ANJA Presents: What are Concentrates, Oils, and Tinctures?

As the cannabis industry continues to blossom, so does the variety of products available for consumption. And no, we're not just talking about your classic joint or bong hit - we're talking about concentrates, oils, and tinctures. If you're new to the game, you may be wondering: what exactly are these products, and how do they differ from one another? Well, sit back, relax, and take a hit, because we're about to break it down for you.

Today, ANJA Presents: What Are Concentrates, Oils, and Tinctures?

Concentrates

Concentrates are similar to oils in that they're extracted from the plant, but the extraction process typically results in a much higher concentration of THC. Popular types of concentrates include shatter, wax, and budder, all of which can be vaporized or smoked using a dab rig or concentrate pen.

While concentrates are incredibly potent, they can also be difficult to work with for beginners. Dab rigs require some skill to use effectively, and the process of dabbing can be somewhat intimidating for those unfamiliar with it. However, for experienced users, concentrates can provide an intense high and a much faster onset of effects compared to flowers or oils. There are several types of concentrates, including shatter, wax, and budder.

Shatter is a popular type of concentrate that is known for its glass-like appearance. It's made by extracting oils from the cannabis plant using a solvent like butane or CO2, and then the resulting oil is purged to create a highly potent and flavorful concentrate that is usually high in THC. The main advantage of shatter is its potency - it can provide a very strong and long-lasting high. However, shatter can be difficult to work with, due to its brittle texture.

Wax is another popular type of concentrate with a soft and pliable texture. It's made using a similar process to shatter, but with a higher temperature and more agitation. The result is a highly potent and flavorful oil that is easier to work with than shatter. Wax is a good option for those who are new to concentrates, as it's easier to handle and work with than shatter.

Budder is a type of concentrate that is similar to wax but has a softer and more malleable texture. It's made using a similar process to wax, but with more agitation and whipping. The result is a highly potent and flavorful oil that's easy to work with and is a favorite among many cannabis enthusiasts. Budder is considered by some to be the best of both worlds between shatter and wax, as it's potent and flavorful like shatter, but easier to work with like wax. However, budder can be difficult to find and can be more expensive than other concentrates.

Oils

Cannabis oils are an increasingly popular form of consumption among those who enjoy the plant's psychoactive and medicinal effects. These oils are extracted from the cannabis plant using solvents like ethanol, CO2, or hydrocarbons. The resulting oil can then be used in a variety of ways, including as an ingredient in edibles, as a topical treatment, or as a stand-alone product for vaporization or smoking.

Now, let's delve a little deeper into the different types of oil extractions. CO2 extraction is one of the most popular methods for extracting cannabis oil. It involves using carbon dioxide (CO2) to extract essential oils from the plant. The process involves using high-pressure and low-temperature CO2 to extract the oils, which results in clean and high-quality oil. CO2 extraction is also more environmentally friendly than other extraction methods because it doesn't require the use of harsh chemicals.

Another popular method for extracting cannabis oil is ethanol extraction. This method involves using high-proof ethanol, such as grain alcohol, to extract the oils from the plant. Although the process is relatively simple and inexpensive, it can result in a lower-quality oil if not done correctly. The ethanol is evaporated at the end of the process, leaving behind the concentrated oil.

One of the main benefits of cannabis oils is their potency. Due to the extraction process, oils can contain much higher levels of THC than flower alone. However, it's important to note that not all oils are created equal. Some oils may contain residual solvents or other contaminants, so it's essential to purchase from a reputable dispensary (like ANJA!).

Tinctures

Tinctures have become a popular choice for cannabis consumers seeking a discreet and easy way to consume cannabis. This liquid extract is made by steeping cannabis in high-proof alcohol, which extracts the essential oils from the cannabis plant. The resulting liquid can be dosed using a dropper and can be consumed orally or added to food and beverages. The extraction process is simple and doesn't require any specialized equipment, making tinctures a popular choice among cannabis enthusiasts.

There are two main types of tinctures: THC tinctures and CBD/THC tinctures. THC tinctures offer a fast-acting way to consume cannabis, and they're often used for recreational purposes. They're high in THC and can be made using a variety of strains, each with their unique flavor and effect. CBD/THC tinctures, on the other hand, contain a mix of THC and CBD, making them a good option for those who want the benefits of both cannabinoids. CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties, while THC provides the high that many cannabis enthusiasts enjoy.

Tinctures are known for their fast onset of effects, with effects typically being felt within 15-45 minutes of consumption. They also offer precise dosing, as they can be easily measured using a dropper, providing a consistent and reliable experience. However, tinctures can be potent, so it's important to start with a low dose and work your way up slowly. Additionally, tinctures can have a strong taste, with some people finding the taste of alcohol unpleasant. To mitigate this, tinctures can be added to food and beverages or mixed with other liquids. Tinctures are also a great choice for mocktails- cannabis cocktails that mimic classic alcohol cocktails without using alcohol.

Testing

Reputable dispensaries use third-party labs to test their cannabis oils for potency and safety.
The testing process involves analyzing the oil for potency using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), which determines the levels of THC and other cannabinoids. Next, the oil is tested for safety using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), which identifies any harmful contaminants by heating the oil to release them and analyzing the resulting vapor. This thorough testing process ensures that cannabis oil is safe for consumption and meets the high standards of reputable dispensaries.

Enjoy! Be safe, #GetANJA