Ever since cannabis brands became mainstream, many started catering to a unique clientele. An online search can yield hundreds of results, a virtual playground for cannabis enthusiasts.
Newbies, on the other hand, could get entangled in a wide web of confusion and regret purchases. You want to avoid a case of “This isn’t what I ordered.”
Whether new to cannabis culture or an old hack, it’s best to brush up on your knowledge. From new strains to potency levels, know what you’re getting into before clicking the “buy now” button.
But first, let’s get to the legal logistics of cannabis concentrates in the U.S.
Cannabis Concentrates and Legalization
The Conversation notes that many cannabis concentrates have THC levels between 40% and 70%. At times, levels can exceed 80% depending on the extraction method.
THC and CBD are the most common compounds in cannabis. The key difference is that CBD doesn’t produce the “high” that THC does.
The variety of names for cannabis concentrates can be confusing and include “budder,” “wax,” and “kief.” These variants are often vaporized or inhaled.
According to Leafwell, the sale of marijuana concentrates skyrocketed by more than 40% in 2023. Despite the rise in popularity, there are states where recreational products aren’t sold or freely available.
The following states allow the sale and access to concentrates in medical and recreational dispensaries:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Guam
- Illinois
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New York
- Oregon
- Vermont
- Washington
Live resin and liquid diamonds are becoming especially popular concentrates. So, what’s the difference between the two? We’ll take a closer look at cannabis extracts that are doing the rounds.
What are Liquid Diamonds?
No doubt Rihanna is a fan of liquid diamonds. The singer is famously vocal about her love for the herb, and this specific concentrate is exceptionally potent.
Liquid diamonds are mostly the main ingredient in hybrid pre-roll pack joints. Juiced pack joints, for instance, contain a mixture of hash, kief and liquid diamonds.
Also known as THCA diamonds, THC crystals, or THC crystalline, this substance is a pure and potent cannabis concentrate.
By “potent,” we mean extremely high THC levels, sometimes reaching 99%. Yep, one toke from liquid diamonds will have you shining bright like a diamond.
Sluggers Hit advises that when buying a hybrid pack, you should know the product and its potency level. The product description should clearly state the ingredients and percentage of THC.
Liquid diamonds, unlike THC diamonds, are a blend of THC diamonds and live resin. It combines the potency of diamonds with the flavorful taste of live resin.
How Does Live Resin Differ From Other Cannabis Extracts?
Live resin is a popular cannabis product made by flash-freezing freshly harvested cannabis. The process reserves its rich terpene profile and potent cannabinoids.
Cannabis connoisseurs appreciate this vibrant, full-spectrum product for its rich flavor and aroma.
A popular way of using live resin is smoking a resin-infused flower. Live resin is blended with traditional cannabis buds for a potent, flavorful smoke. Alternatively, you can use a vape pen designed for this concentrate.
Rehashing Hash Oil
An oldie but a goodie. Hash oil is a cannabis extract with a higher-than-normal concentration of THC.
Sometimes called “dabbing” or “burning,” the benefits of hash oil have long been associated with helping to treat nausea, pain and inflammation. Although research is inconclusive, cancer patients swear hash oil has been a lifesaver with chronic pain.
But be warned, because hash oil is more potent than marijuana, the euphoric effects may be stronger. Users have reported altered perception, changes in mood, hallucinations and impaired movement.
What Makes Rosin Special?
Rosin has swiftly risen through the ranks as one of the cannabis industry’s most talked-about products. Customers wanting a cleaner, purer extract usually gravitate to rosin.
Since the vape health scare, people have become more mindful of what they consume. Rosin is the preferred choice as it avoids chemical-heavy cannabis extracts.
Rosin, also known as solventless hash oil (SHO), is made without solvents. It uses heat and pressure to separate the resinous sap from the plant, which is then collected on parchment paper and sold as is.
The process of extracting rosin has improved in recent years. Previously, cannabis enthusiasts used T-shirt presses and hair-straightening irons to create rosin at home. Thankfully, present results are better than the DIY production route from past years.
Crazy About Budder
Budder is a cannabis concentrate with a cake frosting-like texture. Neither solid nor liquid, the substance is sometimes compared to the creamy consistency of peanut butter.
The concentrate is favored for its high THC content (80-90%) and its ability to retain many terpenes from the cannabis plant. Considered the most flavorful of concentrates, budder is associated with top-shelf premium flowers.
Budder is made by extracting cannabinoids from cannabis flowers using a solvent. Due to its production process, it is considered clean, often rated with a purity level over 99%.
It typically contains no solvents, toxins, mold, or metals that could compromise its cleanliness.
Final Toke
While cannabis concentrates are very much in demand, be mindful of where you decide to light up or dab. Not all states are as welcoming to cannabis enthusiasts. Federal laws may differ which could get you into trouble.
Educate yourself on regulations, especially when purchasing products via online stores.
Know what you’re buying and always read the ingredients and percentage of THC in cannabis products. When in doubt, speak to someone learned about cannabis culture.
If trying a cannabis concentrate for the first time, be aware of the risks and side effects linked to the product. Your safety and health are far more important than chasing the next “high.” Be mindful of the company you keep while participating in the activity. And always remember, no underage smokers are allowed!
