In the first part of our guide to medicinal cannabis concentrates, we outlined the fundamentals of how different types of thc concentrates and extracts are made. As we learned, there are a multitude of extraction techniques that can be used to make a variety of different types of cannabis concentrates. As a result, you’ll see a wide range of products on offer at our online store, ranging from concentrate wax to shatter to budder to…well, you get the idea!
While all these different types of THC concentrates will have obvious differences in consistency and texture, they also exhibit a wide range of potency and therapeutic benefits. So, how do you choose? In this second installment of our guide, we’ll explore the different types of wax dabs and cannabis concentrates, and offer some guidance as to how to determine the best one for your needs and goals.
Before we begin though, a word of caution. In the world of cannabis concentrates, THC levels far exceed those found even in the most potent flower. So especially if you’re new to this exciting family of products, we always advise you “start low and go slow.” Even more so than with flower consumption, it’s easy to have a little more THC than you intended. While in the vast majority of cases this isn’t dangerous, it can be unpleasant.
With that said, let’s dive into the wonderful world of cannabis concentrates and the different types of wax dabs!
What Are the Different Types of Concentrates? The Solvent Question
As we explored in the first article in this series, one of the main differentiators in the world of THC concentrates is the production method: Was the concentrate wax made using solvents or without them? Solvent-based extracts use products such as butane or CO2 to extract the active cannabinoids and terpenes from the raw cannabis flower; then the solvent is washed away (or “purged”). By comparison, solventless dab concentrate uses gentle heat and pressure to extract those cannabinoids and terpenes.
Is one approach “better” than the other? At the end of the day, that’s really a question of personal preference. While fans of solventless extraction point out that such products don’t require the use of chemicals to produce them, we should point out that properly made solvent-based THC concentrates are carefully purged (and tested for purity) before they reach our dispensary shelves. Either style will yield a flavorful, potent product.
Dab Concentrate: What is Full Spectrum Oil (FSO)?
Sometimes, you’ll see different types of wax dabs labeled “full-spectrum.” This means that the specific process used to produce the concentrate preserves the complete range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids present in the cannabis flower. Many cannabis fans—especially those who turn to it for medicinal support—believe that these full-spectrum products deliver the greatest possible range of therapeutic benefits.
Full-spectrum oils will typically be quite dark in color, and their flavors can be described as earthy. Full-spectrum cannabis oil is typically not smoked but rather used as a supplement. FSO can be applied topically through medicinal lotions or serums, or ingested as a liquid tincture or a gummy candy, or even swallowed in a capsule.
One of our most popular such products is the Proof full spectrum oil syringe. Because there’s an applicator included, it’s great for a wide variety of oral and topical applications, and always easy to measure out and dispense without a mess.
Best Type of Concentrate to Dab: Specific Styles
As you may already know, “dabbing” is the vaporizing of potent THC concentrates through a specially made “dab rig.” These futuristic-looking devices allow users to enjoy a highly stimulating and potent experience, though if you’re new to cannabis we recommend you get used to the effects of flower before switching to this more advanced option.
In this section, we’ll present an introduction to a few of the most popular styles of dab concentrate.
Different Types of Wax Dabs: What Is “cannabis wax”?
Wax is an umbrella term for a variety of cannabis concentrate products. Depending on the method used to create it, these concentrates can come in a wide range of consistencies and textures: gooey, buttery, and malleable or hard, flaky, and crumbly. Because cannabis wax can take on so many consistencies, the final products are called “honeycomb,” “badder,” or other names that reflect the product’s appearance. Different waxes can also vary in color depending on the type of cannabis flower it was extracted from.
Wax is a highly potent form of concentrates, THC-rich and flavorful. With a THC content averaging between 60 and 80%, it’s also fast-acting, so it’s best used by experienced, THC-tolerant users in need of immediate relief.
Cannabis wax can be consumed in a dab rig or oil rig, or vaporized in purpose-made wax vape pens. Wax is also versatile enough to be rolled into a joint (where it’s called “twax”) or a blunt, which will cause it to burn slower and generally be more potent.
Dab Concentrate: What is Live Resin?
Live resin, by comparison, is created using fresh, uncured cannabis flower. For that matter, any concentrate labeled “live” has been extracted from fresh cannabis that was immediately frozen after harvesting. To create this uniquely flavorful product, fresh-picked cannabis flower is flash-frozen and then stored at sub-zero temperatures after harvesting to preserve its aromatic and flavorful terpenes.
Live resin is typically a golden amber color with a slightly granular texture, but it can also take on a more syrup-like consistency depending on how the flower was processed. Like wax, a live resin concentrate can have a THC content of as much as 80 to 90%, making it very potent while also providing an extremely flavorful experience. Live resin is commonly smoked using a dab rig or oil rig, or it can be sprinkled on top of flower or included in a joint or a blunt.
THC Concentrates: What is Live Rosin?
Like live resin, live rosin concentrates are also extracted from fresh cannabis flower that has been flash-frozen. As we examined in Part One of this guide, cannabis rosin is a solvent-free concentrate that allows users to enjoy the pure flavors and high potency of some of the most popular cannabis flower available.
Live rosin concentrates usually average 70% to 80% THC content, with up to 10% made up of flavorful terpenes that enhance the overall effects. Again, “live” concentrates are highly valued for their complex terpene and flavor profiles.
Live Rosin is commonly dabbed using a dabbing rig or vaporized in a specialized pen, but many patients also enjoy adding a little into a packed bowl or a joint.
What Is the Best Kind of THC Concentrate? In Conclusion
As we hope we’ve made clear, we have a wide variety of cannabis concentrates available on our dispensary shelves. Each of them offer their own sensory experience as well as specific medicinal effects.
Whether you’re seeking medical cannabis for its therapeutic effects or interested in exploring the world of recreational cannabis, the team at Abide Napa is dedicated to providing you with an elevated dispensary experience, and we believe our love of sharing our knowledge about medical cannabis with our community shines through!
Stop by our beautiful dispensary in Downtown Napa to meet our cannabis sommeliers, or order your favorite medical and recreational cannabis products online for curbside pick-up or same-day local delivery if you order by 4:20 pm.
Our cannabis experts are here to guide you through our selection of high-quality medicinal cannabis concentrates and provide personalized recommendations based on your needs. If you have any other questions about cannabis concentrates, THC, or any other topics in the world of cannabis, just reach out. We’re here, and we’d love to help!
