Cannabis concentrates have quickly gained popularity among cannabis users for their potency, versatility, and variety of forms. Whether you're a seasoned user or new to the world of cannabis, understanding how concentrates are made and the different types available can help you make more informed choices when purchasing products. At Midwest CBD, we pride ourselves on offering premium concentrates that reflect our commitment to quality, purity, and potency.
In this post, we’ll explore the various extraction processes used to create cannabis concentrates and the types of products they result in. If you’re looking for top-tier concentrates that are safe and effective, keep reading to learn more about the fascinating world of cannabis extraction and discover how our products can elevate your wellness routine.
What Are Cannabis Concentrates?
Cannabis concentrates are products that have been processed to extract the active compounds from the cannabis plant, primarily cannabinoids (like THC, CBD, CBG) and terpenes (aromatic compounds that contribute to the plant’s flavor and effects). By removing most of the plant’s inactive material (such as plant fibers and chlorophyll), concentrates offer a much more potent product than the raw cannabis flower, allowing users to experience more immediate and intense effects with smaller amounts.
There are many types of concentrates, each with its own unique texture, potency, and method of production. Let’s break down some of the most common extraction methods and the resulting products.
Extraction Methods: How Cannabis Concentrates Are Made
The extraction process is what determines the potency, flavor, and purity of the final concentrate. There are several methods for extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis plants, with each method varying in complexity and the quality of the resulting concentrate.
1. Solvent-Based Extraction
One of the most widely used methods, solvent-based extraction involves using a solvent (like butane, propane, ethanol, or CO2) to dissolve the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material. The solvent is then evaporated, leaving behind a concentrated form of the plant’s active compounds.
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Butane Hash Oil (BHO): A common form of solvent-based extraction, BHO is made by passing butane through cannabis plant material to extract cannabinoids and terpenes. The resulting concentrate is often a shatter, wax, or crumble, each varying in texture and consistency.
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CO2 Extraction: This method uses supercritical carbon dioxide to pull cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant. CO2 extraction is known for producing a cleaner, more refined product that retains a wide range of cannabinoids and terpenes. It’s commonly used to make distillates or full-spectrum oils.
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Ethanol Extraction: Ethanol is used as a solvent to extract cannabinoids and terpenes. While it can produce high-quality extracts, ethanol extraction may also pull some chlorophyll, which can result in a slightly bitter taste. However, the process is relatively easy and safe.
Pros of Solvent-Based Extraction:
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Highly efficient at extracting cannabinoids and terpenes.
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Can produce potent concentrates with high THC or CBD content.
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Results in a variety of concentrate textures and consistencies.
Cons of Solvent-Based Extraction:
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If not properly purged, residual solvents may remain in the final product, compromising safety and purity.
2. Solventless Extraction
As the name implies, solventless extraction doesn’t use chemical solvents. Instead, this method relies on mechanical processes to extract the cannabinoids and terpenes. Because it avoids solvents, solventless extracts are often considered purer and more natural.
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Rosin: One of the most popular solventless concentrates, rosin is created by applying heat and pressure to cannabis buds or hash to squeeze out the oils. The result is a potent, sticky concentrate that’s often used in dabbing or vaping. Rosin is loved for its clean flavor and high terpene content.
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Hash: Traditional hash is created by physically separating the resin glands (trichomes) from the plant material, either by hand or bubble hash when extracted by ice water. The trichomes are then pressed into a concentrate, which can range from soft and pliable to hard and brittle.
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Dry Sift: This method uses sieves to gently separate the trichomes from the cannabis flower, creating a finely powdered concentrate known as kief. The kief can be pressed into hash or used as a topping for joints or bowls.
Pros of Solventless Extraction:
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No chemicals or solvents involved, resulting in a more natural product.
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Retains a high amount of terpenes, leading to more flavorful products.
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Safer for the consumer since it’s free of residual solvents.
Cons of Solventless Extraction:
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Often less efficient than solvent-based methods, meaning the yield may be lower.
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Typically requires more labor and time to produce.
3. Distillation
Distillation is a process that involves purifying a cannabis extract by separating cannabinoids based on their boiling points. This method is typically used to create ultra-pure, highly concentrated forms of individual cannabinoids like THC, CBD, or CBG. Distillates are often colorless and odorless, which makes them versatile for formulating edibles, tinctures, and vape cartridges.
These highly refined concentrates contain nearly 100% of the targeted cannabinoid, offering the purest form of THC or CBD. Distillates are commonly used in products like tinctures, capsules, and vape pens due to their potency and lack of flavor or aroma.
Pros of Distillation:
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High potency with very pure cannabinoid content.
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Can be used in a wide variety of products, including edibles and topicals.
Cons of Distillation:
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Most of the terpenes are removed, which can lead to a less flavorful experience.
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The process can be expensive and time-consuming.
Popular Types of Cannabis Concentrates
Now that we’ve covered some extraction methods, let’s take a look at some of the most popular types of cannabis concentrates you might encounter:
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Shatter: A type of BHO concentrate that’s known for its hard, glass-like texture. Shatter is often golden to amber in color and can be broken into shards for dabbing.
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Badder: A softer concentrate compared to shatter, with a "whipped" consistency. Badder is often used for dabbing and has a more intense flavor profile.
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Crumble: Similar to badder but with a more brittle, crumbly texture. Crumble is easy to handle and can be used for dabbing or sprinkled onto flower.
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Live Resin: Made using fresh, frozen cannabis rather than dried flowers, live resin retains a higher terpene profile, resulting in a more flavorful and aromatic experience.
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Rosin: A solventless concentrate that’s made by applying heat and pressure to cannabis material. Rosin is loved for its purity and rich flavor.
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Sugar wax: A concentrate that looks like wet sugar or honey, it locks in flavor with its partially crystalized texture. Other concentrates may also "sugar" over time.
- Diamonds: Not unlike sugar wax, crystalized THCA, the acidic raw form of intoxicating THC can be isolated or kept in a terpene rich "sauce". A very high potency extraction.
And you can also mix concentrates. For instance, “moonrock” treatment involves dipping the flower or coating a pre-roll in concentrate and then pressing into kief for sending the potency to the stars.
Why Shop for Cannabis Concentrates at Midwest CBD?
At Midwest CBD, we offer a variety of premium cannabis concentrates made from high-quality, organic hemp. Whether you’re looking for rosins, badders, crumbles, or diamonds, we have something for every preference. Our products are carefully crafted to ensure potency, purity, and safety, so you can enjoy the best that hemp has to offer.
If you're ready to elevate your cannabis experience with some of the finest concentrates available, browse our collection today and find the perfect product to suit your needs.
We pride ourselves on providing lab-tested concentrates that are free of harmful chemicals, so you can feel confident in the quality of every product you purchase. Shop now at Midwest CBD and discover the power of cannabis concentrates for yourself!
