Discover How to Choose the Best Cannabis Concentrates
Cannabis concentrates are becoming increasingly popular among both seasoned connoisseurs and new consumers. They offer a potent and versatile way to enjoy cannabis, providing a wide range of flavors and effects.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best cannabis concentrates available at most dispensaries, perfect for those new to these products.
We’ll begin with an overview of the various types of cannabis concentrates and conclude with expert recommendations from our High Haven team, ensuring you’re well-prepared to start your own journey with these potent extracts.
What are Cannabis Concentrates?
Cannabis concentrates are products made by extracting the most desirable compounds from the cannabis plant, primarily cannabinoids and terpenes while removing excess plant material.
This results in a potent product that can be used in various ways, including vaping, dabbing, and edibles.
Storing Cannabis Concentrates
Temperature and Light
Protect your precious stash of concentrates in a cool, dark place to preserve their potency and flavor. Exposure to heat and light can degrade cannabinoids and terpenes.
Airtight Containers
Use airtight containers to prevent exposure to air, which can dry out the concentrate and affect its quality. Silicone or dark glass containers are often recommended.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Cannabis Concentrates
Advantages
- Potency: High cannabinoid content means a little goes a long way.
- Flavor: Rich terpene profiles offer enhanced flavor experiences.
- Versatility: Various consumption methods cater to different preferences.
Disadvantages
- Potency: High potency can be overwhelming for new users.
- Cost: Concentrates are often more expensive than flower but remember you will need to use less.
- Complexity: Some methods, like dabbing, require specialized equipment.
Safety Tips for Using Cannabis Concentrates
- Start Low and Go Slow: Especially for new users, begin with a small amount and wait to gauge the effects.
- Use Proper Equipment: Ensure you have the right tools for vaping or dabbing to avoid accidents or waste.
- Stay Hydrated: Concentrates can be more dehydrating than other forms of cannabis.
- Choose Clean Cannabis Products: Always buy concentrates from a safe and trusted source.
- Store Safely: Keep concentrates out of reach of children and pets.
Glossary:
Cannabinoids- chemical compounds found in cannabis that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, producing various effects such as pain relief, euphoria, and anti-inflammatory benefits. The most well-known cannabinoids are THC and CBD.
Terpenes- aromatic compounds found in cannabis (and other plants) that contribute to the plant’s scent, flavor, and potential therapeutic effects. They play a significant role in the overall experience and effects of different cannabis strains.
Concentrates- Extracts of cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant, resulting in products with enhanced potency, flavor, and versatility compared to traditional cannabis flower.
A Brief Overview of Different Types of Concentrates
The world of cannabis concentrates is constantly evolving. While some forms have been used for centuries, new variations continuously add to the diversity and complexity of available options.
Here’s a brief overview, though it’s by no means exhaustive. There is some debate about what qualifies as a concentrate; for instance, vape oil is not always included, but we’ve chosen to include it here.
Live Resin, Live Rosin, and Rosin:
These concentrates capture the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes, offering rich flavors and potent effects.
Live resin and live rosin are made from fresh-frozen plants, while rosin is extracted using heat and pressure.
As consumers seek purer products, these concentrates are becoming increasingly popular. They represent a return to traditional hash-like products, enjoyed for centuries.
The minimal handling preserves more cannabis compounds, enhancing the high and showcasing the strain’s terpene profile.
Think of these as the “cold press” juices of cannabis, using gentle techniques to extract the best parts of the plant.
Shatter, Crumble, Jelly, Jam, Sugar, Sauce, Badder, Budder, etc:
Shatter, crumble, and badder are the original icons of modern concentrates. Many people were first introduced to concentrates through shatter, although it’s now less common in dispensaries as new methods and markets have evolved.
Each of these concentrates showcases terpenes and strain flavors uniquely. The latest innovations include jelly and jams, named for their consistency.
Sauces and diamonds combine the best of both worlds, offering a high terpene profile in the sticky liquid of the sauce and high THC in the pure form of diamonds. These are considered the caviar of concentrates, once highly sought after by enthusiasts.
Vape Carts and Concentrates for Vaping:
Convenient and discreet, vape cartridges are pre-filled with cannabis oil and easy to use with a compatible vape pen or battery. Vaping is a favorite way for many to enjoy cannabis discreetly, and some may not realize it falls under concentrates.
Like live rosin and resin, the production method affects the purity and quality of the high. Some vapes focus on flavor, using food-grade terpenes to enhance the experience.
They are ideal for those seeking a clean, enjoyable high without worrying about technical details or genetics.
Vaping is diverse, with each product offering unique effects based on its source and production process.
Disposables are perfect for beginners or for sharing with friends who are new to cannabis.
Oils: RSO (Rick Simpson Oil), FECO (Full Extract Cannabis Oil), and Distillate:
Rick Simpson, a Canadian medical marijuana activist, created Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) to treat his skin cancer using a solvent-based extraction method.
Historically, RSO was made at home with potentially dangerous solvents, raising concerns about residual solvents. Today, state regulations ensure RSO is produced safely and consistently, emphasizing the importance of purchasing from reputable sources such as High Haven Dispensaries.
RSO and its close relative, FECO (Full Extract Cannabis Oil), are both potent, full-spectrum oils used for their therapeutic benefits, including pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, and anxiety
reduction. While RSO is versatile in its consumption methods—such as orally, topically, or sublingually—it’s not recommended for vaping or dabbing.
Cannabis distillate is a highly refined cannabis extract that typically contains a high concentration of a specific cannabinoid, such as THC or CBD. The distillation process removes impurities and unwanted compounds, resulting in a clear, potent oil.
Distillates are versatile and can be used in edibles, topicals, vape cartridges, and dabbing. They are valued for their purity and consistency, offering a potent and clean cannabis experience.
Caution: These concentrates are extremely potent! The dosing, for example, begins with a dose the size of one grain of rice or smaller.
Moon Rocks:
A classic favorite making a comeback, cannabis moon rocks are a trifecta of cannabis excellence. They start with high-quality flower buds, which are then coated in a layer of hash oil or concentrate and rolled in kief.
This combination creates an exceptionally potent product with high THC content, offering an intense and flavorful experience. Moon rocks are typically enjoyed by experienced consumers seeking a powerful effect. They are best smoked in a pipe or bong, delivering a strong, long-lasting high.
Wait. What is 710?
In the cannabis community, July 10th (710) is celebrated as a holiday dedicated to cannabis concentrates. The number “710” spells “OIL” when flipped upside down, highlighting the focus on concentrates like oils, waxes, and other extracts.
710 is a day for enthusiasts to share their love for cannabis concentrates, explore new products, and learn about the latest trends in extraction and consumption. It’s similar to the more well-known 420 holiday but specifically celebrates the diverse world of concentrates.
We hope this guide prepares you for your best 710’s ever!
Staff Picks: Our Favorite Concentrates at High Haven Dispensaries
Our Rosin Raves:
Rythm’s solventless rosin line is a hit with our teams and consumers. These products are stacked with flavor and potency, making them a top choice for consumers seeking a pure and clean high.
Rythm Afternoon Delight #4 Solventless Live Rosin
“Sky rockets in flight. Gonna grab some afternoon delight!” Reminisce with this sensual, indica-dominant full-spectrum concentrate.
Rythm Sunset Sherbet Solventless Live Rosin
The gentle and smooth taste of Sunset Sherbet offers a lingering flavor that exhales easily and is gentle on the nose. This one is a must try.
Rythm Mandarin Cookies V2 Solventless Live Rosin
Mandarin Cookies v2 is a balanced hybrid, blending earthy cookie and sweet orange flavors.
Visit the Moon Rocks
Potent Moon Rocks
Moon rocks are a trifecta of cannabis awesomeness, combining flower, kief, and another concentrate. They provide an incredibly potent and flavorful experience.
Our picks include:
- Nature’s Grace and Wellness Moonwalkers Rocket Wreckage
- Nature’s Grace and Wellness Candy Store Moonrocks
- Kaviar Power Moonrocks
And for a little pre-roll fun: Try Kaviar’s Oreo Dough Infused Prerolls
Diamonds & Sauce
Diamonds and sauce combine high terpene content with pure THC diamonds, offering an unmatched experience.
Our top picks include:
- Cresco’s Blueberry Space Cake Live Resin Sauce
- Legacy LSD Diamonds & Sauce Blulato Jam FloraCa
- Nature’s Grace & Wellness Crossbow Live Diamonds & Sauce
Vape Carts and Disposable Vape Pens
Smoke with purpose. Ask the budtender to find the perfect vape to enhance your everyday experience, whether it is a pre-workout or a relaxing moment at the end of the day.
Vape carts and disposable vapes have become a staple for many cannabis connoisseurs. The convenience, discreetness, and price point are all factors to consider.
Our staff favorites include:
Disposable Vape Pens: Good News by Cresco is a popular choice in our dispensaries. Everyone seems to love the simplicity of making a quick choice based on their desired experience rather than navigating strain names.
Good News Brunch Disposable Pen Good News Friyay Disposable Pen Good News Me Time Disposable Pen
Terp Tanks by Revolution Are a personal favorite submitted by one of our team members for you to consider.
- Revolution Peach Crescendo Terp Tank Cartridge
- Revolution Red Velvet Live Resin Cartridge
Consider these Solventless and Live Resin carts for a clean strain-specific high.
- Cresco Slurricrasher LLR Cartridge
- Cresco Pineapple Express LLR Cartridge
- Rythm Mandarin Cookies V2 Cartridge Solventless
RSO Oils
These incredibly potent concentrates do give you a bang for your buck. Many consumers reach for RSO for Chronic Pain. Squeeze a tiny amount on a tooth pick, dilute in a carrier oil, make your own DIY topicals, or try making your own RSO Gummies.
Remember, It’s crucial to use RSO with intention and care. Reach out to your local budtender if you have any questions or concerns.
Our recommendations include:
- Shelby County Community Services | CO2 Oil Cuvee
- Mozey The Antidote – Bruce Banner 1.0 RSO
- Spectra TEFSO 1:1 Sleep RSO
Bubble Hash
Bubble hash is a rare and traditional concentrate, enjoyed by cannabis enthusiasts for centuries.
Our picks:
- Legacy White Wedding RBX #2 Bubble Hash Infused Pre-Roll
- Legacy Lilac Cookies BX2 Bubble Hash
The Best Concentrates for Beginners at an Affordable Price
Nature’s Grace and Wellness (NGW) has some very affordable entry-level concentrates for those who want to try concentrates for the first time, but don’t want to break the bank.
Here are some of our best picks for you to begin with:
- NGW Crossbow Live Diamonds and Sauce
- NGW Snapples Solventless Live Jelly
- NGW Holy Grail Live Sugar
- NGW Honey Bun live sugar
Visit our High Haven Dispensaries for all of your THC concentrate needs.
Enhancing Your Weed Experience with Concentrates
Cannabis concentrates provide a powerful and versatile way to enjoy marijuana. By understanding the various types of concentrates and their benefits, you can elevate your cannabis experience and make more informed choices on your next dispensary visit.
Knowledgeable budtenders are always available at dispensaries to answer your questions and guide you to a product that matches your comfort level and experience. Don’t hesitate to tap into their expertise!
Recommendations from friends and online reviews are also helpful starting points. However, keep in mind that individual experiences and dosing needs vary. Consider keeping a journal or voice memos on your phone to document your experiences with new products. This can help you find what works best for you.
