Tetrahydrocannabinol, more commonly abbreviated as THC, is the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana that causes altered states and makes it addictive. If you were to purchase top-shelf marijuana, you would find that the THC content was only about 20 percent. Marijuana concentrates extract the THC from the plants. As a result, the concentration is up to four times higher than even high-grade marijuana plants. It can be up to 40% or even 80%.
According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, marijuana concentrates have a smooth, gelatinous appearance resembling butter or honey. As a result, street nicknames for the drug include “budder” and “honey oil.”
How are marijuana concentrates abused?
The most recent way of abusing marijuana concentrates is by using the semi-liquid material in e-cigarettes or vaporizers. The THC extracts can go into a vape pen, which is easy to conceal because it produces no telltale smoke or odor. Smoking marijuana concentrates with bongs remains a popular method of ingestion. Some people also add the extracts to food or drink.
What is the process of extracting the THC?
There are many methods. Especially in western states like California, there are whole THC extraction labs set up for the purpose. A particular dangerous method is by using butane, a substance that is extremely volatile and highly flammable. Violent explosions have resulted from attempts at this extraction process.
How do marijuana concentrates affect the body?
It is too early to tell how THC extracts affect the body in the long term. In the short term, however, the effects can be similar to those of smoking or ingesting marijuana plants directly. However, because of the high concentration of THC, the effects can be much more intense.
