Fact Checked by Doctor NameCannabis extracts are highly concentrated products created by isolating desirable compounds from marijuana plants through various extraction methods.
Popular categories include hash, shatter, wax, live resin, and more.
What are Marijuana Extracts?
Extracts are made by using solvents like hydrocarbons, CO2, or ethanol to strip cannabinoids and terpenes away from cured flower biomass.
Heat and pressure are also sometimes applied to rupture the plant’s resin glands during extraction.
Extract types differ based on the following:
- Starting material – Flower, trim, fresh/frozen plants, etc.
- The solvent used – Butane, CO2, alcohol, water, etc.
- Processing method – Temperature, pressure, and additional steps to remove lipids and residues.
Benefits of Extracts:
- Very high cannabinoid levels – Up to 90% THC potency.
- Versatility – Dabbed, vaped, used to infuse foods, added to joints.
- Terpene preservation – Retain strain-specific aromas and flavors.
- Smoke-free consumption – Vaporization provides cleaner ingestion.
Both recreational and medical consumers value extracts for their potency and ability to isolate and concentrate specific compounds from the cannabis plant.
