Hashish/Kief

Some of the earliest concentrate processes originated in Eastern Asia. The oldest method of creating concentrates simply involves rubbing cannabis flowers between hands, scraping the collected trichomes and compressing them to form a moldable and dark amalgamation, known as Charas (the Hindi word for Hashish).

In the 12th Century, smoking hashish was highly popular in the Middle East. Arabic for grass, "Hashish," or "Hash," is the product created when marijuana flowers are sieved through a screen, also known as "dry sifting," and processed with heat and pressure. Dry Sifting is a process used to separate the resin glands, called trichomes, from other plant matter. The extracted trichomes, with a powdery appearance, are commonly known as kief. Most take the process a step further and add heat and compression to the kief to form blocks of hashish.

Kief

Hashish is the oldest form of concentrate known to man and despite the illegality of cannabis in some of the Middle East, countries like Lebanon and India still produce black market hash for export.

There are many ways to collect the resin glands from cannabis flowers, but arguably the most common method of trichome collection over the years is facilitated through the use of a three-chamber grinder. During the grinding process, trichomes are sieved through a mesh screen and broken off of the cannabis flower through what is known as agitation. The collected trichomes can then be used for a variety of concentrate production methods, or simply smoked as kief.

Traditional Hashish

How Processes Have Evolved

Since hand-rolling Charas, extraction processes have come a long way. Through developments in technology and further scientific and chemical discovery, concentrate extraction has become a highly sophisticated and modernized practice. Lab-grade equipment is utilized for both solvent-based and solventless extraction methods, capable of producing a wide variety of different concentrate types and consistencies.

Most concentrates are named after their appearance. For example, the names shatter, wax, and budder all refer to the consistency of the concentrate, although it is the method in which they were created that determines the difference in melting points, and price. While many concentrate products are similar in THC percentage, they all have different melting points, cannabinoid profiles and appearances.

Modern Day Techniques

Today, there are two main methods of creating cannabis concentrates, solvent-based and solventless extraction.

Let's go back to high school chemistry for a bit. A solvent is just a liquid in which something is dissolved to form a solution. In extraction, a solvent is just a liquid used to separate the psychoactive compound THC (as other cannabinoids and terpenes), from the cannabis flower.

Dabbing as a Concentrate Consumption Method

Dabbing is the most popular way to consume marijuana concentrates. Often called "doing a dab" or "taking a dab hit," dabbing simply refers to the vaporization and consumption of a marijuana concentrate. On average, the concentrate a consumer might dab has between 60-80% THC, compared to smoking cannabis flower which averages 10-25% THC. For this reason, dabbing is much more economical for most users, as far less product needs to be consumed to reach optimal or desired effects. The effects of a dab usually come on stronger and quicker than smoking flower. Because of this, dabbing is often recommended for experienced or frequent smokers due to the high potency of the product.

While it is possible to use concentrates as a "bowl-topper" over flower, most consistencies other than bubble hash do not vaporize effectively with this method. The most effective way to consume cannabis concentrates is dabbing with what is known as an "oil rig" or "dab rig." Rigs are essentially water pipes made for dabbing that are designed specifically to bring out the complete flavor profile and potency of the concentrate being consumed. In combination with a titanium or quartz nail, a dab rig is the most optimal and efficient way to vaporize and consume concentrates.

The method of dabbing is also more complicated than smoking flower. While flower can be relatively simple to pack into a pipe, bong, blunt or joint, a few more tools are necessary for dabs. In order to effectively consume concentrates, a torch, a rig with a titanium or quartz nail and dabbing tool are needed. The titanium or quartz nail is inserted in place of a traditional sliding bowl, and is heated by the torch. Optimal dabbing temperatures are regularly debated within the cannabis community, and "low-temp" dabs have taken the concentrate scene by storm in recent history for those seeking the purest of flavors.

For novice users, just be sure to wait until the nail is not red hot to ensure vaporization of the product and not combustion. To take a dab, consumers apply the desired amount of concentrate to the dabbing tool, heat the nail, wait until the nail reaches the perfect temperature, gently touch the concentrate to the nail and inhale. To achieve even vaporization and convection within the dish of the nail, most experienced dabbers will use what is called a "carb cap" to cover the nail and evenly distribute heat. Using a carb cap allows for better flavor and more economical and even vaporization of the concentrate.

Some consumers use electronic nails, or e-nails, which are heated to a specific temperature by a small machine. E-nails are often high in price and not very portable, so be sure to research if they are right for you before making an investment. Another dabbing apparatus is a honey straw. A honey straw, or nectar collector, is essentially a portable nail that allows concentrate consumers to travel without lugging their rigs around. Some honey straws have a middle chamber where water can be filled to induce percolation, similar to traditional rigs and water pipes.

Terpenes

Terpenes are chemical compounds found in cannabis that produce the distinct flavor and smell of the flower. That means the tangy, citrus scent of Lemon Haze or the blueberry, sour smell of Blue Cheese is created by different terpenes. In a more general sense, a terpene is any group of hydrocarbons found in the essential oils of a plant. In cannabis, terpenes are produced by secretory cells found within glandular trichomes. Terpenes are produced similarly in fruits as well. For example, the same tangy, citrus terpene found in Lemon Haze, called limonene, can be found within the oil glands in the skin of oranges as well.

In recent years, strains have been grown to produce the highest THC levels possible. Regardless of the goofy strain names, it is the combination of terpenes and THC that impact the psychoactive effects. Many experienced cannabis consumers even claim they can determine "good bud" by relying on smell alone.

Some of the most common terpenes include Limonene, Alpha-pinene, and Myrcene. Limonene, found in most citrus fruits, can promote weight loss and improve mood. Alpha-pinene is the terpene that gives pine trees their scent and has anti-inflammatory properties that are helpful for those with asthma. Myrcene smells musky with a hint of berry; it is great for pain-relief and has sedative properties as well.

Click to enlarge

Trichomes

Trichomes are the small hair-like structures found on cannabis flowers that contain terpenes. Biologists hypothesize that trichomes evolved to protect the plant from environmental dangers such as animals looking for food, insects and bacteria or fungus.

Trichomes under magnification

The word trichome comes from the Greek word meaning "hair." There are three main types of trichomes: bulbous, capitate-sessile, and capitate-stalked. Right now we can think of them as small, medium and large respectively. Most bulbous trichomes are hard to see, even magnified, and protrude similarly to goosebumps on skin. Capitate-sessile trichomes are much more numerous and have a rounded head. It's often difficult to see the stem and they appear to lie flat against leaves. Capitate-stalked trichomes are the most abundant and are raised from the leaves with elongated stalks. Capitate-stalked trichomes usually contain the most cannabinoids due to their larger size and are the main focal point of cannabis macro-photography.

In their unprocessed form, the stalk-like trichomes, when collected, are often referred to as kief, which is smoked frequently by cannabis consumers. While kief is technically considered a concentrated form of THC, it is important to note that it is an unprocessed concentrate. As discussed earlier, the final form of kief is comprised of many individual trichomes, meaning that it has not undergone an extraction process amalgamating it into a cohesive and unified final product. In order to process trichomes into a stable and concentrated product, a variety of processes may be used.

Kief

Despite the slightly technical nature of trichomes, they're vital in the creation of concentrates. Because of the recent rise of concentrate popularity, most extraction methods are catered to preserving the healing powers and flavors developed within trichomes. Flavor, medicinal effects and strength of the effects continue to be the staples of concentrate efficacy. With all three aspects getting stronger every day, as well as technological advancements in scientific equipment, it's not far-fetched to believe extraction artists will continue to innovate and progress concentrates to greater heights.

Why Consume Concentrates?

Let's take a moment to recap and ask, why consume concentrates? Concentrates are rapidly growing in popularity for a plethora of reasons. They are much more potent than flower, providing a more economical way to consume cannabis. Because of the high potency, they also allow medical patients to achieve faster relief than flower or edibles. Concentrates are also more efficient than flower, allowing patients to remedy medical ailments efficiently with a quick, large dose of cannabinoids.

Dabbing also allows cannabis users to consume in a more discreet manner. Concentrate vapor does not stick on clothes or residually hang in the air like combusted cannabis flower might. In places like Colorado, where many residential properties might ban the use of marijuana inside, concentrates make it possible to consume cannabis tactfully.

The last thing any new dabber should do is smoke too much at once. Infrequent smokers can experience adverse reactions to concentrate consumption such as rapid heartbeat, paranoia or even hallucinations. For novice cannabis consumers seeking less intense concentrate highs, or those who still aren't sure if concentrates are for them, vape pens are the perfect introduction. Most of the concentrated marijuana in vape pens are oils created with CO2 that can be smoked slowly, decreasing the chance of taking too large of a hit and feeling an intense or uncomfortable high.

BHO

Butane hash oil (or BHO for short) is a solvent-based extraction that utilizes n-butane as a solvent. N-butane has a higher purity than commercially available butane and is the cannabis industry standard for butane-based extractions. BHO offers a variety of end products with high potency including budder, shatter, wax, sap and more. Typically speaking, flower or trim is placed in a receptacle tube while butane is forced through, essentially stripping the plant matter of its cannabinoids. The material is contained while the gas is released, hence the term "blasting," which is commonly used when referencing the process. Butane was one of the first solvents used in concentrate extraction and is the common culprit of open-blasting induced explosions. Because of its low burning point butane is extremely volatile, which is why it is unsafe to use outside of a closed-loop system.

CO2

CO2 extractions use temperature and pressure to effectively extract elements of the flower or trim. Facilities with advanced technology and machinery can experiment with supercritical carbon dioxide methods, which keeps CO2 at high pressures. In other words, extractors can finely control the rate at which cannabinoids and terpenes are extracted. Many advancements have been made recently in the equipment used for CO2 extraction, with high-end models nearing one million dollars to own and operate. These machines use computer interfaces to calibrate diagnostics and fine tune the desired extraction parameters. Depending on the equipment used, CO2 extractions can have multiple receptacles for slurry, resulting in tiered grade products that can easily be separated and used for different purposes.

PHO

Similar to BHO, cannabis extractions using propane are called propane hash oil (or PHO). Although this method usually demands higher pressure, it also requires a lower boiling point, which means better terpene preservation and faster/more effective purging. PHO offers end products similar to BHO, such as wax, budder, shatter, live resin and more. Propane has risen in popularity for solvent-based extraction in recent years and is generally considered a cleaner final product than BHO. Propane is slightly more expensive than butane, but is worth the additional cost for extraction artists seeking to boost their concentrate flavor, consistency and overall value.

Alcohol

Typically speaking, cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis flower, trim or hash dissolve fairly easily in alcohol (specifically isopropyl alcohol or ethanol). This method of extraction is also considered one of the safer options, but requires exact temperature control for optimal results. Extraction using isopropyl alcohol is also known as "QWISO," or quick-wash isopropyl alcohol. Conducive to its name, this process can be completed rather quickly and easily using minimal equipment. However, not many licensed facilities use isopropyl alcohol, as the more popular alcohol solvent is ethanol. Ethanol is a fairly expensive solvent to use for extractions, but it has an extremely high recovery rate. That means it can be used for extraction, and be recovered afterwards through rotary evaporation or another form of solvent reclamation.

Liquid Nitrogen

Novel techniques are emerging that use liquid nitrogen as a solvent. This technique was first commercialized by California brand, The Clear, in their ultra-refined "extra-virgin" rosin product, Baroni. While this method is similar to dry-ice hash collection techniques, the lower temperature created by the liquid nitrogen offers an even quicker turnaround and higher overall yield. Liquid nitrogen is regarded as an effective solvent for its ability to help turn freshly harvested cannabis into high-terpene rosin with relative ease. Because liquid nitrogen is typically only used for agitation and mechanical separation, many believe it should fall into the solventless section. However, after careful consideration we felt the makeup of liquid nitrogen justified its classification as a chemical solvent.

Limonene

Some pioneering extractors have used terpenes as a solvent, though widespread use of the method has yet to take hold (most likely due to lower yields). Prized for their lack of chemicals, widespread availability, sustainability, and safety for human consumption, terpenes like limonene could prove to be an interesting option for future concentrate production. Limonene is an ideal solvent for closed-loop extraction and could be a low-cost alternative to other more expensive solvents like butane and propane. While limonene has proven to be successful in the extraction of cannabinoids, methods have not yet been scaled for commercial production.

Hexane

Hexane is similar to butane and propane (though more expensive) and has a higher boiling point than butane, allowing it to capture more cannabinoids during the extraction process in less time. However, hexane's higher cost and volatility have made it a less popular option for professional extractors despite the high-quality product it can yield.

Ultrasonic (Sonication)

Sonication allows for cannabinoids and terpenes to be harvested from plant matter using sound pulses in a lipid medium (such as coconut or olive oil). As opposed to other methods which must destroy the cell walls within a trichome in order to harvest cannabinoids and terpenes, sonication is able to dissolve the cell well, keeping more of the desired compounds more intact. Read more about this method of extraction here.

CO2 Oil

CO2-extracted concentrates in the form of an oil have become increasingly popular over the years. This supercritical fluid extraction is created with large amounts of pressure and carbon dioxide and is seen as an incredibly effective method to separate plant material to produce an amber oil. CO2 extraction is gaining popularity in commercial extraction operations due to the fact that the equipment used is able to finely tune desired results and end products.

CO2 Oil

CO2 is often preferred to other extracted oils because it's incredibly efficient and yields purer, cleaner product with limited processing and low residual solvent. Because CO2 is a naturally occurring substance and is produced by the human body, it is widely considered as a natural solvent with less health concerns than butane, propane or other hydrocarbons. The opportunity to tune the process is key, while its sterilizing component allows end products to last longer than most. Typically, CO2 oil is found most often in pre-filled oil cartridges (alongside a medical grade solvent, polypropylene glycol) for vaporizers as well as edibles.

Wax and Budder

Arguably the most well-known type of dabbable concentrate, wax is made by blasting plant material with a solvent using a closed-loop extraction system. The resulting slurry is heated at low temperatures and whipped vigorously to remove all residual solvent. Because the product is whipped by hand, it gains airy peaks that are similar to whipped topping. Wax is generally drier and more crumbly than its counterpart budder.

As stated above, the finished product resembles a "whipped" consistency and ranges from a variety of amber shades complete with a milder aroma and flavor profile. Budder is essentially wax with higher moisture content. The consistency of budder is oily and malleable, while wax is crumbly and more solid. Budder contains a higher moisture content because it is whipped less than wax. Remember, many hydrocarbon extractions are similar in nature, but it is the finishing techniques that determine the appearance and consistency of the final product.

Sour Diesel Wax

Live Resin

Live resin is made the same way as wax, however the starting product is fresh frozen plant material. By using cryogenically preserved plant material, the finished product has robust, exceptional terpene and cannabinoid profiles that resemble the qualities of the live plant.

Live resin is known for its excellent flavor and resemblance to the aroma and taste of the live plant. It ranges in color from light amber to yellow-gold and has a moist, shiny looking exterior with a strong, rich smell.

Recently, live resin has broadened its horizons, with many different consistencies and naming conventions. There are currently many "live" products on the market that exhibit high terpene and cannabinoid content and are extracted from fresh-frozen starting material. For example, live sugar is a form of live resin that looks like an amber sugar patty, while live budder is a smoother, more malleable consistency. No matter what the name is, live resin and its many variations offer the best flavor profiles and are frequently enjoyed by connoisseurs and novice cannabis consumers alike.

Live Resin

Full Spectrum Extracts and Sauce

Full spectrum extracts, commonly referred to as sauce, are a concentrate preparation comprising of THCA crystalline and high terpene extracts. Full spectrum extracts and sauce offer consumers a mixture of high cannabinoid content and terpenes, resulting in a flavorful and potent experience. Sauce is considered one of the most sought-after concentrates on the market and many companies have created products to appeal to this demand. Full spectrum extracts are considered some of the most potent concentrates on the market and many consumers find them to provide a full-bodied high similar to that of the starting material.

High Terpene Full Spectrum Extract (HTFSE)

High Terpene Full Spectrum Extract is a pure, potent and stable hydrocarbon extract that is ultra-refined and free from any chemical imbalances. HTFSE is regarded as one of the purest "full spectrum" products and contains high terpene levels and an almost identical chemical composition to that of the starting material. Containing upwards of 15 percent terpenes and 50 percent cannabinoids by weight, the remaining material is solely comprised of biomolecules present in the trichomes of the starting material. Due to its superior quality, HTFSE will not "sugar" up or show signs of degradation, making it one of the most spohisticated cannabis concentrates on the market.

High Cannabinoid Full Spectrum Extract (HCFSE)

High Cannabinoid Full Spectrum Extract is, at its core, crystalline THCA that has been separated from a HTFSE mixture. Because full spectrum extract contains a high concentration of both cannabinoids and terpenes, the mixture is often separated to form HCFSE and HTFSE. Like HTFSE, HCFSE is also highly refined and stablized so it won't dry out or change its overall composition. For enhanced smell and flavor, HCFSE is often mixed with a small amount of HTFSE, giving it a "sugary" look.

THCA Crystalline A.K.A Diamonds

Known as "diamonds" for its distinct similarity to the precious minerals its named after, THCA crystalline is a pure, refined product that is created by isolating the cannabinoid THCA through solvent-based extraction. THCA crystalline can look like a fine dust or powder, but when left to properly form, crystals can take on large formations that look very similar to diamonds. Consuming pure THCA crystalline offers a differeny high than some other THC preparations, as it usually contains little to no terpene content (this is why THCA diamonds are usually combined with high-terpene concentrates to form "sauce"). Despite the lack of flavor when consuming THCA crystalline, it is an extremely potent product that should be consumed carefully.

Shatter

Shatter is made by blasting plant material with a solvent using a closed-loop system. The resulting slurry is collected onto parchment paper and placed in a vacuum oven for solvent purging. After "burping" the slurry (this helps release as much solvent as possible) a few times the shatter starts to take shape and slowly spreads across the paper. Times in the oven can vary anywhere from 45 mins to a full day to achieve optimal consistency.

Sometimes during the process (depending on the starting product), the shatter might not purge correctly resulting in a very "taffy-like" concentrate, reminiscent of salt-water taffy in texture. While shatter is typically stable and easy to handle and snap, taffy is closer to budder in its consistency and stability.

Shatter ranges in color from light to dark amber and is high with terpene content, resulting in superior aroma and flavor. Taffy exhibits similar attributes to shatter in regard to appearance, aroma and flavor.

Shatter

Distillate

Distillates are newer concentrate products and utilize highly scientific equipment to heat and vaporize the THC and CBD within the flower, bringing the vapor into a cooling system for consolidation and eventual collection into beakers. This process is repeated over and over again to create pure cannabinoids without residual solvents or plant matter.

A method called “short path distillation” is used to separate and collect cannabinoids from contaminants to create a clean, clear final product. The process of short path distillation leaves little terpene content. They are generally lost in the extraction process due to the amount of heat used. However, extraction artists and companies are introducing terpenes into the post-extraction process to create specialized and sought after flavors.

Vape Cartridges

Some of the most popular products on the market today, vape cartridges are pre-filled containers that can contain a variety of different cannabis oil preparations, including CO2 oil, distillate or sauce. There arevarying degrees of vape cartridge quality, with live sauce carts representing the most cutting edge, and source-specific cartridges. Cartridges with a distillate/sauce combo offer the best of both worlds while providing real plant terpenes with distillate potency.

Pie Crust/Honeycomb

Pie crust is made by blasting plant material with a solvent using a closed-loop extraction system. The resulting slurry is collected onto parchment paper and placed into a vacuum oven for solvent purging. After the purging interval, the concentrate patty is pressed to promote faster nucleation, turning it from a shiny shatter looking substance to more of a cookie crumble, honeycomb look. The final product delivers an amber color with a strong aroma and overall flavor.

Pie Crust/Honeycomb

Caviar & Jelly Hash

Cannabis caviar sells for nearly four times the normal price of top shelf strains and is made by soaking cannabis flower in powerful hash oil. Afterwards, the soaked flower is coated in kief and dried until ready for consumption. When dry, then final product will have a very pungent aroma with exceptional flavor. It looks similar to regular flower, however the kief-coating hash oil gives off a vibe similar to that of a cocoon. Naturally, it's extremely potent and lasts much longer than normal flower when burned.

Jelly hash is a very potent mix of kief and hash oil. Although it's fairly uncommon to find, it has proven to be extremely effective for patients undergoing chemotherapy or individuals suffering from chronic pain, nausea and other illnesses. With its jelly-like consistency, jelly hash has a mild aroma with an earthy flavor.

Caviar

Rick Simpson Oil

Rick Simpson Oil (or RSO) is a very popular and highly potent decarboxylated concentrate extract that is consumed orally. It utilizes pure light aliphatic naphtha to remove resin containing the cannabinoids, resulting in dark, viscous products with THC levels up to 90% and an earthy flavor. This particular form is often used for medicinal purposes, as made famous by Rick Simpson who cured (or at least controlled) his cancer thanks to RSO. RSO is considered an early example of solvent-based concentrates, and its lack of availability in commercial dispensaries is indicative of its replacement by cleaner solvents and more efficient extraction methods. You can learn more about RSO from Rick's official website, phoenixtears.ca

Rick Simpson Oil - PhoenixTears.ca

Kief & Live Kief

Kief is the simplest and most traditional type of concentrate available. The process used to extract it typically involves cannabis flower and specialized, fine filtering screens or tumblers. By rubbing the flower against the screen, trichomes are agitated and isolated, effectively producing product comprising of collected trichomes. Anyone can extract their own kief through a three-chamber grinder, which features a screen in the bottom level to help collect the trichomes. Depending on how coated with trichomes the flowers being used are, it may take a few weeks to get a decent amount to consume.

Kief is very fine in texture and often takes on a light brown or tan coloring and mimics the flavor of the flower it came from. It can be used on top of a bowl or consumed on its own. As mentioned earlier, this form of cannabis is more potent because the majority of cannabinoids and terpenes are found in trichomes.

Jar of Kief

Live kief is made from fresh-frozen flower, meaning the plant was cut at harvest and immediately frozen to keep all of the cannabinoids and terpenes of the live plant intact. After a quick liquid nitrogen bath, live kief is extracted similarly to regular kief through agitation. Live kief is often preferred because it yields more potent, flavorful, and aromatic product.

Live kief has similar aroma and texture properties as normal kief with a slightly lighter appearance. In particular, the aroma resembles the smell of the live plant and flavors are naturally stronger.

Bubble Hash

Bubble hash (also known as water hash or ice water hash) is a solventless product made using ice, water, and fine micron bags (often referred to as "bubble bags") to filter out plant material and other waste. Bubble hash is a popular concentrate (especially for those new to the concentrate space) that originally gained momentum around 10-12 years ago. Producing bubble hash is debatably the safest extraction technique known to man.

The process is rather simple. First, you must decide on how many bubble bags to incorporate in the extraction. A six or seven bag operation is considered typical, and provides a good striation of micron sizes. Generally speaking, most bubble bag sets include 25, 45, 73, 90, 120, 190, and 220 micron bags. The bags are sequentially placed inside an appropriate-sized bucket, with the 220 micron bag placed last in the bucket. In a traditional bubble hash extraction, the 220 micron bag is considered the "work bag" and houses the starting flower material during the extraction process. Another method is sometimes used however (most commonly in commercial operations), which usually omits the work bag from the process.

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When washing large quantities of flower, a piece of machinery known as a washing machine is often implemented. This handy equipment works in similar fashion to a traditional washing machine and gently agitates the product at set intervals (think automated spin cycle for flower). When using a washing machine to make bubble hash, the micron bags are still used, but not within the washing machine. Instead, water, ice and the starting flower material are mixed within the basin of the washing machine. Once the washing segment is complete. The resulting water containing the extracted trichomes is drained from the washing machine into the bucket containing the sequenced bubble bags. From there the process is the same as a hand-washed extraction.

Bubble Hash

The bubble bags holding the trichome-rich water are carefully lifted up and shaken to drain the water back into the bucket. What's left in the bag is a patty of trichomes. This process is repeated for each bag throughout the process and the hash collected from each bag is separated, dried, and cured. In some instances, the patties are frozen and grated onto parchment paper to create a fine, sifted product that can be gently pressed into a single form, or pressed more firmly in a rosin extraction.

Additionally, quality bubble hash should technically bubble and, depending on star grade, melt when heat is applied. Full-melt (see below) can be dabbed and vaporized completely without leaving behind residual combusted plant matter, half-melt (3*-5*) contains traces of plant matter and will not vaporize fully (ideally used as a bowl-topper or inside of a joint), and cooking grade hash (1*-2*) is even more contaminated and will not melt efficiently. Having said this, full-melt bubble hash is more difficult to create without having the proper equipment and quality plant material. Consumers should always ask about the product before they buy. What specific plant was used, is it a full-melt product and how it was processed are great questions to ask in order to find the best bubble hash possible.

Full-Melt Bubble Hash

Full-melt bubble hash is produced similarly to bubble hash but generally is more refined in nature and intended for dabbing or vaporization purposes. The starting material used for this process is fresh-frozen flower or trim, which means it was cryogenically frozen directly after being cut down. By using fresh-frozen starting material, the final product yields a more robust terpene and cannabinoid profile. Typically speaking, full-melt bubble hash is much more pungent and slightly more potent than traditional bubble hash. Again, the quality of the final product is highly dependent upon the starting material. For the best results, high quality flower should be used for the production of full-melt bubble hash.

In terms of processes, the material is run more gently in comparison to the bubble hash process. This is because only trichome heads are desired in this method. In traditional bubble hash extraction, both the stalks and heads are agitated from the plant and collected, but with full-melt, only trichome heads are extracted, rather than a mix of heads and stalks. Trichome heads, or the bulbous tips connected to the stalks, contain and produce more terpenes, resulting in a superior flavor profile. It is critical that the washing process is very gentle, as more trichome stalks in the process will produce a less-refined final product.

Full-Melt Bubble Hash
Photo Credit: Jared Rojo

As stated earlier, the extraction process is quite similar to bubble hash, as ice, water and micron bags are utilized to collect the trichome heads from the plant. This process can either be hand-washed or gently washed within a washing machine. After extraction, the product is collected and freeze-dried into patties. Once the patties complete the freeze-drying cycle, they are sifted over parchment paper with a fine mesh screen. The sifted, dried, and separated final product looks similar to kief, but contains no plant matter and is light brown to white in color. Full-melt bubble hash can be dabbed, used as a bowl-topper or gently pressed into a solid state. The pressing process is not the same as rosin pressing however. Ice wax pressing refers to the process of gently forming the individual trichome heads together through gentle pressure. The pressure breaks the epidermis of the trichome heads, forcing them to combine together into a unified product. Breaking open the trichome heads also reveals the full flavor of the terpenes contained within, resulting in a fragrant and flavorful product.

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Like bubble hash, there are several ways to grade the quality of full-melt bubble hash, although most should be 6*. Full melt is the highest grade and usually contains around 90% trichome resin heads, meaning it will vaporize fully when dabbed without leaving traces of combusted plant matter on the nail. This form of concentrate has an earthy aroma and is more potent because the majority of cannabinoids and terpenes are found in the trichomes.

Dry Sift

Dry sift at its core is refined kief, which is often manually or mechanically extracted using several micron screens (over and over again) to keep the trichomes intact.

Like bubble hash, there are several ways to grade the quality of dry sift. Full-melt is the highest grade and will usually contain around 90% trichome resin heads which means it can be dabbed, while half-melt will contain both trichome heads and stalks (and other plant matter). Kief is the lowest grade, which will contain the most plant contaminants and is not recommended for dabbing due to the high plant matter concentration.

Similar to live kief, live sift is made from fresh-frozen flower (meaning the plant was cut at harvest and immediately frozen) to keep all of the cannabinoids intact. This method produces more potent and highly flavorful, aromatic end products.

Dry sift is also very fine and often looks beige or tan in coloring. It can be used on top of a bowl or consumed on its own. This form of cannabis is more potent because the majority of cannabinoids (THC or CBD) and terpenes are found in the trichomes.

Rosin

Rosin has gained popularity in recent memory, however, extraction through heat and pressure has been around for quite some time. Producing rosin involves the use of high heat and high pressure to isolate the resinous essential oils from trichome heads to create a solid form of resin.

Rosin is debatably the easiest and safest way to make dabbable concentrates. Additionally, it is also legal to produce at home since it does not require solvents.  This is why it has been deemed the "everyman's" concentrate. That doesn't mean rosin is a lower grade or average by any means though. In fact, rosin is one of the only types of concentrate that is a direct reflection of the starting material used to make it. That means without exceptional starting material, it is impossible to make high-quality rosin.

In the early stages, many people used hair straighteners, repurposed t-shirt presses and even tortilla presses to make rosin. While these machines do get the job done to a certain extent, they are far from efficient, sparking consumer interest in industrial-grade options. This yearning for more powerful and efficient rosin presses instilled a do it yourself movement amongst cannabis enthusiasts who were eager to build their own extraction units. These units are definitely more effective than hair straighteners or t-shirt presses, but have proven to be dangerous and imprecise (and certainly not recommended to try at home).

Recently, many new equipment and products have hit the market to help create safe, quality rosin extractions. Small, semi-portable hydraulic presses have become favorites for home-extractors, and have opened the possibility for cannabis concentrate enthusiasts to make legal and effortless extracts from the comfort of their living rooms.

On a commercial level, companies like PurePressure have created purpose-built machines for the sole purpose of extracting rosin efficiently and effectively (they even have an at-home model coming soon). Their rosin presses are made in the USA with reliable parts, which is why some of the country's top extraction companies are using their Pikes Peak presses. With countless features and exact parameter control, it's a no-brainer that serious rosin extractors are turning to PurePressure for quality presses.

Example of pressing some bubble hash into rosin.
Photo Credit: PurePressure

Rosin allows more people to experiment with making concentrates. And because solvents are not introduced in the process, the chemical structure of terpenes and cannabinoids within the flower are unaltered, which is why rosin is often considered one of the purest and most flavorful forms of concentrate.

Rosin
Photo Credit: Jared Rojo

Aroma, flavor and taste of rosin vary greatly depending on factors such as the starting product used (flower, kief, bubble hash) plus the actual extraction method (as rosin demands high temperatures around 220-350 degrees Fahrenheit). If the starting product has low-resin, the end-yield will resemble poor resin production as well. A common industry saying that holds true for solventless extraction is "Quality In, Quality Out," as the finished product is a direct reflection of the grade of the starting material. It is important to note that specific strains are known to produce better rosin than others, although most appear to be a yellow-amber hue and can take on consistencies of sap, budder and shatter. It's important to note that a little research is necessary to make sure the best product is created.

Live Rosin

Similar in production to standard rosin where bubble hash is pressed with heat, the key difference with live rosin is that the starting plant material is not cured before the trichomes are harvested. Live, fresh frozen plant material is used to make the bubble hash starting material. While live rosin is not technically as “live” as live resin (the bubble hash is allowed to dry before being pressed), terpene retention is still higher than regular rosin methods. This creates a final product that exudes flavor and mimics the original terpene profile of the live plant it was extracted from.

Rosin Jam

Rosin jam is able to make “diamonds” out of rosin using a method similar to the BHO live resin “jar tech.” First, live rosin is made and then pressed at high heat. The resulting mixture is immediately contained in an air-tight container. Heat is then applied to slowly evaporate off the excess terpenes and lipids, forcing the THC to nucleate into crystals. When this method is used for BHO, some producers worry that contaminants can become stuck in the resulting crystals. With Rosin Jam, there is no original solvent present, offering the best of both worlds and a product that is free from any residual solvents.

Rosin Sauce

Similar to rosin jam, rosin sauce takes the process one step further to completely replicate the solvent-based live resin product using solventless methods. Rosin sauce is more difficult to make than other methods of sauce due to not being able to dewax the slurry prior to inducing crystallization, thus requiring uniquely pure starting material and tools in order to get the crystals to form.

With Cannabis (Bowl/Bong/Pipe)

One of the easiest ways to smoke concentrate is to add it to flower (also known as bowl-topping). By doing so, you'll be able to get some of the potent effects of concentrates without getting too high or increasing your tolerance much. This is a great way for beginners to start on concentrates. Simply pack your bowl with flower, and then add a small piece of wax, shatter or budder on top. You can also try layering it between flower in the middle of the bowl. If you like joints or blunts you can sprinkle concentrates inside before rolling or try twaxing, which involves stretching shatter into a thin rope and wrapping it around the outside of the rolled joint. Only certain consistencies of concentrate work well for twaxing, so be sure you fully understand the consistency of your product before handling it. An unstable consistency will end up sticking to your hands and wasting precious concentrate!

Bubble hash is arguably the most effective concentrate bowl-topper, as it has similar combustion properties to flower. However, bubble hash tends to stay lit like a match if it gets too much heat, so be sure to put out the flame or smoke quickly. The best way to smoke bubble hash on a bowl is to let the flame get close enough to the hash that it starts to bubble and melt, without actually setting it on fire. Once the bubble hash is melted into the bowl, it should be easier to smoke and burn much more consistently.

Vaporizer

Using a vaporizer - whether desktop or portable - is one of the most efficient ways to consume any concentrate. Not only are vapes discreet, but the user typically has more control over how they're consuming the product. For instance, depending on the kind of vaporizer you have, you'll find several heat options to utilize. This functionality is great for allowing the consumer the ability to change the temperature to match the kind of concentrate they're smoking and their various melting points.

Vaporizers with variable heat are extremely useful to help gauge the amount of concentrate you are consuming, as well as the intensity of the hit. Generally speaking, it is always advisable to start on a lower temperature and slowly increase until the desired temperature is received. Starting off too hot may produce a hit that is overwhelmingly large, which might lead to an uncomfortable or unpleasant experience.

With most handheld vaporizers or pens, consumers just need to load the chamber and push a button. They're relatively easy to use and truly help preserve the flavor of the concentrate without inducing any combustion. As many avid concentrate consumers will tell you, vaping is often better for your lungs and reduces the total number of carcinogens and tar consumed in general. When selecting a vaporizer, it's always wise to compare several models against each other to determine which one is right for you. There are many helpful reviews and videos online that help make the selection process less daunting.

In terms of vape pens, typically you will find options to load-your-own cartridge or to simply load-your-own chamber. And, of course, you can find pre-filled vape cartridges at pretty much every medical or recreational dispensary. Since the proliferation of distillate availability in recent years though, the viability of refilling your own cartridges has greatly risen and many people are choosing to use this method to save on costs of pre-filled cartridges. The safest way to load your own vaporizer cartridges is using distillate purchased from a dispensary. Simply remove any caps or stoppers from both the cartridge and the delivery device, aim the distillate into the chamber and fill. While simple in idea, the small size of cartridge chambers can sometimes make this task difficult for those without fine motor skills, and the sticky nature of cannabis oils and distillate can make spills a chore. Be sure to go slow and use care when loading your own cartridges. For load-your-own vape pens without a cartridge that feature atomizer chambers, the process is a bit easier. Simply take your concentrate and drop it into the chamber! Many load-your-own vaporizer pens are designed exclusively for use with concentrates nowadays. Concentrate pens can be ideal for consumers on the go, and offer an easy and flameless way to consume concentrates. However, their portability comes at the expense of fine temperature control and the need for constant refilling. Good models can offer puffs similar to those achieved with glass rigs, which is why some advanced consumers prefer them over cartridge vape pens. Ultimately, the difference comes down to preference, with each offering unique pros and cons.

Many choose to invest in desktop vaporizers because of durability. Vaporizers like the Volcano are great because of their balloon-style bags that are easy to use with a group. Consumers just load the vaporizer, press a button, and once the bag fills it's ready to consume. On the other hand, portable vaporizers have risen in popularity thanks to the convenience factor of consuming on the go. Typically, these vaporizer pens are charged by USB and are designed to tackle a variety of concentrate end products. People prefer different options, so do your research and try out a few different products before settling.

Dabbing

Dabbing is the method that's enjoyed by the majority of concentrate lovers. One of the reasons dabbing is so popular is because there are several options to customize your rig and attachments. Concentrate enthusiasts often use this avenue to express themselves and customize their ideal dabbing experience.

The first step in dabbing depends on what you'll dabbing from, however, you'll want to grab your concentrate, torch or e-nail and dab tool regardless.

Butane Torch heats up a Banger

Dabbing with Rigs

Before we dive into this section, be aware that higher grade rigs made with German or American borosilicate glass provide the best dabbing experience, and the smaller the rig, the better the flavor. To set up your dab rig, the first step is to fill it up with water. The necessary water level varies depending on the rig being used. A general rule of thumb is to fill the water about an inch or two above the downstem or diffuser. Making sure the diffuser is immersed underwater is crucial to establishing proper percolation when inhaling.

To check and see if you have a good water level, simply inhale through the mouthpiece. If you get water in your mouth, pour a little out. Ideally, you want to hear a slight chugging sound and feel a little resistance when inhaling. There should be enough empty room in the chamber for the water to bubble without getting in your mouth or spilling out of the downstem hole.

The next step in setting up your rig is placing your nail or banger into the joint. Joint sizes are measured in millimeter, and are commonly seen in 10mm, 14mm and 18mm sizes. You'll want to make sure your nail matches the millimeter of the joint connecting to the downstem of the rig, otherwise it won't be able to fit properly. If you'll using a brand new nail, be sure to season it before doing a dab.

There are currently many methods to take a dab, and many products on the market that allow for effective vaporization. However, concentrate connoisseurs have recently adopted one method into their daily routine that has taken the cannabis community by storm. It's called "low-temp" dabbing and utilizes minimal heat levels to evenly vaporize the desired concentrate. "Low-temp" dabbing allows for optimal flavor and consumption of cannabinoid profiles, which is why it is highly regarded as one of the best ways to take a dab.

To initiate the process, heat the nail until it is red hot. The amount of time to wait after heating the nail is dependent upon the type of nail being used, but generally ranges from 15-40 seconds. Once the correct amount of time has passed, collect the desired amount of concentrate on the dabber, gently place the concentrate onto the nail and inhale gently. There is no need to scrape or slide the dabber, as the heat will melt the concentrate evenly onto the nail. When all of the concentrate has transferred from the dabber to the nail, place the carb cap over the nail to allow an even convection. After the concentrate has been effectively vaporized, all that's left to do is finish inhaling the dab. If completed properly, the dab should be quite flavorful and leave a yellow-gold puddle in the nail (black residue means the dab was too hot and potentially combusted). The final step is wiping out the cup of the nail with a Q-tip.

Melting concentrate on a quartz banger

There are two main types of nails, domeless and domed (hooded). The main difference between the two is airflow. With a domeless nail, there are ventilation rings underneath the nail, which allows air to flow into the rig directly, and therefore no dome is needed. Quartz bangers are another domeless option, utilizing a deep-chambered dish to draw vapor into the rig. Air doesn't flow directly into the chamber with a domed or hooded nail, therefore the dome is used to catch the vapor, allowing you to inhale it into the rig.

The carb cap can be used with a domeless nail to help you take a low-temperature dab. Most carb caps, like nails, are made of titanium, quartz or glass. When a carb cap is placed over a nail, it changes the pressure in the small distance between the nail and carb cap and creates what is known as convection. A small hole at the top of the carb cap allows a minimal amount of air in, which swirls like a vortex and cools the nail, oil and vapor for a smoother dab. Carb caps also let you pause a dab. If your lungs are full of air, you can apply the carb cap to your nail and exhale without losing vapors off the top. They're great especially for those new to concentrates since they allow you to take a break mid-dab and preserve the precious oils on your nail at the same time.

Using a carb cap to induce convection

Why the torch?

Using a butane torch can be intimidating and looks a little similar to using other drugs, however, heed a few precautions and you'll find it's not as scary as it seems.

Consider what dabbing is; heating a small piece of metal, quartz or glass to 300-400 degrees with just a lighter would be impossible. Torches heat metals quickly, as the average flame temperature of a torch is 2600 degrees F and a lighter is around 800 degrees F.

Alternatively, you could use an electric nail (or e-nail) which allows consumers to take dabs without having to use a torch. Instead, the nail is connected to a metal box by a coil that heats the nail. They often have a display with temperature options which makes dabbing easier, notably for even heat distribution and the ability to take a dab at a moment's notice.

Another option for those intimidated by torches is using an electronic rig (or e-rig). E-rigs allow consumers the convenience of a discreet, portable dab rig that is battery-powered and easy to use. E-rigs are compact and come equipped with all the essentials needed for dabbing. With no torch required, e-rigs only need the push of a button to properly heat the nail to optimal dabbing temperature.

Butane Torch

Rig Upkeep/Maintenance

There are several methods of maintenance and upkeep that you should abide by on a daily basis to ensure your rigs are functioning 100% effectively at all times. The first tip is to always use purified or distilled water when filling. This ensures the highest quality filtration when vaporizing and guarantees your concentrate will not pick-up any unwanted tastes or flavor during sublimation. Additionally, using purified or distilled water prevents those pesky hard water stains from appearing on the glass.

The next tip on rig etiquette is using a dab mat or pad. Dab mats safeguard your rig from unclean surfaces and prevent scratches. Dab mats come in a variety of shapes and sizes to meet the needs of any rig. Unless you'll totally sure there's no risk of a scratch, it's strongly encouraged to set a pad down at all times.

Moving on to the nail or banger, to keep it as fresh and long-lasting as possible, it is recommended that you employ "Q-tip tech" after every dab taken. Using a Q-tip to clean out the nail or banger after every dab keeps residue from compiling on the surface, translating into more flavorful hits and extended longevity of the nail.

Another way to improve the longevity of a nail or banger is to avoid sliding or scraping the dabber across the surface. This can result in abrasions of the surface and make cleaning more difficult. It is best to gently touch the dabber to the nail and allow the concentrate to melt off onto the surface. Your nail or banger will thank you! The final tip for rig maintenance is frequent and effective cleaning. Allowing reclaim to build up is not only unsightly, but can create issues, such as the nail or banger fusing to the glass. To ensure the safety of your rig, always be sure to properly maintain cleaning and upkeep.

There are many ways to clean a rig, but the most effective is simply 91% isopropyl alcohol and warm water. Gently washing the rig first in warm water loosens the reclaimed concentrate from the glass, making only a small amount of effort necessary when using the isopropyl alcohol to bring out a squeaky clean finish. Always air on the gentler side when cleaning and allow the alcohol do most of the work. If the rig is routinely cleaned, all the residue should come off with minimal effort. Rig etiquette and maintenance is crucial in maximizing the potential of your set-up. If done correctly, the payoff is certainly worth the time.

Alternate Ways to Dab

One simple way to dab concentrates is to use a honey straw or nectar collector. These devices allow you to dab without a complicated or large rig setup. Although made of glass, these are far more portable than other complicated rig setups.

Use a torch to heat the end of your piece until it glows red and while inhaling, press the heated end into your concentrate. Honey straws are convenient since they don't have a chamber to fill for water and require the least amount of preparation. Nectar collectors have an advantage since the water chamber helps to make the vapor smoother to inhale.

Do Concentrates Go Bad?

While concentrates generally have much longer shelf life than flower or edibles, they are subject to cannabinoid and terpene degradation the same as all cannabis preparations are. THC is not as stable as some other preserved compounds, and will change with exposure to light, heat and air. Any storage measures that reduce exposure to these factors will drastically increase the shelf life of any concentrate. Most concentrates will be fresh roughly 6 months from production, and typically hold up for nearly a year. Over a year, expect less terpenes and a higher concentration of CBN, however some amount of usable THC will remain in the concentrate for many years.

Silicone Containers

Many people prefer to store their concentrates in small, medical grade, silicone containers. What's great about silicone containers is that they're non-stick, easy to clean (just boil them in water) and act as a good insulator to keep your product from getting too warm. They're also reusable, won't break and you can take dabs directly from them. If you're using something like a honey straw or nectar collector, these products make it easy to smoke on the go, specifically when traveling.

Silicone Container

Parchment Paper

Another popular option is parchment paper. It's inexpensive, can be found in many kitchens and prevents anything from sticking to it thanks to a very thin layer of silicone. This is key, as you want your concentrates to be able to be easily lifted from the paper before consuming. Don't get it confused with wax paper, which is coated in actual wax and will stick to any product that's placed on it.

Parchment Paper

Plastic & Glass Containers

You'll find that some concentrates from dispensaries are sold in transparent plastic or glass containers. While these can be a strong option and allow you to see your concentrate at all times, they are not non-stick and as a result, some concentrate is at risk to be wasted. Glass containers are often created with heat-resistant, tempered glass however and are a great option for use with a nectar collector or honey straw.

Glass Container