A Guide to Buying Cannabis Concentrates from Burnt River Farms

If you’re just starting to explore the exciting world of marijuana, then you’re probably starting to realize just how many different cannabis products are on the market. With all the different options available, you may not know where to start. One of the cannabis consumption options growing in popularity are cannabis concentrates. But what are concentrates and how are they used? We’ll cover everything you need to know about cannabis concentrates so you can purchase them with confidence.

What are Marijuana Concentrates?

You’ve probably heard of concentrates already and may not know it. Premium concentrate products commonly go by names such as oil, dabs, shatter, and much more. As with all marijuana products, a cannabis concentrate varies depending on several things. But before we get into what makes them different, let’s talk more about what a concentrate is.

Essentially, concentrates are just concentrated cannabis. Material from cannabis plants go through a process that ultimately creates a very concentrated and potent product. The most important step is extraction, where the cannabinoids and terpenes are extracted from the cannabis plant. These are the chemical compounds that provide all of the therapeutic and medical benefits of marijuana. The most common extraction methods are CO2 extraction and hydrocarbon extraction or BHO. These different methods create different types of concentrates.

The two primary cannabinoids found in cannabis are cannabidiol or CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. The marijuana strain used is what dictates how much CBD or THC you’ll find in your concentrate. Different strains of cannabis have different levels of cannabinoids.

THC is the cannabinoid that provides the euphoric high often associated with smoking weed along with some therapeutic and medical benefits. It also offers CBD offers many therapeutic and medical benefits without the associated high feeling. Keep this in mind when you go to buy concentrates. You’ll want to be aware of the difference between THC concentrates and CBD concentrates.

The terpenes in the cannabis extracts play a big role in the aroma and flavor of the cannabis. Terpenes also work in conjunction with cannabinoids to provide an entourage effect, which makes cannabis products more effective.

Types of Cannabis Concentrates

There are several types of cannabis concentrates for people to choose from. Not only do the cannabis strains play a role, but the extraction process, and the concentrate’s final form, are all a factor in the final product. We’ll cover some of the most popular cannabis concentrate types so you can get a better idea of what’s available.

Shatter

The concentrate known as shatter gets its name because it has a glass-like consistency. Users can break it apart or “shatter” it to get smaller pieces. This is one of the purest forms of concentrated cannabis. Shatter most commonly is either clear or amber. It typically comes in smooth, thin sheets. Some compare its appearance to that of hard candy. Shatter is made with BHO extraction before then going through a filtration process.

Wax

The concentrate known as wax gets its name because of its waxy-like texture. It very closely resembles candle wax but is also very sticky. It is typically a yellowish color. There are some variations when it comes to wax concentrates. For example, some are less sticky and instead crumble while others are more like honey in texture. The heat and moisture used during the extraction process control the final texture of the product. The gooier types of waxes are referred to as budder while the more brittle type of wax is often referred to as crumble or honeycomb.

Rosin

Rosin is different from the concentrates we’ve mentioned so far because it isn’t made using the same extraction methods. Instead, rosin is made using heat and pressure, nothing more. Rosin uses buds and kief with the goal of removing the resin from the plant. High-quality rosin is made with a hydraulic press, though lesser versions can be made at home. When you’re done, you’re left with an oil-like, golden, sap-like substance containing the cannabinoids and a significant number of terpenes that can be somewhat lost with other methods.

Oil

When concentrates are made using CO2 rather than BHO you’re left with thick yet runny cannabis oil. Oils are what you’ll find in syringes or vape pens and cartridges. They also have a unique flavor compared to other forms of concentrates. CO2 extraction tends to preserve more of the terpenes than BHO because it extracts at a lower temperature. Oils are also commonly used to make edibles.

Hash

Before the extraction process was refined to make all these different concentrates, hash paved the way. The most common way of creating hash is to compress kief into disks. Other ways involve using ice water and sifting screens. Hash is more potent than your typical cannabis flower. It can be smoked alone or added to other smokable marijuana.

How to Use Cannabis Concentrates

There are quite a few ways to use concentrates. You may decide to purchase one type of concentrate over another depending on what methods most appeal to you.

Bowl Topping

Bowl topping simply means adding the concentrate to cannabis flower in your pipe or bong for an added kick. This is where many concentrate users begin their journey. It allows you an opportunity to experience the potency of concentrates using a method you’re already familiar with. You would add a small amount of the concentrate directly into the bowl with the cannabis flower itself. One of the best types of concentrate for this is bubble hash. However, please note that bubble hash will stay lit if you apply too much heat. It’s better to melt the hash instead of combusting it.

If you prefer to smoke marijuana in the form of a blunt or joint, then you can add a tiny bit of concentrate while you’re rolling. The industry term for this action is “twaxing.” More experienced users will sometimes use a stretchy concentrate and form it into a long thin line before wrapping it around the outside of the joint.

Dabbing

Dabbing is another very popular way to use concentrates, but it does require special equipment. In order to dab, you will need a dab rig. You should purchase a dab rig made from borosilicate glass. Smaller rigs generally provide better flavor.

To use a dab rig you would first fill it with water until it is two inches above the diffuser or downstem. You can test your water level by inhaling through the mouthpiece. If you get water, then you’ve filled it too much. The second step is to place your nail or banger into the rig at the designated position. You will want to season the nail by heating it using a torch until it starts glowing. At that point, you’ll add some of your concentrate to the nail. Once it cools, you’ll do this at least two more times. Now it’s time to dab. Add concentrate to the red-hot banger and then inhale the vapor. It doesn’t take much concentrate to feel the effects. It’s best to start with very small amounts.

Vaporizers

Desktop or portable vaporizers are another way to use concentrates. In fact, vape pens are becoming increasingly popular. They’re used by adding concentrate to the chamber which then turns the concentrate into vapor for you to inhale. Some vape devices allow you to control the temperature setting, which is ideal for preserving the cannabinoids and terpenes that don’t stand up well to high temperatures.

Buying Cannabis Concentrates

Premium marijuana concentrates are a little spendy, so you want to make sure you’re doing your research before investing. You also want to make sure you do business with reputable dispensaries that sell high-quality products. Pay close attention to concentration levels and ingredients to make sure you’re not spending your money on unwanted filler.

When using your concentrate remember to start small and work your way up. Concentrates are very pure and pack quite a punch. The goal is always to use the minimum effective dosage, so you get all the benefits for the smallest cost.

If you have any questions or concerns about concentrates, how to use them, operating the equipment, or anything else, then speak to the qualified employees at your local dispensary. They’ll be able to help you decide what products will meet your wants and needs.

Here at Burnt River Farms, we take customer satisfaction seriously. We will do everything we can to help you with your order. We even list our menu online so you can see what’s available in the comfort of your own home. We carry a variety of products and want to help you have an excellent cannabis experience.