Extracts and concentrates aren’t just for adult-use markets

Wax, badder, budder, shatter, rosin, resin, diamonds – concentrates and extracts come in a variety of formats, but all of them have one thing in common – potency.  Extracts contain high levels of cannabinoids, which makes them far more potent than flowers, leaves, or stems.  Some extracts are made by using solvents such as butane, or CO2 – oils, and then things like wax or shatter from the oil.  Concentrates like rosin are made by hot pressing flower to allow the oil to squeeze out.

When it comes to consuming concentrates or extracts there are plenty of options.  Oil extracts are typically consumed via vaporizer pens as a convenient choice and portable without creating smoke.  Oil vaping is done with cartridges which are pre filled by the manufacturer of the extracts and connect to a power supply and look like a pen.  Concentrates such as wax or shatter are usually consumed as ‘dabs’ or ‘dabbing.’  Typically, the use of dabs or dabbing is done via a dab rig – which is a popular choice for longtime concentrate users, but can be intimidating for those new to concentrates.  Dab rigs require tools like a torch, a ceramic nail and a water pipe – the key is high heat.  Luckily, there are pen options for these kinds of concentrates as well.  Pens designed for consumption of concentrates don’t require additional hardware and simply work by the user putting the tip of the special pen in the concentrate and vape as usual.  This is a convenient way to dab and especially easy in terms of not having to buy multiple pieces of equipment.

For years, those who scoff at concentrates have insisted that only “stoners” use concentrates and extracts, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.  Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is hardly a “stoner” product and one of the most popular medical cannabis products in use today.  Additionally, as a result of the high potency, those dealing with chronic pain can find nearly instantaneous relief with much less extract or concentrate than with flower – without having to smoke.  Concentrates are sometimes chosen as a lower-cost option than purchasing flower as less product is needed for the level of potency needed for relief from patients.