Essential Tips for Trying Cannabis Concentrates for the First Time
While cannabis concentrates may seem intimidating at first, understanding the basics will help you explore them safely and enjoyably (if you choose to). We want you to enjoy your first experience with the purest form of cannabis THC. The very first thing to do is come visit us at SMOK in Flint where we always have the best deals on cannabis concentrates!
Essentially, they are super-potent forms of cannabis. Think of it like squeezing all the good stuff (cannabinoids like THC and CBD, and terpenes – the flavor and aroma compounds) from the cannabis plant into a much smaller, more concentrated form.
Higher Potency = Stronger Effects: This is the BIGGEST thing to understand. Concentrates are far more potent than cannabis flower (the buds you’re probably familiar with). Flower typically contains between 15-30% THC, while concentrates can range from 50% to over 90% THC. This means a tiny amount can have a much stronger effect.
Made by Extracting Cannabinoids and Terpenes: Different methods are used to extract these compounds, which leads to different types of concentrates (we’ll get to those in a moment).
People favor cannabis concentrates over flower for several reasons, including:
There are many types, but let’s keep it simple with a few common ones you might encounter:
Don’t worry too much about memorizing all the types right now! Just know there’s variety in texture, appearance, and how they’re made.
Start low and go slow! This is the golden rule. Seriously. Because concentrates are so potent, you need to use much less than you would with flower.
When it comes to dosing cannabis concentrates, just a dab’ll do ya. Think grain of rice or even half a grain of rice size for your first few times. Seriously, that small. You can always take more, but you can’t take less once you’ve consumed it.
Similar to edibles, the effects of concentrates, especially when vaporized, can sometimes take a little longer to fully kick in than smoking flower. Don’t be tempted to take more immediately if you don’t feel anything right away. Wait 15-30 minutes.
Because they are so potent, it’s easier to accidentally consume too much concentrate, leading to unpleasant side effects like anxiety, paranoia, or feeling overwhelmed.
There are several different ways you can smoke your favorite cannabis concentrate. You don’t need to run out and buy yourself a whole new dab rig and torch if you don’t want to. Here are the common ways we suggest you light up your dabs.
This is the most common method specifically for concentrates. It involves heating a “nail” (made of quartz, titanium, or ceramic) with a torch or e-nail, and then applying a small amount of concentrate to the hot nail, vaporizing it to be inhaled. This is generally NOT recommended for absolute beginners right away as it involves equipment and a learning curve.
This is often the most beginner-friendly way to try concentrates. Vape pens use pre-filled cartridges of cannabis oil (usually distillate) that are easily attached to a battery. They are discreet, portable, and relatively easy to use. This is a good starting point for many beginners.
You can sprinkle a tiny bit of crumble, wax, or rosin onto your cannabis flower in a bowl or joint to increase its potency. Again, start with a very small amount.
Concentrates often preserve terpenes very well. Terpenes are aromatic compounds that give cannabis its smell and flavor, but they also contribute to the overall effects.Terpenes are believed to work synergistically with cannabinoids like THC and CBD to create a more complex and nuanced effect, often referred to as the “entourage effect.” This is why some concentrates can have different and more specific effects than just THC alone.
The most common cannabis terpenes include myrcene, limonene, pinene, linalool, and caryophyllene.
Pay attention to the smell and taste of different concentrates. These can be indicators of the terpene profile and potentially the effects you might experience.
For those new to cannabis, it’s best to avoid starting with concentrates. Instead, establish your tolerance using flower. Once you’re comfortable with the effects of smoking cannabis flower, maybe you’ve dabbled with edibles a time or two, but you have a good understanding of being ‘high‘, test out the dabs.
To make sure you are consuming the safest and best cannabis concentrates, purchase from legal and trusted sources. Aka, dispensaries (provisioning centers) like Smok in Flint! This is particularly important for concentrates, which can be more costly and vary significantly in quality. Steer clear of unregulated sources, as their products can pose risks of contamination or inaccurate labeling, affecting safety and potency.
When it comes to the legalities, cannabis laws differ greatly by region. But these rules are strongly in place and enforced towards cannabis flower. Smoking bowl, joints, bongs, etc., in public is going to cost you. (Around $100 to $500 fine). If you are looking to carry around your dab rig with concentrates… well, you’re asking for trouble.
Get yourself informed with the Michigan Marijuana Laws right here
In Summary – Beginner Advice for Concentrates:
Concentrates can be a fascinating and enjoyable part of the cannabis world, but it’s essential to approach them with knowledge, caution, and respect for their potency. Start slow, ask questions, and enjoy the journey of discovery!
