The cannabis market has become a labyrinth comprising an expanding range of products coupled with ever-evolving technological advances. It can be overwhelming to understand the intricacies and science behind some of the newest products. You may have noticed that lately, people have been raving about cannabis concentrates, and you’re wondering if they’re worth the hype. Spoiler alert: they are. Cannabis concentrates are highly potent and versatile, appearing in a variety of forms: from sauce, to wax, to resin. There’s a lot to navigate when it comes to concentrates, but we’ve put together a quick guide to help you figure it out. Keep reading to learn more about what exactly a concentrate is, the different types of concentrates, and how you can shop the highest quality concentrates in Colorado.
The Basics of Cannabis Concentrates
What is a cannabis concentrate? A concentrate is a distilled substance that contains the cannabinoids and terpenes of the cannabis plant, or just the desirable parts. Concentrates are made through the process of extraction. This method is designed to strip the trichomes, or the small, sparkling structures containing the active agents of the plant from the plant material. Like the name suggests, these products are highly concentrated, boasting proportionally more cannabinoids and terpenes per ounce than the regular flower. Depending on the exact extraction method, the resulting concentrate can appear in a variety of forms and textures.
Shatter
Shatter is a concentrate with a brittle, crystalline appearance. As indicated by the name, this concentrate will break like glass. Like other concentrates, shatter is produced by using solvents to separate cannabinoids from the rest of the plant matter. Shatter boasts a long shelf life, and is most typically used on a dab rig.
Rosin
Rosin is one of the “cleanest” forms of cannabis extraction because it does not rely on solvents or additives. Through heat and pressure, the cannabinoids and terpenes are separated from the plant matter. This is a fairly laborious process and not well suited for mass production, making rosin more of a “cult classic” than a “blockbuster” hit.
Resin
Live resin is a form of concentrate produced by flash freezing a fresh flower, then running that through a low-grade temperature extraction process. This is extremely labor-intensive. The freshness of the flower allows the resulting resin to retain terpenes that are lost during the normal curing, plus it seals in the aromatic, full-bodied flavor. Live resin comes in a variety of colors and forms and can be consumed with the use of a dab rig or vape, and it can also be sprinkled in with flower.
Crumble
Crumble is relatively new to the concentrated family. It’s extracted using butane hash oil and is similar in potency to shatter. Crumble appears as the name suggests – crumbly. Some believe it resembles sugar clumps (you will also find it referred to as “sugar wax”). Crumble differs from shatter due to its dry consistency. This makes it relatively easy to handle and store. Some experienced crumblers sprinkle some on their joints for added potency, but most prefer the use of a dab rig or vape.
Wax
Cannabis wax is a hash oil concentrate with a nectar-like appearance and consistency. With a distinctive bright yellow color, this substance is ultra-rich in THC and therefore highly desirable among those who always want the best cannabis products. Wax is extremely versatile and can be dabbed, vaped, or sprinkled.
Sauce
Sauce takes its name from its runny appearance caused by the natural separation of the terpenes and cannabinoids. Sauce retains a more prominent crystal structure, with a color spectrum running from deep amber to bright mustard. Its interesting consistency leads to unique dabs.
Budder
Made from trim and cured nugs, Budder (or Badder or Batter) is a creamy, buttery substance. It’s known for its potency and smooth, strong flavor. The extracts are whipped on a hot plate, giving the substance its soft, rich texture, before being placed into a vacuum oven. Budder should be stored in an airtight container in a dark and cool environment. Most budder enthusiasts prefer to dab this extract with a handheld dab or vape pens.
Is There a Difference Between a Concentrate and an Extract?
A cannabis extract is known as the next level of concentrate. While all extracts are concentrates, not all concentrates are extracts. The primary distinction between the two is that the extraction process is facilitated by the use of a solvent and produces a slightly different result. Using a pressurized chemical process – requiring butane and propane – the essential oils are stripped from the plant matter. Though it sounds intense, this method is actually more delicate on the plant, preserving more of the precious plant matter. The cannabinoids and terpenes are left more intact during the solvent-aided extraction process than with the mechanical and physical manipulations. Because extracts are available in a variety of forms, extract and concentrates aren’t always visually distinguishable.
How to decode concentrate product descriptions
Concentrate labeling can be confusing. Here are some things to look for on a cannabis concentrate product description:
- The specific cannabis strain
- The input material: Nug Run, Trim Run, Whole Plant, Live Resin
- The extraction method: Solvent Free, Physical Separation, Liquid Solvent Extraction
- The resulting texture: Shatter, Budder, Wax, Rosin, Resin, Crumble, Sauce
The Next Level of Cannabis Concentrates at RiNo Supply Co in Denver, CO
Ready to experience the potency and purity of concentrates for yourself? Check out RiNo Supply Co.’s extensive selection of cannabis concentrates. Our staff has been serving medicinal and recreational customers in Colorado with top-of-the-line cannabis products, including cannabis wax, resin, extracts, and more. Check our online menu and visit RiNo Supply Co. today!
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