Cannabis concentrates have rapidly become one of the most popular product categories in the cannabis industry. At KOLAS Blumenfeld in North Sacramento, customers have access to a wide array of these potent, flavorful options. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just stepping into the world of concentrates, understanding what’s available, how to use it, and how to choose the right product is key to having a satisfying and responsible experience.
This guide walks you through the most common cannabis concentrates offered at the Blumenfeld dispensary, their benefits, how to use them, and how to get the most value for your money.
What Are Cannabis Concentrates?
Cannabis concentrates are products that have been processed to retain only the most desirable compounds—primarily cannabinoids and terpenes—while removing excess plant material and other impurities. These extracts deliver high levels of THC or CBD, making them much more potent than traditional flower. Concentrates can vary in texture, potency, flavor, and extraction method.
At their core, cannabis concentrates can be divided into two primary categories:
Solvent-based concentrates: These use chemicals like butane, propane, ethanol, or CO₂ to extract cannabinoids. Popular forms include shatter, wax, budder, crumble, live resin, and sauce.
Solventless concentrates: These are made using physical methods like heat, pressure, or ice water to separate trichomes from the plant. Rosin and ice water hash are common solventless products.
Why Choose Concentrates?
There are several reasons consumers opt for concentrates over traditional flower:
Higher potency: Concentrates can contain THC levels of 60% to over 90%, offering a powerful experience.
Smaller consumption amounts: Because they’re more potent, you need less product to achieve the desired effect.
Cleaner smoke or vapor: With fewer plant materials, concentrates may feel smoother to inhale.
Enhanced flavor: The concentration of terpenes often delivers a more intense and nuanced taste.
Versatile consumption methods: You can dab, vape, add to joints, or even infuse them into edibles (though care must be taken with dosing).
Types of Concentrates Available at Blumenfeld
KOLAS Blumenfeld offers a curated selection of top-tier concentrates, ranging in texture, potency, and flavor profiles. Here's a breakdown of the most popular options:
1. Live Resin
Live resin is extracted from freshly harvested cannabis that’s flash-frozen to preserve terpene and cannabinoid content. It often comes in textures like sugar, sauce, or badder. Known for rich flavor and aromatic profiles, live resin is a favorite for dabbing.
Popular choices at Blumenfeld include:
Orange Creamsicle Live Resin Sugar
Grape Gushers Sauce
Blueberry Muffins Badder
These concentrates typically test above 70% THC and offer strong, balanced effects.
2. Live Rosin
Live rosin is a solventless concentrate made using only heat and pressure. It starts with fresh-frozen flower or hash and is ideal for those seeking purity, flavor, and a chemical-free experience.
Examples on the menu include:
Garlic Grease Live Rosin
Live Rosin Sluggers in strain-specific varieties
Live rosin offers rich terpene expression and is commonly used in dabs or infused joints.
3. Budder and Badder
These concentrates have a creamy, whipped texture and are made through purging solvents at low temperatures. Budder is known for its smooth dabs and easy-to-use consistency.
Strains like Blue Crack Cold-Cure Badder provide a rich and balanced high with THC levels typically in the mid-70% range.
4. Diamonds and Sauce
Diamonds are crystalline THC-A formations found in terpene-rich sauces. These potent crystals are ideal for experienced users seeking intense effects.
They deliver a powerful punch, and when paired with terpene sauce, they also offer a complex aroma and flavor profile.
5. Crumble and Wax
These are more brittle and dry versions of budder, usually easier to handle. They're ideal for dabbing or topping off flower bowls or joints.
6. Hash and Kief
For those seeking traditional, solventless options, hash and kief are collected from trichomes using screens or ice water methods. While lower in potency than other concentrates, they are great for boosting the strength of flower.
How to Use Cannabis Concentrates
Depending on the type of concentrate, there are various ways to consume them:
Dabbing
Dabbing involves vaporizing a small amount of concentrate on a hot surface (a nail or banger) and inhaling the vapor. It's the most common method for consuming wax, shatter, live resin, and rosin.
Tools needed: Dab rig, torch or e-nail, dab tool, and a carb cap.
Temperature: Aim for low to medium temperatures (315–450°F) to preserve flavor and avoid harsh smoke.
Vaping
Vape cartridges and concentrate pens offer a convenient and discreet way to enjoy concentrates. They're available in both disposable and reusable forms.
Use a low voltage setting for flavor-rich concentrates like live resin.
Make sure the cartridge is compatible with your battery.
Topping Flower
A small amount of wax, kief, or rosin can be added to bowls or joints to increase potency. This is a good method for those who enjoy the flavor of flower but want a stronger effect.
Edibles and Infusions
Some concentrates can be used in homemade edibles if properly decarboxylated. However, dosing can be tricky, so it's generally not recommended unless you're experienced.
Choosing the Right Concentrate for You
With so many options, selecting the right concentrate comes down to a few key factors:
Experience Level
Beginner: Start with kief, low-THC wax, or infused pre-rolls.
Intermediate: Try badder, budder, or live resin.
Advanced: Diamonds, rosin, or high-THC shatter.
Flavor vs. Potency
If you're flavor-focused, go for live resin, sauce, or rosin. If you're seeking a hard-hitting high, diamonds or high-THC shatter are ideal.
Consumption Method Preference
Dabbing and vaping are best for those seeking precision and discretion.
Joint or bowl toppers are good for those who still prefer flower but want more strength.
Storage Tips for Concentrates
Proper storage ensures your concentrates maintain their potency, texture, and flavor.
Use airtight containers: Silicone jars or glass containers are ideal.
Avoid light and heat: Store in a cool, dark place. For long-term storage, a refrigerator is best.
Avoid moisture: Especially with solventless products like rosin or hash.
Deals and Pricing at Blumenfeld
Blumenfeld often features special promotions such as:
Buy 2, Get 1 for $1 on select concentrates
Daily deals and bundles for brand-specific products
Discounts for veterans and seniors
With a rotating menu, it’s always worth checking what new strains and concentrate types are available. Staff are well-versed in helping you select options based on your goals—be it pain relief, relaxation, or recreation.
Responsible Use Tips
Due to their potency, concentrates should always be consumed with caution. Here are a few reminders:
Start small: A rice grain-sized dab is often more than enough for beginners.
Wait between doses: Effects can be intense and long-lasting.
Use proper tools: Avoid makeshift devices or high-temperature dabs that could degrade product quality.
Stay hydrated and safe: Have water nearby, and never operate heavy machinery after use.
Final Thoughts
Cannabis concentrates offer a high-powered, flavorful, and versatile way to experience the benefits of cannabis. Whether you're a terpene lover seeking a full-spectrum live rosin or a seasoned user chasing pure potency with diamonds, the variety available at Blumenfeld ensures that every consumer finds the right fit.
From educating new users to guiding seasoned dabbers toward the best deals and products, the team at Blumenfeld continues to provide a top-notch cannabis experience. As always, consume responsibly and enjoy the elevated possibilities that concentrates bring to your cannabis journey.