Concentrates are becoming more and more popular as people learn about their benefits. In this post, we will explore what concentrates are and how they differ from other forms of cannabis. We will also discuss the legality of concentrates in Washington D.C. and where to find them. Finally, we will recommend some of the best concentrates in D.C.
What Are Concentrates?
Concentrates are cannabis extracts that contain high levels of THC or CBD. Concentrates can come in many forms, including oils, waxes, and shatters. They are typically consumed using a vaporizer or dab rig.
Cannabis concentrates products are made by extracting the active compounds, such as THC and CBD, from the cannabis plant. This extraction process usually involves using a solvent, such as CO₂ or butane, to strip away the unwanted plant material. The result is a potent product that contains a high concentration of cannabinoids. Concentrates also have a honey or butter-like look, so it is often referred to as honey oil, budder, and ear wax.
Concentrates Types
There are different types of cannabis concentrates, and each type of concentrate has its properties. Some common types of cannabis concentrates are:
Solvent-Based Concentrates
Solvent-based concentrates extracts can be defined as extracts made by a method that uses a volatile chemical to dissolve the cannabinoid-packed trichomes away from the plant materials.
The two most common solvents are CO₂ and butane.
Solvent-based concentrates are made by using a solvent, such as CO₂ or butane, to extract the cannabinoids from the cannabis plant. The resulting product is a highly concentrated extract containing a high concentration of THC.
Solvent-based concentrates have stronger potency and produce a better high. However, the aroma and taste can vary depending on the type of solvent used. CO₂-extracted concentrates tend to have a more neutral smell and taste, while butane-extracted concentrates can have a more pungent aroma.
Here are the most common solvent-based concentrates:
Oils
CO2 oil is a popular golden-brown liquid commonly used to fill vape pens. They have non-toxic carbon dioxide, which is safe for human consumption.
Waxes
Wax is another type of concentrate made by extracting the cannabinoids from the cannabis plant. Wax has a higher concentration of THC than hash and is usually smoked using a dab rig.
Distillates
Distillates are a type of concentrate made by distilling the cannabinoids from the cannabis plant. Distillates are typically made using a solvent, such as CO₂ or butane, to extract the cannabinoids from the cannabis plant. The resulting product is a highly concentrated extract containing a high concentration of THC.
Crumble
Crumble wax, also known as crumble or honeycomb wax, is a cannabis extract characterized by a flexible texture that crumbles when handled.
Shatter
Shatter is an extract from cannabis' extracted oil. It is a cannabis concentrate made by extracting THC and other cannabinoids from the cannabis plant using solvents such as hexane, isopropyl, propane, and butane.
Shatter gets its name from its appearance; it looks like broken glass. And it is usually a yellowish-amber color but can also be light brown or clear.
High Terpene Diamond Sauce (HTD)
Diamonds are the crystalline structures on the container's edges and bottom. These THCA diamonds could also refer to the crystals that remain after the terpene sauce has been extracted from the initial sauce mixture; these are typically coated in the leftover sauce.
Solventless Concentrates
Solventless extracts are resin concentrates produced without the aid of chemical solvents. Instead, these concentrates are extracted mechanically to maintain high purity and potency.
As opposed to solvent-based extracts, there is no risk of inhaling any residue or potentially harmful solvents if the product isn't properly purged, making solventless extracts the concentrates of choice for many health-conscious or medical cannabis consumers.
There are two common ways of extracting solventless concentrates: water extraction and ice water extraction. Ice water extraction that creates bubble hash is a recent addition to solventless concentrate extraction. In this process, raw cannabis flower is soaked in ice-cold water and then agitated, typically with the aid of a bubbleator machine.
In all, solventless extraction produces a cleaner output because no chemicals are involved, and the extraction process requires a machine and ice water. However, solventless concentrate extraction has a milder potency, and the aroma and taste of the final product are usually not as strong as solvent-based concentrates.
Some common solventless concentrate extractions include:
Rosin
Rosin is a cannabis concentrate produced by applying heat and pressure to cannabis plant material in a press, which squeezes out hot oil. The beauty of rosin is that it can be created from practically any beginning material, including dry sift, bubble hash, and even cannabis flower. The procedure is simple, safe, and does not need the use of any dangerous chemicals.
Bubble Hash
Bubble hash is made by submerging cannabis trimmings in ice-cold water and then agitating the mixture. This process separates the trichomes from the plant material, which are then collected and pressed to create a final product that contains a high concentration of THC.
Kief
Kief or keef is the glandular head of the cannabis plant that contains high concentrations of THC. These tiny glands can be collected and pressed to create a potent concentrate. Kief can also be sprinkled on top of cannabis flowers or used to make hashish.
Live resin
Live resin is a type of concentrate made using fresh, undried cannabis. The plant material is frozen immediately after harvest and then extracted to preserve the delicate cannabinoids and terpenes that are lost during the drying and curing process.
Are Concentrates Legal In D.C.?
The short answer is yes, but the long answer is a bit more complicated. You see, while cannabis concentrates are legal in the District of Columbia, they are mostly available to medical marijuana patients. However, with the advent of initiative 71, most D.C. residents can get concentrates for recreational processes. These days, adults can gift up to 1 ounce of flowers or equivalent concentrates.
Note: that there is no explicit mention of dabs in recreational legislation.
Want to learn more about the weed laws in DC? Check out this guide.
Best Concentrates In D.C.
In no particular order, here are some of the best concentrates in DC:
High Terp Diamond Sauce
Terp sauce is a unique concentrate with a high concentration of diamond-like THCA crystals and syrupy terpenes.
High Terp Sugar Sauce
This is the most flavorful of extracts, with a sticky and liquid texture similar to juice or marmalade.
Solvent-less Live Rosin
Rosin is prepared via solventless processes, as opposed to solvent extractions. It is a golden resinous oil that is produced by applying pressure and heat to the plant material.
Cake Budder
Cake budder is a type of cannabis concentrate that has a creamy buttery texture. It is made by whipping the extract to introduce air and create a lighter consistency.
Crumble Wax
Crumble is a type of concentrate that is made by agitating cannabis flower or trimming in order to separate the trichomes from the plant matter. The trichomes are then collected and pressed into a final product that contains a high concentration of THC.
Sugar Wax
Sugar wax, also known as simply "sugar," is a cannabis concentrate. Its name comes from its texture: it's similar to wet sugar that hasn't been fully dissolved. THC levels in sugar wax can be 60% to 90%, making it one of the purest marijuana products available.
If cannabis concentrates aren’t your thing, you can always try out cannabis flower. Here is an insightful guide on how to get weed in DC.
Where To Find Concentrates In Washington DC?
Washington D.C. has some of the best dispensaries in the United States. However, cannabis lovers should be careful when shopping from a recreational shop because not all of them comply with the D.C. weed laws. If you are looking for the best place to get high-quality cannabis concentrates, visit Hidden Gym.
Hidden Gym
If you're looking for how to get weed in DC, check out Washington DC’s Top Rated i71 Shop – Hidden Gym. From California to local DC brands, we offer only premium weed gifts like flower, edibles, and concentrates. Call (202) 568-0094 or chat with us on Whatsapp for more information on how to place an order. Or visit our online menu to pre-order online and skip the line!