The Ultimate Guide to Cannabis Concentrates

The Ultimate Guide to Cannabis Concentrates:

Extraction Methods, Types, and Benefits

Welcome to the world of cannabis concentrates, where potency and flavor reach new heights! At Bonafide in Sun Valley, California, we’re here to help you navigate the exciting realm of concentrates. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or new to concentrates, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about extraction methods, types of concentrates, and how to enjoy them.

What Are Cannabis Concentrates?

Cannabis concentrates are products derived from the cannabis plant that are richer in cannabinoids and terpenes compared to traditional flower. They are created through various extraction methods that separate the desirable compounds from the plant material. Concentrates can be incredibly potent, providing a more intense and flavorful experience.

Extraction Methods

1. Solvent-Based Extraction

Solvent-based extraction involves using chemicals to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis. The chemicals dissolve the desired substances, which are then separated to create a concentrated extract. Common solvents include butane, alcohol, and CO2.

Examples of Solvent-Based Concentrates:

• Live Resin

• Distillate

• Cured Resin

• THCA Diamonds (unless stated as solventless)

2. Solventless Extraction

Solventless extraction relies on natural techniques such as heat, pressure, or agitation to extract cannabinoids and terpenes without using chemicals. These methods are favored for their purity and lack of chemical residues.

Examples of Solventless Concentrates:

• Live Rosin

• Ice Water Hash

• Bubble Hash

• Dry Sift (Kief)

Types of Cannabis Concentrates

Solventless Concentrates

Ice Water Hash

What It Is: Ice water hash is a concentrate made by separating trichomes (resin glands) from cannabis flowers using ice, water, and filter bags. The resin water is filtered through mesh bags to catch trichomes and eliminate plant matter, and then freeze-dried.

How It’s Made: Ice water hash is created by agitating cannabis flowers in ice-cold water to dislodge the trichomes. These trichomes are then filtered out through mesh bags, resulting in a potent concentrate.

Bubble Hash

What It Is: Bubble hash is a pure form of solventless concentrate made from the cannabis plant’s trichomes. It’s known for its high purity and ability to bubble when exposed to heat.

How It’s Made: Cannabis buds are shaken in an ice and water-filled mesh bag, allowing trichomes to fall through to the bottom of the sieve.

Kief

What It Is: Kief is the fine powdery substance collected from cannabis flower when ground. It consists mainly of trichomes and is often used to enhance the potency of cannabis.

How It’s Made: Kief is collected from the bottom chamber of a grinder where trichomes fall off during the grinding process.

Rosin

What It Is: Rosin is a solventless extract made by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flower or hash. It’s known for its sticky, resinous consistency.

How It’s Made: Fresh frozen cannabis or hash is pressed between heated plates to extract the resin.

Types of Rosin:

• Cold Cure Rosin: Pressed and then aged in a freezer, providing stability and preserving flavor.

• Fresh Press Rosin: Produced directly from ice water hash, with a golden, butter-like consistency.

Solvent-Based Concentrates

Distillate

What It Is: Distillate is a highly purified form of THC or CBD, appearing as a thick oil that can range in color from clear to amber.

How It’s Made: Distillate is created through a process of fractional distillation, which separates cannabinoids from other compounds.

Diamonds

What It Is: Diamonds are crystalline structures of THC or CBD, often found in a terpene-rich sauce. They are known for their high purity and potency.

How It’s Made: Diamonds are formed by crystallizing cannabinoids under specific conditions.

Live Resin

What It Is: Live resin is made from freshly harvested cannabis that is immediately frozen to preserve its original terpene and cannabinoid profile.

How It’s Made: Freshly frozen cannabis is extracted using butane or CO2, preserving the full spectrum of compounds.

Cured Resin

What It Is: Cured resin is made from dried and cured cannabis plants. The curing process enhances the flavor and aroma of the plant material.

How It’s Made: Dried cannabis is extracted using solvent-based or mechanical methods.

Rick Simpson Oil (RSO)

What It Is: RSO is a full-spectrum cannabis oil known for its high THC content and therapeutic benefits.

How It’s Made: Extracted using a high-temperature process, RSO is known for its dark color and tar-like consistency.

Full Spectrum Oil (FSO)

What It Is: FSO is similar to RSO but may vary in cannabinoid and terpene content depending on the strain used.

How It’s Made: Can be extracted using various methods, including heat or solvent-based processes.

Consistencies of Concentrates

Budder

Budder is a cannabis concentrate with a creamy, butter-like consistency. It’s made at higher temperatures and whipped during extraction.

Badder

Badder has a soft, cake batter-like texture. It’s created by isolating and compressing trichomes, then agitating the product.

Crumble

Crumble is a dry, brittle concentrate that resembles honeycomb. It’s created by subjecting the extract to low heat.

Shatter

Shatter is a brittle concentrate that resembles hard candy or glass. It’s known for its glass-like texture.

Sugar Wax

Sugar wax has a texture similar to brown sugar, with a shiny, slightly sticky consistency.

Sauce

Sauce is a sticky, liquid concentrate known for its high terpene yield. It contains cannabinoid-rich crystals suspended in terpene-rich oil.

Conclusion

Understanding the different extraction methods and types of cannabis concentrates can enhance your cannabis experience, whether you're enjoying a potent dab or adding flavor to your favorite product. At Bonafide, we are committed to offering a wide range of high-quality concentrates that cater to every preference. Explore our collection, and find the concentrate that best suits your needs!

For more information on our products or to explore our current offerings, visit Bonafide and one of our budtenders will be happy to assist you. Happy exploring!

Optimize your cannabis journey with the right concentrate. Stay informed and choose wisely to get the most out of your cannabis experience!