Cannabis concentrates are growing in popularity and now make up a significant share of total cannabis sales in legal states.

For instance, in Oregon cannabis concentrates are now responsible for nearly 1 out of every 5 adult use sales.

In the first quarter of 2016, Colorado saw a surge in cannabis concentrates sales with a 125% increase compared to the same time from the prior year.

For those who are unaware, cannabis concentrates are exactly what they sound like - concentrated forms of cannabis.

Concentrates have numerous slang names such as dabs, wax, shatter, oil, crumble, etc. Many concentrates are made via a process that involves a solvent, but there are solvent-less concentrates too, such as rosin, which is made by applying heat and pressure to raw cannabis.

While many people are enjoying cannabis concentrates, a lot of other people are hesitant to give them a chance.

This reluctance can be for various reasons including a scary story they heard from a friend who had a bad experience, or fears that concentrates are less healthy compared to flower.

Concentrates provide a lot of benefits, and consumers should give a serious thought to trying them out. Below are 7 reasons to take the leap and give concentrates a try.

#1) Much more potent

Consume very small amounts for lighter effects.

Arguably the biggest advantage to cannabis concentrates is that they can be so much more potent than regular flower.

This is very important for patients who need the extra potency to help treat their condition, or for adult-use consumers who desire the added potency.

Whereas cannabis flower cannabinoid levels usually range between 10-30%, cannabis concentrate levels can often range from 70-90%+.

#2) Quicker logistics

Consuming concentrates can be very practical if you have the right device.

One of the reasons that I always offer up to people as to why I consume cannabis concentrates regularly is how quick the consumption process is.

I am a very, very busy person. If you are like me, you don't have time to sit around and consume dose after dose of cannabis flower, or to wait for an edible to kick in.

Taking a quick 'dab' (slang term for concentrates for those that don't know) gives me an almost instant desired effect, and the entire process from start to finish takes seconds.

#3) In many instances, it's more cost effective

If you are consuming very small amounts, a gram of concentrates could you last you much longer than a gram of flower.

When someone goes into a store and sees the price per gram for cannabis concentrates, they tend to get sticker shock.

A gram of cannabis flower generally ranges from between $5 per gram to $20 per gram depending on the store, the state, and the quality.

Cannabis concentrates can cost significantly more than that per gram. However, the gram of concentrate will last much longer than the gram of flower since it is so much more potent.

It has been my experience, and the experience of other people that I know, that dollar for dollar, cannabis concentrates go farther than flower – but it is largely dependent on what consumption method the consumer is using.

#4) Smells less than smoking flower

Not smelling like cannabis is a great bonus for many people.

If you are a veteran consumer, chances are you have been in a situation in which you have consumed cannabis, usually a joint, and you wreak like cannabis afterwards.

Sometimes that is not a problem, but sometimes is is definitely a problem. That's another benefit to cannabis concentrates - they smell less when consumed compared to flower.

This is especially true when consuming cannabis concentrates via a vape pen.

#5) Not your dad's hash

The number of concentrates on the market has skyrocketed!

Cannabis concentrates have existed for decades, but not quite the same as they do today. The purity and available variety of concentrates is much better than it used to be.

In decades past, what people were usually consuming was a type of tar hash or bubble hash, often made in someone's garage.

Concentrates made today are done so via very elaborate scientific processes, and using equipment that looks like something out of a science fiction film.

THC-A Crystalline is a prime example of how far cannabis concentrates have come, testing at once unheard of 99.9% cannabinoid level.

#6) Cheaper and easier to do now than ever before

I have consumed concentrates for a while now, but I was turned off for quite some time because of how expensive all of the 'gear' cost.

Concentrates require some type of device in order to properly combust the material. Those devices were very expensive for many years.

In recent years prices have come down dramatically, and a lot of innovations have occurred, such as with electronic heating elements, which have made consuming concentrates much easier.

#7) A whole new world of smells and flavors

Even for long-time cannabis consumers, concentrates provide a whole new world of discovery and experimentation to get the absolute most out of cannabis.

If you have only consumed cannabis flower, then you are truly missing out on a whole new world of cannabis consumption.

Concentrates have their own flavors and smells. If you have consumed a particular strain, but only in flower form, try consuming the concentrate version. You will be glad you did.