Cannabis extracts have taken the cannabis world by storm, offering a potent and concentrated form of cannabis that’s gaining popularity among both recreational users and medical patients. But what exactly are cannabis extracts? How are they made, and why are they so much more powerful than regular cannabis flowers?
In this guide, we’ll answer all your questions and explore the world of cannabis concentrates in detail.
What are Cannabis Extracts and concentrates?
Cannabis extracts are a concentrated form of cannabis that involves the extraction of its cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial cannabis plant compounds from its flowers, leaves, resins, and seed parts. Cannabis extracts, essentially, pull out the chemical part they want out of the plant material, leaving you with a more potent product.
All cannabis concentrates is the umbrella term that refers to any type of concentrated cannabis product such as extracts. There are oils, tinctures, waxes, and shatter among these concentrates. What’s the difference between cannabis extracts and cannabis concentrates? Extracts are a specific type (or category) of cannabis concentrates produced via chemical or mechanical procedures that strip cannabis compounds.
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Types of THC Extracts
There are two main methods used to make cannabis extracts: solventless extraction and solvent extraction. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Solvent-less Extraction
Solventless extraction methods also do not use chemicals or solvents to extract the compounds from the cannabis. Most of these methods retain more flavor and aroma of the plant which is popular with users who like a plant extract that is natural.
Kief (Dry-sieve Extraction)
Kief is a cannabis concentrate containing the resin glands of the cannabis plant (trichomes). The way it’s collected is via dry sieving, where a cannabis flower is sifted through fine mesh screens to extract the trichomes from the material of the plant. This results in a fine powder that can be used in and of itself or pressed into hash.
Water/Bubble Hash (Water Extraction)
Icewater hash or bubble hash are water-based hash methods, separating the trichomes from the plant using ice water. The cold water breaks off the trichomes, which are then passed through several mesh bags that collect the cleanest form of extract. One of the cleanest extraction techniques is this method because it doesn’t require any solvents.
Rosin (Press Extraction)
Another solvent-less extract obtained by applying heat and pressure on cannabis buds or hash is known as Rosin. The result is a sap-like substance that can be dabbed or added to other cannabis products. The purity and its ease of production make it very valued.
Solvent Extraction
Cannabinoids from the cannabis plant are extracted with chemicals, or solvents like butane or ethanol, called solvents. Tandem extraction techniques produce very potent extracts, but the intervening solvent must be removed through proper purification.
Butane Hash Oil (BHO)
Butane Hash Oil (BHO) is one of the most popular cannabis concentrates. Made using butane as a solvent, BHO is highly potent and can come in various consistencies, including shatter, wax, and live resin. After the extraction, the product is purged of butane to ensure it’s safe to consume.
How to smoke Cannabis Extracts
Once you’ve acquired your cannabis extracts, you might be wondering, “How do I smoke cannabis extracts?” There are several ways to enjoy these concentrates, depending on the form you have.
- Dabbing: The most common method for smoking extracts like BHO or rosin is through a technique called dabbing. This involves heating a small amount of extract on a heated surface (often called a “nail”) and inhaling the vapor.
- Vaporizing: You can also vaporize cannabis extracts using a vape pen specifically designed for concentrates. These devices heat the extract without burning it, offering a smoother, less harsh experience.
- Smoking with Flower: Some users prefer mixing their cannabis extracts with ground cannabis flowers and smoking them in a joint or bowl. This allows for a potent combination of effects from both the flower and the extract.
How to use Cannabis Extracts
Cannabis extracts can be used in various ways, from oils and tinctures to edibles and topicals. Let’s look at each type and how to use them.
What are Cannabis Extracts?
Cannabis extracts are products of concentrated cannabinoids, fractions of terpenes, and various other cannabis compounds. From a cannabis perspective, these extracts are extremely potent, and typically much more potent than regular cannabis flower, providing users a much more targeted experience.
The Extraction Process
However, the extraction method involved isolating the compound or compound from cannabis with the help of different methods that include solvents or heat and pressure. Once extracted the resulting product is purified and refined to remove all contaminants or residual solvents.
Types of Cannabis Extracts
Oils
Cannabis oils are liquid extracts that contain high concentrations of cannabinoids like THC or CBD. These oils are often used in tinctures, capsules, or simply dropped under the tongue for quick absorption.
Tinctures
Tinctures are alcohol-based extracts of cannabis, and they’re typically consumed by placing a few drops under the tongue. They’re a popular choice for medical users because they offer a discreet and effective way to dose cannabis.
Capsules
For those who prefer not to taste cannabis, cannabis capsules are an excellent option. These capsules contain either cannabis oil or cannabidiol extraction and provide a controlled dose of cannabinoids.
Edibles
Cannabis edibles are food products infused with cannabis extracts. They can come in the form of gummies, chocolates, cookies, or even beverages. Edibles offer a longer-lasting effect than smoking, but they take longer to kick in.
Topicals
Cannabis topicals are lotions, balms, or oils infused with cannabis extracts that are applied directly to the skin. These products are non-psychoactive and are often used for pain relief or skin care.
Legality of Cannabis Extracts
It is important before purchasing or using the cannabis extract to know where you live or buy legal cannabis. While some countries or states allow cannabis to be used medicinally or in a recreational capacity, as in most other areas there are still strict laws against using cannabis.
Always check the local laws and regulations to ensure that you’re abiding by the legal requirements in your area.
Conclusion
Cannabis extracts are a cool and potent way to take cannabis in many forms, from oils and tinctures to rosin and BHO. Extracts offer a powerful alternative to the traditional flower, simply because extracts allow you to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of cannabis, or whether you’re looking for a more intense experience, extracts are available. Make sure you pick out the correct product for your consumption needs and always remember to take a lower initial dose while you try them if you are new to concentrates.
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FAQs
Here are some common questions people have about cannabis extracts:
What is a cannabis extract?
A cannabis extract is a concentrated form of cannabis that contains high amounts of cannabinoids and other compounds, produced through methods like solvent extraction or heat.
What is the difference between edibles and extracts?
Edibles are food products infused with cannabis extracts, while extracts are concentrated forms of cannabis that can be used in various ways, such as oils, tinctures, or dabbing.
What is the difference between a concentrate and an extract?
Both concentrates and extracts refer to concentrated cannabis products, but “extract” usually refers to products made using specific methods like solvents or heat, while “concentrates” can be a broader term encompassing all forms.
What are extracts used for?
Cannabis extracts are used for recreational or medicinal purposes, offering more potent effects compared to regular cannabis flowers. They can be used in oils, tinctures, capsules, and edibles.
What are the side effects of cannabis extract?
Common side effects may include dizziness, dry mouth, paranoia, or increased heart rate, especially with high-potency extracts. Start with a low dose and wait for the effects before consuming more.
What are extract drugs?
Cannabis extracts can be classified as drugs, depending on their composition and use. They contain active compounds like THC or CBD, which have psychoactive or medicinal effects.
What are the components of cannabis extract?
The primary components of cannabis extracts include cannabinoids (like THC and CBD), terpenes (which give cannabis its flavor), and other beneficial compounds like flavonoids.
How long does it take for cannabis extract to kick in?
If consumed orally, cannabis extracts like tinctures or edibles can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to take effect. Smoking or vaping extracts typically produce a faster onset.
How long is cannabis extract good for?
If stored properly in a cool, dark place, cannabis extracts can last for several months to a year without losing potency.
What does cannabis extract taste like?
The taste of cannabis extract varies depending on the type and method of extraction. Some extracts may have a strong, earthy flavor, while others may be more subtle, especially if terpenes are preserved.