Cannabis concentrates, also known as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentrates, dabs, or extracts, are a highly potent form of marijuana. They are made by extracting the psychoactive and therapeutic compounds from the cannabis plant using various methods. Concentrates are often used for dabbing, a method of cannabis consumption that involves vaporizing the extract on a hot surface and inhaling the vapor through a dab rig or vaporizer. If you’re interested in buying THC concentrates, there are a few things you should know. This article will help de-mystify the terminology and use methods of THC concentrates, advise you of the cautions to take, and guide you in buying THC concentrates in DC.
Can you Buy Cannabis Concentrates in Washington, DC?
It is currently illegal to buy or sell THC concentrates in Washington D.C. Under the District of Columbia’s marijuana laws, it is only legal to possess and use small amounts of marijuana for recreational purposes, and only if you are 21 years of age or older. Initiative 71 (I-71) is the DC measure that decriminalized marijuana.
While it is illegal to buy or sell marijuana and extracts, I-71 allows for the gifting of cannabis products. This means an I-71 compliant DC weed dispensary can gift cannabis when you purchase an item like a collector card.
Additionally, DC allows residents to self-certify themselves as medical marijuana patients and purchase cannabis from medical marijuana dispensaries in DC. If you are not a DC resident, you can still take advantage of cannabis gifting services but cannot access medical marijuana dispensaries.
What are THC Concentrates?
A THC concentrate is simply the result of extracting marijuana flower. However, the initial extract will also contain waxes and fats that are naturally found in plants. This means further processing is needed. Winterization is the process of removing fats and waxes by cooling the initial extract. This step is needed when cannabis is extracted usings solvents like ethanol, butane, propane, or carbon dioxide (CO2). It is also necessary to purge the solvent from the extract, which is usually done by heating it to evaporate the solvent.
THC concentrates can also be made without solvent. Solventless THC concentrates are called rosin. Rosin is a sap-like extract made by using a press that applies heat and pressure. The marijuana flower is placed in a filter bag to prevent plant material from passing into the rosin and to allow the sappy rosin to pass through the filter pores when being pressed.
Another type of solventless THC concentrate is bubble hash. Bubble hash uses ice to pulverize the flower and results in a pollen-like powder, similar to kief. Both kief and bubble hash are terms that refer to the cannabinoid-rich trichomes. These little trichome crystals cover the cannabis flower and make it sticky. They contain cannabinoids as well as terpenes (aromatic molecules).
Types of THC Concentrates
Different types of THC concentrates are called by different names based on their consistency and texture. There are several different types of concentrates available, including wax, shatter, live resin, and rosin. Each type has a unique consistency and potency, and is made using a different extraction and processing method. For example, distillate is made by using a solvent to extract the cannabinoid compounds from cannabis flower, removing the plant waxes and fats, then purging the solvent to result in a sticky and thick cannabis extract that is mostly clear. If distillate is dried in a thin layer under vacuum pressure, the result is shatter. Shatter, as the name suggests, is hard and glassy and breaks easily.
We’ve explained a bit about distillate, rosin, kief, bubble hash, and shatter, but what about the other types of THC concentrates? Here is a re-cap and cheat sheet that covers all of the different terms you’ll encounter when buying THC concentrates.
Distillate: Simple cannabis extract made using solvent extraction method, clear, sticky, and color ranges from light yellow to amber, usually thick but can be thinned for use in vapes.
Rosin: Simple cannabis extract made by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flower.
Kief: The pollen-like trichomes that cover cannabis buds which can be removed by shaking it over a grate, this material also accumulates in the bottom of a weed grinder. Kief can also be pressed together to make traditional hash, which has been made in the Middle East throughout history.
Bubble Hash: Kief-like extract made by removing trichomes using ice.
Butane Hash Oil (BHO): Very different from bubble hash, BHO is like distillate and is made by extracting cannabis flower using butane.
Wax and Crumble: THC waxes and crumbles are hard, dry, and waxy in consistency.
Badder or Batter: Concentrate that has a smooth and thick consistency, similar to cookie dough.
Diamonds: Diamonds are THC crystals that are usually sold in a “sauce” that contains the terpene-rich liquid from the extraction process.
Live Resin: Where diamonds have THC isolate crystals in a separate terpene sauce, live resin consists of crystals that contain both terpenes and cannabinoids. Live resin is made by first flash freezing cannabis flower after harvest, then using a solvent extraction process.
Isolate: Isolate consists of powdered THC crystals and does not contain any other cannabinoids or terpenes, it is bitter in flavor and should not be smoked. When purchasing isolate, pay close attention to whether it is in the form of THC or THCa. Isolate in the form of THCa is inactive and not very useful for recreational cannabis users. Isolate in the form of THC can be added to foods or drinks.
Rick Simpson Oil (RSO): RSO is often sold alongside THC concentrates, however it should NOT be smoked or vaped. RSO does not need heating to activate it so you consume it as-is like with a tincture or edible.
Decarboxylation: THC vs THCa
Decarboxylation simply refers to heating. THC in marijuana flower and extracts occurs in its acidic form THCa. THCa is inactive until it is heated and turns into the active form, THC. Decarboxylation converts the inactive form of THC, called THCa (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), into the active form, called THC.
THC-a is present in raw, unheated marijuana and is not psychoactive. However, when THC-A is heated, it undergoes decarboxylation and becomes THC, which is psychoactive and can produce the characteristic psychoactive effects of marijuana.
Decarboxylation can occur naturally over time, but it can also be induced by heating marijuana or THC concentrates at a certain temperature for a certain period of time. This process is often used to make edibles, tinctures, and other marijuana-based products. Marijuana buds can be decarboxylated in the oven at 220°F for 30-40 minutes to prepare them for use in making weed butter, edibles, or tinctures.
Are THC Concentrates Safe?
It is important to be aware of the potential risks of concentrates. While THC concentrates can have therapeutic benefits, they can also come with risks. It’s important to be aware of the potential risks and to use concentrates responsibly. For example, dabbing can produce a stronger, more intense high that can lead to anxiety or paranoia if you are not prepared for it. Concentrates are much more potent than traditional flower, so it’s important to be aware of your dosage. Start with a very small amount and wait at least an hour to see how you feel before consuming more.
Overall, THC concentrates can be a very enjoyable form of marijuana for those who are looking for a more intense experience, especially for medical marijuana patients that need strong and fast pain relief. Just be sure to do your research, choose a reputable source, and use concentrates responsibly to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
How to use THC Concentrates
THC concentrates are also called “dabs” because you only need a small dab! Dabbing is a method of consuming THC concentrates, such as wax, shatter, or oil, using a device called a dab rig. Dabbing is a more potent form of marijuana consumption than smoking flowers and is not recommended for people who are new to using THC or who are sensitive to its effects. Here is a general overview of the process of dabbing THC concentrates:
- Gather Equipment: You will need a dab rig, a nail (usually made of quartz, titanium, or ceramic), a dabber (a tool for handling the concentrate), and a torch (a small, handheld propane torch).
- Heat the Nail: Using the torch, heat the nail until it is red-hot. The exact temperature will depend on the type of nail you are using and the concentrate you are dabbing.
- Apply the Concentrate: Once the nail has cooled to the appropriate temperature, use the dabber to apply a small amount of the THC concentrate to the nail.
- Inhale the Vapor: Place your mouth over the mouthpiece of the dab rig and inhale the vapor that is produced when the THC concentrate vaporizes on the hot nail.
You can also consume THC concentrates using a wax pen. Wax pens are a special type of vaporizer that is specifically made for use with cannabis extract. They contain a ceramic coil inside a compartment. To use, you apply a small amount of concentrate to the coil, replace the lid, then press the button while inhaling.
Kief and bubble hash are best used by sprinkling it on top of a packed bowl of ground flower. These two types of THC concentrates do not work well in dab rigs or wax pens.
Best THC Concentrates in DC 2023
THC concentrates are a great option for experienced DC cannabis users that are looking for products with a lot of flavor, high potency, and fast activation. They are also a great option for medical marijuana patients that need relief for intense symptoms. There is definitely a learning curve with using THC concentrates, and there’s also the need for specialized equipment to use them. However, once you get past those initial hurdles, you get to enjoy some spectacular products. Here are some of the great THC concentrates you can find at Sugar Ray’s DC dispensary.
Dimond Sauce Chernobyl Cannabis Concentrate
Looking for a dreamy and long lasting high? Chernobyl Diamond Sauce provides an uplifting and relaxing experience. This diamond sauce has wonderful lime sherbet flavors. It is made by extracting Chernobyl cannabis flower which is a hybrid cross of Trainwreck, Jack the Ripper, and Trinity.
Diamond Sauce Forbidden Fruit
Forbidden Fruit is an indica dominant cannabis strain bred from Cherry Pie and Tangie. As expected, the Forbidden Fruit Diamond Sauce retains the strain’s amazing fruity flavors while concentrating its potency. You’ll experience sweet flavors of cherry, mango, passionfruit, and hints of musk and pine. Effects of Forbidden Fruit Diamond sauce are very stony with deep physical relaxation.
Live Resin Badder Forbidden Fruit
If you aren’t a fan of diamond sauce, Sugar Ray’s DC also offers Forbidden Fruit Live Resin Badder. You can expect the same amazing flavor and intense effects as with the diamond sauce, except in an easier to maneuver consistency. With diamond sauce, you need to mix the diamonds with the terpene sauce and can sometimes get inconsistent hits. Badder is homogenous so it is easier to handle and more consistent.
Strawberry Sunset Badder
Another sweet and fruity THC concentrate option is Sugar Ray’s DC Strawberry Sunset Badder. This badder is made from Strawberry Sunset flower which is bred from the strains Strawberry Apricot and Sherbet. Strawberry Sunset features flavors of sweet and sour citrus and strawberries.
Access the Best Cannabis Concentrates with Sugar Rays Weed Delivery DC
In DC, you can’t buy weed, you can only receive it as a gift. This is where Sugar Ray’s DC comes in! Sugar Ray’s DC is a Washington DC recreational cannabis gifting operation. We offer free DC weed delivery with the purchase of one of our collector cards. Our friendly drivers will deliver your order within two hours and you can place your order online with no hassle.
Get the Best Types of DC Cannabis Concentrates
Sugar Ray’s DC THC concentrates can be selected as your weed gift when you purchase a $60 collector card. This is a great deal since you get a product with 3-4x the potency of a gram of flower for the same price as an eighth (3.5g) of cannabis flower. Order today and experience for yourself why Sugar Ray’s DC is one of the best DC cannabis gifting services!