Sep 20

Dab Concentrates: Which To Choose?

By Annemarie Porreca Products

Dab Concentrates: Which To Choose?

With the ever-expanding variety of cannabis extracts available on the market, choosing the right dab concentrates to smoke can be a daunting task for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts. In short, each extract type offers a unique combination of flavors, potency, and effects.

In this guide, we will explore the factors to consider when selecting the perfect dab concentrates for you.

1. Understand the Types of Cannabis Extracts & Dab Concentrates

Before diving into the selection process, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the various types of cannabis extracts available. Some common extracts include:

BHO (Butane Hash Oil): A potent and versatile extract that can vary in texture from shatter to wax.
CO2 Oil: Extracted using carbon dioxide, it preserves more of the plant’s natural terpenes and cannabinoids.
Rosin: Created by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flowers or hash, resulting in a solventless dab concentrate.
Live Resin: Made from freshly harvested, frozen cannabis plants, preserving a rich terpene profile.
Distillate: Highly purified and refined cannabis oil, often used for its high THC content.
Hashish: A traditional extract made from the resin of the cannabis plant, available in various forms.

Understanding these options will help you narrow down your selection of dab concentrates based on your preferences and needs.

2. Determine Your Desired Effects

Next, consider your desired experience. Different dab concentrates can produce various effects due to their cannabinoid and terpene profiles.

Indica: Extracts with a higher concentration of CBD and the terpene Myrcene tend to provide relaxing, sedating effects, making it ideal for evening use or relaxation.
Sativa: Extracts with a higher concentration of THC and uplifting terpenes like Limonene can offer energizing and creative effects, making them great dab concentrates for daytime use.
Hybrid: A balanced combination of both indica and sativa effects, offering versatility for different situations.

3. Assess Potency & Tolerance

The potency of your dab concentrates can vary significantly. Novices should start with lower-potency options, while experienced users might seek more potent extracts. Most importantly, be mindful of your tolerance and adjust your consumption accordingly to avoid discomfort or overconsumption.

4. Consider Terpene Profiles

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis that contribute to its flavor and effects. Different strains and dab concentrates have distinct terpene profiles. Experimenting with various terpenes can enhance your smoking experience by tailoring it to your preferences.

Check out this article to learn more about terpenes and their importance.

5. Extraction Method Dab Concentrates

Each extraction method has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, solvent-based extracts like BHO and CO2 oil can offer high potency and purity, while solventless options like rosin prioritize preserving terpenes. To sum it up, it’s essential to choose your dab concentrates based on the method aligns with your priorities.

Lab Testing & Transparency

Always opt for cannabis extracts that undergo rigorous lab testing to ensure safety and consistency. Reputable brands provide test results with a product’s cannabinoid content, terpene profile, and potential contaminants. This information can help you make an informed choice.

Dab concentrates purchased at Smyth Cannabis Co., or any other licensed Massachusetts dispensary, are required to pass a third-party lab test and clearly list their active cannabinoids.

Check out Smyth Cannabis Co. For All Your Dab Concentrates & Supplies

Smyth Cannabis Co. in Lowell, MA offers the highest quality cannabis flower, pre-rolls, edibles, dab concentrates and more. So, whether you’re already experienced with dab concentrates lord or just getting started, our friendly budtenders will help you pick a concentrate and get you set up with any necessary rigs. Come visit us in Lowell to learn more about our lab tested products.

Above all, remember to always consume responsibly and in moderation to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey into the world of extracts and dab concentrates.

Sep 07

Love1

What Are Terpenes & Why Are They Important?

By Annemarie Porreca Cannabis 101

What Are Terpenes & Why Are They Important?

Terpenes are naturally occuring organic compounds found in plants. They are responsible for the smell of most plants, fruits, herbs, etc., including cannabis.

Different amounts and combinations of terpenes are unique to every plant. In nature, a plant’s smell is used to both attract and repel insects and animals. For example, a foul-smelling fruit may discourage animals from eating it, while a sweet smelling flower will attract pollinators.

Terpenes vs. Cannabinoids What Are Terpenes?

Unlike cannabinoids, terpenes do not directly contribute to making you feel “high.” But, some terpenes are still considered to be psychoactive because they can affect your brain. While terpenes are responsible for the smell of the plant, some may also affect your brain in a similar way to cannabinoids. The difference is that they are not processed by our bodies in the same way.

Humans brains have their own internal endocannabinoid systems that we use to maintain homeostasis. This system also allows us to process cannabinoids through a network of neurotransmitters and receptors.

For example, THC is a cannabinoid that activates the CB1 receptors in our brain. On the contrast, the cannabinoid CBD restricts activity in the CB1 receptors and also binds to other parts of the body, including 12 targets in the brain alone.

The entourage effect is the theory that terpenes will affect the experience of your high. It works like aromatherapy. Scents from different plant-based essential oils can impact a person’s mood. So while they may not directly be responsible for making you feel “high,” they can certainly play a role in the effects you feel from THC.

In summary, terpenes act as the wheels of a bus, while cannabinoids are the driver. The terpenes aid in the effects that are made possible by the cannabinoid content.

The Most Common Terpenes

α-Bisabolol What Are Terpenes?

Aromas: Floral, Pepper, Wood

Alpha Bisabolol is an essential oil commonly used in cosmetics as a skin soothing agent. It occurs naturally in chamomile and sage. Some research has also shown that Bisabolol may reduce the risk of gastric damage caused by anti-inflammatory drugs.

Camphene What Are Terpenes?

Aromas: Wet, Pine, Woodsy, Earthy

Camphene is very common in cannabis, though it is rarely the most prominant terpene. It is widely appreciated for its ability to fight infections and inflammation, while alleviating stress. Research also supports its antifungal and antiviral properties.

β-Caryophyllene

Aromas: Sharp, Spice, Sweet, Wood

Beta Caryophyllene is known for its wide variety of potential physical and mental health benefits. CB2 receptors are targeted when treating pain & inflammation with cannabis, and this terpene has a unique ability to bind to them. It is FDA-approved for use in food & is found in black pepper, cinnamon and basil.

Geraniol What Are Terpenes?

Aromas: Floral, Sugar, Rose

Geraniol shows an ability to fight free radicals, giving it an antioxidant, antitumor and anticancer properties. Studies have shown that it improves cells’ response to chemotherapy treatment. It’s pleasant scent also lends it to use in many perfumes, cosmetics, cleaning agents and more.

Guaiol What Are Terpenes?

Aromas: Pine, Wood, Rose

Guaiol has been long-trusted as a natural fever treater and pain killer, and its anti-inflammatory properties are associated with treating the discomfort caused by arthritis. Guaiol is also a diuretic, meaning it may even lower blood pressure. Side effects of this terpene may worsen anxiety symptoms.

α-Humulene

Aromas: Herbal, Spice, Woody, Earthy

Commonly found in ginseng, ginger and hops, Humulene has been used in natural health practices for hundreds of years due to its strong anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been reported to act as an appetite suppressant.

Limonene

Aromas: Citrus, Lemon, Herbal

Limonene is the second most common terpene in nature and can also be found in citrus rinds. It has antioxidant properties and is used in topical products to allow other chemical compounds to pass through the skin faster.

Linalool

Aromas: Floral, Herbal, Lavender

Linalool is known for its strong calming effects and is used to treat patients with Epilepsy. It is found in rosewood, coriander, lavender, and over 200 species of plants across the world. It has sedative properties and may help alleviate the symptoms of stress and and anxiety.

β-Myrcene

Aromas: Earthy, Musk, Cloves

Beta Myrcene can be found in parsley, mangoes and hops. It is known to enhance both the mental effects of THC and the health benefits of CBD. Myrcene is a good option for adding an overall boost of relaxation to your experience.

Nerolidol

Aromas: Floral, Sweet, Fruity

Widely used as a perfume in cosmetics and cleaners, Nerolidol contributes to the scents of plants such as ginger, lavender, lemongrass and tea tree. It acts as an anti-microbial and anti-fungal and is also known to help consumers sleep.

Ocimene

Aromas: Sweet, Herbal, Woodsy

While Ocimene may cause coughing when inhaled, it also possesses several therapeutic benefits, including anti-convulsant, anti-fungal and anti-tumor and decongestant properties. Research has shown that when paired with Pinene, Ostimene may help manage and prevent certain types of diabetes and hypertension.

Phytol What Are Terpenes?

Aromas: Grass, Balsamic

Phytol has strong sedative effects and is frequently used to alleviate symptoms of anxiety. Recent studies have shown Phytol to be an effective treatment against tumors and inflammation.

α-Pinene

Aromas: Pine, Rosemary

Alpha Pinene is an anti-microbial compound named after its strong scent of pine trees. It is most known for combatting the memory loss caused by THC use. Many consumers report a boost of energy and brain function when consuming strains high in this terpene.

β-Pinene

Aromas: Earthy, Basil, Parsley

Beta Pinene is one of the two compounds that make up Pinene. This terpene has more of a spice to it than its alpha counterpart, and can be found in hops and cumin. Beta Pinene shares many similar cognitive effects as Alpha Pinene.

Terpinolene

Aromas: Citrus, Lemon, Pine, Wood

Terpinolene is known for its antioxidant, antiseptic, anti fungal and antibiotic properties. Users report feeling an uplifting and energizing effect from this terpene. When combined with Linalool, it exhibits more sedative effects.

Valencene What Are Terpenes?

Aromas: Sweet, Citrus

Studies have shown Valencene to have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties, in addition to neuroprotective effects. It also acts as an effective skin protectant, and studies have shown that it may improve cells’ response to chemotherapy treatment.

Savor The Terps

What are Concentrates?

Concentrates, oils and extracts, also known as “dabs,” are products that have been processed to extract both cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant while removing excess plant material. Because of this, concentrates have a much larger concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes than flower alone.

Check out our blog article to learn more about the different types of concentrates available on the market.

However, you don’t need to smoke dabs to enjoy terpenes. Other options include tinctures, topicals and edibles.

Visit Smyth Cannabis Co. Today

Terpene-rich concentrates are just one of the products Smyth Cannabis Co. is proud to produce. Our concentrates are made with our own hand-trimmed flower grown right here in Lowell, MA. Located right off of I-495, our adult-use dispensary offers the highest quality cannabis products, including flower, pre-rolls, edibles and more.

Whether you’re already a terpene fiend or just getting started, our friendly budtenders will help you find a product with a terpene profile you’ll love. Visit us today!

It is important to note that the above information is for educational use only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Smyth Cannabis Co. does not guarantee the accuracy of any of the above information. Individual results will vary. All Smyth Cannabis Co. products are grown for recreational use and do not claim to possess any medical benefits. Smyth Cannabis Co. is a recreational-only dispensary and does not employe medical professionals. Consult your physician before using cannabis for any medical purpose.

Mar 15

Love3

Types of Dabs & Cannabis Concentrates — Which to Choose?

By Annemarie Porreca Cannabis 101, Products

Types of Dabs & Cannabis Concentrates — Which to Choose?

What are Concentrates?

With so many types of dabs available, which one should you choose? Concentrates, oils and extracts, also known as “dabs,” are products that have been processed to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant while removing excess plant material. The process involves separating the trichomes from the rest of the plant. Because of this, concentrates have a much larger concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes than flower alone.

The oldest type of concentrate is hash, or dried blocks of packed kief. People have been making it for thousands of years. Originally, the technique involved hand collecting and separating the hash. While some small shops still incorporate traditional solvent-free methods, most producers have moved to solvent-based extraction.

Solvent-Based Extraction

During solvent-based extraction, essential oils within the cannabis plant are separated using chemical solvents such as butane, propane, alcohol and CO2. Solvent-based extraction will make many different consistencies, depending on how the product is treated. Today, most concentrates and types of dabs are identified based on their consistency.

Usually, the harder a dap is, the less terpenes it contains. Concentrates with gooey and saucy consistencies tend to have the highest amounts of terpenes. However, if the concentrate is too runny, it will be difficult to smoke. To sum it up, concentrate consistency is a matter of personal preference.

And while the terms concentrate and extract are often used interchangeably, they are not actually the same. Extracts are a specific type of concentrate made using solvents. In short, all extracts are concentrates, but not all concentrates are extracts.

Types of Dabs & Cannabis Concentrates

Shatter

Brittle, see-through concentrate made with solvents

Terp Sauce

Terpenes are concentrated into a runny liquid, oil or “sauce”

Bubble/Water Hash

Trichomes are separated using only ice, water and filters

Crumble

Dried oil with a texture similar to honeycomb

Crystalline/Sugar

Isolated cannabinoids in their pure crystal form

Wax

Sticky and sappy type of concentrate for dabbing

Distillate

Refined cannabinoid oil free of taste, smell and flavor

Badder/Budder

Whipped under heat into a cake batter-like texture

Rosin

Solventless concentrate made using heat and pressure

What are the Benefits of Concentrates?

Most types of concentrates do not need to be smoked. For example, most consumers choose to go smoke-free by vaporizing or even eating them.
Cannabis concentrates are potent and effective. So, it takes less product to get the results you’re looking for.
Extracts are refined. Essential oils and cannabinoids are separated from plant material to create a smooth, clean flavor-forward experience.

Smoking Dabs

You don’t need to have a fancy dab rig set up to enjoy smoking concentrates because you can get an extra boost of potency just by simply mixing your flower with powdery kief or wrapping some wax around your joint.

If you are looking to further explore the world of dabs, you’ll want to invest in a dab rig. Dab rings are usually made of glass, ceramic, titanium or quartz and are equipped with a “nail” (the equivalent of the bowl of a bowl), which is heated up and applied directly to the concentrate, creating vapor which is then inhaled. Traditional methods require a high-temperature torch to heat up the nail, but electric nails are also on the market.

The Peak Pro by Puffco

Vision Plus by Puffco

In addition, most weed stores carry a selection of vape pens. A vape pen is a discreet and portable option for smoking concentrates. Although it will not produce vapor as potent as a dab rig, it is an excellent choice for convenience.

Vape pens consist of a battery-operated heating element that is activated either by a button or by taking a drag, and a cartridge which is then heated up and vaporized. While some cartridges can be refilled and reused, you’ll find a selection of pre-filled vape cartridges at your local dispensary. Most of these are designed to fit most vape pens using universal 510 threads.

Different types of concentrates require different levels of heat in order to burn properly. Therefore, you should check with your budtender to make sure your rig is compatible.

Check out this article for some other factors to consider when choosing your dab concentrates.

How Else Can Concentrates be Consumed?

Most people are familiar with “dabbing,” or heating up a concentrate and inhaling its vapors. But you do not need to dab in order to consume concentrates. Other options include tinctures, topicals and edibles.

Visit Smyth Cannabis Co. For All Types of Dabs & Concentrate Supplies

Smyth Cannabis Co. in Lowell, MA offers the highest quality cannabis flower, pre-rolls, edibles, concentrates and more. Whether you’re already a dab lord or just getting started, our friendly budtenders will help you pick a concentrate and get you set up with any necessary rigs. Come visit us in Lowell to learn more about our lab tested products.

concentrates