CANNABIS, EXPLAINED

Cannabis concentrates are products that contain a concentrated portion of the plant’s cannabinoids and aromatic compounds. They come in many consistencies, and names like badder, sugar and crumble usually describe texture rather than potency or quality. Badder has a soft, whipped consistency that is easy to scoop. Sugar contains visible crystals suspended in a terpene-rich concentrate, giving it a grainy, wet appearance. Crumble is drier and more brittle, making it easy to break apart. Concentrates may be produced from fresh-frozen or dried and cured cannabis, and different extraction and finishing techniques create the variety of textures available today

Resin and rosin are both cannabis concentrates, but the way they are produced is very different. Resin is commonly extracted using solvents such as hydrocarbons to separate cannabinoids and aromatic compounds from cannabis material. Live resin begins with fresh-frozen cannabis, while cured resin begins with flower that has been dried and cured. Rosin is made without chemical solvents. Heat and pressure are used to separate resinous material from flower or hash. When fresh-frozen cannabis is used to make hash before pressing, the finished concentrate is commonly called live rosin. Neither method automatically determines quality. They simply represent different approaches to extraction.

Cannabis vapes heat an extract until it produces an inhalable vapor without directly burning flower. A 510 cartridge attaches to a compatible battery, while an all-in-one device, often called an AIO, combines the cartridge, heating element and battery into a single unit. The oil inside can vary significantly. Vape products may contain distillate, live resin, cured resin, rosin, liquid diamonds or blends of different cannabis extracts and terpenes. Reading the ingredients and product label can help you understand what type of extract you are consuming rather than judging a vape by THC percentage alone.

Kief consists largely of the tiny resin glands, called trichomes, that separate from cannabis flower. These glands contain many of the plant's cannabinoids and aromatic compounds. Hash is made by collecting and concentrating these trichomes. Bubble hash, for example, uses ice water and filtration to separate resin glands from plant material. Cannabis flower can also be combined with concentrates. Products commonly described as moon rocks typically start with flower that is coated or infused with cannabis concentrate and finished with another concentrated cannabis material such as kief or hash. Infused products can contain considerably more THC than traditional flower, so understanding the product label is especially important.

Edible cannabis works differently from inhaled cannabis because cannabinoids are processed through the digestive system before entering the bloodstream. Effects generally take longer to appear than they do with inhaled products, which is why consuming additional servings too quickly can lead to an unexpectedly intense experience. Always check the amount of THC per serving, not just the total amount in the package. New or infrequent consumers should consider starting with a lower serving and allowing sufficient time before deciding whether to consume more. Individual responses vary based on factors including serving size, metabolism, food intake and tolerance.

Terpenes are naturally occurring aromatic compounds found in cannabis as well as many other plants, fruits and herbs. They contribute to recognizable aromas such as citrus, pine, floral, herbal and earthy notes. Different cannabis cultivars can contain different combinations and concentrations of terpenes, creating distinct aromatic profiles. Cannabis products may contain terpenes originating from cannabis or botanical sources. Ingredient labels can help consumers understand what is included in a specific product. Terpenes are only one part of the overall chemical profile of cannabis and should not be used alone to predict how a product will affect an individual.

Cannabis products are available in a variety of formats beyond inhalation. Tinctures are liquid cannabis preparations typically measured and consumed in small amounts according to the product's directions. Topicals are products such as balms or lotions designed for external application to the skin. FECO, or Full Extract Cannabis Oil, is a concentrated cannabis extract intended to retain a broad range of compounds found in the source material. Formulation, cannabinoid content and intended use can vary considerably between products, so consumers should always follow the specific label directions. These products should not be used as substitutes for medical care, and questions about cannabis and a medical condition or medication should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional.

Regulated cannabis packaging contains information designed to help consumers make more informed choices. Depending on the product, a label may include total THC, THC per serving, CBD content, ingredients, serving size, product weight, batch information, testing information and expiration or use-by dates. THC percentage alone does not tell you everything about a product. Extract type, ingredients, serving size, cannabinoid profile and method of consumption can all be useful information. Always follow the instructions and warnings printed on the package.

Cannabis affects people differently, and responsible consumption starts with understanding what you are using. Pay attention to serving size and potency, especially when trying an unfamiliar product. Allow adequate time for effects before consuming more, particularly with edibles. Cannabis can impair coordination, judgment and reaction time. Do not drive or operate machinery while impaired. Keep cannabis products secured and away from children and pets. Purchase regulated products from licensed retailers and follow all applicable laws and product instructions. If cannabis causes an uncomfortable experience, stop consuming more and give yourself time in a safe environment. Seek medical assistance when appropriate.