How to Store and Consume Cannabis Concentrates

Concentrates are highly potent (and utterly awesome) forms of cannabis that many enthusiasts are only starting to learn about 

Thus, even the most seasoned cannabis flower user might have trouble navigating concentrates as much as novices and newcomers.

Have no fear! One Green Leaf has you covered!

The guide we’ve provided below will give you an insightful introduction to how to consume and store cannabis concentrates correctly, optimizing freshness and your overall experience with them.

How To Consume Cannabis Concentrates Properly

Several methods exist for properly consuming cannabis concentrates, and we’ll delve into several of them below:

Dab Rig

Using a dab rig is one of the most popular ways to consume cannabis concentrates. 

A dab rig looks like a bong, featuring a chamber filled with water to cool vapor. Unlike a bong, you don’t stick your broken-up flower into the bowl but instead use a nail for your concentrate of choice, which could be:

• Rosin.
• Shatter.
• Wax.
• Live Resin.
• Bute hash oil (BHO).
• Honeycomb or crumble.
• Hash.
• Budder.

While several types of dab rig nails exist, the most frequently used one is a banger. It’s made of borosilicate or quarts and resembles a bucket. Another type of popular nail is a terp slurper.

Nails withstand 400-600°F temperatures to ensure the dabs get vaporized and save you from burning yourself in the process. 

Here’s a quick step-by-step explanation of how to use a dab rig [1]:

• Heat your dab rig with a torch.
• Ensure it cools down to the suggested temperature range (suggested above).
• Place the cannabis concentrate in the nail.
• Let the heat vaporize the concentrate.
• Place the carb cap (made of heat-resistant glass) over the nail.
• Inhale and use the carb cap to regulate airflow. 
• The vapor will travel to the main rig chamber from the nail, and the water will cool it before it reaches your lungs.

Vaporizers

You can also vaporize all the various types of concentrates referred to in the dab section. 

Here’s a list and explanation of the different types of vaporizers you might come across [2]:

Desktop vaporizers

• Desktop vapes offer optimal heating and flavor in your vapor. 
• They’re ideal for a session with lots of participants.
• Some of these vapes are battery-powered, while others plug into walls. 
• These aren’t the most portable vaping options and are typically meant for a home setup. 
• They also might feature whips (shaped like a tube) to deliver concentrated vapor.
• Often, desktop vapes require that you inhale the vapor from a bag shaped like a balloon. 

Dab pens

• Dab pens are highly user-friendly, making them ideal for novices.
• They incorporate a mouthpiece to collect the vapor and a battery that powers the heating element (atomizer).
• Unlike a desktop vape, dab pens don’t allow users to control temperatures, but they’re more affordable, discreet, and portable.

Portable vapes

• Portable vapes are a hybrid of dab pens and desktop pens, combining power, precision, discretion, and—yes—portability.
• They’re powered by batteries and perfect for the cannabis concentrate-lover who’s forever on the move. 
• These vapes heat up quickly and offer easy consumption due to the preset temperatures.

Here are directions for using vaporizers (note that many vapes operate differently, and this is a more generalized catch-all explanation):

• Use a USB charger to charge your portable vapes until they’re full. Alternatively, a desktop vape must only be plugged into the power outlet. 
• Dab pens and vape batteries can attach to the atomizer. Fasten tightly. Desktop units might require that you attach the balloon bag or whip to the primary unit.
• Once the vape is switched on, select the appropriate temperature (unless it’s preset or automatic, like with dab pens).
• Place your prepared dab extract inside your portable or desktop vape or the heating chamber with a dabber. Heat evenly by placing the dab directly on the atomizer, ensuring the heating chamber isn’t overfilled.
• If applicable, twist the mouthpiece onto the heating chamber or battery.
• Press the battery or unit button to heat the concentrate, then inhale once it’s been vaporized. Release the portable vape or dab pen buttons once you’ve inhaled. Typically, desktop vapes have set vaping temperatures. 
• If you want another hit, load your chamber again.

Adding To Traditional Smoking Methods

Generally, concentrates like wax, budder, and shatter can be added to flower joints, bongs, and other traditional consumption methods to add a potency punch.

Sublingual Dosing

Concentrated cannabis can come in oil form and is administered through syringes or Dablicators. Sublingual dosing is the process of ingesting the concentrated THC oil under your tongue. 

Once the oil is under your tongue, keep it there for 30 to 60 seconds and allow it to absorb [3].

Measuring And Optimizing Your Doses

First-timers or novices experimenting with concentrates should begin with small doses. Primarily, concentrates come in 1-gram quantities. Only the tiniest fraction of that amount will pack a powerful punch, which is all that most cannabis lovers require [4].

Don’t rush to take another hit, either. While the effects will come on fast, you won’t have the full picture until after around ten to fifteen minutes.

Alternatively, the recommended sublingual dosage for cannabis oil is 2.5mg [5]. Your syringe or Dablicator should have visible measurements of how much you’re consuming.

Cannabis Concentrate Storage Tips

Here are our comprehensive cannabis storage tips.

Preferred Containers

It’s worth mentioning right away that most extracts and concentrates come in the appropriate container when you purchase from a dispensary. 

That said, silicone and glass are the most suitable containers, depending on the extract. 

Glass with an airtight lid is ideal for maintaining freshness over the long haul. 

Conversely, silicone ensures that sticky wax won’t adhere to the container’s surfaces. Unfortunately, silicone containers lack airtightness and are best suited for storing cannabis concentrates for a shorter period. 

As for glass containers? Only black or amber colors will do. They’ll prevent you from overexposing your concentrate to light for long periods. This distinction is crucial because too much light exposure can lead to degradation. 

Furthermore, ensure the container is kept right-side-up to ensure the concentrate stays away from the top of the lid. 

Environmental Considerations

Excess moisture in a storage environment can cause your concentrates to develop mildew or mold if you store them long-term. To offset this issue, seal the container airtight, only exposing it to the elements when dabbing, thus preventing environmental factors from causing contamination. 

Ideal Temperatures

Your most significant risks when storing concentrates are light and heat. 

For day-to-day storage, keep your extracts below or at room temperature. In more temperate climates, keep your silicone or glass jar in a dark cupboard to avoid light sources.

Concentrates should be stored in fridges if you live in climates with high humidity and heat. If you’re storing concentrates in bulk, airtight containers should be used in fridges.

Try not to store your concentrates in the freezer. Doing so increases the chances of condensation during thawing, which can generate mold.

Conclusion: Optimize Your Cannabis Concentrate Experiences

With the above tips, you’ll get the most out of your cannabis concentrates, maximizing freshness and potency. 

Now that you know how to consume and store cannabis concentrates, explore One Green Leaf’s menu today to explore our line of premium extracts. Or, visit our store in person—we look forward to seeing you!

Sources

1. https://www.leafly.ca/learn/consume/dabs/how-to-dab-cannabis#dab-rig 
2. https://yodabbadabba.com/dabbing-resources/vaping-cannabis-concentrates-extracts/#:~:text=Vaping%20cannabis%20concentrates%20is%20easier,potency%20out%20of%20your%20extracts. 
3. https://www.auroramedical.com/blogs/news/how-to-consume-cannabis-concentrates-oil-and-isolates 
4. https://leafwell.com/blog/how-to-dose-cannabis-concentrates 
5. https://www.sqdc.ca/en-CA/learn-about-cannabis/tips-and-advice/how-to-consume-cannabis-oil-safely#:~:text=How%20much%20oil%20should%20I,dosage%20that’s%20right%20for%20you.