Category: Cannabis Products

As marijuana has become legal in a lot of states, cannabis concentrates have gained popularity as well. Medical marijuana patients are turning to concentrates for their pain-relief. It is also an economical and fast-acting solution. Cannabis concentrates are more condensed than loose leaf cannabis, which is why medical marijuana patients prefer to use them with a vaporizer. Those patients, who need powerful medicine with pain relief, are recommended to use concentrates as they are much more efficient.

Before we tell you more about the many cannabis concentrates, you need to know more about concentrates.

What Are Concentrates?

Cannabis concentrates are extracts that are derived from cannabis. They contain concentrated amounts of the psychoactive compound THC and other cannabinoids and terpenes.

The concentrate products are extracted from the plant with the help of solvents like CO2 or ethanol. After the completion of the extraction, we are left with a condensed product comprising a powerful dose of medicine.

In short, Cannabis concentrates are the products that have the cannabinoids and terpenes, minus the unnecessary plant material. Small amounts of concentrates have more cannabinoids and terpenes as compared to dried flowers. Most of the flowers have 15-20% of THC, while concentrates contain 80-90% of THC.

Concentrates contain what is within the plant. In case a plant has any pesticides, they will also become concentrated. This is why you should always buy concentrates from a reliable source, a brand that makes concentrates from plants that are pesticide free.

Concentrates exist in a lot of cannabis products including edibles, oils, and tinctures. Cannabis concentrates can be highly potent as they contain strong doses of cannabinoids. You can also consume them in their purest form with dab rigs and vaporizers.

 

What Are The Different Types Of Concentrates?

There are different types of concentrates available in the market. We have broken down some common cannabis concentrates below.

Shatter

Shatter concentrate is probably the most popular form of cannabis extracts. Its consistency is like a colored piece of glass (hence the name shatter), which makes it easy to handle. Shatter is available in parchment paper because of its sticky form. This extraction is not safe for any DIY projects. You need to eliminate the solvent before you can safely consume the concentrate.

Shatter is in a solid form, and that is why it is hard to work with. You can use the final product with the help of dab rigs, vapes, and bongs.

 

Crumble

The texture of a crumble concentrate fits its name. You can easily handle it with your hands as it crumbles. It is advised that you keep the crumble in a sealed container at a cool place. However, storing crumble using parchment paper is not recommended. A silicone or a glass jar would be better suited for the purpose.

 

Rosin

Rosin doesn’t use any solvents, which makes it a different kind of concentrate. It is also the most natural extract that you will get your hands on. Rosin is created by squeezing the dry cannabis buds with the help of heat and pressure. This process is done with an industrial press but some people make it at home with the help of a hair straightener. A popular method of using rosin is by applying it to the outside of a joint.

 

Wax

We all know what wax is. However, we are talking about the wax that is a sticky form of cannabis concentrate. Wax is extremely sticky and is sold in small containers or glass jars. Because of its sticky nature, wax can be messier to handle if you don’t have any dabbing tools.

 

Cannabis Oil

Cannabis oil is famous for a lot of benefits. One of them is its effectiveness in body massage as it relieves any muscle pains. Cannabis oil is available in vaporizer pens. The cannabis oil is often made by CO2 or Butane, which makes its texture runny.

 

Budder

Budder concentrate is very much like wax but has opaque taffy-like texture. Most of the people opt for budder because of its tasty smoke. It is not as solid as shatter and it is more like wax, which makes it much easier to use. You can use budder by putting it in a bong or a pipe. You can also add it to a joint or blunt, like most of the other concentrates.

 

Tinctures

Tinctures use decarboxylated cannabis and are stored in a jar with alcohol. This mixture is stored for many weeks before it is strained and consumed. Tinctures are in a liquid form, in the color green, and have all the good stuff that has been extracted from the plant. Tinctures look like oil but are not the same. Tincture may be a concentrated form of CBD. However, the CBD is added in a small amount of distilled alcohol.

 

Live Resin

Live Resin is extracted from live plants and contains a higher percentage of terpene profiles as compared to other concentrates. While other cannabis concentrates use dry plants, live resin uses the aroma of living plants and converts it into a flavorful extract. The production process of live resin demands more work, which is why it is also a little bit more expensive.

The extraction method of live resin is complicated and as mentioned earlier, requires laboratory equipment. It is not something you can do at home and it is better to get live resin from a dispensary.

Hashish

Hashish is the most well-known cannabis concentrate. Hashish, or hash, is a cannabis concentrate that is created by separating trichomes from the plant material. After that, the resin is formed into a coherent mass. Some types of Hashish are Bubble Hash, Lebanese Hash, Super Nepalese Hash and Moroccan Slate Hash.

You can either smoke hashish or consume it in the form of an edible. If you don’t want to smoke it, then the latter option would suit you. A very common way of taking it is in brownies, which are called hash brownies. If you want to smoke it, you can roll it into a joint with some tobacco. You can also smoke it with a pipe or a hookah.

Kief

Kief is also sometimes called as pollen or dry sift. It is a powdery substance that is made from the resin glands of the cannabis bud. Kief consists of pure trichomes, hence, it is considered super potent. Kief always contains some plant particles, so it is not always 100% pure. Hash is also made from kief. You can sprinkle the kief in a joint or mix it with weed. Apart from that, you can also consume it with a hookah and pipe.

 

 

Terpenes, or terpenoids as some people prefer to call them, are the essential oil of plant life. They are responsible for that distinctive smell of pine trees, and also give cannabis its skunky aroma. There has been much about terpenes in relation to both medicinal and psychoactive effects of different strains of marijuana (see below), but not a lot on what they actually are and how they function.

Terpenes have been researched for their medicinal and psychoactive effects on humans, but they also play an important role in the formation of other chemicals and thus, life. attract the right kind of insects to pollinate them. They are also found in human brains and other body tissues.

Terpenes are volatile molecules, meaning they easily evaporate and turn into gas. Terpenes may come from the same plant or other plants in nature. For example, eucalyptus trees secrete a terpene called cineole (also known as eucalyptol). The pineal gland in the brain releases a terpene called pinene (also known as alpha-pinene) and this is what gives out that familiar smell from trees.

Terpenes are not unique to cannabis plants, they can be found in other types of plants like citrus peels or cinnamon bark, and some animal products like amniotic fluid and coniferous trees.

1) What Are Terpenes?

Marijuana plants produce an array of different aromatic compounds called “terpenes.” These aromatic oils have no THC [tetrahydrocannabinol], CBD [cannabidiol] or other cannabinoids but are found in the most concentrated amounts on a plant’s leaves. The smell and flavor of marijuana plants are determined by its terpenes. The complex mixture of these different types of terpenes is what gives cannabis it’s distinctive aroma and taste, with over 100 varieties to choose from although only a few produce pot’s signature scent which has led many smokers who identify as “connoisseurs” to develop their own preferences for certain strains based off this factor alone.

2) How Do Terpenes Affect Us?

Terpenes interact with our bodies through olfactory (smell) receptors which is why we experience their effects primarily through our sense of smell. When you inhale the rich fragrance coming from your joint or bong hit, that’s the aromatic oils entering your system through your nose and stimulating the nerves which lead to parts of your brain associated with memory, behavior and emotion. It is also thought that these same olfactory receptors are responsible for regulating appetite and mood.

3) So What Types of Terpenes Have Psychoactive Properties?

There is some evidence that the terpene myrcene may play a role in increasing THC absorption from other cannabinoids by opening non-cannabinoid receptors located on cell membranes which would increase the amount of active substances in your brain and therefore, the potency of the effects you get. Pinene, another common terpene in cannabis, has an alerting effect so that you become more aware while beta-caryophyllene helps open up CB2 receptors (which do not make you “high” but allow your body to use ingested CBD). Linalool and cineole have sedating effects, again attributed to their ability to stimulate olfactory receptors.

4) What About the Smell of Cannabis?

In addition to producing the hundreds of different terpenes found in cannabis, a marijuana plant also produces THC and CBD. The interaction between these different compounds produces what we refer to as “the smell” of cannabis plants. In the case of a sativa, that smell is sweet and citrusy with hints of pine or mint. Indicas are more likely to have an earthy, musky or even skunky smell. The presence of these other terpenes in combination with THC and CBD produce the distinctive aroma of different cannabis strains.

5) What’s the Difference Between Cannabis Terpenes and THC/CBD?

Although both of these cannabinoids have profound effects on mood, sleep and pain relief, there are more than 100 different types of terpenes in marijuana which affect our bodies in various ways. Some people report feeling sleepy after inhaling the scent of indicas but prefer sweet-smelling sativas. In addition, while THC and CBD are known to have anti-inflammatory effects on the body (which contribute to their pain killing properties), terpenes like beta-myrcene also have anti-inflammatory properties but without having any psychoactive effect.

6) What Other Properties Do Terpenes Have?

Depending on the type of plant they’re from, terpenes can act as anti-bacterial agents, anti fungal agents, antioxidants and even anesthetic agents (i.e., they numb our pain receptors).

7) Are Cannabis Terpenes Safe?

Terpenes are the most abundant component of essential oils and plants and have been used for thousands of years for both medicinal and culinary purposes. Their uses span from treating skin conditions, improving sleep or even acting as natural remedies for anxiety and depression. In fact, many aromatherapy products contain terpenes and other essential oils in order to reap their benefits.

8) Do Terpenes Affect Our Cannabinoids?

One of the most important roles terpenes play in marijuana is their ability to work in conjunction with cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Research suggests that terpene profiles change as the flowers on a cannabis plant mature, which would suggest that different strains have different effects based off this factor alone.

9) What About Terpenes and CBD?

Most research suggests that terpenes enhance the effects of cannabinoids (in other words, they make THC more potent or CBD more effective). More specifically, according to a report published by Project CBD: “Different classes of phytocannabinoids interact with different types of cannabinoid receptors located throughout the body. This phenomenon has been referred to as the entourage effect, which is a concept that suggests all of the components of cannabis work together in what could be viewed as a symphony of medical possibilities.”

Source:  https://www.projectcbd.org/science/terpenes-and-cannabinoids

10) What Are the Most Common Terpenes in Marijuana?

Cannabis plants produce hundreds of different types of terpenes, but there are seven that occur most often. They include:

• Alpha and Beta Pinene: Also found in pine needles, this popular terpene has bronchodilator properties (expands your bronchial tubes) which makes breathing easier. It is also anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial.
• Myrcene: Found mostly in strains with indica characteristics, it can have sedative effects on the body as well as being a muscle relaxer.
• Limonene: This terpene is found mainly in citrus peel and oils and acts as an immunostimulant, offering relief from gastrointestinal issues like gastritis or ulcerative colitis.
• Linalool: A popular ingredient in commercial perfumes, this terpene has sedating effects but can also increase serotonin levels which may be beneficial for those with depression.
• Humulene: It is believed that humulene helps THC cross the blood-brain barrier more effectively so that you experience a stronger high. Other research suggests it acts as an anti-anxiety agent or anti inflammatory due to its ability to reduce white blood cell activity and cytokine production (i.e., substances released by cells of the immune system when infection occurs).
• Farnesene: This terpene has antibiotic properties and is also known to have insecticidal properties.

Below is a sample testing chart of terpene results from our product partner Veritas Fine Cannabis:

Strain: Birthday Cake

Sample Type: Flower

Marijuana is a plant with many components, one of which being the plant material from which it originates. This component comes in two forms: indica and sativa.

Indica plants are short and stocky, while Sativas are tall and thin. The former tend to give a more sedative effect, while the latter have a more energetic high. Indicas can also be used as an appetite stimulant for people living with HIV/AIDS or cancer who have been prescribed appetite-suppressing drugs. In contrast, Sativas produce less of an ‘in your face’ experience than their counterpart but offer greater mental stimulation for those who need help focusing on tasks at hand.

What are marijuana strains?

A strain, in the context of marijuana, refers to a variety of plant material which yields similar chemical components – such as CBD and THC. Some strains are purely euphoric and others only have potent medical effects. In general, plants with higher concentrations of THC produce heavier highs and may induce feelings of paranoia for inexperienced smokers. Indica-dominant strains offer a ‘body high’, while Sativa-dominant marijuana plants are more suited for people who want to stimulate their brain and body simultaneously.

Medical benefits of different strains

Sativa-dominant strains are often used to reduce nausea, stimulate appetite, lower blood pressure or even manage pain. Sativas tend to energize those who consume them and make people more talkative and happy. As previously stated, they are best suited for users who need stimulation without the ‘in your face’ effects of their counterpart.

Indica-dominant strains can be used to treat insomnia, muscle spasms, tremors or seizures in those who suffer from epilepsy. Some people are more likely to use indica for relief of pain; while others only opt for this type if they want a body high and relaxation.

Effects of different strains and how long they last

Both Sativas and Indicas can produce euphoric effects; however, the duration of each effect is different for users. If you consume an indica-dominant plant material, your high will probably be more intense but the effects will wear off after a few hours. On the other hand, when using sativa-dominant strains, the high can be milder but lasts longer. Indeed, some sativa-dominant strains offer more uplifting and stimulating effects than their counterpart.

Knowing your strain is the key to choosing the best one for you We recommend starting with an Indica or Sativa hybrid to discover the different high levels that marijuana plants can bring. Remember, however, that every individual is unique; so your experience may be different from that of someone else. Take time to figure out what you prefer and how it affects you, then create a list of your favorite strains!

We encourage you to learn more about the different types of marijuana plants available, as well as their health benefits. This way, you can make an informed decision on which one to use for your medicinal or recreational purposes.

How to choose the right strain for you

Figuring out what you want and how marijuana plants can help you achieve your goals is the first step in making a good selection. Knowing that Sativas have more uplifting, mentally stimulating effects while Indicas are better for relaxation and pain relief will give you a head start on your research.

One of the most important things to learn about before buying different strains is their THC and CBD content. While some plants have higher levels of one or the other, both cannabinoids offer therapeutic effects. If you’re aiming to treat a specific illness or alleviate certain symptoms, you should learn about how much THC and CBD are present in each plant material.

Some marijuana growers use high-CBD strains to treat a variety of ailments; however, if you are using cannabis for recreational purposes and want the ‘high’ feeling it can bring, you should know that many strains have THC levels over twenty percent. Of course, there is no rule saying you cannot experiment with high-CBD and low-THC plants to determine your preferences!

Pros and cons of smoking vs vaping vs edibles

The debate of whether or not you should smoke marijuana has been a hot topic for quite some time in the medical community. In recent years, many people have opted for edible marijuana products rather than smoke it to improve its medicinal effects and reduce the cancer risk associated with traditional smoking methods.

Vaporizers are becoming more popular as well; they still provide the ‘high’ feeling but are less harmful and riskier to your health than smoking marijuana.

Edibles can take longer to kick in, and you might not feel its effects immediately when they do; however, the high lasts longer than when smoking. Also worth noting is that eating cannabis will make you intoxicated faster than when you inhale it.

Smoking marijuana offers a shorter high but is more potent than edibles and vaporizers, which may not be suitable for those who want to keep their ‘high’ under control. Smoking can also irritate your throat and lungs; if you opt for this method, make sure that you use the proper smoking device so you can inhale the cannabinoids without damaging your throat and lungs.

Nevertheless, there are many who recommend vaporizing marijuana plants instead of smoking them because it reduces the amount of harmful stuff that goes into your body (e.g., carcinogens). Furthermore, you can customize a vaporizer to meet your needs; for instance, they usually come with different temperature settings.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure you know your plan of action before getting the marijuana plant products; so you can limit your risk of medical side effects and enjoy yourself in the process!

Differences between indica, sativa, and hybrid plants

Most marijuana plants are classified as either indica or sativa. Indica plants have short and wide light green leaves, while sativas are taller with long, narrow leaves. This is how they differ physically; however, the mind and body effects of each of these strains may be different from one another as well.

Indicas are commonly used for pain relief, relaxation, and sleep; they also reduce nausea and muscle spasms. Sativas have energizing effects and are used to treat depression or mood disorders or for daytime use due to their clear-headedness.

Hybrids, on the other hand, often contain a combination of indica and sativa plants that create a variety of effects. Hybrids offer more options for medical patients, but keep in mind that it might not be possible to classify hybrids as indicas or sativas since they may have a combination of qualities from both plants.

Now that you’re armed with some knowledge to make you a more informed consumer of marijuana, sign up today and get your favorite strain of weed delivered with Flyhi and…

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