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Extracts: A Powerful Form of Cannabis

Extracts: A Powerful Form of Cannabis

By Danyal Swan January 10, 2023

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In the ever-changing and complex world of cannabis, it can be difficult to keep up with what seems like constant new terminology. Similarly, when you enter a cannabis dispensary, it can seem overwhelming to choose from the many cannabis products.

One important term to become familiar with is "cannabis extract," in its simplest form, a concentrate of cannabinoids and other compounds found in the cannabis plant. By better understanding what cannabis extracts are and how they can be used, you can make more informed choices about the products you use.

What Are Cannabis Extracts?

Cannabis extracts are made by separating cannabinoids and terpenes from the marijuana plant using various extraction methods to create a crude extract. The resulting material is then manipulated in various ways to create more refined extracts and concentrates such as shatter, crumble, distillate and rosin. Each form may have a different texture, but the dose of THC remains relatively the same across types.

Extract vs. Concentrates - What is the Difference?

There are several ways to extract cannabis, including solvent-based extraction and CO2 extraction. Solventless extraction produces extracts and concentrates are a type of extract that comes from solvent-based or CO2 processes.

Solvent-based extraction methods use a solvent—a substance that can dissolve another substance—to dissolve the plant matter. Common solvents include pressurized carbon dioxide, alcohols, and hydrocarbon compounds like propane and butane, which are used to wash the plant matter, then purged in a closed-loop system. What remains is a viscous oil that contains the most vital compounds like terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids.

Interestingly enough, extracts produced using a solvent are sold as solvent-free extracts. The term simply means all residual solvents have been removed after the extraction process is complete, and once the product reaches the shelf, there is no remaining solvent material. However, these extracts still differ from solventless extracts, which have never contacted a solvent.

Solventless extraction methods produce cannabis concentrates by separating the cannabinoid and terpene compounds without the use of chemical solvents. Instead, compound-rich, resinous glands of the cannabis flower known as trichomes are physically separated. Then, the resulting resin is exposed to heat, cold, water, pressure, or a combination of these to produce diverse types of concentrates.

So, what’s the difference? Raw extracts are created by separating the desirable components of the cannabis plant from the plant matter. From this raw extract, refined extracts are made using solvents, while concentrates are made through mechanical processes. In other words, all cannabis concentrates are extracts, but not all extracts can be called concentrates.

Types of Cannabis Extracts

There are many distinct types of cannabis extracts, each with its own unique properties and benefits.

The most common types of extracts include:

Shatter

Shatter is a type of cannabis extract that has a glass-like appearance. As a result, shatter is fragile to the touch and can easily break apart. It is made by using a solvent to create cannabis extract, which is then poured onto slabs and placed inside a specialized vacuum oven. The heat and vacuum pressure purge the solvents and allow the extract to stabilize. Shatter can be used in vaporizers but is most often dabbed or added to dried flower.

Crumble

Crumble is a type of cannabis extract that, as you’d expect, has a dry and crumbly texture. It is made by heating the shatter until it melts and then whipping the melted shatter before allowing it to cool and dry. As the crumble dries, it takes on a form that resembles a honeycomb. Crumble is typically smoked or dabbed, as it must be heated to activate the cannabinoids.

Budder and Badder

Budder is a type of cannabis extract that has a creamy, butter-like texture that ranges from soft to stiff (think softened versus refrigerated butter). Badder is more moist and runnier than budder (think brownie batter). Both extracts are made by heating cannabis shatter to a high temperature and then whipping it until it takes on the desired texture. Budder and badder have robust terpene profiles and a peanut-butter-like consistency that must be dabbed or added to dried flower, as the THC must be activated with heat. People who choose to use these extracts often do so because of the simplicity of measuring out doses.

Rosin

Rosin is a cannabis concentrate that is made without the use of chemical solvents. In some cases, both pressure and heat are applied to a dried cannabis flower "nugget." However, Verano utilizes an ice-water extraction method to isolate the trichomes. This hash slurry is then dried, heated, and pressed to create a thick oil ideal for dabbing.

RSO

RSO is short for Rick Simpson Oil. Named after its original creator, RSO is a cannabis oil that utilizes a solvent to extract critical cannabis compounds from the plant material. However, unlike other oils, RSO utilizes much more of the cannabis plant material—and thus more of the terpenes, cannabinoids, flavonoids, lipids, and even chlorophyll that create a full-spectrum extract product. This thick, viscous, dark-colored oil is created by soaking plant material in ethanol. RSO should be used orally or topically.

Cannabis Sugar

Cannabis sugar was first discovered after other types of extracts, particularly shatter, were allowed to develop THCA crystals over time due to condensation and extended shelf time. The crystalline components were found to have incredibly flavorful terpene profiles, and producers soon learned cannabis sugar was a desirable extract type on its own. Intentionally created cannabis sugar is often dark yellow and has a texture like that of saturated brown sugar. Sugar is ideal for dabbing due to its thick consistency.

Distillate

Distillate is created by using a cold ethanol extraction process on activated cannabis flower, followed by a distillation process. Together, extraction and distillation produce a pure, potent distillate with up to 90% THC. Terpenes are added back into the distillate, making it a thick, sappy, flavorful product suitable for vaping or ingesting orally with the use of a distillate syringe.

Hash

Hash is most commonly produced by separating the trichomes from the buds of a cannabis plant and pressing them into a dark, fragrant mass. Verano launched a new line of solventless extracts last year, including Light Press Hash and Full Melt Hash.

Verano Light Press Hash

The extraction process used for Verano Light Press Hash involves first collecting the trichomes while they remain in their natural state, which helps to retain the full spectrum of terpenes and cannabinoids. Once isolated, these trichomes are then processed using a combination of mechanical tumbling and pressure to form the finished hashish product. This unique method results in a clean taste that is both smooth and flavorful on the palate.

Verano Full Melt Hash

Created by isolating cannabis trichomes through an ice water bath, the desired cannabinoids and terpenes are expressed by applying heat and pressure, Full Melt Hash is a solventless concentrate that melts without leaving any residue in your dab rig or pen.

Temple Balls

Temple Balls are a type of cannabis with a rich history. For centuries, they have been crafted using traditional methods, passed down from generation to generation. The process begins with trichomes being collected from dried and cured cannabis buds and turned into kief. This is then pressed with heat and pressure to extract the THC and terpenes, before being carefully hand-rolled into the iconic ball shape.

Verano Temple Balls are a unique form of cannabis that enthusiasts long for. This is due to their potent quality, refined collection of trichomes through an ice water bath, and true-to-flower experience that has been preserved by the outer shell of the ball. Plus, they have such versatility as they can be smoked, vaporized, dabbed or even consumed orally.

Cannabis Extract Verbiage

As you’ve likely noticed, the world of cannabis extracts is full of interesting verbiage and slang. We’ve already defined the terms vape, budder, shatter, and crumble, but what about all the other strange and wonderful terms you’ve heard in your local dispensary?

Here are a few more you’ll need to know:

710 — Turn the word “OIL” upside down, and you get 710; this is simply another term for cannabis oil. Learn about 710 Day and how it’s used and celebrated.
BHO — Butane hash oil is extracted from purified hash using butane as the solvent. This is the most common type of extraction method.
Dabbing — The process of flash-vaporizing cannabis extracts to create an inhalable vapor.
Dab Carb Cap — The carb cap is used to contain the vaporized dab so it can be inhaled more easily by the user.
Dab Nail — The nail is part of the dab rig to which you'll apply your extract. The nail is most often made of quartz, glass, ceramic, or metal and heated so that each dab will vaporize upon contact.
Dab Pen — This portable device uses electric energy to heat cannabis extracts as opposed to using an open flame to heat a traditional dab nail. While they may look like other vape pens, dab pens allow you to apply a dab directly to the heated coil instead of using a pre-filled cartridge.
Dab Rig/ Dabber/ Glass — A dab rig, dabber, or glass is a piece of glass hardware used to heat and vaporize concentrated extracts (dabs). In general, a dab rig closely resembles other water pipes, like bongs and bubblers, but uses a dab nail in place of a bowl.
Errl — This is a slang term for any variety of cannabis oil.
Full-Spectrum Extracts — These extracts are created using the whole cannabis plant and retain terpenes, flavonoids, and other compounds found in the plant. RSO is a full-spectrum extract.
Honey — Another term for cannabis oil, particularly butane hash oil (BHO) that is thick and amber in color, just like honey. When dried, it can be used to make both shatter and wax.
Ice Wax — This water hash-adjacent cannabis extract is made using ice water.
ISO Oil — This type of extract is made using isopropyl alcohol.
Reclaim — Any leftover dab extract that can be condensed and dabbed again.
Solvent — A solvent is a substance that can dissolve another. Many cannabis extracts are made using a dissolving chemical to separate beneficial compounds from less-desirable compounds like lipids and chlorophyll. Common solvents include butane, propane, ethanol, and CO2.
Solventless Extraction — Extraction without solvents employs physical methods to separate heat and pressure to separate the cannabis oil from the plant material.
Twax — Twaxing refers to adding any type of cannabis extract to dried cannabis flower before smoking. This can include adding extract to flower in a bowl or joint or even dipping the end of a joint in extract.
Vaping — Inhaling cannabis vapor, most often vaporized cannabis oil.
Water Hash/Bubble Hash — This cannabis extract is made without harsh chemical solvents. Instead, water and ice are used to strain and isolate trichomes.

How To Store Your Cannabis Extracts

Since extracts or concentrates are fresh products, it's essential to learn how to store them properly. The right care and storage of your extracts can help ensure they retain their potency and remain effective. Any neglect in the storage process can result in your extracts losing their potency or even spoiling and becoming unusable.

Loss of potency and effectiveness typically occurs when cannabinoids are exposed to light and heat. These two factors will degrade the cannabinoids over time. For example, consider how exposing cannabis to heat from a lighter or vape can cause THCA (a precursor to THC) to decarboxylate into the THC that provides desirable effects.

In the same way, heat and light can decarboxylate THC in your cannabis extract into CBN, which does not have the same effects. Exposure to heat and light can dramatically reduce the overall quality of your extracts and prevent you from experiencing the full benefits that they have to offer. When it comes to storage, always remember the three pillars of cannabis storage: airtight, dark, and cool. You’ll want to make sure that your extracts are stored in an airtight container to prevent air exposure and oxidation. You’ll also want to store them in a dark place, like a cupboard or drawer, to prevent light exposure. Finally, make sure your storage solution keeps the extract cool to preserve its freshness and potency.

How To Use Cannabis Extracts

You can enjoy cannabis extracts in a variety of ways. Activated extracts already contain active cannabinoids like THC and CBD and can be consumed as an edible. Other extracts must be heated to activate the cannabinoids. Here are common ways to use cannabis extracts.

Dabbing

Dabbing is by far the most common way of using cannabis extracts, and it allows users to achieve quick, intense effects. Dabbing involves applying one of a variety of extract types to a heated dab nail or dab pen, where it flashes. Active cannabinoids are released in the vapor, which is then inhaled to achieve beneficial effects. Most of the listed extracts are suitable for dabbing due to their potency and texture.

Smoking

Smoking is the most common way to consume cannabis flower, but it should be noted that it isn’t advisable to directly smoke cannabis extracts—most will overheat and lose valuable cannabinoids in the process. However, many people choose to top cannabis flower with wax, shatter, or rosin in a joint, blunt, or bowl. Take care to cover it with more flower to avoid dripping or an uneven burn pattern.

Topicals

Topicals are cannabis-infused products that are applied directly to the skin. This can include lotions, balms, oils, and even RSO. Once applied, topicals are absorbed into the skin and can provide localized pain relief. Transdermal products contain a specialized, encapsulated cannabinoid that can enter the bloodstream and provide general relief.

Oral Consumption

Activated cannabis extracts like oils and tinctures—including RSO and distillate—can be consumed orally. No heat is required to activate the cannabinoids in these extracts, so they can also be added to food and drink.

Benefits of Extracts

Cannabis extracts offer a variety of benefits that appeal to users. Some of the most common benefits include:

Potency

Cannabis extracts concentrate the desirable cannabinoids and can thus be more potent than cannabis flower. Users may get the desired effects with a smaller dose. For example, a dab the size of a grain of rice may be enough for many people.

Long-Lasting

Users report that the effects of cannabis extracts tend to last longer than those of smoked cannabis. This is especially true of oral and topical products, which must be processed via the liver and other systems before entering the bloodstream and reaching the brain.

Quick-Acting

The effects of some cannabis extracts can be felt almost immediately. Extracts that are vaporized, dabbed, or smoked have an instantaneous onset time as they pass into the blood after inhalation. Tinctures can be absorbed under the tongue rather quickly.

Versatility

As mentioned, cannabis extracts can be consumed in many ways, allowing users to find the method that best suits their needs. As a result, the cannabis industry is always working to create processes, devices, and extracts that can fit any user’s needs and preferences.

New Processes—For example, Verano recently began to use hydrocarbon extraction methods (butane and propane) to extract live concentrates from flash-frozen cannabis plants instead of dried flower.

New Devices—While dab rigs are the traditional way to enjoy cannabis extracts, those of us in the cannabis industry are working hard to create new, more portable methods. Dab pens like the Terp Pen enable users to activate a heated coil and vaporize dabs simply by drawing in, much like a regular vape pen. Meanwhile, the Puffco Plus is a pocket nail that works like a true dab nail in the form of a portable pen.

New Extracts—Live Budder and Live Shatter are produced from flash-frozen plants using hydrocarbon extraction. This lends them a more robust terpene and flavonoid profile and gives the user that “true-to-flower" flavor experience.

What Issues Can Cannabis Extracts Help With?

The listed benefits make cannabis extracts an appealing option for those seeking relief from a variety of conditions.

Some of the most common conditions cannabis extracts have therapeutic benefits to treat include:

Chronic Pain — This includes conditions like arthritis, migraines, and fibromyalgia.
Anxiety — Cannabis extracts may help calm the mind and ease anxiety.
Depression — Cannabis extracts can help to improve mood and may alleviate other symptoms of depression.
Insomnia — In some people, cannabis extracts appear to induce sleep and improve the quality and duration of sleep. In this way, cannabis can reduce fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
Inflammation — Cannabis extracts may help to reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Nausea — Cannabis extracts can help to ease nausea and vomiting.

Cannabis extracts have also been shown to help with more serious medical conditions like:

Cancer — Cannabis extracts can help ease cancer treatment's side effects, like nausea and pain.
Epilepsy — Cannabis extracts have been shown to help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures in those with epilepsy.
Multiple Sclerosis — Muscle spasms and pain are common symptoms of multiple sclerosis, and many cannabis users find relief with cannabis extracts.
Parkinson’s Disease — Cannabis extracts may help to ease the tremors and muscle stiffness associated with Parkinson’s disease.

Tips For Using Cannabis Extracts

If you are interested in using cannabis extracts, it’s important to keep a few things in mind to ensure a positive experience.

Start With Low Dose

Depending on the product and formulation, cannabis extracts can be much more potent than cannabis flower. To achieve the effects you desire without any unwanted side effects it is important to start with a low dose and increase as needed. People who are new to cannabis extracts should consult with dispensary personnel to determine an appropriate dose depending on the extract chosen.

Be Patient

While the effects of cannabis extracts are often quick-acting, this is not true for all extract products. For example, edibles can take up to two hours to take effect, and getting impatient and consuming more before the effects kick in can lead to unwanted euphoria. If you’re not getting the effects you desire after the indicated onset time, simply increase your dose for the next time.

Know Your Method of Consumption

There are a variety of ways to consume cannabis extracts, so it is important to identify the method you are most comfortable with. Many consumers enjoy testing out different methods to find the one that best suits their needs. Then, make sure you're informed regarding the ideal dosage, onset time, and length of effects, so you always know what to expect from your cannabis extract experience.

Find Reputable Sources

It is important to utilize only the best cannabis dispensary as a reputable source for your cannabis extracts. With a licensed dispensary, you know you are getting a safe, legal, high-quality product with clear and accurate dosing information.

Build Your Cannabis Extract Knowledge with Zen

Cannabis extracts are a broad and constantly evolving category of cannabis extracts that grows more diverse by the day. From budder and cannabis sugar to the popular RSO, extracts can help cannabis enthusiasts of all walks of life achieve relief from a variety of symptoms—or even a quick, powerful high. No matter your needs or preferences, there’s likely to be a cannabis extract and consumption method that suits you.

Build Your Cannabis Extract Knowledge with Zen

Do you need more information before you’re ready to give cannabis extracts a try?

Learn more with our guide to cannabis concentrates!

References:

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Health and Medicine Division; Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice; Committee on the Health Effects of Marijuana: An Evidence Review and Research Agenda. The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2017 Jan 12. 4, Therapeutic Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425767/
Welty, T. E., Luebke, A., & Gidal, B. E. (2014). Cannabidiol: promise and pitfalls. Epilepsy currents, 14(5), 250–252. https://doi.org/10.5698/1535-7597-14.5.250
Gallily, R., Yekhtin, Z., & Hanuš, L. O. (2018). The Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Terpenoids from Cannabis. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 3(1), 282–290. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2018.0014
Parker, L. A., Rock, E. M., & Limebeer, C. L. (2011). Regulation of nausea and vomiting by cannabinoids. British journal of pharmacology, 163(7), 1411–1422. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.01176.x

Danyal Swan

Author

Digital Content Manager for MÜV Florida and Zen Leaf Dispensaries. A cannabis connoisseur with a passion for explaining the miraculous possibility of the plant, Swan began her journey with cannabis as a recreational user and quickly realized its positive impact on her depression and severe anxiety. She joined the cannabis industry as Receptionist and MedTender and witnessed first-hand the immense potential of the plant for a wide variety of ailments, deepening her passion for alternative medicine. Swan is dedicated to self-education on the plant and sharing its potential with all. She holds a Journalism degree from the University of Iowa.