The Complete Guide to Cannabis Concentrates in Canada [2020]

There has been a lot of back and forth about this topic in Canada specifically, and this guide is designed to pull back the curtain on cannabis concentrate products and the laws for the country. There are a lot of misconceptions around the world of cannabis. It varies from country to country, tends to get a bad reputation and can leave people wondering what’s legal. Numerous research projects and studies have been conducted on the benefits of cannabis and its corresponding compounds, but it can be challenging to sift through all this different information.

Is cannabis legal in Canada?

First off, the most important question people usually have regarding cannabis is if it is a legal substance or not. With so many different compounds like CBD and THC, among others, it can be challenging to determine which is legal and in what region. Thankfully, Canada has made this pretty easy to understand since they have made all cannabis-related products legal.

This legislation passed back in October 2018 and has boosted Canada’s economy ever since. The numerous substances and similar products like concentrates have been a great way for the industry to expand and help cannabis users find products that fit their lifestyles.

Concentrates are a desirable way to ingest marijuana, especially by experienced users. These are items made from the cannabis plant that make sure to keep only the very best compounds in the substance. These are usually the cannabinoids and terpenes found in the plant. People use concentrates because they can increase the potency of a flower, the most popular form of cannabis. It is the most popular because a flower is versatile, allowing the user to consume marijuana in multiple different ways. Many users like it because it can be smoked using a pipe, rolled into a joint or blunt, in addition to other methods. A concentrate can add to the experience by making the substance stronger.

What about types?

There are quite a few different types of concentrates that can be added to a flower to increase its potency. A few of these include shatter, hash, oils, budder, vape and Phoenix Tears. All of these work in different ways but keep the same goal: to make your standard flower stronger. Particular concentrates are better suited for experienced users, as well as concentrates that are great for beginners, too.

For beginners, it is suggested to start with the following:

Kief – easy-to-use concentrate that needs to be sprinkled onto a bowl or joint
Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) – an oil used mostly for medical issues, developed by Canadian scientist Rick Simpson.
Budder
Tinctures – alcohol-based extract, great for those looking for a smokeless option
Ingestible oil capsules – supplement-like pill filled with THC and CBD
Hash – plant that includes a higher rate of THC

The following are better fitted for more experienced users:

Hydrocarbon extracts/butane hash oil (BHO) – strips essential oils, while still keeping cannabinoids and terpenes intact
CO2 oil – safe extraction process that allows it to become a liquid or solid
Distillate – contains high amounts of terpenes, lipids and fats, often found in edibles and topicals
Dry sift (or dry sieve) – powdery resin used to top a bowl or joint, much like kief
Ice water hash (bubble hash) – higher grade hash that can be dabbed
Rosin – solventless, dabbable concentrate that’s extracted through pressure and heat
Shatter – potent concentrate that has the consistency of thin glass
Wax – standard and cheaper option for new vape users.
Pull ‘n’ snap – easy-to-work-with taffy-like textured concentrate

With all of these options, there will always be a new concentrate to try, no matter how long you’ve been using cannabis.

Where to buy Concentrates?

After you’ve determined which product is best for you, it’s time to find out where it can be purchased. In Canada, you can buy concentrates online or in a dispensary. So, whether you need to pick some cannabis up today, or you want to get it shipped to your home, you can.

Both of these are reliable options when looking to buy concentrates. After Canada legalized cannabis last year, dispensaries have been popping up just about everywhere across the country. These are a great asset to the user, especially if they are new to the world of cannabis. Having the chance to walk into a brick and mortar store and talk to a trained associate can boost the cannabis buying experience. If you’re starting out, this is an excellent opportunity to find out what all is out there without feeling overwhelmed while scrolling endlessly through websites with tons of different concentrate products.

On the other hand, if you’re not-so-new to cannabis, the online options may be a more comfortable fit for you. This will allow you to find exactly what you are looking for, whether you need your usual supply or you’re looking to get some new concentrate products to try out. If you are a more experienced user, you’re more likely to be able to understand precisely what online sellers are offering. As users become more advanced, they tend to prefer online options just due to convenience and prices.

There can be a lot of confusion surrounding cannabis and its accessories, so taking the time to research and further understand what is a good fit for your cannabis needs is well worth the time. Once you’ve learned the basics, you can then see how concentrates can boost the cannabis experience, whether you are a brand-new user or a very experienced cannabis fan. It’s essential to search for products that are good for your personal needs and level of cannabis use. If you’re a new user, start with concentrate products like kief, tinctures or hash. Once you’ve gotten the swing of things, leap and try some of the other options for more frequent users like dry sift, distillate or wax. Whatever you decide on, taking the time to do the research and look at all the options will ensure that you have a better cannabis experience.