How To Medicate With Concentrates

In Part I we explored methods of producing Cannabis concentrates; we conclude by discussing various methods of consumption.

Concentrates are rapidly rising in popularity among Cannabis users as their availability continues to grow. Hash and hash oil have been joined by wax and shatter. These medicines offer the advantage of a higher concentration of cannabinoids with less plant material, resulting in a cleaner and healthier smoke.

Concentrates can also be consumed in smaller quantities. For patients with a higher tolerance to the effects of cannabinoids, these preparations provide more significant relief of their symptoms. As previously discussed, the processing of these concentrates can leave behind a different type of impurity than is commonly found in plant material. However, when made properly and correctly, concentrates can be cleansed of such chemical contaminants - ice water hash and CO₂ extracts are good examples. What follows is a review of some common methods of inhaling these concentrates.

Most people start by 'dressing' a bowl of flowers with a pinch of hash powder or a dab of wax or hash oil. These dressed flowers can also be rolled in paper for a joint, which is a fine start and allows one to sample the experience of the more potent product.

Heat It; Don't Kill It:

Hash, hash oil, wax and shatter are best consumed by heating rather than by direct flame (combustion), as controlled heating will result in a more pleasant inhalation experience. The cannabinoids vaporize at 356º F (180º C), the terpenes at a lower temperature. As far as we know, this is as hot as is necessary to enjoy the medicinal benefits of Cannabis. It is better to use a tool that has a controlled source of heat, minimizing the warmth to which one's lungs are subjected.

How Are Cannabis Concentrates Usually Consumed?

Water pipes are available with an oil rig to accommodate waxes and oils (this includes shatter, a purified wax). The oil rig may contain a titanium (Ti) or glass nail in place of a bowl. A quartz stone nail is also used and is more durable than glass. Another style of oil rig uses a concave piece of metal with a funnel suspended over it to catch the rising vapor. The nail or metal plate is heated with a butane torch, ideally to 356º F. Usually a patient will guess when the nail or plate turns red but an infrared thermometer could also be used. Once heated, a 'dab' of wax or oil is placed upon the nail or metal plate. In the case of the metal plate, a funnel is lowered from above to gather the vapor. A small piece of hash can also be used in place of oil or wax.

A variety of hand-held devices are available with which to vaporize concentrates. Some work with other flowers as well (aromatherapy). Whereas a couple of years ago there were only three or four of these machines, today there are dozens. There are also e-cigarettes with liquid containing cannabinoids in place of nicotine and/or flavoring agents.

Consuming Cannabis Extracts With Hand-Held Vaporizers:

Hand-held vaporizers are simple and practical. For use with waxes, shatters or hash oils only, some devices are self-cleaning and usually consist of a mouthpiece, plus a battery and heating coil mounted on a plate inside a barrel. The coil plate snaps onto the battery and is covered by attaching the mouthpiece. Most associated battery chargers plug into AC or USB. These typically take one-and-a-half to two hours to charge, but one charge can last for three- to four-hundred inhalations.

There is often a button on the side of the device that is pressed when you are ready to warm the coil after it is loaded with a dab of wax, hash oil or shatter. You are now ready to medicate, as most of these devices heat up quickly. It is quite easy to take a discreet puff or two from hand-held vaporizers; another benefit is the fact that as the extract vaporizes, it is consumed without residue. Also, one dab will last quite a while in a good hand-held vaporizer - longer than when consumed with a torch and nail. When finished, some devices can even be locked so that they can be safely carried in a purse or pocket.

Consuming Cannabis Concentrates With E-Cigarettes Or Pen Vaporizers:

Another device for vaporization is certain types of e-cigarettes, such as the O-Pen Vape. The first design for an electronic cigarette was developed in China by Hon Lik of Ruyan and specified the use of ultrasonic technology (that patent is currently pending worldwide). Ultrasonic vapor is similar to the vapor produced by fog machines in stage shows - there is no heat involved. Most electronic cigarettes on the market today apply a significantly altered design that involves a heating element in place of ultrasonic technology; this mechanism is less expensive to produce.

The more common e-cigarette design utilizes a metal wick immersed in a medicated solution that is heated to a specific temperature, which vaporizes the medicated liquid. The liquid contains polyethylene glycol (PEG), a common solvent or carrier agent used in the pharmaceutical industry. PEG is known to be safe and harmless - it is used in infant humidifiers - and has a boiling point that is quite high, higher than any e-cigarette mechanism.

The usage of e-cigarettes containing nicotine has been shown to be more effective than the nicotine patch at helping smokers to quit. The vapor produced from high quality e-cigarettes is moist and mild compared to most vaporizers. This seems ideal for patients with dry lungs or a dry cough - it certainly is better than the feel of raspy smoke, and the vapor produced is odorless.

Unlike disposable e-cigarettes, some pen vaporizers are marketed with preloaded cartridges that are strain specific, offering a greater selection than simple labels of indica, sativa or hybrids. Sour Diesel, Super Silver Haze, Trainwreck and Bubba Kush are just a few examples. Pen vaporizer cartridges usually come in a 250-mg or 500-mg size, typically offered at about the same price point.

Public smoking has been frowned upon for years; Cannabis consumption will not change this. In states where Cannabis is or will soon be legal, these hand-held devices for concentrates will become increasingly more popular, as they allow medicating to be more discreet and less obtrusive.