatic experience.
Rosin: A solventless concentrate made by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flower or kief.
Understanding these terms will allow you to make wise choices when purchasing your concentrates.
Cannabis concentrates offer various options, each delivering unique experiences in potency, flavour, and consumption method. Knowing the different types of concentrates and how they're made will help you find the right product, whether after an intense dab, a discreet vape, or a long-lasting edible. By understanding terms like shatter, wax, live resin, and rosin, you can make informed choices when shopping for your concentrates.
For top-quality products, including the option to order hash online, trust Cheeba's to provide everything you need to enhance your cannabis experience.