Flower normally has a THC content that ranges from 10 per cent to 25 percent, but concentrated products in the U.S. can exceed 80 per cent.

As the marijuana business continues to grow, the methods of weed consumption seem to evolve just as quickly. Flower cannabis represents only a small portion of most dispensary retail operations in the U.S. And as time goes on, concentrates are becoming more popular and diverse.

What are cannabis concentrates?

Concentrates are just that, concentrated forms. There are several methods, but every form of concentrate represents much more potent THC or CBD content than its flower counterpart. Flower normally has a THC content that ranges from 10 per cent to 25 per cent, but concentrated products in the U.S. can exceed 80 per cent.

Common forms of concentrates

There is a long list of concentrates on the market currently, and the list will likely continue to grow as other niche markets continue to form. There are several concentrate varieties that are popular and worth noting as a starting point of knowledge for those wanting to learn more.

Hash 

Hash is the “OG” concentrate. It has been enjoyed for centuries and has made quite a comeback with the boom of concentrates. Hash is typically fragrant and is often pressed into a dense ball before consumption.

Live resin  

Live resin is extracted directly from a fresh flower after it is flash-frozen. This method preserves a lot of the cannabis aroma and terpenes so it is a great choice for those who love that rich marijuana flavour.

Rosin 

Rosin is a common concentrate that many people create themselves using fresh flower, a hair straightener and parchment paper. It has become wildly common recently as it is accessible and easy to create.

Wax

Wax, or dab wax, is possibly the stickiest form of concentrate. Dabs are concentrated doses — typically about the size of a Tic-Tac breath mint — of cannabis. Dabs are manufactured by extracting THC, most commonly by using a solvent such as butane. The end product is a potent oil often referred to as wax, honey, shatter, budder, crumble or butane hash oil (BHO).

Crumble is formed from wax. Once in wax form, if it goes into a vacuum or drying process, it turns into crumble. Crumble can be formed or broken into pieces for dabbing.

Oils 

Cannabis concentrates also come in oil form. The most common packaging is in a syringe (for topical use or ingestion) or in cartridge form. Oil is commonly used in e-cigarette-style vape devices, producing a similar vapour to that of an e-cigarette, only infused with concentrated THC.

Tinctures  

Tinctures are alcohol-based marijuana concentrates. Tinctures are growing in popularity as THC cocktails gain popularity. Tinctures are commonly ingested orally using a dropper, and can be added to food or beverage as well.

Are concentrates safe?

Concentrates should certainly be handled carefully. Just like with any form of THC, one should carefully research and monitor their consumption.

Instead of “guessing” the effect of smoking one joint, a user can have a strong understanding of the effect of one drop of tinctures or oil. As always, be sure to err on the side of caution when trying highly concentrated marijuana.

A 2020 study, conducted by researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder, suggested that although THC levels increase significantly in those who consume concentrates, boosting blood levels of THC more than twice as much as smoking conventional weed, the effects of the drug itself were not necessarily significantly greater.

According to co-author Kent Hutchison, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at the university who also studies alcohol addiction, the study does not apply to inexperienced users, who should still be extremely cautious with concentrates.

“Does long-term, concentrated exposure mess with your cannabinoid receptors in a way that could have long-term repercussions? Does it make it harder to quit when you want to?” asked Hutchison. “We just don’t know yet.”