Jump to a section:
- Solvent-Extracted Full-Spectrum Concentrates
- Solventless Full-Spectrum Extracts
- THC-only Extracts
- Which Cannabis Concentrate is the Strongest?
- What is the Best Form of THC Concentrate?
- Where to Buy Cannabis Concentrates in Missouri
Types of Cannabis Concentrates
Cannabis concentrates are highly potent extracts of the cannabis plant that contain a high concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes. There are several different types of THC concentrates, each with its own unique characteristics and methods of extraction. Here are some of the different types of cannabis concentrates, explained.
Solvent-Extracted Full-Spectrum Concentrates
Most cannabis concentrates are extracted using solvents like grain alcohol, CO2 oil, or butane. These chemical solvents are fully removed before the extracts are put on the market or added to products.
Full-spectrum extracts are known for the “entourage effect,” where different compounds work together synergistically to enhance the overall effects. Some examples of full-spectrum concentrates that are extracted using solvents include RSO, CO2 extracts, butane hash oil, and live resin.
RSO
Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is also known as FECO (full extract cannabis oil), Honey Oil, or Phoenix Tears. RSO is a highly concentrated form of cannabis oil that’s often used for medical purposes. It’s typically extracted using grain alcohol and can be consumed orally or used topically.
CO2 Oil Extracts
This concentrate is created using carbon dioxide (CO2) as a solvent. CO2 oil is known for its purity and is commonly used in vape cartridges and tinctures.
BHO (Butane Hash Oil)
BHO is a potent concentrate produced by using butane as a solvent to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis plants. It is often used for dabbing and can come in various textures & viscosities, including:
Live Resin
Live resin is a type of cannabis extract that’s made from freshly harvested and frozen cannabis plants. This process preserves a broader range of terpenes, resulting in a more flavorful and aromatic concentrate. Live resin can be extracted using CO2 or butane, and can come in the different forms mentioned above, such as shatter, badder, wax, and more.
Live Sauce
Cannabis sauce is a high-terpene, high-THC live resin concentrate that typically has a liquid consistency. It’s known for its strong flavor and aroma.
Solventless Full-Spectrum Extracts
Solventless concentrates are extracted using only heat and/or pressure, rather than chemical solvents. They aim to preserve the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes found in the cannabis plant. Hash, kief, and live rosin are all solventless extracts.
Hashish (Hash)
Hash is one of the oldest and simplest forms of cannabis concentrate. It’s made by compressing trichomes (the resin glands of the cannabis plant) into a solid, often brown or black, substance. Hash can be consumed by smoking, vaporizing, or adding it to edibles.
Kief
Kief consists of the trichome glands that have been separated from the plant material. It’s typically collected using a grinder with a kief catcher or a specialized sifting screen. Kief can be sprinkled on top of flower in joints or pipes, or used to make more potent edibles.
Live Rosin
Rosin is made by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flower or kief, causing the trichomes to release their oils. Live rosin, also called hash rosin, is a solventless concentrate that is popular for its purity and flavor.
THC-only Extracts
Extracts that do not include a full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes contain only THC, or nearly all THC. These include distillate, diamonds, and isolate. THC-only extracts do not have the benefit of the entourage effect.
Distillate
Cannabis distillate is a highly refined concentrate that contains very high levels of THC, along with trace levels of other cannabinoids. It is typically used in the production of edibles, vape cartridges, and tinctures.
Diamonds
Diamonds, or crystalline THC, are a type of concentrate where THC forms into large, crystal-like structures in a sauce or oil. They are extremely potent and often used for dabbing, or added to live sauce to make the power-packed concentrate diamonds and sauce.
Isolate
Isolates are pure forms of individual cannabinoids, such as THC or CBD, extracted and refined to nearly 100% purity. Isolates come in the form of a crystalline powder and are often used in medical and therapeutic products.
Which Cannabis Concentrate is the Strongest?
The strength of a cannabis concentrate is typically measured by its concentration of THC. The “strongest” cannabis concentrates have high levels of THC– up to 100%! Some of the strongest cannabis concentrates include:
- THC isolate (100% THC)
- THC distillate (90%+ THC)
- THC diamonds (90%+ THC)
- Live Resin (80%+ THC)
- BHO concentrates (70-80% THC)
- Live Rosin (70-80% THC)
But keep in mind that “stronger” doesn’t necessarily mean “better.” THC on its own does not provide as well-rounded of a high or as many benefits as a full-spectrum extract does. This is because of the entourage effect– the principle that cannabinoids and terpenes work best together rather than in isolation.
Keep in mind that high-potency concentrates are not recommended for novice cannabis users. If you are new to concentrates, always start with lower-potency products and gradually increase your dosage if needed.
What is the Best Form of THC Concentrate?
So what is the best type of THC extract? It completely depends on your individual preferences and needs. Different forms of cannabis concentrates have distinct qualities, and the “best” THC extracts for one person may not be the ideal choice for another. Some factors to consider when determining the best concentrates for your situation are potency, purity, and flavor & aroma.
If you’re simply looking for the highest THC content, then THC distillate or THC isolate might be your preference. However, a full-spectrum extract like BHO (shatter, badder, wax, etc) or live resin will give you a more well-rounded high along with the entourage effect benefits of terpenes and other cannabinoids. If you appreciate the aromatic and flavorful qualities of cannabis, try dabbing a terpene-rich Illicit extract like Ghost OG Live Badder or the extra-potent Diamonds & Sauce.
If purity is your primary concern, opt for a solventless concentrate like Strawberries & Cream Live Rosin from Illicit. While solvents are always removed from cannabis concentrates before they are sold at a dispensary, many people like the extra reassurance of knowing their concentrate was never touched by chemicals.
Where to Buy Cannabis Concentrates in Missouri
Whether you are seeking a distillate vape, a THC tincture, infused pre-rolls, or extracts to dab like badder, sugar, wax, or diamonds & sauce, From The Earth has all of the types of cannabis concentrates you are looking for.
Our licensed dispensaries in Missouri carry a full line of THC extracts, from respected Missouri cannabis brands like Illicit Gardens and others. Find a From The Earth dispensary near you!
About the Author:
David Craig is the VP of Marketing for Illicit and From The Earth. Craig has been on the ground floor of developing multiple lifestyle and retail brands in the cannabis, fitness, and entertainment industries from Las Vegas to New York City.
