Over the past decade, the cannabis industry has seen rapid growth and advancement of all sorts. However, one area that has grown faster than others is the development of cannabis concentrates. What were once considered by many to be rare and/or experimental products have evolved to become the standard for pureness. The cannabis community is now able to experience the essence of the cannabis plant through different forms of concentrates that come in various consistencies, potency levels, and methods of extraction and processing.

 Main Types of Cannabis Concentrates in the UK

What Is A Cannabis Concentrate?

A cannabis concentrate is the concentrated version of the cannabis plant. It is made up of the cannabis plants’ cannabinoids (the primary psychoactive component in cannabis), such as THC and CBD, and the cannabis plant’s terpenes (compounds responsible for the cannabis plant’s smell and potency).

While concentrates can be produced using a variety of methods, the differences between them lie in the type of extraction used to create the product and how the product is processed after being created. Some of the most common methods of creating cannabis concentrates include:

Solvent Based Extraction

Solvent based extraction uses solvents like butane, propane, or carbon dioxide to extract the cannabinoid and terpene components from the cannabis plant. This method produces very pure and potent concentrates.

Solvent Free Extraction

Solvent free extraction does not use a solvent to separate the cannabinoid and terpene components from the cannabis plant. Instead, the cannabinoid and terpene components are separated from the plant material using a combination of heat and pressure. This method produces concentrates with a cleaner and more natural flavor profile compared to solvent based concentrates.

Mechanical Separation

Mechanical separation separates the cannabinoid and terpene components from the cannabis plant using mechanical means such as sieves or presses. This is typically done using low-tech equipment, so the cost of producing these concentrates is lower than other methods of extraction.

Each of these methods produce different characteristics in the final product such as texture, flavor, and potency. These characteristics determine the best usage for each product. For example, shatter is better suited for precise vaporization while budder and wax provide more robust flavors and are more versatile in terms of how they are used. Other characteristics of concentrates can also affect the best way to consume the product, such as ease of handling and storage.

Choosing the right cannabis concentrate depends on several factors including what you want to achieve when consuming cannabis, your preferred flavor profiles, and your intended frequency of consumption.

For Example: 

• Shatter. If you plan to vaporize cannabis and require a precise amount of THC per puff, then shatter would likely be the best choice for you. 
• Budder or wax. On the other hand, if you are looking to vape a larger amount of cannabis at one time and want to enjoy the flavors and aromas of the cannabis plant, then budder or wax may be the better option for you. 
• Rosin. Another option to consider is rosin, a solvent free concentrate that provides a highly pure product and provides an authentic vaping experience. 
• Resin. Additionally, live resin is another popular option among those who appreciate the rich flavors and aromas of the cannabis plant.

If you are looking for an easier product to handle and store, crumble may be a good choice. Finally, hash and kief provide a classic, old school cannabis experience that is often associated with smoking loose leaf cannabis.

Ultimately, regardless of the type of concentrate you choose, you should look for a product that contains clearly defined amounts of the active ingredients, consistent flavor and aroma, and a high level of purity and quality. All of these qualities demonstrate the level of skill and expertise that went into the creation of the product.

UK Cannabis Industry Trends

Although the UK still has a long way to go in terms of legalizing and regulating the sale of cannabis, the publics appetite for high THC extracts and solventless cannabis products continue to grow. As a result, the public is beginning to expect higher quality products. In response, the UK cannabis industry is moving towards providing these products.

Concentrates represent the ultimate expression of the cannabis plant. They represent the fusion of the arts and sciences of cannabis culture.