The cannabis market is continually growing. As a result, dispensaries are offering more and more products that help consumers find what they need. One such product that’s taken off in recent years is cannabis extracts. There are many different types of cannabis extract available, and they provide a whole host of incredible benefits and targeted effects. Let’s take a closer look.
What Is a Cannabis Extract?
A cannabis extract is a product that producers make that involves pulling cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds from the plant material. The final product ranges from liquid to solid and contains more concentrated levels of CBD and THC. Most buds contain up to 30% or more THC. Some extracts, on the other hand, can have up to 90%.
Types of Extracts
There are several different types of extracts on the market. Some that you might come across include:
- Shatter
- Wax
- Budder
- Oils, such as CO2 oil or butane hash oil (BHO)
- Rick Simpson oil
- Live resin
Extraction Methods
Cannabis extracts use a solvent to pull the desired compounds from plant matter. Common solvents include butane, propane, and CO2. The solvent, in liquid form, washes over the plant and dissolves the cannabinoids to remove them. The liquid then moves to another chamber, where the producers evaporate the solvent. Shatter uses low temperatures and pressure to remove the solvent, which leads to the extract’s signature glassy appearance. Making budder involves the use of gentle agitation (or whipping) to create a creamy texture. The exact steps that the producer takes influences the end result.
Another common solvent for extracts is alcohol. With this method, cannabis soaks in the liquid, which dissolves the cannabinoids and terpenes, removing them from the plant. After removing the solid material, the liquid gets filtered and the alcohol is evaporated away.
How to Use Cannabis Extracts
Extracts are incredibly versatile. You can use them in a variety of applications, meaning that you can incorporate them into a variety of consumption methods. For instance, you can sprinkle a small amount of extract over a joint, adding an extra kick of potency to your smoke sesh. You can also add a small amount to your pipe or vaporize it in a vape pen. Another popular method of consumption is dabbing. Some people also enjoy adding extracts to food or drinks.
Benefits of Cannabis Extracts
Cannabis extracts provide many benefits. One of the biggest ones is that they’re much more potent than cannabis flowers. You only need a small amount to achieve the desired results. As such, your stash lasts longer.
Another benefit of extracts is that they can be made from any strain. The cannabinoid and terpene profile of each extract allows it to produce targeted effects. They can alleviate pain, anxiety, stress, insomnia, nausea, and so much more. When looking for an extract for your needs, look at the cannabinoid and terpene profiles to make sure it will fit your needs. Your budtender can also help point you in the right direction.
There are many different types of cannabis extracts on the market, and many different ways to use them. Choosing the right extract can help you to target your specific issues, and provide you with the results you need.