What are CBD concentrates?
Before we venture any deeper, let’s make sure you’re acquainted with CBD. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid found in cannabis, primarily hemp plants. It has captured the world’s attention due to its non-intoxicating nature, as well as its potential health and wellness benefits, thanks to the way it interacts with the endocannabinoid system.
While CBD oil has taken the spotlight in recent times, CBD concentrates represent a versatile, potent form of this popular cannabinoid. Let’s take a closer look and compare some of them.
CBD distillate
If you can imagine sifting through the cannabis plant material, capturing its very essence, and concentrating all of the goodness, that’s essentially CBD distillate. This extract undergoes a meticulous CO2 extraction or ethanol extraction process where the respective solvent is used to capture the essence of the cannabis plant, ensuring a high-concentration CBD yield.
Full spectrum
In this form, it’s all about celebrating the plant’s complexity while featuring low levels of THC. The synergy of the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other vital hemp compounds that are retained results in what’s known as the entourage effect. This effect in full spectrum CBD is known to amplify the potential CBD benefits with cannabinoids like CBG and CBN, offering a whole new level of holistic experience.
Broad spectrum
Broad spectrum CBD can be thought of as a close cousin to full spectrum, with the only difference between the two being that it’s THC-free. It’s perfect for those who seek all of the benefits from the plant’s compounds without any presence of THC.
CBD isolate
If you prefer your cannabidiol in its most undiluted and unadulterated form, CBD isolate is the best choice for you. After undergoing an intricate purification process during which the CBD is isolated from all other compounds, the resulting concentrated CBD powder is pristine.
Boasting an almost perfect purity rating, it’s easy to see why CBD isolate is the first choice when it comes to various products like gummies, softgels, and baked goodies.
CBD wax
CBD wax is a concentrate that is very much on par with distillate in terms of its high potency, concentration, and consistency. Some people believe that concentrates are all about potency, but the reality is that flavor plays a key role too.
Through the extraction process, this concentrate gains a rich terpene profile with an unbelievable burst of flavors and aromas. Whether your preference is to vaporize it with a device or use a dab rig, CBD wax promises an incredible experience.
CBD shatter
Mesmerizing with its amber-colored, glass-like appearance, CBD shatter is a visual delight. It possesses all of the potency of CBD wax, but its brittle nature sets it apart. When exposed to heat, this enchanting concentrate gracefully transforms from a solid to a liquid.
It’s ideal for being smoked in a pipe, vaporizing, or dabbing, and due to its potency, even a small amount packs a mighty punch.
CBD dabs
Dabs are designed to give an instantaneous CBD hit when inhaled. Simply place the CBD dab on a heated surface, usually within a dab rig, and prepare yourself for an intensified experience.
Popular usage methods
With such a wide range of concentrates for sale, how you choose to use them is limited purely by your imagination. Here are some of our favorite methods:
Vaporizing
Devices such as vaporizers or vape pens have become the go-to for many CBD enthusiasts. They are suited to shatter and wax and work by heating your concentrate of choice to turn it into a vapor that is ready to inhale.
Dabbing
Dabbing is an immersive experience, and it involves getting the concentrate hot, typically within a dab rig. Inhaling the resultant vapor delivers immediate potency.
Topical application
Topical solutions can be created by blending CBD concentrates with oils or creams. When applied to the skin they can provide localized relief from pain and inflammation.
Oral ingestion
If you prefer using concentrates orally, they can be taken directly or mixed into your latest culinary creation. The additional good news is that this method can offer more prolonged effects.
If you’re curious about more information on test driving full spectrum distillate, broad spectrum distillate, or CBD isolate powder you can find a detailed usage guide on their product pages.
Marijuana-based concentrates vs hemp-based CBD concentrates
While our discussion is primarily focused on hemp-derived concentrates, it’s important to provide a clear picture of cannabis products by discussing their marijuana-based counterparts.
Marijuana-based concentrates
Marijuana concentrates can range from wax, shatter, and dabs, to resins and more. They are popular from both a recreational and medicinal standpoint. Concentrates derived from marijuana are known for their higher THC levels, which is, of course, the compound responsible for the high related to cannabis use.
Unlike CBD, THC is psychoactive, which essentially means it has the power to alter your state of mind. In addition to an intense high, users may experience an altered perception of time, increased appetite, and a host of other effects linked to THC.
Hemp-based concentrates
On the flip side, hemp-based concentrates prioritize CBD over THC. By law, hemp products must contain less than 0.3% THC, which ensures they don’t produce a high. This makes hemp-derived concentrates the perfect choice for anyone looking to reap all of the wonderful health benefits of CBD without encountering any psychoactive effects.
The first step to choosing the right concentrate for you is to determine what you’re looking for. Is it the potential therapeutic benefits without the high? If so, CBD hemp products are the right move for you.
Enjoy exploring the concentrates and their benefits
In this rapidly evolving landscape of CBD products, concentrates have well and truly cemented their place. While hemp-based products have been legalized in many parts of the world, marijuana-derived products are still very much restricted in many places. Before purchasing any concentrate, always check in with your local regulations.
Additionally, always prioritize safety. This means always sourcing quality products from reputable sellers and beginning with small amounts to see how your body reacts. Happy exploring!
