Top 4 Differences Between Cannabis Concentrates and Flower

Nowadays, you don’t have to rely solely on cured cannabis flower (aka: bud) in order to medicate. There are now so many different forms and variations of cannabis out there that the options can sometimes be overwhelming. You may have heard that one of the biggest trends in the marijuana community lately is cannabis concentrates. However, you may not know all of the ways that cannabis concentrates are different from cannabis flower. 

Before dabbling in the world of cannabis concentrates, you should know exactly what they are. A cannabis concentrate is an extremely strong cannabis extract that is super high in THC. Cannabis concentrates are made out of high quality top shelf bud so you get more bang for your buck. Because cannabis concentrates are so strong, people prefer them for treating chronic pain as well as for treating anxiety. Be sure to ask your budtender which type of concentrate is best for treating your specific ailment. But, before visiting your favorite dispensary, here are the 4 main differences between cannabis concentrates and cannabis flower that you should know.

The number one thing you will notice about cannabis concentrates is how unbelievably strong they are. You will not only experience a more intense high, but you’ll need less of the product to treat your pain. This is because the buds that are used to create the concentrate have up to 25% more THC than the average flower. This also means that whatever products you make out of the cannabis concentrates, such as tinctures or edibles, will be much higher in strength, so make sure to pay attention to your dosing.

Cannabis concentrates can easily be identified by the way they look. Cannabis flowers look like the typical dried and cured bud that has been in use for ages. Cannabis concentrates, on the other hand, are more of a thick gooey honey-like substance, sometimes more similar in consistency to wax or toffee. Packaged in small plastic containers, this sticky substance is often times easier to conceal than traditional bud, making cannabis concentrates a popular choice among people who are looking for a more discreet way to medicate. For those who prefer to medicate with joints, super sticky concentrates can work like glue to seal a joint. Some patients even like to coat the outside of a flower-filled joint with cannabis concentrates and kief, for a super high dose in a single puff.

Like most marijuana products, cannabis concentrates can be consumed in many different ways. While many people still prefer to smoke cannabis concentrates, adding them to the standard flower in a joint or pipe, the concentrates’ unique textures give you many options. 

One of the newest ways that people are enjoying cannabis concentrates is by dabbing them. Using a special type of glass pipe called a “dab rig”, take a tiny bit of cannabis concentrate, add some heat, and you’re ready to dab. This is one of the most potent ways to consume cannabis concentrates. When the wax reacts with the heat, high levels of THC are released. 

One of the easiest ways to consume cannabis concentrates is to vaporize it, especially if your dispensary carries high quality pre-filled cannabis oil cartridges that simply screw on to a portable pen-sized battery.

Another popular way of consuming cannabis concentrates is by using them to make extra-strength tinctures or edibles. Tinctures are especially useful for those with chronic illnesses because a few drops directly under the tongue can provide quick and long-lasting pain relief. Being able to use cannabis concentrates to make tinctures is a serious game changer.

Depending on your personal tastes, you may find the familiar flavor of flower preferable to that of cannabis concentrates. However, like the name suggests, well-made concentrates can also have a more concentrated flavor than flower and, if you dab or vaporize, you may experience more of a pure floral/herbal taste. Terpenes are what produce the different aromatic notes and flavors in cannabis, such as lemon, pine, clove, or chamomile, and can be used as indicators of the specific medicinal benefits of various strains. Your budtender should be able to guide you to concentrates that contain your favorite terpenes, and a little experimenting will help you determine which form of cannabis tastes better to you.

There is no wrong way to consume cannabis. Whether you prefer cannabis flower or cannabis concentrates, your local dispensary has you covered. Both have their own pros and cons which can present a difficult choice. So, why not try both? You may even enjoy them together. Experimenting with different ways to consume cannabis concentrates and flowers can open up a new world for you. Of course, the only way to really know which form of cannabis works best for you is to give it a try!