Autoimmune disorders affect millions of people worldwide, often causing pain, inflammation, and long-term health complications. Research recently published by the Mayo Clinic indicates that approximately 15 million Americans are affected by at least one autoimmune disease. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis occur because the body’s immune defenses incorrectly target its own tissues.

Standard medical approaches, including medications such as immunosuppressants and corticosteroids, are still widely utilized. However, an increasing cohort of both patients and medical experts is investigating supplementary approaches, with medical cannabis being a particularly prominent example under discussion.

This article discusses how medical cannabis is used with other medications to manage autoimmune disorders.

The Search for Relief Beyond Conventional Medication

Traditional therapies can help manage symptoms, but they often come with side effects and limitations. This is especially true for individuals who do not respond well to first-line treatments or seek to reduce their reliance on pharmaceuticals.

Johnson & Johnson states that fewer than 10% of patients respond to medications well enough to reach lasting remission. Some of them don’t respond to traditional medication at all, while others respond to the first-line treatment but relapse ultimately.

In recent years, cannabis has gained attention for its anti-inflammatory properties, particularly cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which may help ease pain. It is also known to reduce inflammation and improve quality of life.

According to a BMC Journal study, medical cannabis (MC) can be equally effective as opioids in reducing pain intensity. However, MC can potentially have broader pain-related factors, including emotion and an overall sense of well-being.

While cannabis doesn’t replace established treatments, it’s being used more frequently as part of a broader care plan. For example, some patients with rheumatoid arthritis report that cannabis helps manage joint pain during flare-ups. Others use it to support sleep, reduce anxiety, or cope with digestive issues linked to autoimmune diseases.

Can medical cannabis affect the progression of autoimmune diseases over time?

There’s no strong evidence yet showing that cannabis slows or alters the progression of autoimmune diseases. Most available data suggest it may help relieve symptoms like pain, inflammation, and sleep issues. However, it may not necessarily stop or change how the disease develops in the long term.

How New Therapies Are Changing the Landscape

The range of medical tools being developed to treat complex immune-related conditions. Researchers and biotech companies are working on advanced therapies that target the immune system with greater precision.

For instance, the discovery of monoclonal antibodies has opened up new possibilities for treating autoimmune disorders. This innovation helps find the right medication to treat an autoimmune disorder.

As stated above, many patients don’t respond to traditional first-line drugs. Monoclonal antibody discovery starts with a broader set of tests to narrow down the potential medication for a particular disorder.

According to Alloy Therapeutics, this approach involves designing antibodies that can attach to specific cells involved in the disease. These lab-created antibodies can block harmful immune responses without shutting down the entire immune system, offering a more targeted and potentially safer option.

Such advanced therapies can work alongside cannabis to help manage the symptoms more effectively. However, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional before proceeding with combining such innovative therapies with medical cannabis.

Are there risks of using cannabis with immunosuppressant drugs?

Yes, there can be interactions. Some cannabinoids affect liver enzymes that metabolize medications, which may alter immunosuppressants’ effectiveness or side effects. Patients should talk to a healthcare provider to make sure cannabis won’t interfere with their prescribed treatments or increase health risks.

Cannabis and Inflammation: What the Research Suggests

One of the key reasons cannabis is being explored for autoimmune disorders is its effect on inflammation. THC and CBD interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate immune responses. Some studies suggest that these compounds can reduce the production of specific inflammatory markers, potentially easing symptoms in conditions like ulcerative colitis or lupus.

That said, research is still in the early stages. While preclinical studies and patient reports are encouraging, more clinical trials are needed to understand the long-term effects and proper dosing. It’s also important to note that the effects can vary depending on the type of cannabis used and how it’s consumed.

Therefore, you should only use cannabis for autoimmune disorders after consulting with your doctor. This is primarily true because overdosing or inappropriate use can lead to opposite results and might cause pro-inflammatory effects.

The Role of Cannabis in Integrative Care

For many patients with autoimmune disorders, managing symptoms involves more than one solution. Dietary changes, stress reduction, physical therapy, and medication often work together to provide relief. Cannabis is increasingly being considered one part of this mix, especially for patients seeking natural or plant-based options.

Data shows that cannabis can work with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system can control various bodily functions, including immune system responses. Thus, it can help with certain symptoms of autoimmune disorders like lupus.

Doctors who support integrative care may recommend cannabis for specific symptoms, such as nerve pain or muscle stiffness. They may also monitor how cannabis interacts with other medications to ensure safety and effectiveness. With medical cannabis laws expanding in many areas, access has improved, allowing more patients to consider it as part of their treatment strategy.

Are there specific strains or products recommended for autoimmune-related symptoms?

Some strains, typically those with higher CBD or balanced THC:CBD ratios, are reported to help more with inflammation and pain. However, strain effects vary significantly by individual. Rather than focusing on a specific name, it’s more helpful to look at cannabinoid and terpene profiles with medical guidance.

Autoimmune disorders are complex, and treatment often requires a long-term, flexible approach. While cannabis is not a cure, it may offer comfort and support for those managing difficult symptoms. It contributes to a more comprehensive care model when combined with modern medical advances like monoclonal antibody therapies, dietary interventions, etc.

As research continues and more data becomes available, the role of cannabis in managing autoimmune conditions will likely become more apparent. Patients and healthcare providers are beginning to explore where plant-based options and high-precision therapies can work together. These are not considered as replacements for one another but as parts of a broader, patient-focused plan.

Whether you’re a dispensary owner or customer, knowing how many ounces are in a pound of weed can help you score the best value for cannabis flower, shake, or trim.

Knowing the common weed measurements ensures you buy the right amount for your needs. Knowing how to convert ounces to pounds and pounds to ounces is also helpful.

Buying in bulk often gives cannabis businesses a better bang for their buck compared to consistently and individually buying one gram, eighths, quarter ounces, half ounces, or even ounces of cannabis at a time.

Knowing the amount of weed you’re getting in your purchase can help save you time and money in the long-run. That means you can spend less time driving to the dispensary or paying delivery fees and more time enjoying your weed. Let’s find out how many ounces in a pound of marijuana.

Mass vs. Weight – What Is the Difference?

Let’s start with the basics. Before we discuss how to convert pounds to ounces or ounces to pounds, we will cover the difference between weight and mass. Many people use these two terms interchangeably, but they mean different things.

Mass refers to the quantity of matter in an object. Mass is commonly measured in kilograms and grams.

Weight refers to the interaction between an object and gravity. It is the force of gravity exerted on the mass of an object.

In other words, the weight of a mass is caused by gravity.

Here’s a formula to remember the difference between mass and weight.

Weight = Mass x Acceleration Due to Gravity

Although the mass of an object remains a constant throughout, its weight varies from place to place. For example, that means you will have the same mass on Earth as you do on the moon.

On Earth, gravity can change by location due to several factors, including seasons, topography, and other environmental conditions. For example, the gravity on Earth is weaker at the equator due to centrifugal forces created by the Earth’s rotation. Gravity is also weaker at higher altitudes, since it is further from the planet’s center.

In short, you can weigh differently based on your location.

In an extreme example, your weight on the moon would be substantially less because the moon’s gravity exerts far less force than on Earth. For example, if you weighed 175 lbs on Earth, you would weigh 28.93 lbs on the moon.

On Earth, the average surface gravity is 9.8 meters per second per second. On the moon, the average surface gravity is about 1.6 meters per second per second.

Summary – Mass is an inherent characteristic of matter. No matter where you are, it does not change. Weight can vary depending on the effect of gravity. In an environment without gravity, an object’s weight can be zero, but its mass does not change.

American vs. Standard Mass Measurements

In the United States, the standard units of weight are ounces, pounds, and tons, all part of the U.S.’s customary system of weight.

Tip: Do not confuse the U.S. customary system of weight with the British imperial system. Although they both use the same names of the units, their sizes can vary significantly.

Generally, small amounts of mass such as mail and packages are weighed in ounces. Medium amounts such as your body weight are measured in pounds. Large objects such as cars or trucks are measured in tons. While you can use any customary measurement unit to show the weight of an object, this is the most common way to use ounces, pounds, and tons.

You can easily convert between these units of measurement. For a better perspective on the relationship between each unit weight, here is a conversion:

• 16 ounces = 1 pound
• 2,000 pound = 1 ton
• 907 kg = 1 ton

The metric system, used internationally, measures dry weight in grams (g), kilograms (kg), and tonnes (t). In some American product labels, U.S. customary units (ounces and pounds) may be listed alongside metric units (grams). Metric units are also commonly used by American companies during the manufacturing and distribution process.

What Is an Ounce?

According to Merriam-Webster, an ounce, abbreviated as oz., is defined as “a unit of weight equal to 1/12 troy pound” or “1/16 avoirdupois pound.”

But, what the heck is a troy and avoirdupois pound?

Troy weight is “a system of weight used mainly for precious metals and gems.” A troy ounce is equal to 31.10348 grams and often abbreviated as “oz t” or “t oz.” A troy ounce is equal to 0.0833 troy pounds.

An avoirdupois ounce measurement of weight is based on the pound of 16 ounces. In the U.S., the avoirdupois unit, measured in ounces and pounds, is standard. An avoirdupois ounce is equal to 0.0625 pounds or 28.35 grams, slightly lower than the troy ounce.

Summary: An avoirdupois ounce is equal to 1/16 of an avoirdupois pound. A troy ounce, used to weigh precious metals, equals 1/12 of a troy pound.

What Is a Pound?

According to Merriam-Webster, a pound, abbreviated as lb., is defined as “a unit (of mass and weight) now in general use among English-speaking peoples equal to 16 avoirdupois ounces or 7,000 grains or 0.4536 kilograms.”

Generally, one pound is 16 ounces.

What Is A Pound Of Weed?

The cannabis industry has many common units of measurements for whole-flower products (flower, trim, shake) starting at one gram and going up to a full ounce for dispensary customers. Cannabis customers can buy weed in eighth (3.5 grams), quarter (7 grams), half (14 grams), and full ounces (28 grams).

A pound (abbreviated as lb.) is a unit of weight used to measure cannabis and is typically used in the United States. Most other countries use the metric system (gram, kilogram, and tonne).

Who Buys Pounds Of Weed?

The most common amount of cannabis bought by customers is 3.5 grams (one-eighth of an ounce). Cannabis brands commonly sell flower, trim, and shake in grams and ounces. Cannabis consumers can also buy cannabis in 7 (one-quarter of an ounce), 14 (one-half of an ounce), and 28 (1 oz) gram varieties.

Cannabis consumers aren’t legally allowed to buy pounds of cannabis flower at one time. While many states have legalized cannabis for medical and/or recreational use, each one has distinct laws.

Each state has different medical and recreational cannabis possession and purchasing limits. For instance, California allows recreational users to buy up to one ounce of cannabis per day, while medical users can buy up to eight ounces of cannabis daily.

Depending on the purchasing limits in the state, consumers may be able to buy multiple ounces of weed every day and slowly accumulate a pound of weed for a number of reasons. For example, some medical users may need stronger and more consistent relief and require more cannabis flower to find that relief.

Cannabis consumers who buy pounds of weed may be stocking up to cook or bake with cannabis, although growing cannabis at home ca be more out effective in the long run (if your state allows home cultivation). 

Edibles often require high volumes of fresh cannabis to make an infusion. Making cannabis concentrates like shatter or bubble hash also requires high amounts of cannabis material to extract the buds’ cannabinoids and terpenes.

Dispensary owners, delivery service operators, cannabis extraction companies, and other commercial cannabis processors are the only ones buying up pounds of cannabis at a time to keep costs down for them and for their customers.

Dispensaries buy up pounds of their best-selling marijuana strains to keep it ready on shelves and avoid selling out of their most popular products.

Cannabis extraction companies must buy in bulk to fill a large biomass tank where solvents (ethanol, CO2, butane) strip the cannabinoids and terpenes to produce large volumes of crude extract, which can then be processed into a variety of extracts like live resin, crumble, budder, isolates, distillates, and more.

How Many Ounces In A Pound Of Weed?

For consumers looking to buy a pound of weed, you’re going to have to make multiple trips to the dispensary on different days (if your state allows it). Cannabis customers can’t just buy a full ounce due to varying purchasing limits on cannabis by state.

When buying cannabis from a dispensary or delivery service, you’re more than likely going to be buying ounces of weed or fractions of ounces such as eighths (3.5 grams), quarters (7 grams), or halves (14 grams).

Cannabis pounds are never sold at one time due to state regulations that limit how much cannabis medical and recreational consumers can buy.

If you’re wondering how many ounces is a pound of weed, the answer is 16 ounces or 448 grams. That means that if you buy a single ounce of weed in a dispensary, you’re buying 1/16 of a pound.

1/16 may seem like a small amount relative to one pound of weed but in reality, an ounce of cannabis can last weeks or months (depending on the amount used and frequency of use) and can retain its potency and aroma for longer if stored properly in a dark, cool, and dry space in an airtight and UV-protected container.

Technically, there are 28.3495 grams in an ounce of weed and 453.592 grams in a pound of weed. However, dispensaries have long been rounding down to 28 grams when selling ounces for simpler transactions.

Using these rounded-down measurements allows cannabis retailers to sell half an ounce (14 grams), a quarter (7 grams), or the popular eighth (3.5 grams) at even measurements without having to measure accurately down to the fourth decimal place.

An eighth of cannabis is actually 3.54369039 grams, but that’s hard to get just right with conventional scales. Over time, the rounded-down approximations can add up, but these industry standards are here to stay to streamline the shopping process.

If you want to know how many ounces or grams are in a quarter or half pound of weed, just divide by 4 or 2, respectively. A quarter pound of weed is four ounces or 112 grams. A half pound of weed is eight ounces or 224 grams.

If you want to buy two pounds of weed, that would be 32 ounces. Three pounds of cannabis would be 48 ounces. Four pounds of weed is 64 ounces and so on.

Not everyone buys up a full ounce on every dispensary visit. Weed is typically sold as fractions of an ounce at dispensaries.

The three most common ounce fractions bought at pot shops are eighths (one-eighth of an ounce or 3.5 grams), quarters (one-quarter of an ounce or 7 grams), and halves (one-half of an ounce or 14 grams).

Infrequent users may stick with single gram options or pre-filled joints. Heavy and daily users are better off buying in bulk to save money and time.

Now, let’s break down what fraction of a pound are eighths, quarters, and halves. An eighth (3.5 grams) of cannabis is 1/128 of a pound. A quarter of weed (7 grams) is 1/64 of a pound. A half of weed (14 grams) is 1/32 of a pound.

These fractions of a pound are not very easy-to-remember, which is why dispensaries typically deal in fractions of ounces as units of measurements, which are easier for customers to remember and work with.

Dispensary owners and other cannabis businesses typically don’t use the same units of measurements as cannabis consumers when buying or processing weed.

Instead, dispensary owners and processors buy up pounds of weed at a time to meet the high demand for the most popular cannabis product: flower. Instead of buying up 240 ounces of cannabis, a business owner would simply say they’re buying 15 pounds of cannabis.

Pounds to Ounces Conversion Table

Ounces to Pounds Conversion Table

Looking for an easy way to convert ounces to pounds? Our handy ounce-to-pound conversion table has got you covered.

How To Weigh A Pound Of Weed?

Cannabis consumers or business owners with a pound of weed on their hands can double-check that their weight is correct by weighing the product with a scale. Eye-balling the marijuana to weight it will not yield accurate measurements.

Cannabis flower buds vary in density, size, and shape. For example, dense indica buds can take up less space than wispy sativa flowers. Indica flowers are known for being smaller and denser than sativa buds that can be long, slender, and airy. Hybrid strain density, size, and shape are determined by its genetics.

A dependable and functioning weed scale can ensure you accurately measure out the right dose of cannabis or use the right amount of weed when making edibles. Using correct measurements when cooking with weed ensures you consume the right amount without feeling any adverse effects that can occur due to overconsumption.

Picking the right scale for measuring a pound of weed requires users to consider the capacity of the scale and its resolution. The resolution means how accurately the scale can measure an object.

Most small, digital scales can measure with a tenth of a gram accuracy (0.1 gram). Smaller scales are ideal for measuring eights (3.5 grams) and other fractions of an ounce. For most users, a small digital scale can help them measure out their personal stash.

For a larger volume of weed, a larger scale is needed. Larger scales usually have better resolutions than smaller ones. Large scales can measure within one-hundredth of a gram (0.01 gram). Larger scales are commonly used by cannabis companies.

Now, you may be wondering: why do larger scales have better measurement accuracy than smaller scales? Larger scales can measure down to 0.01 gram because of the quality of their load cells. Load cells measure the mechanical force of an object.

Digital scales convert the force of weight of the object into electrical signals. The quality and number of load cells on a bigger scale is meant to maintain its accuracy, even when weighing larger quantities.

Larger scales also have bigger platforms capable of handling a high volume of weed at once compared to the smaller platforms of small scales. Users may use a container with high sides to measure the weight of the weed vertically to avoid spilling it over the platform.

A gallon container should be enough to measure up to a couple of pounds of cannabis flower buds. Users should make sure to zero out the weight of the container before adding the weed into it to not include its weight in the final measurement.

When weighing the cannabis flower on the scale, users should account for the weight of the packaging and subtract that from the total weight. Removing the cannabis front the packaging ensures users get an accurate measurement.

Also, users should make sure the weight scale is properly calibrated to get accurate results. Weight scales have multiple weight units including grams, ounces, and more.

Finally, consider readability of the scale, which is the smallest increment that a scale can display.

Can You Weigh Weed Without a Scale?

Measuring the amount of weed you have by eye is not effective. Even if you’ve been dealing with large quantities of weed for decades, there’s absolutely no way to weigh cannabis by eye. You may get close to your goal weight when measuring by eye but be off by several grams or ounces.

It’s difficult to accurately measure the weight of any amount of cannabis without a scale, including one gram of weed, let alone an ounce or a pound of weed.

One reason measuring by eye is difficult is because of varying densities and structures of weedflower, shake, and trim. Looking at bud size alone isn’t enough.

Some long and airy sativa buds may look big, but can weigh less than a dense indica popcorn bud that looks smaller. In addition, some shake can have finer consistency or larger chunks of bud.

Most cannabis from licensed retailers comes pre-packaged in certain amounts. If you or someone else weighs weed without a scale, just know you run the risk of over or underestimating the actual weight.

How Much Is a Pound of Weed?

If you’re wondering how much is a pound of weed, you’re probably looking to buy large quantities. The price of weed varies by state, quality of the cannabis, and grower. Generally, a pound of weed costs between $2,000 and $3,000.

In states like California and Colorado, there are legal limits to how much weed you can buy at one time. Only licensed retailers can buy these amounts directly from producers at these wholesale prices.

Wholesale Cannabis Prices

Wholesale prices continued to fall in key markets.

COVID-19 shutdowns caused some fluctuations in prices, especially in states that closed down adult-use stores and those dependent on the tourism market.

How Much is a Pound of Marijuana in Colorado?

In Colorado, a pound of cannabis sits around $750-$850 in 2024.

How Much is a Pound of Pot in California?

In California, the price per pound for cannabis flower has gone down. Demand has remained strong but there has been an inventory hangover from 2020. Prices range from $800-$2,000 on average.

How Much is a Pound of Cannabis in Oregon?

Since July 2020, one pound of cannabis was between $1,200 and $1,400 but fell dramatically to $999 in August 2024.

How Much Can One Weed Plant Grow?

Growing cannabis at home is a fun and easy way to grow your cannabis medicine. When growing your weed at home (if legal in your state), you have full control over what goes into your weed. Growers can choose outdoor, indoor, or greenhouse environments to grow their plant, depending on state and local laws and space limitations.

A cannabis plant’s yield is determined by its genetics and growing methods (nutrients, water, pH, temperature, humidity, pests, air flow, lighting, etc.). A cannabis plant can yield anywhere from a few ounces to several pounds of weed if cared for properly.

Knowing how to convert grams to ounces of weed and ounces to pounds of weed can help consumers and businesses estimate how much they can grow in a season and buy in bulk from cannabis producers without getting ripped off.

To reiterate how many ounces are in a pound of weed, there are 16 ounces or roughly 450 grams of cannabis in a pound. An ounce has about 28 grams of cannabis. Now, go out there and make smart weed purchasing decisions.

How Many OZ in 1 Pound?

There are 16 ounces in 1 pound.

How Many Ounces in 1 lb?

There are 16 ones in 1 lb.

How Many Ounces in a Pound?

There are 16 ounces in a pound

How Many Ounces Equals a Pound?

16 ounces equals a pound.

How Many Ounces in a Quarter Pound?

There are four ounces in a quarter pound. One way to determine the number of ounces in a quarter-pound is to multiply the number of ounces in a pound (16) by 0.25.

1/4 lb. (.25) x 16 = 4 ounces

To determine the number of ounces in a quarter-pound, divide the number of ounces in a pound (16) by four.

16 ÷ 4 = 4 ounces

How Many Ounces in Half a Pound?

How Many Ounces Are in Three-Quarters of a Pound?

2 lbs to oz Conversion

3 lbs to oz Conversion

4 lbs to oz Conversion

5 Pounds Equals How Many Ounces?

How Many Fluid Ounces Are In a Pound?

Here is a list of the density of common fluids at 68º F (20º C) and 1 atm (atmospheric pressure).

Do not mix up fluid ounces for standard ounces. Standard ounces are measurements used to weight dry ingredients, such as sugar or flour. Fluid ounces measure the volume, not the weight, of liquid ingredients, such as milk or water. For this reason, 16 fluid ounces do not equal one pound.

If you want to convert a fluid ounce, abbreviated as fl. oz., measurement into a pound measurement, there’s an easy way to do it. Divide the volume multiplied by the density of the liquid by 15.337783.

Use this formula for an easy conversion:

Pounds = (fluid ounces x density of substance) ÷ 15.337783

For example, here is how to convert 10 fluid ounces to pounds for a substance with a density of 0.92 g/mL.

10 fl. oz. = (10 x 0.92) ÷ 15.337783 = 0.59982593 lb.

Summary: To determine the number of fluid ounces in a pound, multiply the volume of the liquid by its density and divide that result by 15.337783.

FAQs About Ounce to Pound Conversions

You have questions. We have answers. Here are the most frequently asked questions relating to ounce-to-pound conversions.

Note: Before we answer your FAQs, it’s important to note that there will be 16 ounces in one pound of any object (except precious gold and gems). For example, a pound of feathers has the same amount of ounces as a pound of lead.

How Many Ounces in a Liter?

How Many Ounces in a Pint?

How Many Ounces in a Kilogram?

How Many Ounces in a Gram?

How Many Oz in a Tablespoon?

How Many Ounces in a Teaspoon?

There are 0.166667 fl oz in a teaspoon. Knowing how many ounces in a teaspoon can come in handy when working with edibles cannabis product formulation.

How many ounces in a pound of weed?

There are 16 ounces in a pound of weed.

How many ounces of weed in 1 2 pounds?

There are 8 ounces of weed in half a pound.

How much is a zip?

One zip is 28 grams, four quarters, or eight eighths of cannabis.

How big is a 1lb bag of weed?

A pound is 16 ounces, which equals 453.59 grams of weed.

How many grams is a QP?

A QP, also known as a quarter pound, equals 113.4 grams of cannabis.

How is weed measured in?

Marijuana is most commonly sold by the gram, eighth, quarter, half-ounce, ounce, or pounds. Prices often range from $10 a gram to up to $3000 a pound.

Fred Hernandez

Fred Hernandez is a highly accomplished and versatile writer, boasting an extensive background in the cannabis industry. With an in-depth understanding of various sectors including cultivators, processors, retailers, and brands, Fred’s expertise spans across the entire cannabis landscape. As a prominent contributor to CTU, he consistently delivers insightful articles exploring the latest developments, news, and regulations shaping the cannabis industry. Whether it’s delving into the intricacies of cannabis products, cannabis strain reviews, or providing comprehensive analyses of cannabis laws, or sharing expert insights on cannabis cultivation techniques, Fred’s wealth of knowledge positions him as an invaluable writer and educator for all cannabis-related subjects.

Cannabis concentrates & extracts allow you to experience a higher potency compared to smoking flower.

Ounce for ounce, marijuana concentrates have a far greater proportion of cannabinoids and terpenes than raw cannabis flowers. They can be consumed in many ways.

Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned user, our guide can help you find the right concentrate for you.

What Are Cannabis Concentrates & Extracts?

Cannabis concentrates are concentrated forms of the plant’s trichomes, which contain active ingredients such as cannabinoids and terpenes.

As a result, the concentrates are much more potent than cannabis flower buds.

Concentrates come in a variety of colors, consistencies, textures, and potencies, depending on the starting material and extraction process.

Extracts refer to concentrates made using solvents.

The most popular chemicals used for solvent-based concentrates are butane, ethanol and CO2.

Solvent-Based Extracts

Solvent-based extractions are made with chemical compounds such as butane, carbon dioxide, ethanol, or propane.

They are used to dissolve the plant and carefully strip out the cannabinoids and terpenes.

Shatter

Shatter is one of the most popular extracts available. It has a glass-like, translucent, and amber appearance.

Its consistency ranges from brittle to sappy.

These popular concentrates are usually made with harsh solvents like butane.

These products are best created in modern MIP facilities with established safety measures in practice.

While shatter, wax, and other concentrates can be made at home, the process can be dangerous because of the solvents and heat used.

Unlike hash and moon rocks (and sometimes hash oil), shatter and wax are consumed using a dab rig (a bong-like apparatus used for concentrates) or another dabbing device.

Wax

Cannabis wax, is very similar to shatter but has a gooier texture. It is made using hydrocarbons and has a waxy consistency. It has a light and opaque color.

Live Resin

Made from flash-frozen cannabis buds, live resin has a higher concentration of terpenes than most other extracts. It has a golden yellow color and a sticky consistency.

Live Resin can be dated back to 2012-2013 when a team of Colorado growers pioneered the extraction process.

As briefly mentioned before, the process begins by flash freezing fresh cannabis, by placing it in a freezer with dry ice or by being slowly dipped in liquid nitrogen.

The plant matter is then kept frozen until it is ready for extraction, which usually takes place within 36 hours.

Live resin is then extracted using a process that is similar to the ones used to make other extracts.

The precious plant material is ran through solvent which is then vaporized when the product is finally consumed.

The main difference in this process when compared to the process used for making other concentrates, is that the solvent is cooled down for extraction.

The final product is then expelled of solvents at a much lower temperature than with other concentrates.

Distillate

Cannabis distillate refers to an odorless and flavorless oil that has a single cannabinoid, THC or CBD, without any additional terpenes.

Distillate can be made with ethanol or hydrocarbons. It is found in edibles, capsules, tinctures, and vape cartridges.

Budder

Budder is a marijuana concentrate that looks like butter, but not just any butter – peanut butter.

The butane extraction method is used in this case.

Cannabis processors use a whipping technique during extraction to create the creamy consistency.

Hash Oil

Hash oil is also popular, but it is usually more potent than other extracts. Some people include hash oil in their edibles and topicals for high potency.

It can be used in a vaporizeror vape cartridge

The color of the oil can vary depending on the extraction method or purity, but most commonly it’s a golden amber color. Hash oil is made with either cannabis flower or hash.

Making hash oil involves using solvent extraction methods, utilizing one of a wide variety of solvents.

The potency and versatility of this concentrate makes it very popular.

Solventless Concentrates

Solventless concentrates are made without the use of harsh chemical solvents.

Instead, a range of agitation techniques or methods using heat and pressure break apart or melt the cannabis trichomes.

Rosin

Cannabis rosin has a viscous consistency and is made by squeezing raw material such as flower or kief/hash with heat and pressure.

It can be easily made at home with a hair straightener and some parchment paper.

You can make rosin with either cannabis flowers or hash. From this, the person doing the extraction employs heat and pressure to create a rich, potent hash oil.

Most of the rosin made for sale in dispensaries is produced in large quantities using sophisticated industrial equipment, but many people make it at home using simple household devices and materials.

Many people favor rosin because it doesn’t use harsh solvents.

You can create homemade rosin with an adjustable flat iron or other heat press, cannabis flower or hash, nonstick parchment paper cut into 4- by 8-inch strips, a collection device (dab tool; small knife; or razor blade), and pieces of 25u micron screen.

Wrap 0.25- to 0.50-gram portions of flower or hash in a 25-micron screen, pressing them flat.

Place the wrapped material onto a sheet of parchment paper, then fold the paper over to fully enclose the screen and its contents.

Next, press the flat iron firmly for 3 to 5 seconds. Apply steady pressure for 4 to 6 seconds, then gently unfold the parchment paper.

Carefully remove the screen and its contents, ensuring all rosin oil remains on the parchment paper. Use a collection tool to scrape and gather the rosin.

Repeat the process as needed until you achieve the desired amount of rosin.

Using lower iron temperatures (250–300°F) produces less rosin but enhances the terpene profile, resulting in a more flavorful experience.

In contrast, higher temperatures (300–335°F) yield more rosin but with a reduced flavor intensity.

Rosin is aesthetically difficult to distinguish from sap or shatter. But, there are differences.

Rosin has no residual solvents because these will usually remain behind after the extraction process that involves propane or butane.

Live Rosin

Live rosin is just like rosin except that it is made with flash-frozen material to preserve the terpenes in the plant.

Hash

Hash refers to the collection of kief that is compressed into a ball or slab.

Hashish, or “hash” as it is commonly called, is the oldest cannabis concentrate and has a history of use that spans thousands of years.

The earliest form of hash, known as “finger hash,” is made during the cannabis harvesting process.

Harvesters rub their hands over the sticky, trichome-covered buds, collecting a thick, sap-like residue.

This residue is then rolled into balls that are highly rich in THC, typically containing 40-50 percent.

Bubble Hash

Bubble hash, also known as water hash, has a crumbly and dry consistency. It is made using an ice water agitation technique and screen filtration.

Either dried flower or freshly harvested flower will work to make bubble hash.

When using fresh flower, the resulting hash is sometimes referred to as “live hash.”

Some people believe that the live hash terpene experience—the aroma and flavor of the hash—is superior to that of hash created with dried flower.

Bubble hash remains one of the easiest and safest cannabis concentrates to make. The resulting hash can either be smoked by itself or combined with flower in a joint or as a bowl topper.

It can also be used in making a tarantula joint. It adds a potent kick when smoked.

Moon Rocks

Moon rocks fall into the cannabis concentrates category and are easy to make if you have the necessary ingredients.

They consist of prime cannabis flowers, hash oil, and kief (the THC-rich, trichome-laden particles that collect in the bottom trap of many cannabis grinders).

To make moon rocks, start with a cannabis flower and thoroughly coat it in cannabis oil, ensuring the flower is fully saturated.

Lastly, roll the oil-covered flower in kief until it’s evenly coated with a thick layer.

Moon rocks are consumed by smoking them, typically using the following methods:

1. Pipe or Bowl:
   Break the moon rock into small pieces using your fingers or a knife. Avoid using a grinder, as the sticky oil and kief can clog it. Place a small piece in a pipe or bowl and light it gently, allowing it to burn slowly for a smooth hit.
2. Bong:
   Similar to using a pipe, a bong can enhance the experience by filtering the smoke through water, making it cooler and smoother. Load a small piece of moon rock into the bowl and smoke it as you would regular cannabis.
3. Joint or Blunt:
   You can mix small pieces of moon rock with ground cannabis to roll a joint or blunt. This helps it burn more evenly and prevents the stickiness from affecting the roll.

The overall effect will depend largely on the type of flower used (indica or sativa), as well as the sour material used to create the oil and kief.

Moon rocks are fun to both consume and create, and they make a nice change of pace over more traditional concentrates.

How to Consume Marijuana Concentrates and Extracts

Cannabis flower has THC levels between 10 and 25%, while concentrate levels can be between 50 to nearly 100%.

Dabbing is the most popular consumption method, but concentrates can also be found in vape carts, tinctures, edibles, and topicals.

1. Pipes and Joints

Cannabis concentrates can be easily added on top of packed bowls of cannabis or inside/outside of joints and blunts to give you an extra dose of potency.

Add kief on top of bowls or gently heat cannabis wax to make it easier to add inside or outside of a joint.

2. Dabbing

One of the best ways to enjoy cannabis concentrates is with a traditional dab rig or an e-nail. Dab rigs are usually made of borosilicate glass and look like a bong.

However, instead of a bowl piece, it has a nail that you heat up with a blowtorch. Then you apply the dab to the nail surface for vaporization. Water can go inside the rig to filter the vapor.

E-nails are more convenient and efficient ways to dab cannabis concentrates. They have a temperature control box and coil that keeps the nail at a specific temperature without having to use a blowtorch.

An oil or dab rig allows you to smoke the wax dabs you’ve either extracted yourself or purchased.

Using a dab rig may seem daunting at first glance, especially the torching part, but it is super easy and safe. If you don’t want to deal with torching your nail, you can invest in an electronic nail for easier dabbing.

Here are step-by-step instructions on how to use a traditional dab rig:

1. Fill up the water pipe with sufficient water and then attach the nail to the pipe’s intake.
2. Use the torch on the quartz or titanium nail, heating it until it is red hot. Try not to overheat or the nail will be damaged.
3. As soon as the nail is sufficiently heated, allow it to cool for between 20 to 30 seconds.
4. Then, it is time to place a small dab on the dab nail.. For a good dab hit, you only need a small amount of dab because of its heavy concentration.
5. Place your carb cap on top of the dab nail and inhale through the mouthpiece until all the vapor is gone.
6. Exhale and repeat as necessary.

Pro tip: Clean your dab rig and dab tools regularly to ensure you have a flavorful experience time after time.

3. Vaporizers

Cannabis vaporizers allow you to add a dab of concentrate to the heating chamber, which turns it into a vapor. Then, you just inhale and enjoy. Some vaporizers can work with both dry herb and extracts.

Pre-filled vape cartridges contain cannabis oil and can screw into a 510-threaded battery or you can buy disposable vape pens that already come with a battery.

Disposable vapes usually have one temperature setting.

Vaporizers can have a range of pre-set temperatures or the ability to zero in on a specific temperature degree to get the maximum level of terpenes and cannabinoids.

4. Edibles

All the edible products on dispensary shelves are made with cannabis concentrate. Enjoy the benefits of a concentrate with non of the smoke.

Edibles have a longer onset time (1 to 2 hours) and duration time of effects (6 to 8 hours). The experience will depend on your tolerance, amount consumed, metabolism, and potency of the product.

5. Topicals

Cannabis concentrates can also be made as topicals such as salves, creams, and lotions. A topical infusion can be applied directly to the affected area for relief.

Topicals do not absorb into the bloodstream or cause intoxication.

Become a Cannabis Extraction Expert

Gain a complete understanding of the process by enrolling in Cannabis Training University’s (CTU) online cannabis college.

Students receive well-rounded education in cannabis extracts and concentrates:

• Introduction to cannabis extraction
• Preparing the cannabis
• Cannabis infusion and extraction processes
• Straining, filtering, and purging
• Cooking with cannabis
• Cannabis recipes

Learn from the top cannabis extraction technicians and chefs. Start making your own extracts and infusions today!

If you want to know more about other marijuana concentrates, check out the Cannabis Training University where you can enroll as a student at the leading cannabis training college!

Fred Hernandez

Fred Hernandez is a highly accomplished and versatile writer, boasting an extensive background in the cannabis industry. With an in-depth understanding of various sectors including cultivators, processors, retailers, and brands, Fred’s expertise spans across the entire cannabis landscape. As a prominent contributor to CTU, he consistently delivers insightful articles exploring the latest developments, news, and regulations shaping the cannabis industry. Whether it’s delving into the intricacies of cannabis products, cannabis strain reviews, or providing comprehensive analyses of cannabis laws, or sharing expert insights on cannabis cultivation techniques, Fred’s wealth of knowledge positions him as an invaluable writer and educator for all cannabis-related subjects.