The Ultimate Guide To Cannabis Extract

A marijuana extract is a concentrate produced with the use of a solvent. “Extract” and “concentrate” are sometimes used interchangeably, though this is technically incorrect. All extracts are concentrates but not all concentrates are extracts. The most common solvents used to make a cannabis extract include propane, butane, supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2), and ethanol.

What are cannabis extracts?

Cannabis extracts are concentrated forms of the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds found in the cannabis plant. These extracts are made by extracting the desired compounds from the plant material using a solvent or other method, resulting in a highly potent product.

Types of cannabis extracts

There are many different types of cannabis extracts, including:

1. Hash: A cannabis extract made by compressing trichomes, the resinous glands found on the surface of the plant, into a solid block.
2. Kief: A powdery cannabis extract made up of trichomes that have been sifted or shaken off the plant material.
3. BHO (Butane Hash Oil): A cannabis extract made by using butane to extract the cannabinoids and other compounds from the plant material.
4. CO2 oil: A cannabis extract made using carbon dioxide (CO2) as a solvent to extract the desired compounds from the plant material.
5. Rosin: A cannabis extract made by applying heat and pressure to the plant material, causing the cannabinoids and other compounds to be squeezed out.
6. Tinctures: Cannabis extracts that are made by soaking the plant material in alcohol or another solvent.
7. Distillates: Highly purified cannabis extracts made using distillation to isolate and purify specific cannabinoids or terpenes.

How to use cannabis extracts

There are many different ways to use cannabis extracts, and the method you choose will depend on the type of extract you have and your personal preferences. Here are some common ways to use cannabis extracts:

1. Dabbing: Dabbing is a method of vaporizing cannabis extracts that involves heating the extract on a hot surface and inhaling the vapor through a dab rig. This method is popular for BHO, rosin, and other types of extracts.
2. Adding to flower: Many people like to add cannabis extracts to their flower for an extra potency boost. This can be done by sprinkling kief or hash on top of a bowl, or by mixing a small amount of oil or wax into the flower before smoking.
3. Edibles: Cannabis extracts can also be used to make edibles, which are food products that have been infused with cannabis. Edibles made with cannabis extracts can provide a more precise and potent dose of cannabinoids than edibles made with cannabis flower.
4. Tinctures: Cannabis tinctures are made by soaking the plant material in alcohol or another solvent, and can be consumed by placing a few drops under the tongue or adding to a beverage.
5. Topicals: Cannabis extracts can also be used topically, in the form of creams, lotions, or balms. These products are applied directly to the skin and can be used to relieve pain, inflammation, or other conditions.

When using cannabis extracts, it’s important to start with a small amount and slowly work your way up to a dose that works for you. Many extracts can be very potent and can produce strong effects, especially for those with a low tolerance or who are new to cannabis.