Comparing Cannabis Flower & Concentrates: Which Offers Better Potency and Consumption?

What sets weed flower apart from concentrate? You might ask to clarify this troubling question before heading to a dispensary like https://getloud.co/catalogue/category/flower/. 

While smoking cannabis is enjoyable, the surge in the popularity of concentrates raises questions.

Concentrates add a new dimension to the traditional ritual. Transitioning to vaping or dabbing can be a significant but rewarding step due to the increased potency, purity, and flavor of well-made concentrates. Cannabis flower offers soothing benefits, while concentrates are the current favorite.

Here, we’re exploring the differences between the two.

Key Takeaways:

• Concentrates provide a smoke-free consumption method by extracting important elements of the cannabis plant. 
• The difference between flowers and concentrates lies in potency. 
• Many concentrates have THC levels ranging from 60-90%, whereas flowers commonly contain 9-20% THC. 

Cannabis Flowers vs. Concentrates

Current estimates suggest that up to 66% of adult cannabis users have tried concentrates, with 37% using them regularly. With various forms like crumble, wax, and shatter, the concentrate market alone is projected to reach $42.89 billion by 2030.

Compared to flowers, which commonly contain 9-20% THC, many concentrates boast THC levels between 60-90%. 

But the main question is – what’s the difference between flower and concentrate?

The answer lies in potency. 

Concentrates are produced by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant, resulting in a much stronger product than the flower. This process, known as extraction, leads to a quicker onset and more intense effects when consumed.

Many cannabis users experiment with concentrate. However, traditional users may prefer smoking flowers for their natural flavors and aromas.

Due to their increased potency, concentrates’ effects normally last longer than flowers’. It usually takes several hours. However, product type, tolerance, and consumption method can influence the duration of the high.

Other Factors to Consider

• Plant Matter. Concentrates provide a smoke-free consumption method by extracting important elements of the cannabis plant while leaving behind organic material, unlike smoking flowers.
• Consumption. Concentrates offer discreet consumption methods, such as sublingual drops or ingestible capsules.
• Smell & Taste. Extraction processes diminish the distinct aroma and flavor of cannabis flowers. Ideal for those sensitive to scents and tastes.
• Cost-Effectiveness. Concentrates are commonly more cost-effective than flowers due to their potency and lower THC loss during consumption. Thus, concentrates offer potential long-term savings, especially when dabbing at low temperatures and storing extracts properly.

Study Findings

High-potency cannabis concentrates are experiencing growing popularity, yet there remains limited understanding of their cognitive effects compared to traditional cannabis flowers. While prior research suggests concentrates may have more adverse effects, few studies have directly compared their impacts on cognition, particularly in comparison to sober flower users and non-users.

Three previous studies have only compared the cognitive effects of cannabis flower versus concentrate use. 

1. In one study, scholars found that concentrate users performed worse than flower users on inhibitory control tasks, but both groups improved over time, likely due to practice effects. There were no differences between the two groups on memory tests or physical balance. 
2. Another study found similar acute effects of flower and concentrate use on balance and reaction time measures. 
3. A similar study showed no differences in the acute effects of concentrates and flowers on cognition. Both flower and concentrate users demonstrated poor source memory and increased susceptibility to false memories than non-users. 

Therefore, scholars compare sober cognitive test performance in adult non-users, exclusive flower users, and concentrate users. The researchers recruited participants to complete tests measuring memory, attention, psychomotor speed, and executive functioning. 

Methods

• The researchers conducted a controlled study involving 198 healthy adults, comprising 98 non-users, 46 flower users, and 54 concentrate users.
• Participants underwent cognitive testing under controlled conditions to assess various aspects of memory, attention, and executive functioning.

Results

Data analysis revealed significant differences in verbal recall and prospective memory between non-users and flower and concentrate users. Concentrate users exhibited poorer source memory performance than non-users, while flower users didn’t significantly differ from either group. This suggests that, under sober conditions, concentrate users may not experience greater cognitive impairment compared to flower users, potentially attributed to their use of lower quantities.

These findings emphasize the need for more research on the cognitive effects of cannabis concentrates, especially compared to flower use. Further thorough investigations are needed to understand how various cannabis products affect cognitive function fully.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Cannabis Flowers & Concentrates

How to Use Responsibly

If you opt for cannabis flowers or concentrates, consume them responsibly for a safe and enjoyable experience.

1. Start with a low dose and increase gradually to assess your tolerance and avoid overindulgence.
2. Know your limits and avoid going beyond them to prevent discomfort or negative reactions.
3. Stay hydrated by drinking enough water to counter side effects like dry mouth.
4. Adhere to recommended dosage advice from your budtender or healthcare provider.
5. Monitor your consumption and its effects to determine your ideal dosage and habits.

Key Take Away

Concentrates have higher THC levels and quicker onset, while flowers offer a variety of strains with unique flavors and aromas. Understanding their potency and effects when deciding whether to consume flowers or concentrates. You should begin with small doses, track your intake, and follow dosage recommendations for a safe and pleasant experience, regardless of your choice. 

Want to check out a variety of cannabis strains or give concentrates a try? GetLoud has everything you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are cannabis concentrates made?

Cannabis concentrates are created by extracting THC and CBD from the plant material to make a stronger product.  

1. Solvent-based Extraction. This involves using solvents like BHO, propane, ethanol, or CO2 to dissolve cannabinoids from the plant material. The solvent is then eradicated, leaving a concentrated extract.

• Butane Hash Oil (BHO): Cannabis is soaked in butane to extract cannabinoids, then the butane evaporates and leaves a sticky oil.
• CO2 extraction: Carbon dioxide is pressurized to extract cannabinoids. This method is preferred for preserving terpenes and cannabinoids.
• Ethanol extraction: Cannabis is soaked in ethanol to extract cannabinoids, then the ethanol evaporates, leaving a concentrated oil. 

1. Mechanical Separation. This physically separates trichomes from the plant material. Techniques like dry sifting and ice water extraction are common. 
2. Rosin Press. Heat and pressure are applied to cannabis to extract rosin, a resinous sap. This method is solvent-free and safer for home use.

After extraction, concentrates can be oils, waxes, shatter, budder, crumble, or live resin, depending on the method used. Consumers should be mindful of potency and use responsibly.

How should I store cannabis flowers and concentrates correctly?

For Cannabis Flowers:

• Use airtight glass jars to store them.
• Keep them in a cool, dark place, like a cupboard.
• Control humidity to avoid mold, aiming for 59-63% humidity.
• Don’t put them in the fridge or freezer; it can damage their quality.
• Store different strains separately to keep their unique tastes.

For Cannabis Concentrates:

• Store in non-stick containers, like silicone or glass.
• Keep them cool, but not too cold, to maintain their texture.
• Limit air and light exposure to avoid losing potency.
• The fridge is suitable for long-term storage, but let them warm up before opening.
• Keep your tools clean to avoid contaminating the concentrates.

Can I mix cannabis flowers and concentrates?

Yes, you can mix cannabis flowers with concentrates to make your experience stronger and add new flavors.

• Sprinkle Concentrates. Add a little bit of concentrate to the top of your cannabis flower in a bowl or inside a joint.
• Start Small. Concentrates are much stronger than flowers, so use a tiny amount first.
• Watch the Heat. If you’re vaping, make sure your device can handle both the flower and the concentrate.
• Go Slow. This mix can be much stronger, so take it easy until you know how it affects you.