The Art and Science of Cannabis Concentrates

Cannabis concentrates have come a long way from their ancient origins to the high-tech extractions of today. Whether you’re dabbing fresh press or enjoying a solvent-based extract, each method of production has a unique history and science behind it.?

In this week’s Dab Digest, we’re diving deep into the world of concentrates - how they’re made, their ancient roots, and what makes each method distinct.

The Ancient History of Concentrates

The origins of cannabis concentrates date back thousands of years. One of the earliest known concentrates is hashish, which has been produced in regions like the Middle East, India, and North Africa for centuries. Traditional methods included hand-rubbing fresh cannabis flowers to collect resin, which was then rolled into small balls or bricks. Another method, called dry-sifting, involved using fine mesh screens to separate trichomes from the plant material, creating a refined and potent product.

In India, a form of hash known as "charas" has been crafted for generations, often used in spiritual and medicinal practices. Similarly, Moroccan hash, which has gained worldwide popularity, is made by sifting and pressing kief into dense blocks. These ancient techniques laid the foundation for modern concentrate production.

Learn more about the history of Hash in The Dab Digest Blog #41

Modern Extraction Methods

Fast forward to today, and cannabis concentrates have evolved into a diverse range of products with different textures, consistencies, and potencies. Here’s a look at some of the most popular modern extraction methods.

1. Fresh Press Rosin

Fresh press rosin is a solventless concentrate made using heat and pressure to extract resin from cannabis flower or hash. The process involves using a hydraulic or pneumatic press to squeeze trichomes from the plant material, creating a golden, sap-like product. Since it’s made without solvents, fresh press rosin is considered one of the purest forms of concentrate, retaining high levels of terpenes and cannabinoids. Over time, fresh press rosin may cure into a more stable form known as "cold cure" rosin.

2. Ice Water Hash (Bubble Hash)

Ice water hash, also called bubble hash, is another solventless method that relies on ice, water, and agitation to separate trichomes from the plant material. This process involves submerging cannabis in ice water and gently stirring, allowing trichomes to break off and sink. The mixture is then filtered through a series of mesh bags, each capturing different grades of hash based on micron size. The final product is dried and cured, with the highest-quality hash often being referred to as "full melt," meaning it vaporizes cleanly without residue.

3. Hydrocarbon Extraction (BHO, PHO, and Beyond)

Hydrocarbon extraction, commonly associated with butane hash oil (BHO) and propane hash oil (PHO), is one of the most efficient ways to produce potent cannabis concentrates. This method involves using hydrocarbons like butane or propane as solvents to strip cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material.?

The solvent is then purged using heat and vacuum ovens, leaving behind a highly concentrated oil. Hydrocarbon extraction allows for the creation of various consistencies, including:

• Shatter – A glass-like, brittle extract.
• Budder – A creamy, whipped consistency.
• Crumble – A dry, honeycomb-like texture.
• Live Resin – Made from fresh-frozen cannabis to preserve terpenes.

4. CO2 Extraction

CO2 extraction is a popular method used in commercial cannabis production due to its efficiency and safety. This technique utilizes pressurized carbon dioxide to extract cannabinoids and terpenes. CO2 extraction can produce a wide range of concentrates, from vape cartridges to waxes and oils. Since CO2 is a clean and non-toxic solvent, it’s often preferred for creating medical-grade products.

5. Ethanol Extraction

Ethanol extraction is another solvent-based method that uses alcohol to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis. This process is widely used in the production of tinctures, Rick Simpson Oil (RSO), and full-spectrum extracts. Ethanol is effective at pulling a broad range of plant compounds, making it ideal for creating concentrates with a more comprehensive cannabinoid profile.

6. Dry Sift Kief

Dry sift is one of the simplest and oldest methods of making concentrates. It involves using fine mesh screens to sift cannabis flowers and collect trichome heads. The result is a golden, powdery substance known as kief, which can be pressed into hash or sprinkled onto flower for an extra kick.

7. More Extraction Methods

Beyond the widely known techniques above, several other extraction methods are used in the cannabis industry:

• Sonic (Ultrasonic) Extraction – Uses high-frequency sound waves to break down plant material and extract cannabinoids.
• Supercritical Water Extraction – Involves using heated and pressurized water to extract cannabinoids without residual solvents.
• Live Rosin – A variation of rosin made from fresh-frozen cannabis instead of cured flower or hash, preserving more terpenes.
• Heat Press Hash – An old-school method where heat and pressure are applied to dry sift or kief to create a malleable hash product.

The Future of Concentrates

As cannabis extraction technology continues to evolve, new methods and products will emerge, refining potency, purity, and flavor. Innovations like ultrasonic extraction and terpene reintroduction are pushing the boundaries of what concentrates can be. With consumer demand for solventless and terpene-rich products on the rise, we can expect even more advanced techniques to develop.

Whether you prefer traditional hashish, fresh press rosin, or high-tech hydrocarbon extracts, the world of cannabis concentrates is as diverse as ever. No matter your preference, understanding how these products are made enhances the appreciation for the craftsmanship and science behind each dab.

Stay lifted, stay informed, and keep dabbing responsibly!

Until next time.. Happy dabbing!?

- The WaxNax Team