Cannabis concentrates have come a long way from the days of simple hash and kief. As the cannabis industry continues to innovate, a variety of new concentrate types have emerged, each offering distinct benefits and unique experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a curious newcomer, understanding the different types of concentrates can help you make more informed choices when it comes to your cannabis consumption.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the newer cannabis concentrates that have been making waves, highlighting their characteristics, methods of extraction, and why they’re gaining popularity.
1. Live Resin: Fresh and Flavorful
What is it?
Live resin is a cannabis concentrate made from freshly frozen cannabis flowers, as opposed to dried and cured buds. The plant material is frozen immediately after harvest, preserving the full spectrum of terpenes and cannabinoids that can degrade during the drying process.
Extraction Method:
Live resin is typically extracted using butane hash oil (BHO) extraction methods. The result is a potent concentrate that retains much of the plant’s original flavor and aroma, thanks to its high terpene content.
Why it’s Popular:
- Flavor Profile: Live resin is known for its exceptional flavor and aroma, which makes it a favorite among connoisseurs.
- Potency: It is highly potent, often containing THC levels upwards of 70-80%.
- Terpene Preservation: Live resin is prized for its preservation of terpenes, offering a more flavorful and aromatic experience compared to other concentrates.
Best For:
- Those seeking a flavorful experience and high potency.
- Connoisseurs who appreciate the full spectrum of cannabis terpenes.
2. Rosin: Solvent-Free Simplicity
What is it?
Rosin is a cannabis concentrate made through a solventless extraction process, using only heat and pressure to extract oils from the plant material. It’s often considered one of the cleanest forms of concentrate since it doesn’t require any chemical solvents.
Extraction Method:
The process involves applying heat and pressure to cannabis flowers, hash, or kief to extract the oils, which are then collected as rosin. This method can be done using a rosin press.
Why it’s Popular:
- Solvent-Free: Rosin is a solventless concentrate, making it appealing to those who prefer a natural and cleaner product.
- Easy to Produce: Unlike other concentrates, rosin can be made at home with the right equipment.
- Quality: Despite being solvent-free, rosin often retains a high potency and flavor profile.
Best For:
- Users who want a pure, solvent-free concentrate.
- DIY enthusiasts looking to create their own concentrates.
3. THCA Crystalline: Pure Cannabinoid Perfection
What is it?
THCA crystalline is one of the purest cannabis concentrates available, consisting almost entirely of THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), the non-psychoactive precursor to THC. When decarboxylated (heated), THCA converts into active THC, providing a potent high.
Extraction Method:
THCA crystalline is extracted through a specialized process called “dewaxing,” followed by crystallization. This method isolates the THCA from other cannabinoids and terpenes, creating a nearly pure, crystalline form of the compound.
Why it’s Popular:
- Purity: THCA crystals are extremely pure, often exceeding 99% THCA content.
- Potency: Due to the high concentration of THCA, it can provide a very intense effect when activated.
- Versatility: THCA crystals can be dabbed or added to other concentrates, allowing for a customizable experience.
Best For:
- Those seeking a highly potent and pure form of THC.
- Users looking for a precise, controlled cannabis experience.
4. Sauce: The Potent, Sticky Gold
What is it?
Sauce is a cannabis concentrate that combines both THCA crystals and high terpene extract (HTE). It’s known for its sticky, runny consistency and potent effects, offering the best of both worlds in terms of flavor and potency.
Extraction Method:
Sauce is created by separating the THCA crystals from the terpenes during the extraction process, typically using BHO methods. The terpenes are then reintroduced into the concentrate, creating a sauce-like consistency.
Why it’s Popular:
- Flavorful and Potent: Sauce is prized for its full-spectrum cannabinoid and terpene profile, delivering both flavor and potency in one product.
- Versatile: Can be consumed as-is or combined with other concentrates to enhance the effects and flavor.
Best For:
- Those who want the power of THCA crystals with the rich flavor of terpenes.
- Enthusiasts who want a flavorful, potent experience with versatile consumption methods.
5. Diamonds: The Purest Form of THC
What is it?
Diamonds, often referred to as THC-A diamonds, are another ultra-pure cannabis concentrate. These crystalline formations of THCA are extremely potent and highly sought after for their intensity.
Extraction Method:
Diamonds are created using a method called “separation by crystallization,” where high-quality cannabis extract is refined into separate THCA crystals and terpene-rich sauce. These diamonds are then combined with the terpenes to create a potent, flavorful concentrate.
Why it’s Popular:
- Exceptional Purity: THC-A diamonds are incredibly pure, with THCA levels often exceeding 99%.
- Potent Effects: These concentrates are incredibly potent, offering an intense and fast-acting high.
- Visual Appeal: The crystal formations of diamonds are visually striking, often looking like tiny chunks of ice or gems.
Best For:
- Those looking for the highest potency concentrate available.
- Users who want a pure and intense THC experience.
6. Badder/Batter: The Versatile, Whipped Consistency
What is it?
Badder (also known as batter) is a cannabis concentrate with a soft, buttery, and sometimes whipped consistency. It is made by whipping cannabis oil during the extraction process, which results in a smooth, cake-batter-like texture.
Extraction Method:
Typically, badder is made from cannabis oils that have been extracted using hydrocarbon methods like BHO. The concentrate is then whipped to achieve the desired consistency, which can vary from creamy to slightly granular.
Why it’s Popular:
- Texture: Its smooth, spreadable texture makes badder easy to handle and use in various consumption methods, including dabbing and vaping.
- Versatility: It offers a balance of flavor, potency, and ease of use, making it suitable for beginners and experienced users alike.
- Flavor: Badder often retains a high terpene content, resulting in a flavorful experience.
Best For:
- Users who appreciate a smooth, versatile concentrate with a balanced flavor and potency profile.
- Those who prefer a more manageable consistency for consumption.
7. THCV and CBDV Concentrates: The Rise of Minor Cannabinoids
What are they?
THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) and CBDV (cannabidivarin) are lesser-known cannabinoids gaining traction for their potential therapeutic benefits. Concentrates high in these cannabinoids are emerging as specialized products aimed at those seeking specific effects or therapeutic applications.
Extraction Method:
These concentrates are made from cannabis strains rich in THCV or CBDV, and the extraction process is similar to that of other concentrates. The resulting products isolate the desired cannabinoids for a more targeted experience.
Why it’s Popular:
- Unique Effects: THCV, for example, is known for its appetite-suppressing and energizing effects, while CBDV is often used for its potential to support neurological health.
- Therapeutic Benefits: Minor cannabinoids are becoming more popular in the wellness and medicinal cannabis markets.
Best For:
- Those interested in exploring the benefits of minor cannabinoids.
- Users looking for specific effects such as appetite control (THCV) or neurological support (CBDV).
Conclusion
Cannabis concentrates have come a long way, offering a wide range of options to suit different tastes, preferences, and needs. From solvent-free rosin to ultra-potent THCA diamonds, the innovation in cannabis concentrates continues to evolve, providing consumers with a variety of ways to enjoy their cannabis experience. Whether you’re a flavor seeker, potency lover, or medicinal user, there’s a concentrate type out there to enhance your cannabis journey.
As always, it’s important to consider the effects, potency, and extraction methods of each concentrate before choosing the one that’s right for you. Enjoy responsibly and stay informed!