Everything You Need to Know about Cannabis Concentrates

The steady growth of the cannabis industry has allowed for more product innovation to be readily available by recreational consumers, and cannabis concentrates are some of them. Cannabis concentrates have been gaining popularity over the last years because of their potency and ability to usher in stronger effects for medical users. In 2019, it was revealed by an official government survey that cannabis concentrates and extracts make up 22% of the products consumed by Canadian adults. 

There are some who are intimidated by concentrates because of inaccurate stigmas or simply because they do offer a more powerful high. You may have also come across one or two types of cannabis concentrates at a dispensary and have been unsure if it was the right consumption method for you. 

However, fear only rises from miseducation and misinformation, and this blog aims to inform and guide you through the real deal when it comes to cannabis concentrates. 

What are Cannabis Concentrates and How are They Made? 

Cannabis concentrates are manufactured and processed using solvents, temperatures, and/or pressure. During the creation of cannabis concentrates, all impurities and excess plant materials are taken away from the plant, leaving highly potent compounds, such as cannabinoids and terpenes. 

The term “concentrates” is actually an umbrella term that hovers over a variety of products. Any product that has been turned or processed into a concentrated form can be labelled as “cannabis concentrates.” 

Solvent-Based Cannabis Concentrates

Cannabis concentrates are divided into two subsets; types that are extracted from the plant using a solvent (carbon dioxide, butane, or propane) and those that are made using heat. 

Examples of solvent-based cannabis concentrates are:

• Shatter
• Crumble
• Wax
• Budder
• Live resin
• BHO
• PHO
• C02 Oil
• Diamonds

Solventless Cannabis Concentrates

As the name suggests, there are no solvents used in these types of concentrates. Instead, these are made using pressure, heat, water, and filtration to take away the terpenes and cannabinoids which in turn take more time to extract. 

Examples are:

• Kief
• Charas
• Rosin Hash
• Hash

Once these processes are complete, the result is a more concentrated product compared to dried cannabis flower or edibles. To consume cannabis concentrates, a dab pen, wax vaporizer, vapes, or a dab rig can be used. 

How Potent Are Cannabis Concentrates Compared to Other Products?

Cannabis concentrates are definitely more potent than other types of cannabis products. 

The dried flower usually carries 10 to 25% THC on average. On the other hand, non-solvent cannabis concentrates range from 39 to 60% THC. Solvent concentrates dance between 54 to 80%, making them distinguishably more potent than any other cannabis product for sale in the market today.

Cannabis Concentrates: How to Consume Responsibly 

Now that you know how strong cannabis concentrates can be, it is wise to know how to consume them without “greening out.” Here are some tips on how to consume concentrates if you’re not too familiar with them. 

Start Low and Slow

It is always advisable that when trying anything for the first time, you should do so in the lowest amount possible so you can gauge yourself when the effects start to kick in. This goes the same with cannabis concentrates. 

Start With a Strain That You Are Already Familiar With

Even if cannabis concentrates are higher in potency, you can still familiarize yourself with its offered set of effects if you’ve tried the strain in flower form before. 

Aim For a Realistic Entry Point

If you haven’t smoked cannabis concentrates before, then it’s not advisable that you try it out with a dab rig which can be complicated to use. Instead, choose vapes as they are easier to use.  

As an added tip, take time to discuss with your dispensary’s budtenders to find out which cannabis concentrate is just right for you. Concentrates carry different levels of CBD and THC, and they can usher you on the right path if you’re seeking an out-of-this-world high or if you’re looking to experience its more relaxing benefits. 

Want to Explore Cannabis Concentrates? Let True North Cannabis Co. Guide You!

True North Cannabis Co. is Ontario’s largest retail cannabis shop, with 20 stores – and counting – all across the province. Our goal is to make quality cannabis products accessible and affordable to everyone, including those who wish to try the many types of cannabis concentrates! 

Visit any of our locations, or contact us to find out more about our offerings specific to each location. Talk to one of our experienced budtenders and ask them about cannabis concentrates, how to consume them, and which ones can work well for your desired effects.