What are cannabis concentrates? – Aurora Cannabis

Cannabis concentrates are highly potent extracts derived from the cannabis plant. They are produced by isolating the desirable compounds, such as cannabinoids and terpenes, from the plant material. This process concentrates the potency of the cannabis, resulting in a product with higher levels of cannabinoids compared to traditional cannabis flower.

Common types of cannabis concentrates include:

Hash:

Hash is a type of cannabis concentrate that has a long history and comes in various forms. Here are some common types of hash:

Traditional Hash: Traditional hash, also known as dry sift or kief, is made by collecting the trichomes from cannabis plants. Trichomes are the small resinous glands that contain cannabinoids and terpenes. This collected resin is then pressed together to form blocks, discs, or balls of hash.
Bubble Hash: Bubble hash is made using ice water and agitation. The plant material is agitated in ice water to freeze and separate the trichomes from the plant material. The mixture is then filtered through screens of various sizes, and the collected resin is dried to create bubble hash. Bubble hash typically has a sandy or granular texture.
Moroccan Hash: Moroccan hash is a type of traditional hash that originates from Morocco. It is made using the same method of collecting trichomes and pressing them together. Moroccan hash is often known for its dark color and distinctive aroma.
Charas: Charas is a type of hash that is handmade in regions such as India and Nepal. It involves gently rubbing live cannabis plants between the hands to collect the resin. The collected resin is then rolled into small balls or sticks. Charas is often soft and pliable in texture.
Rosin Hash: Rosin hash is made by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flower or hash using a rosin press. The heat and pressure cause the trichomes to release their resin, which is then collected. Rosin hash is typically sticky and can have a range of consistencies depending on the specific process used.

Shatter

Shatter is a type of cannabis concentrate that is known for its glass-like appearance and texture. It is called “shatter” because it is brittle and can break into pieces like glass when handled. Here are a few types of cannabis concentrates similar to shatter:

Wax: Wax is a cannabis concentrate that has a soft, wax-like consistency. It is produced through a similar extraction process as shatter, but with different techniques that result in a different texture. Wax can vary in texture from sticky and pliable to crumbly and brittle.
Budder: Budder, also known as badder or batter, is a type of cannabis concentrate that has a creamy, butter-like consistency. It is made using similar extraction methods as shatter and wax, but with variations in the process that create a different texture and consistency.
Live Resin: Live resin is a cannabis concentrate that is made from freshly harvested cannabis plants that have been flash-frozen. This freezing process helps to preserve the terpenes, resulting in a concentrate with a strong aroma and flavor profile. Live resin can come in various textures, including a more glass-like consistency similar to shatter.
Pull-and-Snap: Pull-and-snap is a type of cannabis concentrate that is malleable and stretchy, but still breaks apart with a snapping sound. It has a texture that falls between shatter and wax, offering a bit of flexibility while still maintaining some brittleness.

It’s important to note that the extraction process and specific techniques used can vary among producers, resulting in different textures and consistencies of cannabis concentrates. Additionally, the potency and effects of these concentrates can also vary depending on the strain used and the extraction process. As with any cannabis concentrate, start with a small amount and use caution to determine your tolerance and desired effects.

Wax:

Wax is a type of cannabis concentrate that has a soft, wax-like consistency. It is made through a process called extraction, where the desired cannabinoids and terpenes are extracted from the cannabis plant material. Here are a few types of cannabis concentrates similar to wax:

Crumble: Crumble is a cannabis concentrate that has a crumbly texture, similar to its name. It is made using the same extraction process as wax but with different techniques that result in a drier and more crumbly consistency.
Honeycomb: Honeycomb, also known as honeycomb wax or cake batter, is a cannabis concentrate that has a texture similar to honeycomb. It is a bit softer and stickier than traditional wax, making it easier to work with and handle.
Sauce: Sauce, also referred to as terp sauce, is a type of cannabis concentrate that has a sauce-like consistency. It is usually rich in terpenes, giving it a strong aroma and flavor. Sauce typically contains small crystals or diamonds of THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) suspended in a terpene-rich liquid.
Rosin: Rosin is a cannabis concentrate that is made by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flower or hash. This process allows the cannabinoids and terpenes to be extracted without the use of solvents. Rosin can have a sticky and sap-like consistency, similar to wax.

It’s important to note that the consistency and texture of wax and other cannabis concentrates can vary depending on factors such as extraction methods, strain used, and post-processing techniques. Each type of concentrate may offer different potency levels, flavors, and effects, so it’s advisable to start with a small amount and gradually increase as needed.

Oil:

Oil is another type of cannabis concentrate that is popularly consumed. It is made through the extraction process, where the cannabinoids and terpenes are extracted from the cannabis plant material. Here are a few types of cannabis concentrates similar to oil:

CO2 Oil: CO2 oil is extracted using carbon dioxide (CO2) as the solvent. This method is known for producing high-quality and pure cannabis oil with a wide range of cannabinoids and terpenes.
Distillate: Distillate is a highly refined form of cannabis oil that has undergone a distillation process to remove impurities and isolate specific cannabinoids. It is often very potent and has a high concentration of THC or CBD, depending on the desired outcome.
Full-Spectrum Oil: Full-spectrum oil contains a wide range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds naturally found in the cannabis plant. It offers a holistic experience known as the entourage effect, where the different components work together synergistically.
Broad-Spectrum Oil: Broad-spectrum oil is similar to full-spectrum oil but without the presence of THC. It retains the other cannabinoids and terpenes, providing potential therapeutic benefits without the psychoactive effects.
Tinctures: Tinctures are liquid cannabis concentrates that are typically alcohol-based. They are often consumed sublingually (under the tongue) and offer precise dosing options.
Cannabis-infused Edible Oils: Cannabis-infused edible oils are oils, such as olive oil or coconut oil, that have been infused with cannabis extracts. These oils are commonly used for cooking or as a base for homemade edibles.

It’s important to note that oils can vary in potency, cannabinoid profile, and intended use. It’s recommended to start with a low dose and adjust gradually to find the desired effects. Consulting with a knowledgeable budtender or healthcare professional can provide further guidance on choosing the right oil and dosage for individual needs.

Live Resin:

Live resin is another type of cannabis concentrate that is gaining popularity. It is known for its high terpene content and flavorful profile. Here are a few types of cannabis concentrates similar to live resin:

Sauce: Sauce, also known as terp sauce or high terpene extract (HTE), is a cannabis concentrate that contains a high concentration of terpenes. It has a viscous consistency and is often rich in flavor and aroma.
Rosin: Rosin is a solventless cannabis concentrate that is made by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flower or hash. It is known for its purity and retains a high level of terpenes and cannabinoids.
Budder: Budder, also referred to as badder, is a cannabis concentrate that has a creamy and butter-like consistency. It is typically made through a whipping process during extraction, which creates a fluffy texture.
Crumble: Crumble is a cannabis concentrate that has a crumbly and brittle texture. It is created through a process that involves purging the solvent from the extract, resulting in a dry and easily crumbled consistency.
Diamonds: Diamonds, also known as THCA diamonds, are crystalline formations that contain high levels of THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid). They are often found in sauces or terpene-rich concentrates.
HCFSE (High-Cannabinoid Full-Spectrum Extract): HCFSE is a cannabis concentrate that preserves a broad spectrum of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds. It typically has a viscous consistency and offers a full-spectrum experience.

These concentrates can vary in consistency, potency, and terpene profiles. Each type of concentrate offers a unique experience and may be preferred for different purposes or preferences. It’s important to consider personal preferences and desired effects when choosing a cannabis concentrate.

Rosin:

Rosin is a popular type of cannabis concentrate that is known for its purity and solventless extraction method. While there are no other concentrates that are exactly like rosin, there are a few similar types of cannabis concentrates:

Live Rosin: Live rosin is made using freshly harvested, flash-frozen cannabis flower or bubble hash. This preserves the plant’s terpene profile, resulting in a flavorful and aromatic concentrate.
Solventless Hash: Solventless hash, also known as ice water hash or bubble hash, is made by using ice water and agitation to separate the trichomes from the cannabis plant material. It is then collected and pressed to form a hash-like concentrate.
Full Melt Hash: Full melt hash refers to a type of solventless hash that, when heated, melts and bubbles without leaving behind any residue. It is highly potent and offers a clean and flavorful experience.
Dry Sift: Dry sift is a type of concentrate that is made by sifting cannabis flower or trim through screens to separate the trichomes. It can be further processed and pressed to create a concentrate with varying consistencies.
Hash Oil: Hash oil, also known as solvent-based hash or BHO (butane hash oil), is a concentrate that is made using solvents like butane or propane to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant. It can have different consistencies, including shatter, wax, or oil.

While these concentrates share similarities with rosin, they may differ in terms of extraction method, consistency, and potency. Each concentrate offers its own unique qualities and effects, so it’s important to consider personal preferences and desired experiences when choosing a cannabis concentrate.