The World of Cannabis Concentrates: Understanding the Key Products
The world of cannabis concentrates: Understanding the Key Products can be overwhelming, with a variety of products offering different experiences and benefits. As cannabis markets around the world develop, new products far beyond ordinary flowers are entering the scene for both connoisseurs and casual tokers alike to enjoy.
These products include vapes, concentrates, and infused pre-rolls like WAVEZ. These items are infused or comprised wholly of THC concentrates, which can take many forms. Here’s a brief guide to help you understand the key differences between some of the most common forms of marijuana extracts you’ll see out there on the shelf.
Live Rosin
Live rosin is a solventless cannabis concentrate made from freshly harvested, flash-frozen cannabis (called fresh frozen). Live rosin is created by applying heat and pressure to the fresh frozen plant material, extracting the essential oils without the use of solvents. This results in a pure, potent product that retains a rich natural terpene profile and flavor. Live rosin is often considered the gold standard of cannabis concentrates.
- Solventless extraction
- Made from fresh frozen cannabis
- Full spectrum; pure and potent with rich terpenes
Live Resin
Live resin is a high-quality cannabis concentrate known for its rich flavor and aromatic profile. It’s made from freshly harvested cannabis plants that are immediately flash-frozen to preserve their terpenes and cannabinoids. The freezing process captures the plant’s fresh essence, resulting in a product that delivers a potent and flavorful experience, closely resembling the original plant. However, unlike live rosin, solvents are used in the extraction process, making it slightly less pure.
- Made from fresh frozen cannabis
- Close to full spectrum; rich in terpenes and cannabinoids
- Strong flavor and aroma
Cured Resin
Cured resin is produced from cannabis plants that have been dried and cured before solvent-based extraction. This process reduces the terpene content compared to live resin but still offers a potent and flavorful concentrate. Cured resin is often more accessible and affordable than live resin.
- Made from dried and cured cannabis
- Retains some natural terpenes and flavor, but less terpene-rich than live resin
- Potent and flavorful
Distillate
Distillate is a refined cannabis extract that undergoes multiple rounds of distillation to isolate specific cannabinoids, usually THC or CBD. This process removes impurities and terpenes to result in a nearly pure concentrate. Distillate is versatile and often used in infused pre-rolls, edibles, vape cartridges, and tinctures due to its high potency and lack of flavor and aroma. Distillate is highly accessible and affordable due to its wide application and efficiency.
- Highly refined and pure concentrate, lacking natural terpenes
- Versatile for various uses
- Minimal flavor and aroma
THCA Diamonds
THCA diamonds are crystalline structures of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), the non-psychoactive precursor to THC. These diamonds are highly potent and often combined with a terpene-rich sauce to create a balanced product. When heated, THCA converts to THC, providing a powerful effect. THCA diamonds are often mixed with flower or liquefied to be put into vapes and edibles to create a higher-end product.
- Crystalline THCA
- Extremely potent
- Often combined with “high terpene extract” (HTE) terpene sauce
Hash
Hash is one of the oldest forms of cannabis concentrates. It is made by compressing the resinous trichomes from the cannabis plant into a solid form. There are different methods to create hash, including hand-rolling and sieving. Hash can be smoked, vaporized, or used in edibles.
- Made by compressing plant trichomes
- Can be smoked, vaporized, or used in edibles
- The OG cannabis concentrate
Kief
Kief consists of the resinous trichomes from cannabis flowers. It’s a powdery substance that can be collected by sifting cannabis through a fine mesh screen. Kief is less processed than other concentrates and can be sprinkled on top of flower, added to joints, or used to make hash.
- Powdery trichomes from cannabis flowers
- Less processed
- Can be used directly or to make hash
Conclusion
Each type of cannabis concentrate offers unique characteristics and benefits. Live resin and live rosin emphasize flavor and aroma. Cured resin offers a balanced quality and potent experience at more affordable prices relative to live products. Distillate is perfect for those seeking a versatile, high-potency product without much flavor. Kief and hash are simpler concentrates, ideal for enhancing flower or making hash. THCA diamonds provide a soaring high, combining high potency with flavorful terpenes.
Understanding these differences can help you choose the right product for your preferences and needs.
Disclaimer:
All information provided is strictly for educational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice or opinion in any way. Readers retain full responsibility for the use of the information contained herein. Any individual or entity seeking legal or medical counsel or a determination of legal rights should seek the counsel of a licensed attorney, designated official of the applicable regulating agency, and/or qualifying health professional. Readers should adhere to governing law, and all legal age adults consume cannabis or cannabis-infused products at their own risk.
