THC is a high-inducing cannabinoid, while THCA is its non-intoxicating precursor found in raw cannabis. When extracting concentrates, breeders and extraction specialists try to capture as much THCA as possible from the fresh or frozen plant material before any heating occurs. That’s why you can find a high THCA percent in a concentrate, starting from 60% and reaching 99%.
Raw cannabis strains have approximately 18% THCA. This means a concentrate is an unmatched way to amp things up.
Different forms, textures, and potency levels
There are many high-THCA concentrates that differ in form, texture, and methods of extraction. THCA diamonds, for example, are nearly pure THCA (80-99%). As you can see from the name of the concentrate, you will deal with a precious piece of cannabis product. It looks like clear or amber crystals and is often used on its own or with a sauce for added flavor. A combination of solventless and solvent-based extraction followed by precise crystallization techniques isolates THCA from other plant components.
Your other option can take a sugary form. Sauce/sugar refers to high-THCA concentrate crystals coupled with terpenes. It has a saucy consistency and a delectable profile. The texture is gooey and sticky, making it somewhat similar to thick honey or maple syrup. You may even see tiny crystals glistening throughout to show off their THCA percentage at 70-90%.
Because of its sticky nature, you need to keep your weed sauce clean. A silicone container works best to handle its honey-like texture without it sticking to glass or plastic.
Let’s pay tribute to the classics:
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Shatter is often translucent and can look like a piece of amber glass. It holds a strong structure and is commonly used for dabbing. When you heat it on a nail or banger, it melts smoothly. A high THCA percent in concentrated shatter ranges from 60-80%.
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Wax has a crumbly or sticky consistency, while budder is smoother, almost like butter. Its consistency can range from soft and fluffy to more dense and pliable. The texture can sometimes trap more aromatic compounds. Both are good for vaporizing and dabbing, or you can pair them with your favorite flower with an addition of around 50-70% THCA.
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Crumble is a dry high-THCA concentrate that falls apart easily. It has a sandy texture and is simple to portion out. Crumble retains much of the natural terpene profile from the plant. It is excellent for dabbing and adding to a joint and usually shares a similar THCA range of around 50-70%.
And then come live resin and rosin. The magic behind live resin lies in its extraction method. Instead of drying and curing cannabis, the fresh plant is flash-frozen immediately after harvest. This process locks in the full terpene profile and cannabinoids. Live resin has a saucy texture that can be likened to a sappy sauce or a more taffy-like consistency. THCA levels might be slightly lower than in more purified forms, often around 50-65%.
Rosin is made by pressing weed between heated plates so the resinous oils come out. No solvents are used, which means the final product is all-natural. The texture can be soft and buttery. It’s similar to other hemp concentrates like budder or shatter.
How to consume high-THCA concentrates
Dabbing
Dabbing stands for indulging in “dabs” that are loaded with the major cannabinoid. You’re supposed to heat a small amount on a hot surface (like a nail or banger) and inhale the vapor. You get a fast effect and most flavors, especially with terpene-rich options like live resin or sauce.
Crumble and wax melt smoothly for dabs, while shatter and diamonds might require a bit more precision due to their firmness. Live resin or sauce gives a flavorful hit thanks to preserved terpenes.
Vaporizing
Using a vaporizer for a high-THCA hemp concentrate is another versatile method. Load the concentrate (crumble, wax, resin, etc.) into the vaporizer and heat it to the right temperature to create vapor. It should be easy on your lungs.
Vaporizing live resin brings out rich flavors, and wax or crumble vaporizes nicely, too. Some devices handle certain textures better, so you might notice that wax and budder go cleanly, while shatter might call for a specific setup.
The basic thing for consumption is a torch that makes a large, open flame melt down your wax or shatter. As with any open-flame device, a torch should be used with great caution to avoid burns. Even if you know how to use it correctly, there may be someone in your house, like children or animals, who may accidentally get harmed. E-nails don’t deliver any open flame as the electricity is used to heat up the concentrate, which makes them a much safer alternative to a regular dabbing device.
Adding to joints or bowls
You can mix a high-THCA hemp concentrate with your flower. Sprinkle a small amount of your chosen product into a joint, blunt, or bowl. It will boost the potency and flavor of your smoke without changing the general routine.
Crumble and wax blend well with flower, while shatter or diamonds can be broken into smaller pieces if needed. Live resin or sauce can also add extra aroma.
Edibles
Turning a high THCA percent in concentrated products into edibles is a different experience. First, decarboxylate your goodies (heat them to convert THCA to THC), then mix them into oils, fats, or other ingredients to cook with. This offers longer-lasting effects compared to inhalation.
Wax, crumble, and shatter can all be infused into edibles. The process is similar regardless of the type, though some might mix more easily, depending on their texture.
Topical use
Decarb your concentrate first, then mix it into a topical medium like a lotion or balm. This will provide localized relief without the psychoactive effects of inhalation. While you can use any decarbed product with a high THCA percent in a concentrate, those with richer terpene profiles are more aromatic, which can be a nice bonus for topicals.
The great thing is you don’t have to stick to one way only. Venera’s hemp concentrates can be used however you like.
