Introduction to Concentrates
The cannabis industry is growing, providing new ways for people to utilize medical cannabis to achieve a variety of benefits. Concentrates are one of those methods. Though it’s far from new (some evidence exists that cannabis has been used in concentrated forms for thousands of years), it is a very different product than what some may be used to using edibles or topicals. Yet, they bring with them numerous potential benefits and shouldn’t be something you overlook as you seek relief.
What Are Cannabis Concentrates?
Cannabis concentrates are extracted from the microscopic hair compounds on the cannabis plant known as trichomes. These surround the existing flower and are noted for the production of the plant’s cannabinoids. Through various methods, it is possible to extract and use these components to create a final product. These products tend to be more concentrated and pure forms than what is commonly used from cannabis flowers.
Concentrates is a term used to describe a variety of product types, all of which have been processed into a concentrated form. In short, these products have more potential for relief and side effect improvement.
Where Cannabis Concentrates Come From
Another important factor when it comes to distinguishing cannabis concentrates is how they are extracted. Numerous methods exist, but the two most common include:
- Solventless methods: This method typically uses ice water as a way to extract the compounds from the plant. It is considered a safer option. It also provides a better quality of product.
- Solvent-based methods: Many other products use solvents like propane, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbon, and butane as an extraction tool. The extraction solvent will ultimately determine the outcome quality.
No matter the method used, concentrates are created by removing all plant materials and impurities in the cannabis. The result is the compounds desired, including the cannabinoids and the terpenes.
The final product could be in one or more forms. Often, it is a type of sticky, gooey liquid wax. It can also be a soft solid that is much like lip balm. In some situations, it can also be a hard solid, often the color of a soft amber. These products can then be used using a vape pen.
The Benefits of Cannabis Concentrate Use
There are many ways to use medical cannabis, and you should find the method best suited to you. However, there are some very important benefits to using this type of product.
It’s typically more effective
Because concentrates are more potent and pure, they are likely to give you better results. For example, using this product for serious side effects from cancer treatment may be more effective than using edibles or other forms.
It can help those who are no longer responding to other forms
Over time, your body can adapt to the type of cannabis you are using, and you may suffer breakthrough pain or nausea from your condition as a result. However, concentrates provide a higher dose of the product, and that means it can help you to get better results even when other products are no longer working for you.
They may offer more anti-inflammatory purposes
Medical cannabis can often provide you with relief from your symptoms and work as a type of prevention against inflammation that causes them. In the concentrated form, they are more likely to offer bigger, bolder results. Many factors play a role in your results, but for those who want the best possible preventative strategy, the higher potency of concentrates can be the ideal selection. While cannabis alone cannot prevent disease to a foolproof level, it may help to provide a higher level of anti-inflammatory represents.
They are fast-acting
For those suffering from the debilitating side effects of medications or disease, there is nothing worse than having to wait for a response. Concentrates typically act faster than other products and often will produce a better result sooner. This can prove to be critically valuable for those who need relief fast. Note that dabs and vapor concentrations tend to be faster than the use of edibles or topicals, though.
How Cannabis Concentrates Are Consumed
You can choose the method of consumption that works for your needs, but keep safety in mind. If this is your first use of medical cannabis, you may want to try edibles or other forms first and then move towards the use of concentrates just to learn a bit more about how you’ll react to them.
Concentrates can be vaporized and then inhaled using a vape pen or through dabbing. Dabbing involves heating a concentrate to a specific level or extracting it to the point that it then vaporizes. This process will produce a potent vapor that you can then inhale, getting the results into your system faster.
It is quite common for people to use dabs as a method for using cannabis concentrate because of how effective it can be. You can also use topicals, edibles, tinctures, vape pens, and other methods to use concentrates.
- Dabbing tends to be a fast-acting way of getting the results you desire. This is the most common method that involves heating the nail and then applying the concentrate to the hot surface. This creates the inhalable vapor.
- Vape pens are slower moving and tend to be a better option when you are on the goal because they are discreet and portable. The results are nearly immediate. You can purchase concentrates for vape pens that allow you to simply have a one-button push of support when you need it.
- Edibles are smoke-free, which some people prefer. They can be longer lasting, depending on the product selected. The biggest difference here is that they take longer to get started.
Find the Medical Cannabis Concentrates Right for You
Concentrates should be considered an essential tool for providing relief from the symptoms and complications you have. As a medical dispensary in Mississippi, we are here to help you find the right solution for your needs. Visit one of our dispensaries or contact Kelly’s Green to learn more about the products we have to offer.
Sources
https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/cannabis-marijuana-concentrates
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6308289/