Solvent-Based Concentrates Explained
Consuming “Full Spectrum Extracts” is a very popular form of cannabis consumption that continues to gain momentum. The theory behind full spectrum extracts efficacy is that the plant’s entire cannabinoid profiles are more effective than any isolated one or two. There are many cannabinoids besides THC and CBD that also have potentially medicinal values. The belief is that unique combinations of cannabinoids are more likely to be medicinal. The full spectrum combination of cannabinoids is known as the “Entourage Effect”. As we learn more and more about the plant and the endocannabinoid system, it is likely that this is true. It is possible that we are yet to discover additional cannabinoids which may also have medicinal effects.
SOLVENT CONCENTRATES
Our cannabis concentrates extracted using a wide range of chemical and organic solvents, most commonly butane, propane, ethanol and CO2, to separate the active compounds from the plant material. They’re smoked using a concentrate vaporizer or dab rig that’s heated to vaporize the concentrate, giving the user an almost instant high that may increase in intensity over the course of a few min. to 15 min. at most.
BADDER / BUDDER
One of the many consistencies of cannabis concentrates, identified by its workable texture that looks and feels like cake frosting. Not all Badder looks the same, and the appearance depends on the starting material and methods of extraction. Some Badder is partly sticky, leaning towards the consistency of Sauce, while others look more like Crumble with a stiffer, lumpier texture that should still be a little gooey. Some wholesalers consider batter to be slightly different than others. Typically these products are all made with Butane, propane, or ethanol. These products are highly potent, containing 60- 85% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels. On rare occasions badder and butter are more than 85% THC. Badder and Budder are both typically “dabbed” or used in a vaporizer made specifically for concentrates. Please ask you budtender about your options for smoking these products safely and efficiently. Some are more wasteful than others.
DIAMONDS
Diamonds are faceted, crystalline formations of isolated THCA whose molecules collect and stack together. These structures are most commonly found at the bottom of a container of Terp Sauce but may also be isolated on their own. Diamonds are very popular because of the purity and high THC content. People also love the terps found in popular diamond and terp mixes.
DISTILLATE
Distillate is a thin, translucent oil that does not contain the waxes or undesirable compounds from the original plant. It does, however, maintain the plant’s natural terpene and cannabinoid profile as well as its aroma and flavors.
Moreover, distillate is popular for its potency and versatility. It can be used to dab, vaporize and mix in as an ingredient in edibles, topicals, and other products. Distillate concentrates are achieved through an extensive refinement process that separates compounds from cannabis plant matter. Distillate products contain very high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), frequently up 90%. Distillate has been under public scrutiny due to black market sellers adding unsafe additives.
LIVE RESIN
Live Resin is manufactured using only fresh cannabis plant material that’s been flash frozen, immediately post-harvest and maintained throughout the entire extraction process. This dramatically preserves the plant’s terpenes, retaining the aromatic fragrance of the plant and its varied flavors that may otherwise be lost throughout the typical drying and curing process. In fact, anytime anything is labeled “live” that means that the product was frozen alive for this effect. This preservation leads many to believe that Live Resin offers optimal medicinal properties because the plant’s natural terpene and cannabinoid profile remains intact. It is often another substantial process requiring time, space, and energy so live products are usually at a slight premium. We at NEA think it’s worth it.
MOONROCKS
Nugs of cannabis flower dipped in sticky extracts and then rolled in kief. Moon rocks are high in THC, averaging more than 50%, and valued foremost for their potency and extreme psychoactive effects. Moon rocks may be made from 1 plant, however, they are more likely a combination of plants and strains. Be careful if you’re going for a specific high.
SHATTER
Shatter is the common name applied to butane hash oil (BHO), CO2 oil, or other cannabis-based extracts. It is created through an extraction process that eliminates fats and lipids and is believed to be one of the purest and most potent types of marijuana products. Shatter is typically transparent with a glass-like appearance and easily breaks into fragments when cold. The colors of shatter can vary depending on solvent, extraction method, age of the product extracted, and so forth. These products are highly potent, containing 60-85 % tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels.
SUGAR
One of the many extract textures that can be produced, identified by its often shiny, shiny, grainy, and sometimes slightly wet quality. This texture is achieved when solvent- based extracts are left exposed to light and heat for an extended period of time. This exposure may degrade some of the aroma and flavors of the extract but will not decrease its potency.
TERP SAUCE
A cannabis extract with a sticky, liquid consistency. Sauce extractions contain high levels of terpenes making them among the most flavorful of extracts. Sauce is typically produced utilizing a closed loop system and allowing the resulting solution to settle under various pressures and temperatures. This environment promotes the natural separation of the major cannabinoids from the terpene-rich portion.
WAX
Wax is a broad term used to describe a family of cannabis concentrates made up of softer, opaque oils that have lost their transparency after extraction. This signature texture is created when the molecules crystallize as a result of agitation during the extraction process. Several minor variations in consistency can be further achieved based on heat, moisture and the texture of the oil before it is purged (the process in which residual solvents are removed from the product). Runny oils with more moisture tend to form gooey waxes often called “budder,” while the harder ones are likely to take on a soft, brittle texture known as “crumble” or “honeycomb.” The term “wax” can be used to describe all of these concentrates to varying degrees. These products are very potent, containing 50-75% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) levels or more.