Cannabis concentrates have been gaining popularity over the past few years, and it’s no wonder why. They offer a much more potent high than traditional cannabis flowers, allowing users to experience intense effects with very little product.
However, using concentrates without knowing how may lead to unpleasant or even harmful experiences. To make them a worthy investment, you should have a good grasp on the basics for each one.
With that said, this article will walk you through some basic methods for safely enjoying your concentrates.
Factors To Consider When Consuming Concentrates
Cannabis concentrates should only be used by experienced users who know what they’re doing and how much is too much for them. If you’re trying to get to their level, here are some things you should keep in mind:
- Begin with small doses.
- Take your time.
- Use proper equipment.
- Refrain from mixing different types of concentrate.
- Never share with someone else unless you both have the same tolerance level.
In addition, it would be best to do your research and check out a guide to live resin and different concentrates. Taking these precautions will help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Ways To Properly Consume Cannabis Concentrates
Inhaling concentrated forms of marijuana can be a much more intense experience than smoking or vaping regular flower buds. Therefore, users need to understand how to consume these products properly.
Here are some methods you can choose from based on your preferences:
- Flower-Topping
For a low-maintenance yet potent way to use cannabis concentrates, topping your flower with them is an optimal choice. This involves taking some concentrate, such as shatter, wax, or live resin, and sprinkling it on top of the ground-up flower in your bowl or joint.
The process goes like this:
- Start small: Begin by adding enough concentrate to lightly coat the flower’s surface without entirely smothering it.
- Add more for the desired potency: If you’d like a more robust experience, add additional layers of concentrate until you reach the desired effect.
- Make sure to mix thoroughly: After applying each layer of concentrate, stir everything together before packing it down into your bowl or rolling in paper/cone.
- Enjoy: Once everything is mixed together correctly, spark up and let it do the rest.
Since you start small and increase as needed based on personal preference, there’s no need to worry about going overboard with dosing.
- Dabbing
Dabbing is a popular way to consume cannabis concentrates, producing an intense, fast-acting high.
To dab, you’ll need specialized equipment: a water pipe or bong with a metal nail attachment, a butane torch lighter, a dabber tool (or tweezers), and, most importantly, your concentrate of choice.
Before taking a dab, always ensure all your supplies are clean and ready for use. Heat the nail with your butane torch until it’s red hot, then place your chosen concentrate on it using your dabber tool.
Once you see vapor emanating from the surface of the concentrate, inhale slowly through the mouthpiece of your pipe while keeping an eye on how much smoke accumulates inside. This will help you keep track of each puff so you don’t overdo it.
- Vape Pens
Vaping cannabis concentrates is an excellent choice for those seeking a lighter, more discreet high. Unlike dabbing, vaping requires no special equipment—you only need a pen and concentrate.
Here are four steps to get you started with vaping:
- Choose the correct type of concentrate.
- Make sure your device is functioning properly.
- Load up your device correctly.
- Take slow and steady draws.
Once you have followed these steps, it’s time to enjoy the effects. Vaping can provide many benefits, including being less harsh on the throat and lungs than smoking flowers or taking dabs and making it easier to control how much THC you consume in one sitting.
- Edibles
These are great ways to get the effects of cannabis without having to smoke it.
Edibles provide longer-lasting and sometimes more intense highs than smoking. However, you’ll have to pay close attention to dosage.
Cannabis concentrates can have significantly higher concentrations of THC. So, raise the amount gradually until you find the right one for your body. Since edibles take longer to kick in, there’s always the risk of overindulging if one isn’t careful with their dose.
- Topicals
Cannabis concentrates can also provide targeted relief topically.
Topicals are products like creams, lotions, balms, and gels applied directly to the skin for localized effects. When used correctly, they offer a safe and efficient way to experience the therapeutic benefits of cannabis without any psychoactive high.
Topical applications deliver active compounds into the bloodstream through absorption in the skin’s layers. These can relieve muscle aches or joint pains and inflammation-based conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Note that this is no substitute for actual medical treatment.
Use Them Right
Cannabis concentrates are an increasingly popular way to consume marijuana due to their high potency and various methods of use. Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance boost or an intensely rich experience, something out there can meet your needs, including smoke-free options.
With so many ways that can fit your lifestyle, experimenting with various cannabis concentrates could be just what you need to maximize your marijuana consumption. Just remember to go at your own pace and make smart choices.