Navigating the expansive realm of concentrates and extracts can be daunting, especially for those new to cannabis. The spectrum of choices, textures, and effects seems endless. While not everyone is a connoisseur of concentrates, a little curiosity can lead to delightful discoveries.
Dive deep, try out different options, and always be inquisitive. Whether you're getting your first dab or exploring other forms of consumption, there's a world waiting for you. And when you're at EMBR next, start a conversation with a budtender - they're a goldmine of information.
Shop THC Concentrates & Extracts at EMBR
What Are Cannabis Concentrates & Extracts?
Cannabis concentrates and extracts all start with the humble marijuana flower. The flower goes through an extraction process called purging. Purging isolates the chemicals responsible for producing the euphoric effects you know and love. Once isolated into a concentrate, the chemicals (cannabinoids and terpenes) can create other forms of potent cannabis products.
There are two main extraction methods used in creating concentrates: solvent and solventless processes. Both are effective, though some people prefer solventless extraction because they consider it to be the more natural. Both extraction methods are regulated and conducted in a controlled environment.
The Solvent Method
This process of purging requires adding a substance to the marijuana flower, like ethanol, propane, or butane. This method extracts cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant to produce a concentrated solution. This solution then creates products like crumble, live resin, sauce, budder, shatter or wax.
Solvents that can mix with water are called polar, while solvents that don’t mix well with water are called non-polar. Choosing the right solvent depends on the desired concentrate end-product. For example, ethanol solvents are ideal to use to create cannabis tinctures, but CO2 fluid is preferred to make cannabis oil.
The Solventless Method
This method of extraction uses heat, pressure and filtration to purge the chemicals needed to make concentrates. You may have heard of dry sift/dry sieve methods versus ice water/bubble hash extraction.
The dry method requires rubbing dried cannabis over a sieve to isolate the flower’s resin glands, where the plant’s chemicals are stored. The result is kief, and you may have seen it as crumbly whitish powder that you can sprinkle over a pre-roll or over a bowl.
The ice water method mixes ice water with marijuana flower before carefully filtering it. After drying the resin glands, it’s ready to consume or transform into other products such as hash.
Variations of Cannabis Concentrates & Extracts
Now that you know how concentrates are made, let’s explore the different types of concentrates you can get your hands on at your local dispensary.
THC
THC is the short version of tetrahydrocannabinol. It is essentially the cannabinoid that gets you high. Most marijuana flowers are THC-dominant, and range from 10% to 30% in concentration. Once extracted as a concentrate, the potency of THC increases dramatically and is generally equated to a more intense effect.
CBD
CBD is the short version of cannabidiol. Even if THC is the most common compound in marijuana flowers, it’s possible to produce plants with high levels of CBD instead. This compound is not intoxicating like THC. In fact, once extracted, it’s used to treat medical ailments like pain, depression and insomnia. At your dispensary, you’ll find CBD in edibles, oils or even vape products.
CBN
CBN, or cannabinol, is also a non-intoxicating compound that occurs in older marijuana flower once exposed to air or light. As THC ages, it transforms into CBN. It produces antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits, among others. You’ll find CBN as edibles, and though some claim that is can be used as a sleep aid, this effect has not been scientifically proven.
CBG
CBG is the easier-to-remember acronym for cannabigerol. It is yet another type of non-intoxicating cannabinoid. It can reduce inflammation, pain, nausea, and other symptoms. In its natural state, you can find CBG in low-THC and high-CBD varieties of cannabis, like hemp. Although you can buy CBG as oil, it’s a rare and expensive option. Another way to enjoy its benefits is with a CBD oil that contains a wide range of cannabinoids without the THC.
Forms of Cannabis Concentrates & Extracts
As previously mentioned, cannabis concentrates can be transformed into a variety of products for you to enjoy. But what’s the difference between them? Let’s explore some common ones you’ll find at your dispensary.
Wax
It’s no surprise that wax gets its name from resembling wax. It's also known as “butter,” “badder,” “sugar,” “honeycomb,” “cake icing,” and other creatively delicious ways to describe the extract’s hard-but-pliable texture. It is most commonly used for dabbing, but you can add it to bowls, joints, and blunts, or even vaporize it. Wax can be enjoyed without smoking the plant, making it an excellent option for medical patients.
Shatter
Shatter and wax are very similar chemically and the main difference is only in their texture and appearance. Shatter is solid and translucent (though amber in color) and looks like glass. To make shatter, a solvent like butane is used to strip away the chemicals from the cannabis plant, and then the oil is further transformed. One reason you would reach for shatter is to enjoy its potency in a concentrated, compact form, using a dab ring, or vaporized.
Live Resin
If you enjoy the flavor profiles of your plants, live resin could be a great option for you. It is extracted from flash-frozen fresh flower which preserve terpenes (which make up the plant’s aroma and taste profile). Compared to other extraction processes, this is the tastiest one.
The Benefits of Using Concentrates & Extracts
Concentrates and extracts are a great way to enjoy cannabis in a new and exciting way. There are a wide range of textures, tastes, shapes and forms that you can choose from depending on your needs and the benefits you are looking for.
One advantage of consuming concentrates for medical purposes is that some concentrates are full-spectrum, meaning they have all the cannabinoids and terpenes. When combined, these chemicals work together to give you the entourage effect, which means a more intense result.
Not all concentrates need fancy equipment. Although often dabbed, vaporized or used with a dab rig, you can also go the simple route by buying edibles or adding them to a bowl. If you want to take your concentrate on-the-go, you can also get them as oils in a pre-filled cartridge for quick and easy consumption.
As you probably guessed, the main benefit of reaching for concentrates are their high levels of chemicals. A little goes a long way, so you can enjoy a more intense high. Remember to dose slow and steady and you’re on your way to a great trip.
Where Can I Get Concentrates Near Me?
EMBR sets the gold standard in concentrates and extracts from production to patron. Crafted with precision, our seasoned experts are always on standby to guide you. If you're 21 or over or 18 with a medical card, dive into our unparalleled selection of concentrates. Enjoy premium, ethically sourced extracts in a sophisticated retail environment. We cater to all budgets without compromising on quality. As a proudly female-owned venture, we rank amongst the top-tier dispensaries across the country.
Shop EMBR
With a tad more insight on concentrates, stride confidently into EMBR on your next visit. No question is too trivial when it comes to learning, so always come with a curious heart.
Find Concentrate Deals & Offers at EMBR
It's easy to type "where to buy concentrates near me" and get a list, but not all dispensaries are created equal. Instead of relying on a vague "cannabis extracts near me" search, elevate your experience with a dispensary renowned for excellence.
EMBR is a beacon in the cannabis landscapes of California and Massachusetts. We showcase an exquisite array of premium concentrates, ensuring every visit is memorable. From a vast selection that showcases diverse textures to the finest extracts, EMBR is the destination for the discerning enthusiast.
