THC concentrates are a somewhat new development in the marijuana community: they tend to be very potent, and it’s important to know what you’re getting into before using them. There are many different ways to prepare a concentrate, and these terms will largely express the differences between various preparation methods. Know of a particular type of concentrate or hashish that we have missed? Submit your knowledge to our open-source dictionary!
710
While 420 refers to all things cannabis, 710 (or July 10th) refers specifically to all things related to oil and concentrates, including wax, shatter, budder, and resin. If you flip 710 upsides down, you’ll note that it looks like the word OIL, thus the reason for this specific date. It may not be as widespread as 420, but you’ll often find great deals on dab tools, oils, and concentrates at your local dispensaries on this day. Referring to yourself as 710-friendly also is an easy way to let people know you’re comfortable with these types of products.
“This Saturday is July 10th, so do you want to do some dabs in honor of 710 this weekend?”
Boof Carts
Low-quality or counterfeit cartridges for oil pens. These include the unsafe ones made by unlicensed vendors, as well as cheaper or poorly made carts. These should be avoided if at all possible, especially if purchased from outside a reputable dispensary or made at home.
“All they had were boof carts, so I’m sticking to flower for now.”
Bubble Hash
Bubble hash is concentrate that is made using ice water as a solvent The name comes from the bubbling effect that happens to the finished product when it’s smoked. Bubble hash has been around since the 1980s and until the development of modern extraction techniques, it was the go-to method for making a cannabis concentrate. It tends to have lower THC content than products like wax or live resin, but it has more of a focus on terpenes, allowing for a clearer high that does not result in a “weed hangover.”
“Candace makes her own bubble hash; she’s pretty dedicated to that life.”
Budder
Cannabis concentrate with a texture and consistency similar to butter, hence the name. Because it’s neither solid nor liquid, budder is often favored for its ease of use in dab rigs. The consistency makes it much easier to control the amount of product scooped on to a tool. For this reason, it’s often considered a good entry point for consumers who are new to dabbing.
“Dabbing budder is easy since my tool can scoop up just the right amount of wax every time.”
Carts
Short for “cartridge,” this refers to the disposable, pre-packaged cannabis oil cartridges available at dispensary storefronts. The cartridges attach directly to a battery that heats a coil or wick that vaporizes the oil inside the cart for inhalation. They come in a variety of strains and flavors, consumers who choose this method are bound to find a favorite or two.
“I’m really enjoying this mint-flavored cart I picked up the other day.”
Closed-Loop Extraction
An industrial method of creating cannabis concentrates. In general, extraction solvents are used to pull material from flower; in closed-loop extraction, these solvents are kept internal to a system and never exposed to air, allowing for reuse of solvents and better safety for manufacturers.
“I exclusively buy concentrates made using closed-loop extraction since it’s a safer process.”
CO2
Also known as carbon dioxide, it’s the colorless, high-density gas you most likely learned about in science class. It’s used extensively as a solvent in supercritical extraction of hash oil and concentrates because of the low volatility of the gas. CO2 is also added to the air in a cannabis cultivation facility to increase yields.
“If they’d taught us about using CO2 in cannabis extraction, I’d definitely have paid more attention in Chemistry.”
Concentrate
Extracted material from cannabis plant resulting in much more powerful high. A solvent is used to pull the most desirable parts of the plant while keeping them in a consumable state to be vaporized and inhaled when heat is applied. Concentrates come in various forms, running the gamut of viscosities from liquids and solids. It can also be consumed in any way that applies intense heat, from high-tech vaporizing rigs to rolling up a snake of wax into a joint.
“I’m glad I gave concentrates a shot, the extraction process heightens the flavor and effects for a super-effective hit.”
Dabbing
When a small amount of concentrate is dropped onto a hot surface it vaporizes and the resulting vapor can be inhaled. This process is called dabbing. It’s a relatively newer method to consume cannabis but it’s become popular due to its ability to produce clean, pure hits of THC without the worry of burnt plant matter or paper material entering your lungs. While traditional dabbing involves very specific tools, many manufacturers are producing devices that allow users to dab on the go.
“Be warned: dabbing concentrates can really screw up your tolerance! A little goes a long way.”
Dab
Any concentrate being prepared for dabbing. Not to be confused with the arm-swinging gesture & dance move! While many users have their preferences, any kind of concentrate can be used for dabs, be it shatter, budder, or even live resin. Each different consistency requires a different temperature to reach vaporization, so it’s important to keep in mind. Because dabs are so potent, first-timers should also tread carefully.
“I’ve always been curious about dabs but I have such a low tolerance!”
Diamonds
Crystalline structures seen in some sauce-like concentrates. Diamonds tend to form at the bottom of extract containers, and while they can be quite potent they need to be decarbed before they have any effect. While some people exclusively dab using diamonds, others like to combine it with liquidy concentrates for a more intense experience.
“I asked the budtender to recommend a concentrate full of diamonds because I love the way THCA crystallizes.”
Extract
Extracted material from the cannabis plant, resulting in much more powerful high. A solvent is used to pull the most desirable parts of the plant and keep them in a consumable state, ready to be extracted and inhaled when the heat is applied. The concentrate comes in various forms, running the gamut between liquids and solids, and can be consumed in any way that applies intense heat using methods varying from high-tech vaporizing rigs to blasting it with a blowtorch.
“Ever since I’ve been dabbing extracts rather than smoking flower I’ve been more intrigued by terpenes and flavor.”
Hash
While this term is occasionally used as slang for all types of cannabis, hash (or hashish) specifically refers to THC-heavy resin extracted from cannabis flowers. Hash can be smoked or ingested depending on its consistency, and it has a long history as part of the North Indian and Nepalese cultures. In the late 19th century, it became popular in the Western world as famous writers (including Victor Hugo and Charles Baudelaire) began using it recreationally at a hashish club in Paris. While it never really caught on in the US, hash tends to be the preferred method of consumption for European stoners.
“Solid hash can be pressed into tablet form, so you can get more precise dosages when using it medicinally.”
Ice wax
Ice wax extracts are a type of solventless extract that involves cooling cannabis with ice to agitate and separate trichomes from the plant, allowing for the filtering process. Ice wax is known for the way that it melts when heated and for its powder-like appearance as opposed to the more oily appearance of extracts made with solvents. It’s considered to be one of the most potent forms of solventless extract, and its quick and easy method of production lends well to DIY projects.
“Some hash makers run their ice wax through presses at low temperatures to produce a rosin product.”
Kief
Accumulated resin powder. Kief is a powerful THC and terpene-loaded addition to any cannabis consumption. Most cannabis buds are coated in some amount of kief, which can be extracted by freezing and shaking the buds, or grinding the plant matter in a grinder with a “kief catcher,” an additional compartment with a mesh screen fine enough for kief to fall through.
“I loaded a nice chunk of kief into the center of this bowl, so we’re probably going to get burnt.”
Live Resin
A form of concentrate harvested from freshly bloomed cannabis plants that aren’t cured. They get their name because the aroma and taste are more similar to a live cannabis plant than any other extract. Concentrates that are made in this way also result in a viscous consistency that many find perfect for dabbing.
“Dabbing live resin is a treat because the flavor’s so loud.”
Oil
Cannabis oil is a form of concentrate that is extracted using alcohol or CO2. As the name suggests, the product has a liquid quality and can be smoked, vaped, or ingested. A little cannabis oil goes a long way, too, so they’re perfect for those looking for a more efficient option.
“Oil-filled capsules are a great option for those looking to medicate without any fuss.”
Pressed Hash
Compressed trichomes separated from cannabis flowers using a variety of methods. This incredibly potent mode of cannabis consumption originated in the Middle East where it’s used for medicinal and spiritual purposes. Pressing hash (usually into a puck shape) allows for convenient transportation and consumption, not to mention a heavy effect.
“I like putting a bit of pressed hash into my joints. It really adds something extra.”
Pull n Snap
A term describing the consistency of a specific type of cannabis concentrate. This kind of concentrate can be “pulled” and stretched with gentle action, but will “snap” and shatter when direct quick force is applied. Their consistency can also depend on temperature: colder temperatures will contribute to the product having a more shatter-like texture, while warm temperatures can soften it to the point of melting.
“Pull n snap is easy to work with, especially if you modify the temps to your tastes.”
QWISO
An acronym that stands for Quick Wash in ISOpropyl (alcohol). This is a method of creating a cannabis extract by washing flower in isopropyl, resulting in minimal contaminants and potent extract. QWISO extract is easy to make at home, and there are plenty of online guides detailing how to do this process.
“A few companies make their extracts via QWISO.”
Reclaim
Cannabis resin buildup on the glass as a result of vaping or dabbing. This can be harvested in several ways, including mildly boiling the glass in milk to create a potent brew known as “stem milk.” Reclaim can also be obtained by soaking glass in isopropyl alcohol and used as a form of concentrate.
“I used to hate cleaning my dab rig until I found out you can make stem milk from the reclaim. Now it’s something I look forward to!”
Rosin Tech
Rosin tech refers to equipment used for a specific method of cannabis rosin extraction involving a flat heat source, such as an iron or (in more at-home methods) a hair straightener to press cannabis flower. The heat and pressure extract the terpenes and cannabis oils from the flower. This extract can be dabbed or wiped on a paper and rolled up into a joint.
“I’ve been thinking about trying out rosin tech to make my own at home, but it seems like a lot of work.”
Shatter
A generally solid type of concentrate that is brittle and resembles jagged shards. Shatter is usually made as one large solid sheet of concentrate and then is cracked into small, consumable pieces. It is more stable at higher temperatures than butter and other extract consistencies, so many prefer to dab these products at higher temperatures than a live resin or rosin.
“After that fat dab of shatter, I feel ripped.”
Trim Run
The term trim run describes the materials used to craft an extract. A trim run tends to have less clear flavor and aroma but will usually be sold at a lower price than nug run wax. Trim run isn’t as popular in dispensaries which is why it is many state-licensed producers opt to use in edibles.
“I don’t waste time dabbing trim run because I’m interested in loud terps.”
Water Hash
Also known as bubble hash and ice water hash, water hash is an extraction method that uses ice and water to separate trichome heads from plant matter. The product has a following because of the higher cannabinoid content than flower. Crafting hash well is an art form but in modern cannabis culture, it isn’t readily available on retail shelves.
“Water hash is the best on top of a bowl, it gives the flower an extra kick.”
Wax
Wax is a term that can be used to describe many extractions, specifically extracts made using a chemical like hydrocarbons or CO2. These products are generally used for dabbing and can be called shatter, butter, live resin, and more. It wasn’t until the early 2010s that wax gained popularity in cannabis culture and as it has become a staple glass art and dab rigs have followed.
“Wax is great for a super heady experience, I prefer to dab it on an e-rig.”
Read More About Cannabis Concentrates and Terpenes
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/the-word-ganja-origins-and-meaning/