Categories, Culture, Education

Why to Try Cannabis Concentrates

Concentrates often associated with experienced consumers, expensive rigs, and extremely high THC levels, but in reality, concentrates are simply just a more refined form of cannabis. They contain the exact same cannabinoids and terpenes found in flower—just with much less of the unnecessary plant material. In this article we will go over the basic concept and benefits of concentrates and why you might be interested in converting to dabs over flower.

What Are Concentrates?

Cannabis naturally contains hundreds of compounds, but the two groups consumers care the most about are:

Cannabinoids (like THC and CBD), which produce the effects.

Terpenes, which create each strain's unique aromas and flavors, while influencing the overall experience.

The core premise of concentrates is separating these desirable compounds from the rest of the cannabis plant. These extractions are then used for processes like making edibles, filling disposable pens and cartridges, and also sold as loose concentrates for dabbing.

Why People Choose Concentrates
1. Cleaner Experience

When smoking on flower, you're inhaling more than just cannabinoids and terpenes. The smoke being inhaled contains material from the rolling paper (if using a joint), potential fuel from a lighter, and largely, a significant amount of natural plant material. Concentrates remove much of that excess plant material, allowing you to consume a product that's made primarily of the compounds you're looking for.

For example, a concentrate may test around:

90.8% Cannabinoids - 8.1% Terpenes
That means roughly 99% of the product consists of cannabinoids and terpenes, with only trace amounts of other compounds.

By comparison, a cannabis flower sample might test around:

35.3% Cannabinoids - 2.1% Terpenes - 11.8% Moisture

The remaining 50.8% is primarily the plant's natural fibers, cellulose, waxes, and other structural material that make up the flower itself.

Think of it like brewing coffee. Concentrates are like a small cup of espresso, whereas flower would be one large mug of coffee that contains over 50% of coffee grounds.

2. Potency

It's always recommend for new concentrate consumers to start with a tiny amount—often much less than you think—and wait to see how it affects you before consuming more. Because concentrates contain 3-5 times higher cannabinoid levels than flower, it stands to reason that you only need a very small amount to achieve comparable effects.

This high-level potency can also save time for more experienced users who need to smoke entire or multiple joints/bowls to feel desired effects. For most, one dab will do to feel accurately dosed.

This also fits the espresso versus coffee analogy above. A smaller amount of a concentrated substance can be prefered by any level of consumer.

3. Consistency

Cannabis flower is an agricultural product, and like any crop, natural variation exists. Even on the same plant, individual buds will receive different amounts of light, nutrients, airflow, and energy during growth. This can lead to small differences in cannabinoid and terpene content from one bud to another.

During extraction, those cannabinoids and terpenes are collected and combined into a single, uniform product. As a result, concentrates typically provide a more consistent cannabinoid and terpene profile throughout the entire container, helping deliver a more predictable, and reliable experience.

Imagine squeezing dozens of oranges into a single pitcher of juice. Every glass you pour tastes nearly identical because everything has been mixed together. Eating individual oranges from the tree, however, is different—some are sweeter, some are more tart, and some are juicier than others. Concentrates are similar to the pitcher of juice, while flower is like picking individual oranges.

4. Discretion

Since concentrates are mostly made of oil they do not combust like flower. Instead they are heated into a vapor which give the following benefits:

- Produces a less noticeable odor.
- Doesn't leave lingering smoke on clothing or indoors.
- Dissipates more quickly.

While it's not odorless, many consumers find concentrates to be a more discreet option, especially with the advancements in dabbing technology making devices more compact, portable, and user friendly.

Final Thoughts

Concentrates aren't just for experienced cannabis consumers. They're simply another way to enjoy cannabinoids and terpenes with less plant material, greater consistency, and a wide range of product options.

Whether you're looking for stronger effects, richer flavor, or a cleaner consumption experience, concentrates offer something for beginners and seasoned consumers alike. The key is to start with a small amount, choose a product that fits your comfort level, and enjoy responsibly.