Delta 8 THC is taking the world by storm. Its effects are similar to Delta 9 THC, the main cannabinoid in marijuana, but Delta 8 is milder, has fewer side effects, and is federally legal! Without further ado, lets discuss one of the most popular D8 products on the market today: Delta 8 concentrate.
As the name suggests, these are highly concentrated forms of Delta 8 THC, and higher concentrations mean more powerful effects. Concentrates are perfect for seasoned Delta 8 consumers who want to take their experience to the next level.
Table of Contents
What Are Delta 8 Concentrates?
Delta 8 concentrates are potent hemp extracts. They vary in texture but tend to be waxy. Some are drier, others are runny, but most have a thick, sticky consistency.
Concentrates contain Delta 8, as well as other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids found in hemp. When you take all of these cannabis compounds in one product, you get the entourage effect. This refers to the fact that Delta 8 is more effective when paired with its companion compounds.
Is Delta 8 Concentrate Legal?
Yes. Hemp-derived products are federally legal in the United States under the 2018 Farm Bill. What’s hemp? There are two broad categories of the cannabis Sativa plant: hemp and marijuana. By legal definition, hemp must contain no more than 0.3% Delta 9 THC. Any cannabis plant that exceeds that limit is classified as marijuana, which is still federally illegal in the US.
What Types of Delta 8 Concentrates Are There?
- Wax: Delta 8 wax has a soft, slightly sticky texture. A dab rig is the most popular way to consume wax. Note: some people equip”dab wax” as a catch-all term for cannabis concentrates, so make sure you clarify which product you’re getting.
- Shatter: Shatter has a hard texture but easily cracks like glass. It tends to be thin and translucent, with a gold or amber tint. Break it into small fragments to be dabbed or vaporized.
- Sauce: Sauce has a runny, honey-like consistency. Some call it “terp sauce” because these concentrates have an especially strong terpene profile. Terpenes are chemical compounds naturally found in cannabis (as well as many other plants). They are responsible for aroma and flavor. If you’re looking for a rich cannabis taste, sauce is the concentrate for you.
- Crumble: As you can no doubt see, each form of Delta 8 concentrate can be summed up by its name. This is a drier type of concentrate, making it an ideal addition to joints and blunts.
How Are Delta 8 Concentrates Made?
Manufacturers have two different ways of making cannabis concentrates. There are solvent-based methods and solvent-free methods. Let’s break them down individually.
Solvent-based Extraction
Solvent-based extraction methods implement a solvent, of course. Common examples are butane, ethanol, or propane, to strip the cannabis compounds (cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, etc.) from hemp leaves and flower. Then, the solvent evaporates, leaving a concentrated extract.
Solvent-less Extraction
Solvent-less extractions use carbon dioxide (CO2) in place of a solvent. The method is nearly identical: liquid CO2 strips the plant material of its compounds. Afterward, the CO2 evaporates, leaving the extract. This method is considered by scientists to be the safest, cleanest method of extraction to date.
Finishing Touches
Now things get a bit tricky. Delta 8 only occurs in very small quantities — too small to efficiently extract it from hemp. The extract obtained from the previous step is most rich in CBD, another cannabinoid with notable wellness benefits (which we will soon discuss). Here’s the wild part: scientists can turn CBD into Delta 8!
Converting CBD to Delta 8 requires a process called isomerization. It’s an extensive process that involves rearranging the bonds between molecules. The result is Delta 8 THC concentrate.
How do the different types of concentrates achieve their unique textures? It’s all about pressure. During the manufacturing process, the extract goes through a pressurized chamber. Higher pressures create a brittler product. For example, sauce is made at low pressure, but shatter requires extreme pressure.
What Are The Benefits Of Delta 8 Concentrates?
Delta 8 has many therapeutic properties — so does CBD. Look for full-spectrum Delta 8 products. This means that, in addition to Delta 8 THC, they contain all of the natural compounds in the hemp plant, including CBD.
With full-spectrum products, you get the combined benefits of Delta 8, CBD, and more. When you take all the cannabis compounds at once, they amplify each others’ effects, a phenomenon we call the entourage effect. These are some key benefits of Delta 8 concentrates:
- Mood and Mindset: Delta 8 and CBD have a calming effect. When you struggle with nervousness, agitation, or racing thoughts, Delta 8 with CBD clears your mind so you can chill.
- Aches and Irritation: To be frank: persistent aches suck. It’s not just a physical issue – discomfort takes a toll on your mental health. A dose of Delta 8 soothes aches and muscle tension, relieving you of distress.
- Sleep: Food, water, and sleep —these are the most fundamental needs in life. Poor sleep throws you off your A-game, but Delta 8 can help. By relaxing the body and reducing racing thoughts, it enables a better night’s rest.
- Creative Energy: The cannabis industry dates back thousands of years, during which time the crop developed a reputation for sparking creativity. Historically, creative souls have gravitated to Delta 9 THC for this energy, but unwanted side effects like couch lock and brain fog may hold you back. Delta 8 doesn’t cause these intense side effects so that you can maximize your productivity.
How To Use Delta 8 Concentrates
Dabbing is by far the most popular way to enjoy concentrates. In case you’re unfamiliar with dabbing, here’s a quick breakdown for you. A dab rig is a type of water pipe designed for smoking concentrates. It looks similar to a bong or bubbler, but instead of a bowl to pack flower in, dab rigs have a pin in the pipe, known as a “nail.”
Here’s a quick hot -to guide on how to successfully dab:
- Begin by using a torch to heat up the nail. (Get that thing hot, hot, hot!)
- Place your concentrate on the hot surface and smoke away.
Dab smoke can be pretty intense. If you’re looking for something milder, try adding some concentrate to a joint or blunt. The added concentrate will provide a slower, gentler burn for an easier smoking experience. But beware, concentrates will surely take your blunts, joints or bowl to the next level with its added quantity of D8 THC content.
To add concentrates to your smoking vessel of choice, start by packing in some flower, as usual, then sprinkle some Delta 8 concentrate on it before you roll. This is easiest with crumble since you can break it into very small pieces.
What Are The Best Delta 8 Concentrates?
“Best” is a matter of opinion. Only you know which concentrate calls to you. Of course, it’s always a good idea to sample all options. True love sometimes takes trial and error.
If you’re serious about Delta 8 concentrates, why not make your own? It’s a lot easier than you might think. All you need is parchment paper, an iron or hair straightener, and some Delta 8 flower, which you can get right here at Hollyweed.
To make concentrate from flower, follow these steps:
- Start by breaking the buds into small pieces. You don’t need to break out the grinder for this step — your fingers will do just fine.
- Place the flower on a large piece of parchment paper. Fold the paper over to completely cover the flower.
- Heat an iron, or better yet, a hair straightener, on its lowest setting.
- Place the parchment-wrapped flower under the iron or between the plates of your hair straightener. Press down hard for 30 seconds or so, until oil starts oozing out of the flower.
- With a dabbing tool or butter knife, scrape the oil off of the parchment. Discard the flower.
- Your homemade concentrate should have a saucy consistency. Grab your dab rig or vape and enjoy!
Why Choose Hollyweed For Delta 8?
At Hollyweed, we deliver high-quality products for great prices. That includes free shipping on all orders and special subscription deals. We’re so confident that you’ll love our Delta 8 that we offer 30-day refunds, no questions asked.
What makes Hollyweed’s Delta 8 stand out? Our products are 100% organic, plant-based, gluten-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, and free of synthetic ingredients. We only utilize domestically-grown hemp to ensure a premier product in compliance with US laws. It all begins with quality ingredients, but the production process is just as important.
The popular solvent-based extraction methods may leave traces of harmful chemicals in the final product. Other cannabis products are tainted by vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, or MCT oil. At Hollyweed, we reject these practices.
Your wellness is our passion. That’s why we use the clean and eco-friendly CO2 extraction method.
Of course, it’s natural to ask, How can you verify what a company states on their website?”You don’t have to take our word for it! Check out the rave reviews from our customers. Plus, you can hear from an independent, third-party lab.
Third-party testing verifies the products’ potency and cannabinoid content. The lab records test results in Certificates of Analysis (COAs), which you can find on our website.
Final Thoughts – Delta 8 THC Concentrate
Before you go, we have one more word of advice. Delta 8 concentrate can be extremely potent. They don’t call it a concentrate for nothing. If you’re new to Delta 8 and don’t yet know your tolerance, dabbing concentrates may be more intense than you’re prepared for. Try starting with a milder product like Delta 8 flower, vape pens, or tinctures.
The wide world of concentrates is before you. How will you meet it? Will you choose Delta 8 wax, shatter, sauce, crumble, or all of the above? It’s all up to you! Regardless, here at Exhale we not only have the products but a large and growing catalog of literature discussing and providing updates on this exciting space. We hope you choose us to usher you through your journey to holistic wellness.
