[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, so do its consumers. Current cannabis consumers are much more knowledgeable about the products that they purchase – and the standards to which they are processed. Full-spectrum concentrates are a great example of how the cannabis industry is evolving to meet the needs of its customers. [/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”26821″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]While concentrates such as shatter, vape oils and distillates are not new to the industry, the concept of producing a premium, full-spectrum product is slowly becoming the new norm.

What are Full-Spectrum Concentrates?

While cannabis concentrates are typically very high in cannabinoid content with many concentrates reaching 60-90% pure THC or CBD content, many extraction processes destroy or dilute the terpenes found within the plant. Terpenes are responsible for giving cannabis its unique aroma, as well as contributing to many of the effects including sedative properties, anti-anxiety and even anti-cancer agents.
Full-spectrum concentrates preserve not only cannabinoid content, but also terpene and flavonoid profiles for a more “whole” customer experience. This is known as the “Entourage Effect”. [/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”26822″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]

The “Entourage Effect”

The “Entourage Effect” contributes to the benefits of the cannabis flower as a whole. That is to say that the components found within cannabis plants – cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids – are all designed to work together to produce the desired effects.
One example of the “Entourage Effect” in action is how the cannabinoid CBD can actually help balance the heavy cerebral effects of THC. Therefore, allowing patients to benefit from THC but without overwhelming cerebral effects.
Terpenes also contribute to the effects of cannabis in many ways. As terpenes are not only found in the cannabis plant, but also throughout nature, the effects have been well studied. Ever take a bath with lavender essential oil? That is the terpene linalool at work. This terpene contributes to reduce the effects of stress and anxiety and can even assist with pain relief. Another well known terpene is Terpinolene, which is commonly found in tea tree oil. This terpene is praised for its antifungal, antibacterial and sedative influence. All of these effects work in tandem with THC (or CBD) to produce the full-spectrum benefit of the cannabis plant. [/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”26823″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]

Final Thoughts

Pure THC or pure CBD products do have their place in the cannabis industry and can help to treat a number of disorders, but full-spectrum products takes that one step further.
Many strain specific concentrates, such as the ones we carry at Compassion Concentrates, are derived from that particular cannabis plant – meaning that they contain terpenes as well as cannabinoid content. Choosing strain-derived or full-spectrum concentrates is as close to nature as you can get.
Fortunately, with the array of concentrates on the market, it is becoming much easier to choose the exact product for you based on the strain or the levels of cannabinoid and terpenes found in that extract.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Cannabis oils are a concentrated form of the cannabis plant. All cannabis oils and concentrates are derived directly from fresh flower that has been put through an extraction process in order to produce the desired potency and consistency.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”26676″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]

Oils versus Flower

The typical range of potency in cannabis flower is between 14% reaching up to 30% in some cases. Most strains fall around the 16-20% THC mark, making it a solid option. For customers looking for something more potent, however, cannabis oils are the best choice. As cannabis oil is a concentrated form of cannabinoids, which have been stripped from the flower and processed, these products can have THC levels ranging from 60% up to 90%. This results in a product that is 4-6x more potent than flower!

Types of Oils

There are various cannabis oil products on the market currently including phoenix tears (also known as Rick Simpson Oil / RSO), clear distillates, vape pen oil, CBD oil and more. Depending on the production method, these oils are derived using different types of extraction processes and solvents to produce the desired effects. [/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”26679″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row content_placement=”top”][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Butane Hash Oil (Honey Oil)
Butane Hash Oil, also known as BHO or Honey Oil, is a potent concentrate that can come in oil, budder, shatter and wax consistencies. It is so named for the use of butane throughout the extraction process.
CO2 Oil
CO2 extraction is another method that uses CO2, as opposed to butane, to strip cannabinoids from the plant. This is considered a “green solvent” and is still new to the industry. The resulting concentrates can range from oil, budder, shatter and wax consistencies but do not retain the same terpene profile as butane processes.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Rick Simpson Oil / Phoenix Tears
Rick Simpson Oil is typically a full spectrum oil that uses all of the plant matter and contains high levels of THC, typically around 50-60% and 10-15% CBD. True Rick Simpson Oil is typically a combination oil whereas Phoenix Tears tend to be pure THC.
CBD Oil
Similar to the above products, CBD oil is a potent and pure product where CBD is the main component instead of THC. CBD oil has proven beneficial for reducing seizures, managing pain and boosting mood and is typically derived from hemp versus Indica or Sativa cannabis strains. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Most cannabis oils will also be combined with a carrier oil, such as MCT (coconut oil), olive oil, hemp oil or grapeseed oil. These carrier oils are a necessary component that help the body to absorb the concentrated cannabis.

How to Dose

It is estimated that cannabis oil is a 6:1 ratio when compared to dry flower – essentially, this means every 6 ml of oil is equivalent to 1 gram of flower. As a result, most patients will find relief with a daily dose of 0.5 to 1.5 ml of THC cannabis oil. However, if you are brand new to cannabis oil, the effects will be much stronger and you may only need 0.25ml.
Of course, this can be adjusted if you have more severe symptoms one day or if you are not getting the necessary relief from the suggested dose. However, it is important to allow the oil time to be absorbed, so do not re-dose until at least 4 hours have passed to ensure you give it a chance to work.
While cannabis oil takes longer to work than smoking a joint, the effects also last longer and can provide all-day relief.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”26680″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]

Benefits of Cannabis Oil

Given the high concentrations of cannabinoids found in THC or CBD cannabis oil, it is a very potent option for patients seeking relief. Depending on which type of oil you have chosen, you may see different benefits. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Benefits of THC Oil

THC is a very potent property that provides a multitude of benefits including:

• Reduces inflammation by controlling the immune response
• Releases neurotransmitters to improve mood and manage mood disorders
• Stimulates appetite through the release of the hormone “ghrelin”
• Reduces oxidative stress in the cells to prevent cell death
• Reduces the production of amyloid – a protein linked to Alzheimer’s

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Benefits of CBD Oil

CBD is another popular cannabinoid that produces little to no psychoactive effects, but has a host of medical benefits including:

• Reduces inflammation by controlling the immune response
• Relieves mild, moderate and even severe pain
• Reduces depression by increasing serotonin production
• Reduces anxiety by managing blood flow and brain activity
• Reduces seizures by managing GABA, a hormone linked to seizures and heightened excitability in the brain

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Compassion Concentrates

All concentrates manufactured at Compassion Concentrates (including our shatter, live resin, edibles, clear distillate and phoenix tears) are produced using butane extraction (versus alcohol or CO2) to strip the desired components from the plant. This process filters butane through plant material to separate the cannabinoids, terpenes and trichomes from the plant itself. This particular extraction method is known to produce some of the strongest concentrates on the market and also preserves the terpene profiles to result in extremely flavorful concentrates.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]