A marijuana concentrate is a highly potent concentrated form of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) that is most similar in appearance to either honey or butter, and commonly referred to or known on the street as “honey oil” or “budder.”
Marijuana concentrates contain extraordinarily high THC levels that could range from 40 to 80 percent. This form of marijuana can be up to four times higher in THC content than high grade or top shelf marijuana, which normally measures around 20 percent THC levels.
Many methods are utilized to convert or “manufacture” marijuana into marijuana concentrates. One method is the butane extraction process. This process is particularly dangerous because it uses highly flammable butane to extract the THC from the cannabis plant. Given the flammable nature of butane, this process has resulted in violent explosions. THC extraction labs are being reported nationwide, particularly in the western states and in states where local and state marijuana laws are more relaxed.
Marijuana concentrate users prefer the e-cigarette/vaporizer method of administration because it is smokeless, sometimes odorless, and easy to hide or conceal.
The user takes a small amount of marijuana concentrate, referred to as a “dab,” then heats the substance using the e-cigarette/vaporizer producing vapors that ensures an instant “high” effect upon the user. Using an e-cigarette/vaporizer to inhale marijuana concentrates is commonly referred to as “dabbing” or “vaping.”
Being a highly concentrated form of marijuana, the effects upon the user may be more psychologically and physically intense than plant marijuana use. To date, long term effects of marijuana concentrate use are not yet fully known; but, the effects of marijuana use are known.