Dispensary-Grade Concentrates

Dabbing concentrates is a clean and potent way to enjoy high-quality cannabis. Concentrates have continued to grow in popularity in recent years, as new methods of extraction and ways to enjoy them emerge. With more varieties of concentrate on the shelves than ever before, cannabis extract has claimed its place in the market. 

Here at Canna Culture, we provide everything you need when it comes to enjoying cannabis with our new premium Diamond Butter and Live Resin products. From premium flower, to delicious edibles, to highly-potent dispensary-grade concentrates, we offer the best cannabis products in San Jose and beyond. 

To browse our selection and place an order for delivery or pickup, visit our online shop. For more information, or to place an order over the phone, call (408) 264 7877 or visit our contact page. 

About Concentrates

Concentrates are a form of cannabis product made from extracts of cannabis flower. The most prominent parts of the plant that get extracted are trichomes, the resin gland of cannabis. Trichomes hold a major portion of the cannabis plant’s THC, along with other medicinal compounds.

A classic type of concentrate that you may have heard of is hash. Hash has been around for centuries; it is a tried and true high-potency way to enjoy cannabis. But as the scientific understanding of cannabis grows and the relevant technology evolves, new forms of high-quality concentrate have entered the scene. 

Why Choose Concentrates?

There are numerous benefits to using concentrates. First and foremost, they are highly potent. They can have you feeling the effects of cannabis in fewer (and smoother) steps. Made by extracting choice compounds from the plant material, concentrates have a substantially higher amount of THC than their flower counterparts. (1) This allows for a more efficient and economical way to enjoy cannabis. Concentrates are perfect for cannabis lovers who are looking to raise the intensity of their elevation. They are also a great way to experience the flavors of particular cannabis terpenes.

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Concentrate Extraction

Concentrate extraction is the process by which particular compounds, like cannabinoids, are extracted from the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids are cannabis compounds which can have particular effects on the mind and body, the most abundant of which is THC. This is the psychoactive compound responsible for the most well-known effects of consuming cannabis- relaxation, euphoria, creative stimulation. For concentrates, THC is commonly taken from the trichomes of the cannabis plant. Trichomes make up the crystal-like kief “dust” that pepper the flower in its natural state. (2) 

These compounds form bonds of molecular union within the cannabis plant. It requires complex techniques of extraction to unbind and isolate them. Extraction often requires the use of solvents, which are considered “additives”. However, concentrate creators have developed ways of extracting cannabis compounds without solvents, a “non-additive” variation of concentrates that some claim is more pure. 

Types of Solventless Concentrate

Solventless concentrates are cannabis compounds extracted in a clean and efficient manner. These extraction processes require no additives and usually involve applying pressure and temperature to the flower. 

Rosin

Rosin is made by applying heat and pressure to the cannabis plant using clamps. This process causes a syrupy substance reminiscent of honey to drip from the plant. This extract is then used to make rosin. It can also be used in its raw form as “live rosin”. 

Dry Sift Hash

Dry sift hash creation involves vigorously rubbing the plant material and sifting it through fine mesh screens. This separates the kief (loose cannabis trichomes) from the plant material. Cannabis trichomes are the “dust” from the plant, also known as cannabis crystals, and they hold a high concentration of THC. The hash extract is made by simply clumping the separated kief back together. 

Ice Water Hash

Ice water hash takes advantage of the fact that trichomes do not dissolve in water. It is extracted by soaking the cannabis plant in freezing cold water. By gently agitating the plant the frozen trichomes fall off and are collected. This process is thought to remove more excess plant material from the kief crystals than dry sift hash extraction. 

Shop our full extract range here.

Types of Solvent Concentrate

Some concentrates utilize chemical solutions to extract their cannabis compounds. By soaking the cannabis plant in various chemical solutions, the trichomes dissolve and separate themselves from the plant material. Once the plant material is removed, the chemical solution evaporates, isolating the cannabis extract for use in concentrates. 

BHO & PHO

BHO and PHO stand for butane hash oil and propane hash oil, respectively. For extraction, either butane or propane are used. They are the most common method of solvent extraction, as they are affordable and easy to use. 

CO2 Oil

CO2 is a premium method of extraction for solvent concentrates. Not only does it produce consistent and high quality results, but it also has a smaller carbon footprint. It requires very high temperatures and pressure levels. CO2 oil is often used in vaporizer pens and cartridges. 

Live Resin

Live Resin is made by extracting from cannabis plants that were frozen immediately after harvest. By forgoing the drying and curing process, live resin retains flavorful terpenes that concentrates made from non-frozen cannabis lose. Live resin is a flavorfully potent concentrate, with a texture somewhere between wax and sauce.

Wax

Wax is an umbrella term for concentrates that have a waxy, malleable consistency. The more you agitate the extracts during the creation of the concentrate, the less solid its consistency will be. 

Batter/Badder/Budder

Batter, Badder and Budder are all slight variations of the same kind of concentrate, one with a texture that vaguely resembles butter or frosting. This texture is achieved by whipping the extracts on a hot plate before placing them in a vacuum oven. Because of its malleable yet resilient consistency, batter is easy to dab with. 

Crumble

Crumble is a dry concentrate with a powdery consistency that breaks down easily. This texture is achieved by keeping the extract in a vacuum oven for longer at lower temperatures. Crumble is often cheaper because it is harder to handle, though it packs the same punch. 

Shatter

Shatter is a solid and translucent concentrate that resembles amber. It’s called “shatter” because it is highly brittle. This texture is achieved by minimizing the amount of agitation that the extracts are exposed to in the making of the concentrate.

Sauce

Sauce is a liquid form of concentrate with a sauce-like consistency. Sauces are “winterized”, meaning additional fats and lipids are removed during the process of extraction. The final product is a “sauce” of THC crystals suspended in terpene-heavy oil. The THC in sauce is crystallized by leaving the extracts in the solvent for longer than other concentrates. 

Rosin

A solventless refinement process that presses the cannabis (flower, kief or hash) between two heated metal plates. Done just right, the results are a gorgeous white or yellow oil or budder with all the chronic terpene flavors each unique strain packs. Stored in fridge for short term (35°F – 50°F) and freezer for long term (30°F or below)

Terpenes

Terpenes are naturally-occurring compounds found in plant oil They are important determinants of cannabis smell and flavor profile. 

They are also thought to work alongside cannabinoids in determining the effects we enjoy from cannabis. The theory is that they play a part in how cannabinoid receptors inside the brain are affected by cannabis consumption. If this is the case, then terpenes may play a part in explaining why different strains with the same THC content can produce unique sensations. This idea is part of a larger “entourage theory,” in which cannabis experts propose that enjoying the full spectrum of compounds that cannabis has to offer can make for a better, more medicinally beneficial experience. 

The Best Way To Concentrate

The gold standard for consuming high-quality cannabis concentrate is with a dab rig. There is no better way to enjoy the rich flavor and uniquely elevating experience of concentrates. 

Dab rigs are water pipes that are made specifically for the use of cannabis wax and concentrates. Instead of a bowl for combusting cannabis flower, dab rigs have glass or metal “nails” that you heat up and place the concentrate into.

Surface Temperatures 

Exactly how hot you should make your dab rig’s nail is a complex issue. In general, it’s best to dab with a surface temperature between 400-450 degrees. You do not want to dab with a nail that is too hot. Excessively high temperatures can ruin the flavor of your dab and could cause a coughing fit. They can also destroy compounds in the concentrate before you can enjoy them. 

The psychoactive compounds in concentrates, like THC, all have their own activation temperature. This is the lowest temperature at which the compound becomes “active” and capable of affecting your body and causing the desired effects. These compounds also have boiling points, the lowest temperature at which compounds vaporize and become consumable. For example, the activation temperature of THC is 104° F and its boiling point is 220° F. 

Below is a list of approximate boiling points for various cannabinoids:

  • CBG: 126°F / 52°C
  • THCa: 220°F / 104°C
  • CBDa: 248°F / 120°C
  • A-Pinene: 311°F / 155°C
  • Δ9THC: 315°F / 157°C
  • β-Caryophyllene: 320°F / 165°C
  • β-Myrcene: 334°F / 168°C
  • d-Limonene: 349°F / 176°C
  • Eucalyptol: 349°F / 176°C
  • Δ8THC: 350°F / 177°C
  • CBD: 356°F / 180°C
  • CBN: 365°F / 185°C
  • Terpinolene: 365°F / 185°C
  • CBE: 383°F / 195°C
  • Linalool: 388°F / 198°C
  • Humulene: 388°F / 198°C
  • Phytol: 399°F / 204°C
  • THCv: 428°F / 220°C
  • CBC: 428°F / 220°C
  • Citronellol: 437°F / 225°C
  • Caryophyllene oxide: 495°F / 257°C

Serious concentrate connoisseurs take these temperatures into consideration when they heat up their rig in order to optimize flavor and effect. There are even some electric dab rigs that can tell you the precise temperature of the nail. If you don’t want to break down your dabs to a science, this lesson is still relevant. You should experiment with how long you heat your nail and how long you wait to use it after it’s been heated up. You may find a certain temperature brings you the best possible dabbing experience. 

Dispensary-Grade Concentrates at Canna Culture

Here at Canna Culture, we have a wide selection of some of the best concentrates available in San Jose. We recommend trying our Live Resin Sauce, or our Diamond Batter 2 concentrates. These select concentrates are made using unique dispensary-grade concentrates. To browse our concentrate selection and place an order for pickup or delivery, check out our online shop. You can also place an order over the phone at (408) 264 7877.

How Much Do Dispensary-Grade Concentrates Cost in San Jose?

To find out how much dispensary-grade concentrates cost, or for more information on the cannabis products that we offer at Canna Culture, call (408) 264 7877 or contact us online. 

FAQ 

What are cannabis concentrates?

Concentrates are a cannabis product that is made by extracting compounds like THC from the plant material. This leaves you with a concentrated form of cannabis that offers much higher potencies available in its natural flowery form.

How will concentrates affect me?

Everyone reacts differently to cannabis, and everyone’s tolerance is different. With that being said, concentrates bring about the same classic feelings of euphoria, relaxation and stimulation as traditional cannabis. However, they will leave you feeling a lot more of these feelings in much fewer servings. This is because concentrates are far more potent than other forms of cannabis. It is important to start slowly with concentrates if you are unfamiliar, or if it has been a while since you’ve indulged.  

How do I use concentrates? 

Concentrates can be consumed by inhaling the vapor that they produce when brought to a high enough temperature. The most common way of doing this is with a dab rig, a water pipe with a “nail” in place of a bowl that you heat up in order to vaporize the concentrate. You can also use some combustible forms of concentrate sprinkled on top of flower. 

References

  1. Hasin DS, Borodovsky J, Shmulewitz D, et al. Use of highly-potent cannabis concentrate products: More common in U.S. states with recreational or medical cannabis laws. Drug and Alcohol Dependence. 2021;229:109159. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.109159 
  2. Abuse NI on D. Cannabis (Marijuana) Concentrates DrugFacts. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Published June 25, 2020. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/cannabis-marijuana-concentrates 
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