Cannabis oil and concentrates are usually highly potent products refined through a variety of extraction processes where the finished product may have intensified cannabinoids and terpenoid compounds. Depending on the strain, cultivar and the extraction process, the finished product is potent, containing significantly higher yields of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) and minor cannabinoids.
Cannabis flower tests around 15 – 30% THC. Cannabis concentrates range between 60 – 90% THC, depending on the strain, quality and extraction process. One thing for sure is that concentrates are not for everyone, especially those new to cannabis. However, experienced patients may prefer to use concentrates and extracts for debilitating conditions, such as chronic pain, spasms, nausea, migraines, inflammation, depression, and PTSD. Among other conditions, cannabis oil helps patients with higher tolerances.
To understand which type of concentrate is right for you, here is a guide to the various types of concentrates produced at ACS:
- EHO: Ethanol Hash Oil – Produced by processing plant material with ethanol using a closed-loop extraction system. The resulting slurry is heated at low temperatures and whipped vigorously to remove all residual solvent.
- EHO Live (Resin/Sugar/Shatter): produced by processing a live plant at cryogenic temperatures, before the bud is cured. Through single pass extraction in a saturated ethanol solution, EHO Live comes in a variety of consistencies.
- Distillate: a solvent-free extraction, using CO2, to produce the purest medical cannabis extracts. Distillate is used in the pen style vapor cartridges as well as in a syringe to dab with.
- LN2 Hash: Live plants are cut then immediately dipped into liquid nitrogen. This gentle extraction process removes just the trichome heads for an incredible fresh hash experience and can be added to a joint or bowl. (Not full melt; full melt hash readily melts and bubbles when heated from flame or vaporization – see LN2 Live Resin)
- LN2 Live Resin: Made the same way as wax; however, the starting product is fresh frozen plant material. Using cryogenically preserved plant material with heat and pressure this solvent-less extraction creates a full-flavored, potent experience. The finished product has robust, exceptional terpene and cannabinoid profiles resembling the qualities of the live plant.
- RSO: Rick Simpson Oil (or RSO) is a very popular, highly potent, decarboxylated concentrate that is consumed orally. It utilizes pure light aliphatic naphtha to remove resin containing the cannabinoids, resulting in dark, viscous products with THC levels up to 90% with an earthy flavor. – DO NOT DAB as it is already activated.
- THCA Crystals: Rosin that is further extracted becomes THCa crystals. Like LN2 Live Resin, THCA crystals are made using fresh frozen plant material that is pressed and lightly heated, several times.
Choosing a type of concentrate depends on the preferred flavor, effect, and extraction process. Medically speaking, solvent-less concentrate options provide an encompassing profile and are considered full spectrum, meaning they contain an entourage effect of synergistic compounds. Concentrate options vary based on the strain used, the cultivar, and the process used to produce unique batches of medicine. As flower material is processed through one of the above extraction methods, the results will reflect its initial flower representation in a thicker, more concentrated consistency with amplified effects. Concentrates should come with a warning: a little goes a long way.
Interested in learning more about medical cannabis concentrates? Check out this Leafly article with helpful tips and tricks on How to dab cannabis concentrates: oil, shatter, wax and more.