New to the concept of cannabis concentrates? Want to discover some other ways to enjoy your favourite extract products? We’ve got you covered. In this article we examine all the different ways to consume cannabis-derived concentrates.
What are Concentrates?
Let’s start with the basics. Concentrates, also known as “dabbable” extracts, are consumable concentrations of the most desirable compounds found within the cannabis plant, including cannabinoids and terpenes. This category of products, along with vape pens, edibles and topicals, were made legal in Canada on October 17th, 2019.
7ACRES concentrates are crafted in house by our passionate team and showcase each cultivars pungent aroma and flavour. High quality concentrates require high quality inputs. This makes 7ACRES high end flower the ideal input for producing concentrates that are terpene-rich, highly pungent and incredibly flavourful.
What are the Different Methods of Concentrates Consumption?
Cannabis concentrates can be consumed in a variety of ways. They can either be combusted, vaporized/dabbed or infused into edibles or topicals.
The best method for you depends on what materials you have available to you, what type of concentrate you want to consume and what experience you desire.
Let’s explore the different cannabis concentrate consumption methods:
Dabbing
The preferred method of consumption among concentrate enthusiasts is a process called dabbing. To consume using this method, you will need to purchase a glass dab rig, a dabber tool, a banger and a blow torch. That’s right, a blow torch. Think Elon Musk, but smaller.
Glass dab rig: Also known as an oil rig, these devices are very similar to a glass water pipe/bong, but are used exclusively in the consumption of dabbable concentrates. Glass dab rigs vary widely in size, shape, functionality and price.
Banger/Nail: The banger is a dish that is heated up and used to vaporize concentrates. The equivalent of the “bowl” on a bong or pipe. Bangers are typically made from glass, quartz, ceramic or titanium. We recommend quartz bangers.
Blow torch: A small, hand-held butane-fuelled torch lighter is required to heat up the banger for dabbing. There are brands and products made specifically for this purpose, but torches used for baking (Crème Brulee for example) will also work. We recommend the Blazer GT8000 Big Shot Butane Torch, which is available for under $100 CAD.
Dabber tool: Any pointed metal tool that can scoop a concentrate product and drop it on to a heated nail or banger. Head shops and cannabis stores sell a variety of tools made specifically for this purpose, but any pointed metal household item will work too.
To take a traditional dab, you must first gather your concentrate on a metal dabber tool, heat up the banger with a blow torch for about 30 seconds to 1 minute (until the banger glows orange), let the banger cool for around 20 seconds to 1 minute (depending on the type of banger and your preference), then place the concentrate into the warm banger using the dabbing tool and inhale through the mouthpiece of the rig. You just did a dab!
A desktop e-nail is an electronic concentrate vaporizer/rig. These devices utilize some type of electric heating element and power source to create optimal temperatures for dabbing. Most desktop e-nails are electronically powered bangers that are simply attached to regular glass dab rigs. Instead of heating and re-heating the banger each time you go to take a dab, these e-nails can be set to a specific temperature for as long as one desires.
Recently, there has been an influx in popularity of new age dabbing systems, also called portable e-nails, that allow consumers to take the convenience of a e-nail anywhere they go. These systems include the Puffco Peak, the Dr. Dabber Switch, the Dabado Bolt and the Kandypens Oura.
Another form of dabbing utilizes mini oil rigs known as nectar collectors, dab straws or honey collectors. These are simple devices that feature a quartz or titanium tip and a glass or silicone body and mouthpiece. After heating the tip using a blow torch, the device is slowly dragged across a concentrate, as the consumer inhales the vapor.
Vaporization
In addition to dabbing, concentrates can be vaporized through a pen or device designed for concentrates.
If you are looking for a convenient and portable handheld vaporizer that will allow you to consume concentrates, we recommend the PAX 3 device. The PAX 3 allows you to consume dried flower, but also has an additional chamber for concentrate products. This device allows you to set the temperature as you desire.
Even many desktop vaporizers, such as the Storz & Bickel volcano vape, offer attachments or “drip pads” that allow you to consume concentrates.
It is important to take into account the temperature when vaporizing cannabis concentrates. The optimal temperature for vaporizing most concentrates is somewhere between 160°C and 280°C, depending on your desired experience.
Smoking and Combustion
No dab rig or vaporizer? No problem. Concentrates can be smoked through a variety of combustion methods. Extracts such as rosin can be smoked in a glass bowl, joint or blunt.
A “bowl” is the location on a bong or pipe where the cannabis flower (or concentrate) is placed and lit. Cannabis concentrates can be sprinkled on top of grinded flower, or consumed alone, through a bong or pipe. Simply combust the concentrate using a lighter while inhaling through the mouthpiece, like how you would usually consume dried flower.
Cannabis concentrates can also be added to joints or blunts. The most effective way to do this is by sprinkling or spreading the extract throughout the inside of the paper or blunt leaf, adding your cannabis flower and then rolling it up. However, some enthusiasts get creative and wrap the concentrate around the outside of the joint or blunt, which results in a visually appealing (but potentially messy) consumption experience.
“Twaxing” is a term used to describe the process of adding any concentrate to any dried flower product. If you choose to consume your concentrates in conjunction with buds through any of the methods – you’re twaxing!
Although these types of products can technically be smoked, it is not the most effective way to experience all the potential effects and benefits. If you truly want to taste the terps, we recommend dabbing or vaporizing 7ACRES concentrates.
Edible and Topical Infusions
If you don’t want to dab, smoke or vaporize concentrates, you can infuse them into your own edible and topical products. Most forms of concentrates can be directly added to food while cooking. THC is fat-soluble, so concentrates can be easily infused into butters, oils or other cooking fats (such as ghee) for use later.
When creating edibles or topical products with concentrates, it is important that you decarboxylate your starting material. Cannabis flower and concentrates contain THCA, which needs to be converted into Delta 9 THC to produce the desired effects that consumers are looking for. Decarbing activates the THC and cannabinoids in a way that our bodies can metabolize and absorb.
There are three main ways to decarboxylate cannabis concentrates and flower, the “Stove Top Method”, the “Crock Pot Method” and the “Oven Method”. To understand each method and learn more about decarboxylation and making edibles, click here.
7ACRES concentrates are best enjoyed through dabbing or vaporizing – not infusions. This is because the infusion process generally degrades terpenes and typically only results in THC-based products. To enjoy the full flavours and experience of High End Concentrates, we suggest dabbing or vaporizing these products.
How to Purchase Concentrates in Canada?
7ACRES concentrate products can be purchased through provincially-run and privately licensed cannabis retailers throughout Canada. Click here, to learn more about available products.
Click here to find a store near you.
