Cannabis concentrates refer to the products derived from the cannabis plant that have been processed to keep the plant's cannabinoids like THC and CBD while removing the plant matter to create a highly potent product. Concentrates are made through a variety of extraction methods using solvents like butane, CO2, or alcohol to separate the plant's compounds.
Butane Hash Oil (BHO)
Uses butane as a solvent to extract cannabinoids from the plant. It comes in forms like wax, budder, shatter, and crumble. BHO tends to have high THC levels ranging from 60-95%.
CO2 Oil
Uses carbon dioxide in a pressurized environment to extract the cannabinoids. It results in a highly concentrated oil that can be vaporized or used as an ingredient in edibles. CO2 oil typically contains 50-90% THC.
Rosin
Produced using heat and pressure to squeeze the cannabinoid-rich resin from the plant. Rosin is solventless so it maintains the plant's original terpene profile. Rosin can contain 50-80% THC and is available as wax or oil.
Live Resin
Made using fresh frozen cannabis plants to produce a concentrate high in terpenes. Live resin usually contains 50-80% THC and has more aroma and flavor than other concentrates. It comes in wax or oil form.
Distillate
Processed using wiped film distillation or short path distillation to remove impurities and isolate THC, typically 99% THC or higher. Distillate is odorless and flavorless, so terpenes are often added. It is usually sold as an oil in vape cartridges, tinctures, capsules, or edibles.
Hash
Hash is made by separating the trichomes from the cannabis plant. Dry sift hash uses screens to isolate the trichomes. Bubble hash uses ice water to isolate the trichomes. Hash contains 15-60% THC and has an earthy aroma. It can be pressed into hash rosin or smoked/vaporized.
RSO (Rick Simpson Oil)
An oil made from soaking cannabis in a solvent like ethanol and then evaporating the solvent. RSO usually contains 50-90% THC and high amounts of other cannabinoids like CBD and CBG. It is consumed orally and often used for its perceived medical benefits.
Tinctures
Cannabis extracted into high-proof alcohol like ethanol. The alcohol is evaporated leaving behind a concentrated cannabis oil. Tinctures contain a range of THC and other cannabinoids depending on the plant material and solvent used. They are taken sublingually (under the tongue) or added to food and drinks.
Capsules
Cannabis oil that has been encapsulated in a pill or softgel form. Capsules make it easy to consume a precise dose of cannabis concentrate. The capsules contain THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids depending on the plant material used. They produce long-lasting effects when swallowed.
Topicals
Cannabis-infused lotions, balms, oils, and salves applied to the skin. Topicals provide localized relief without psychoactive effects. They are used for ailments like pain, inflammation, and skin conditions. The THC concentration in topicals is usually very low, around 1-3%.
Vape Cartridges
Refillable or disposable cartridges filled with cannabis oil that are vaporized using a battery-powered device. Vape cartridges allow for an easy, smokeless way to consume cannabis concentrates that have around 50-95% THC. The effects are felt quickly but do not last as long as other methods.