We hear you’re looking to take your first brave steps into concentrates. So we’re here to make your journey into as enjoyable and terpy as possible. Let’s guide you through the concentrates landscape, starting with the basics and gradually moving to the pinnacle of concentrate consumption: the dab rig.
What Are Concentrates?
Concentrates are potent extracts from the cannabis plant that capture the its most desirable compounds—cannabinoids and terpenes—in a condensed form. This concentration process creates a more intense experience than flower. According to Leafly, “While bud potency tends to range between 10-25% THC, a concentrate typically falls between 50-80% though some exceptional extracts can even push past 90%.” Ultimately, people seek out concentrates for faster relief, greater potency and a smoother experience because the concentrate is heated and not burned.
Concentrates come in many forms—rosin, resin, sugar, sand…you name it. Each type offers a unique experience, from the texture to the potency and flavor, but all need heat to activate and transform into a vapor that can be inhaled.
Level 1: Disposables
Disposable vape cartridges are ready to use right out of the box. They come pre-filled and -charged, making them the perfect choice for beginners.
Why It’s Great:
- It’s easy, discreet and portable.
- No setup or maintenance needed—just open, inhale, and enjoy!
Investment level:
- Low
How It’s Used:
- Simply inhale or press a button to activate the heating element and vaporizing the cannabis oil or concentrate.
Setup Gear:
- None!
Pure Blossom’s Selection:
Check out our disposables.
Level 2: Cartridges
Cartridges, also known as carts, function similarly to disposables. The main difference is that carts use rechargeable batteries, making them an excellent option for more frequent users.
Why It’s Great:
- Discreet, portable and simple to use.
- Smoother and consistent draw compared to disposables, where hits can be inconsistent as the battery drains.
- Cost-effective due to a reusable battery and larger cart sizes.
- Offers a broader spectrum of strains and flavors than disposables.
Investment level:
- Low
How It’s Used:
- Attach the cartridge to a charged battery and activate it by inhaling or pressing a button to vaporize the cannabis oil or concentrate.
- Keep the cartridge upright to prevent oil from leaking into the mouthpiece.
Setup Gear:
- Batteries (most often a 510-thread battery)
Pure Blossom’s Selection:
Check out our carts. Learn how live resin and live rosin are different here.
Level 3: E-Pens
E-pens are portable electronic vaporizers (think mini-dab) that are designed to handle semi-solid and solid cannabis concentrates. These are a great starting point for those exploring thicker concentrates without fully committing.
Why It’s Great:
- Gives you the flexibility of a dab rig and the portability of a pre-filled vape pen.
- Temperature control and operation is a breeze.
- Compatible with a wider range of cannabis concentrates, including wax, shatter, budder, etc.
Investment level:
- Medium
How It’s Used:
- Charge the pen, select the desired temperature and load your preferred concentrate.
Setup Gear:
- Vaporizer: Puffco | Plus in Onyx or Puffco | Plus in Pearl
- Comes with a:
- 510 battery
- Chamber + Grip (where the concentrate is placed)
- Dart (to load and dispense cannabis concentrates)
- Mouthpiece
- Comes with a:
Pure Blossom’s Selection:
Check out our sugar and sand concentrates
Level 4: E-Rigs
E-rigs, smart, compact water pipes, have revolutionized how we consume more complex concentrates. Unlike traditional rigs, e-rigs offer precise temperature control, ensuring a consistent experience with every use.
Why It’s Great:
- Our manager, Jordan, recommends using either e-pen or e-rig due to ease of use and the ability to gauge temperatures to prevent overuse.
- Higher-end models allow you to track consumption and temperature to see what works best for you.
- Consistent heating and user safety.
- Compatible with a wider range of cannabis concentrates, including wax, shatter, budder, etc.
Investment level:
- Medium
How It’s Used:
- Charge the device, fill it with water, select the heat setting and load your concentrate.
Setup Gear:
- Vaporizer: Puffco | Peak in Black
- Comes with
- Dab tool
- Carp cap
- Tether
- Extra ceramic bowl
- Comes with
Pure Blossom’s Selection:
Check out our sugar and sand concentrates
Level 5: Dab Rig
Welcome to the traditional art of dabbing, the holy grail of cannabis concentrate exploration. The dab rig, a specialized water pipe built for intense heat, caters to enthusiasts seeking greater control and customization.
Why It’s Great:
- This offers a more ritualistic experience, allowing for a greater appreciation of the subtleties in flavor and potency among different types of concentrates.
- Typically less expensive than e-rigs and customizable.
- Enthusiasts adore dab rigs for their capability to produce potent and flavorful hits, creating a one-of-a-kind and intense dabbing experience.
- Compatible with a wider range of cannabis concentrates, including wax, shatter, budder, etc.
- You will be extremely high.
Investment level:
- High
How It’s Used:
- Fill the water chamber with enough water to cover the downstem, but not so much that it splashes into the mouthpiece.
- Heat the nail or banger (a place to heat and vaporize your concentrates) using a torch or electronic heating element until it is glowing red hot.
- Allow the nail or banger to cool for 30-60 seconds to achieve the optimal dabbing temperature (around 315-450°F or 157-232°C).
- Using a dab tool (a utensil used to handle the concentrate), place a small amount of cannabis concentrate onto the heated nail or banger.
Setup Gear:
- Dab Rigs (most are glass)
- Mouthpiece
- The chamber
- Banger (nail) or e-nail
- Dab torch
- Temperature gun
- Dab mat
- Dab tool
- Carb cap
Pure Blossom’s Selection:
Check out our sugar and sand concentrates
Bottom Line
From the simplicity of disposables to the dedicated craft of dab rig setup, there’s a whole world of potent, flavorful experiences waiting for you. And remember, we are here to assist you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out for advice or recommendations. No question is too small or insignificant when finding the perfect fit for your lifestyle and experience level.
Visit Pure Blossom for Cannabis and Other Essentials
Explore Pure Blossom’s curated selection of New Jersey cannabis brands and essential accessories. Whether you’re doing the old Google thing, searching for a dispensary near me or nearby dispensaries in New Jersey, Pure Blossom is a short, scenic, calming drive away, and our friendly guide-connoisseurs are excited to take you through our curated selection of New Jersey cannabis brands (and other essentials). We’ll see you there!