The word ‘chemical’ is an umbrella term for cannabis concentrates. A cannabis concentrate is a highly potent mass of THC that takes on many different forms. Similar to your favorite fruit juice, cannabis concentrates are the product of distilling down the most desirable parts of the pant. In this case, the trichomes are the most desirable part of a cannabis plant due to their extremely high concentration of THC (and CBD). Trichomes are basically glandular hair-like appendages that contain a a multitude of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids that make each strain of cannabis unique and effective.
Breaking concentrates down based on how they are prepared and extracted, there are two different kinds: non-solvent and solvent-based. Non-solvent concentrates are extracted without the use of a solvent, such as butane or propane. Rather, they are derived using mechanical forces. Some individuals prefer non-solvent concentrates because they are deemed more pure. As for solvent-based concentrates, this process incorporates the use of a solvent for the extraction process. Solvent-based concentrates are the most common type of concentrate on the market. They typically involve butane, propane, CO2, or ethanol to withdraw cannabinoids and terpenes from the flower.
Non-solvent Concentrates:
Non-solvent based concentrates are extracted without the use of a solvent, such as butane or propane. Rather, they are derived using mechanical forces. Some individuals prefer non-solvent concentrates because they are deemed more pure.
Hash
Hash, or hashish, relies on manual extraction via rubbing the plant together. The combination of heat and friction causes an accumulation of resin to form. The resin is made up of trichome heads. The resinous trichome heads are pressed together to form one dense, solid chunk.
Hash (Image Credit: High Times)
Bubble Hash
Bubble hash is a form of hash, except the process involves using ice water. Cannabis is placed into bags of ice water and agitated. This causes the cannabis to become brittle and forces the resin glands, or trichomes, to break off the flower. Bubble hash gets its name from the way it bubbles when brought under a flame.
Rosin
Rosin, commonly referred to as ‘dabs’, is extracted using a combination of heat and pressure. Rosin can be made from flower, kief, or hash. The result is a translucent, sap-like product.
Solvent-based Concentrates:
Solvent-based concentrates incorporate the use of a solvent during the extraction process. Solvent-based concentrates are the most common type of concentrate on the market. They typically involve butane, propane, CO2, or ethanol to withdraw cannabinoids and terpenes from the flower.
Shatter
Shatter is solid and translucent in appearance, with a brittle consistency that’s similar to glass. These characteristics are achieved through the use of solvents, such as butane or other hydrocarbons. Cannabis is usually mixed with a solvent in a tube, causing the solvent to penetrate the plant material and strip away the THC and CBD.
Wax
Wax is extremely similar to shatter on the chemical level, however, they differ in the sense in how their molecules settle down after the extraction process. Wax is much softer and more malleable.
Crumble
Crumble is one of the driest concentrates. It has a dusty consistency and is extracted in ways similar to shatter. It is made in a similar fashion to shatter, except it needs a lower temperature for a longer period of time in a vacuum oven.
Budder
Budder has a smooth texture, similar to butter or frosting. This consistency is achieved through whipping the concentrate on a hot plate before placing it into a vacuum oven.
Live Resin
Live resin is a full-spectrum concentrate that is made from freshly harvested cannabis and immediately flash frozen. Live resin omits the drying and curing process, which in turn, preserves many terpenes and flavonoids. This creates a more flavorful and psychoactive experience.
Rick Simpson Oil (RSO)
RSO is a sicky, black oil that is very viscous. It is full-spectrum and has a high THC content. It was founded by a man name Rick Simpson shortly after he discovered he had cancer. Since then, RSO has been used to help treat and alleviate cancer.
