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Ever since man learned to climb, he aimed to climb to the highest peaks possible. Even Icarus tried to get close to the sun when he attempted to fly, and ever since we could soar the skies, we've always yearned to get as high as humanly possible. The same can be said for our relationship with cannabis. Once we found out that the kief falling off our seedy bush weed or the sticky resin on our palms from handling fresh cannabis was an even more potent smoke than the plant itself, concentrates quickly became an integral part of cannabis consumption and culture around the world. Where cannabis legalization for recreational use began with giving Canadians access to dried flower, oils, and seeds in October 2018, the second phase of cannabis legalization in Canada was unveiled in October 2019 ("Cannabis 2.0"), giving Canadians legal access to far more products such as vapes, edibles, beverages, concentrates, and topicals. Since then, cannabis concentrates have proven to hold a significant share of the cannabis market, with consumption, sales, and the development of products steadily increasing every year. According to data from Statistics Canada, sales of cannabis concentrates increased by 156.4% between March 2020 and March 2021, while sales of dried flower increased by only 52.1%. Recreational cannabis concentrate sales in Canada rose from 1,000,000 units in April 2020 to over three times as much in March of 2022, not even two years later!* This certainly shows a growing preference for concentrates among Canadian cannabis consumers, and this trend is expected to continue rising in the coming years.  BIG THCa Diamonds Up until around 20 years ago, the only cannabis concentrates people generally knew of were cannabis oil, resin (or hashish), and kief (dry-sieved trichomes). But nowadays, there’s a whole array of options when choosing a cannabis concentrate, all with various potency levels, terpene contents, and distinct consumption methods. As of February 2023, there are several hundred different cannabis concentrate products to be found and purchased legally in Canada, such as THC distillates, waxes, diamonds, shatter, rosin, live resins, hashish and more. The variety in concentrates just shows the demand consumers have for a tailored and unique cannabis experience. It's far more empowering than simply choosing an indica or sativa... consumers are now able to choose a specific cannabis product (and sometimes brand!) that suits their needs and preferences.
"The most fun aspect of concentrates is innovation!" |
 Hosh rosin being pressed. |  Twisted up hash rosin. |
"I've been making edibles commercially since 2015 and it's been fascinating to watch the evolution of inputs that became available. When distillate came around in the fall of 2016, it was a game changer. Super concentrated and easy to dose and practically tasteless. But I always found the effects to be lacking. Straight THC without other cannabinoids is certainly effective, but it's lacking. When hash rosin became available I jumped on it for a few reasons. For starters, the effects are incomparable to distillate edibles. I like to say that a THC distillate edible is like getting smacked in the face whereas a hash rosin edible is like a warm hug from an old friend. The entourage effect from the other cannabinoids and terpenes makes for such a full and beautiful feeling. I also love that they are solvent-free. While other methods use solvents like butane to extract concentrates, rosin only uses heat and pressure. It's a much cleaner product ultimately.", says Ari Cohen, co-founder of Fritz's Gummies.
"While other methods use solvents like butane to extract concentrates, rosin only uses heat and pressure. It's a much cleaner product ultimately."
- Ari Cohen (Fritz's Gummies)
 Ari Cohen (Fritz's Gummies) |  |
One factor driving the popularity of cannabis concentrates is their potency. Concentrates are made by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material, resulting in a highly concentrated form of THC or CBD. This means that a smaller amount of concentrate can produce a more potent effect than a larger amount of dried flower. For many consumers, this translates into a healthier, more efficient and cost-effective way to consume cannabis. For example, concentrates are often preferred by cannabis users who use cannabis medicinally and require higher doses of THC or CBD to manage their symptoms. A patient with chronic pain
might want to vapourize a concentrate higher in THC than is typically found in dried flower to achieve the desired effect without the need for extensive toking or negatively impacting their health via smoking.
This rise in cannabis concentrate consumption in Canada is reflected in the growing popularity of "dabbing". This is a method of consuming concentrates that involves heating shatter, rosin, oil or live resin on a hot surface and inhaling the resulting vapour. While dabbing was once considered a niche activity, it's become increasingly mainstream in recent years, due in part to the availability of portable "dab rigs" or electronic vapourizers that make it easier for consumers to dab on-the-go.
"I think medical users and long-time users of cannabis are using concentrates more and more. But even the casual smoker is becoming more interested in 'dabbing', especially with all the tools out there now. Dab rigs and torches can be scary and put off new consumers. But with all the pens and electronic dab rigs it's allowed people to be introduced to concentrates in a softer way.", says Ari Cohen.
Another factor that might be driving the growth in concentrates is the simple nature of cannabis tolerance. Over the last thirty years we have seen THC potency in dried flower and concentrates increase significantly* and along with increased cannabis use across Canada*, one can consider the possibility that sheer cannabis tolerance might be a possible driving force contributing to concentrate sales. It’s not uncommon to see the regular cannabis user in an everlasting quest for that hard-hitting fire.
might want to vapourize a concentrate higher in THC than is typically found in dried flower to achieve the desired effect without the need for extensive toking or negatively impacting their health via smoking.
This rise in cannabis concentrate consumption in Canada is reflected in the growing popularity of "dabbing". This is a method of consuming concentrates that involves heating shatter, rosin, oil or live resin on a hot surface and inhaling the resulting vapour. While dabbing was once considered a niche activity, it's become increasingly mainstream in recent years, due in part to the availability of portable "dab rigs" or electronic vapourizers that make it easier for consumers to dab on-the-go.
"I think medical users and long-time users of cannabis are using concentrates more and more. But even the casual smoker is becoming more interested in 'dabbing', especially with all the tools out there now. Dab rigs and torches can be scary and put off new consumers. But with all the pens and electronic dab rigs it's allowed people to be introduced to concentrates in a softer way.", says Ari Cohen.
Another factor that might be driving the growth in concentrates is the simple nature of cannabis tolerance. Over the last thirty years we have seen THC potency in dried flower and concentrates increase significantly* and along with increased cannabis use across Canada*, one can consider the possibility that sheer cannabis tolerance might be a possible driving force contributing to concentrate sales. It’s not uncommon to see the regular cannabis user in an everlasting quest for that hard-hitting fire.
"Dab rigs and torches can be scary and put off new consumers. But with all the pens and electronic dab rigs it's allowed people to be introduced to concentrates in a softer way."
- Ari Cohen (Fritz's Gummies)
"Concentrate consumers fall into three categories. First, there are the connoisseurs who are always looking for the newest & best flavours and extraction techniques. These folks are small in number, but speak & smoke loud. We love these folks. Second, there are folks that are looking to maximize the bang-for-buck, often with hydrocarbon products like our BIG Diamonds or BIG Shatter which offer some pretty hard-hitting dabs at a reasonable price. This group may also benefit from the convenience of dabs: they’re fast, they’re small & they don’t smell. Great for when it's not convenient to spend 30 minutes rolling & smoking dried flower. Finally, there’s the infused crowd who are a new consumer group for us. Some come over from the prior groups, others are trading in their regular pre-rolls for something stronger or more flavourful. Each is unique, but what draws them together is the potential for unbeatable flavour & potency for infused. Over time we think the higher quality, better tasting & stronger products will do well.", says John Fowler.
BIG Budder
When it comes to my personal concentrate choice, I prefer some good-old hashish, especially as it doesn’t require any extra devices or contraptions to consume it. But that isn’t to say I haven’t had my fair share of dabs, where I almost stopped smoking flower for months altogether! Flavour plays a big role in my cannabis experience, and when it comes to parties, you can bet I’ll be cracking open an infused pre-roll to get things going. Even as a flower smoker, concentrates still play a big role in my life as a cannabis consumer.
I still remember over a decade ago being introduced to what was then a brand new category of concentrate cannabis connoisseurs referred to as “The Clear” (what we now call THC distillate). I was so shocked to have an exclusive viewing (and dabbing!) of this ultra-potent, tasteless and colourless glue-like substance for the first time. Now, just ten years later, it’s but one of many concentrates available to practically any adult in Canada and parts of the US. Long gone are the days when the only cannabis choices one could make was getting either marijuana bud or hashish. With the continuing advancement of technology, combined with the ongoing integration of genetic studies and laboratory sciences in the cannabis industry, the current selection and variety of concentrates in Canada can make the long-seasoned cannabis toker feel like a kid in a candy store.
Say what you will about stoners, but we are an innovative bunch. I can’t even imagine what other kinds of concentrates we’ll be seeing in the near future. I just know that the immense passion, creative focus, and high tolerances cannabis producers often have will eventually make today's THC diamonds look like grandpa’s old school hash!
*Sources:
Headset Report - Cannabis Concentrates: An analysis of category data & trends
Canada.ca - Cannabis extracts data: Inventory, sales and licensed area
Canada.ca - Canadian Cannabis Survey 2022: Summary
National Library of Medicine - Changes in Cannabis Potency over the Last Two Decades (1995-2014)
I still remember over a decade ago being introduced to what was then a brand new category of concentrate cannabis connoisseurs referred to as “The Clear” (what we now call THC distillate). I was so shocked to have an exclusive viewing (and dabbing!) of this ultra-potent, tasteless and colourless glue-like substance for the first time. Now, just ten years later, it’s but one of many concentrates available to practically any adult in Canada and parts of the US. Long gone are the days when the only cannabis choices one could make was getting either marijuana bud or hashish. With the continuing advancement of technology, combined with the ongoing integration of genetic studies and laboratory sciences in the cannabis industry, the current selection and variety of concentrates in Canada can make the long-seasoned cannabis toker feel like a kid in a candy store.
Say what you will about stoners, but we are an innovative bunch. I can’t even imagine what other kinds of concentrates we’ll be seeing in the near future. I just know that the immense passion, creative focus, and high tolerances cannabis producers often have will eventually make today's THC diamonds look like grandpa’s old school hash!
*Sources:
Headset Report - Cannabis Concentrates: An analysis of category data & trends
Canada.ca - Cannabis extracts data: Inventory, sales and licensed area
Canada.ca - Canadian Cannabis Survey 2022: Summary
National Library of Medicine - Changes in Cannabis Potency over the Last Two Decades (1995-2014)
When it comes to choosing a cannabis strain, many people focus on the THC content to determine the high they will experience. However, the terpenes in a strain can play an even more significant role in whether it has indica or sativa effects.
Terpenes are aromatic compounds that are found in many plants, including cannabis. They are responsible for the plant's distinct aroma and can also have various effects on the body when consumed. Cannabis strains contain different combinations and concentrations of terpenes, which can significantly impact the overall experience.
Indica strains are generally known for their relaxing and sedative effects, while sativa strains are associated with more energizing and uplifting effects. However, research suggests that terpenes play a more significant role in these effects than the THC content.
For example, the terpene myrcene, which is commonly found in indica strains, has sedative effects and can help to relax the body. Limonene, on the other hand, is a terpene that is found in many sativa strains and has energizing effects. Pinene, which is found in both indica and sativa strains, can have a stimulating effect on the mind.
Terpenes are aromatic compounds that are found in many plants, including cannabis. They are responsible for the plant's distinct aroma and can also have various effects on the body when consumed. Cannabis strains contain different combinations and concentrations of terpenes, which can significantly impact the overall experience.
Indica strains are generally known for their relaxing and sedative effects, while sativa strains are associated with more energizing and uplifting effects. However, research suggests that terpenes play a more significant role in these effects than the THC content.
For example, the terpene myrcene, which is commonly found in indica strains, has sedative effects and can help to relax the body. Limonene, on the other hand, is a terpene that is found in many sativa strains and has energizing effects. Pinene, which is found in both indica and sativa strains, can have a stimulating effect on the mind.
Other terpenes, such as linalool, beta-caryophyllene, and terpinolene, can also influence the overall effects of a strain. Understanding the different terpenes and their effects can help consumers choose a strain that will provide the desired effects.
In conclusion, while THC content is undoubtedly essential when choosing a cannabis strain, terpenes play an equally significant role in determining whether a strain has indica or sativa effects. By considering the terpene profile of a strain, consumers can make a more informed decision about the experience they can expect.
In conclusion, while THC content is undoubtedly essential when choosing a cannabis strain, terpenes play an equally significant role in determining whether a strain has indica or sativa effects. By considering the terpene profile of a strain, consumers can make a more informed decision about the experience they can expect.
AS WE ALL KNOW, the medicinal and recreational cannabis industry is one that is fast developing across the whole world, with Canada aiming for recreational legalization later in 2018. Anyone doing a little bit of research will see that while cannabis access has improved over the last decade in Canada through the Government medical licensing programs or with upcoming legalization for recreational use, the Government have always made every attempt to control its production, distribution and profits, continually arresting individuals and raiding dispensaries across the country. Despite BC having an effective private dispensary model, Provinces are now in talks of setting up a whole new standard for distribution where the Government and liquor boards can get the pieces of the pie.
A membership driven cooperative, the National lndigenous Medical Cannabis Association (NIMCA) is a non-profit corporation developed by lndigenous peoples, for lndigenous peoples. Established in January 2017, NIMCA’s purpose is to educate, promote, advocate and defend the interests and rights of lndigenous people, communities and businesses involved or wishing to be involved in the cannabis industry throughout Canada and its Treaty territories.
NIMCA also represents a growing network of cannabis and hemp growers and farmers, hemp processors and manufacturers, dispensary owners and other cannabis industry related operations, with 21 businesses currently on board.
Now, as the U.N. Declaration on the rights of Indigenous Peoples states, Indigenous peoples have the right to maintain, control, protect and develop their cultural heritage, traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions, as well as the manifestations of their sciences, technologies and cultures, including human and genetic resources, seeds, medicines, knowledge of the properties of fauna and flor oral traditions, literatures, designs, sports and traditional games and visual and performing arts. They also have the right to maintain, control, protect and develop their intellectual property over such cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and traditional cultural expressions.
Arguably, there is more traditional and historical knowledge and use of the hemp and cannabis plant within Indigenous or First Nation communities than in common colonial society, and given the increasing value of hemp and cannabis in the current emerging global market, it is of utmost importance we protect not only what is a vital part of our cultural history, but a highly valuable asset that can allow our communities to thrive in this booming economy, while potentially strengthening our negotiating power when dealing with Government. But as Natives know all too well (in any country), many of our rights and resources get unfairly taken away from us by those ultimately in positions of power.
Currently, each Province is setting their own regulations for the legalization of recreational cannabis, and when looking at current regulations for medicinal cannabis production and distribution, or even proposed regulations within a recreational context, one thing is for certain… very few privileges are being given to the private market, with strict regulations and extremely high penalties for infractions.
NIMCA has a vision to standardize the legal cannabis industry within Indigenous cannabis communities not only in philosophy and education, but in true practice with a safe and fully traceable production and distribution model that is up to Government standard (and higher!). In doing so, it offers the Government no reason to interfere. Instead, NIMCA plans to develop a model so effective, it allows for lucrative business relationships to be developed between the Indigenous people and Canada, as well as with the global cannabis market.
NIMCA currently boasts a facility that rivals those of current Canadian cannabis Licensed Producers and makes every effort to follow all their proposed facility, security and production procedures. In accordance with their vision to create a fully traceable system for their community, NIMCA works with only a select few designated medical cannabis growers and own a commercial facility that offers every service under one roof that any cannabis-related business could ever possibly need.
In an effort to ensure Government standards or higher, the facility was set up following similar guidelines set out by the Canadian government for legal Licensed Producers, while also creating departments for quality concentrate production, edible production, and even on-site testing. With access to these services, NIMCA offers Indigenous communities the ability to create a standardized and safe cannabis industry to thrive in and self-regulate.
Their facility is already prepared for the expansion of cannabis access options for the public and houses a food-grade kitchen for creating commercial-grade quality edibles, a cannabis extraction department capable of making several kinds of concentrates, an inventory warehouse for smoking accessories and apparel, a packaging department with professional grade packaging and labeling equipment, a highly secure vault for safe cannabis storage, on-site security and surveillance, and even a fully equipped lab department capable of doing on-site batch testing of products!
NIMCA also plans to develop a cooperative growing project allowing the cultivation of cannabis and hemp plants in one secure and regulated location in order to further ensure traceability and standardization across all Indigenous cannabis businesses, keeping the industry out of the hands of criminals and the black market.
With NIMCA’s model, any cannabis business that is part of the organization will be able to provide records that track every product from seed to sale, which will support a thriving and protected Indigenous cannabis market, and using this healing plant to restore, revitalize and heal native communities across Canada by securing their place within the emerging cannabis market.
A membership driven cooperative, the National lndigenous Medical Cannabis Association (NIMCA) is a non-profit corporation developed by lndigenous peoples, for lndigenous peoples. Established in January 2017, NIMCA’s purpose is to educate, promote, advocate and defend the interests and rights of lndigenous people, communities and businesses involved or wishing to be involved in the cannabis industry throughout Canada and its Treaty territories.
NIMCA also represents a growing network of cannabis and hemp growers and farmers, hemp processors and manufacturers, dispensary owners and other cannabis industry related operations, with 21 businesses currently on board.
Now, as the U.N. Declaration on the rights of Indigenous Peoples states, Indigenous peoples have the right to maintain, control, protect and develop their cultural heritage, traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions, as well as the manifestations of their sciences, technologies and cultures, including human and genetic resources, seeds, medicines, knowledge of the properties of fauna and flor oral traditions, literatures, designs, sports and traditional games and visual and performing arts. They also have the right to maintain, control, protect and develop their intellectual property over such cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and traditional cultural expressions.
Arguably, there is more traditional and historical knowledge and use of the hemp and cannabis plant within Indigenous or First Nation communities than in common colonial society, and given the increasing value of hemp and cannabis in the current emerging global market, it is of utmost importance we protect not only what is a vital part of our cultural history, but a highly valuable asset that can allow our communities to thrive in this booming economy, while potentially strengthening our negotiating power when dealing with Government. But as Natives know all too well (in any country), many of our rights and resources get unfairly taken away from us by those ultimately in positions of power.
Currently, each Province is setting their own regulations for the legalization of recreational cannabis, and when looking at current regulations for medicinal cannabis production and distribution, or even proposed regulations within a recreational context, one thing is for certain… very few privileges are being given to the private market, with strict regulations and extremely high penalties for infractions.
NIMCA has a vision to standardize the legal cannabis industry within Indigenous cannabis communities not only in philosophy and education, but in true practice with a safe and fully traceable production and distribution model that is up to Government standard (and higher!). In doing so, it offers the Government no reason to interfere. Instead, NIMCA plans to develop a model so effective, it allows for lucrative business relationships to be developed between the Indigenous people and Canada, as well as with the global cannabis market.
NIMCA currently boasts a facility that rivals those of current Canadian cannabis Licensed Producers and makes every effort to follow all their proposed facility, security and production procedures. In accordance with their vision to create a fully traceable system for their community, NIMCA works with only a select few designated medical cannabis growers and own a commercial facility that offers every service under one roof that any cannabis-related business could ever possibly need.
In an effort to ensure Government standards or higher, the facility was set up following similar guidelines set out by the Canadian government for legal Licensed Producers, while also creating departments for quality concentrate production, edible production, and even on-site testing. With access to these services, NIMCA offers Indigenous communities the ability to create a standardized and safe cannabis industry to thrive in and self-regulate.
Their facility is already prepared for the expansion of cannabis access options for the public and houses a food-grade kitchen for creating commercial-grade quality edibles, a cannabis extraction department capable of making several kinds of concentrates, an inventory warehouse for smoking accessories and apparel, a packaging department with professional grade packaging and labeling equipment, a highly secure vault for safe cannabis storage, on-site security and surveillance, and even a fully equipped lab department capable of doing on-site batch testing of products!
NIMCA also plans to develop a cooperative growing project allowing the cultivation of cannabis and hemp plants in one secure and regulated location in order to further ensure traceability and standardization across all Indigenous cannabis businesses, keeping the industry out of the hands of criminals and the black market.
With NIMCA’s model, any cannabis business that is part of the organization will be able to provide records that track every product from seed to sale, which will support a thriving and protected Indigenous cannabis market, and using this healing plant to restore, revitalize and heal native communities across Canada by securing their place within the emerging cannabis market.
 | Written by Gideon BentataGideon is the founder of Cognition Studios and works as a writer, graphic designer, cannabis educator and marketing consultant in Toronto, Canada.  |
Hello fellow tokers,
Have you ever heard of kief? It's that dusty stuff that collects at the bottom of your weed grinder that most people tend to ignore or throw out when that grinder starts getting stuck.
To be more specific, "kief" is made up mostly of the broken trichomes and plant debris that fall off the cannabis buds and leaves, which some could call the first ever solventless concentrate of cannabis! The technical term is called, "Dry-sift extraction".
Have you ever heard of kief? It's that dusty stuff that collects at the bottom of your weed grinder that most people tend to ignore or throw out when that grinder starts getting stuck.
To be more specific, "kief" is made up mostly of the broken trichomes and plant debris that fall off the cannabis buds and leaves, which some could call the first ever solventless concentrate of cannabis! The technical term is called, "Dry-sift extraction".
"Trichomes" are the tiny, sticky stalks or "crystals" on your cannabis buds and leaves that contain a high amount of THC (the cannabis compound responsible for the psychoactive high), and it's this fine powder that infamous Moroccan hashish is made with, using a process of beating the buds over a tightly bound screen.
So no, do not throw out that powder that collects on the edges of your grinder!
So no, do not throw out that powder that collects on the edges of your grinder!
What many cannabis smokers don't know is that kief not only comes from buds, but also from leftover stems and shake that many would otherwise throw away, and there are some easier methods to collect it aside from using your grinder.
In this article, we're going to show you how you can still make good use of your stems and leftover shake, and the many things you can do with your kief!
In this article, we're going to show you how you can still make good use of your stems and leftover shake, and the many things you can do with your kief!
Many years ago, I came across a cannabis accessory called the "Pollen Shaker", and it's probably one of the most valued cannabis accessories I have ever owned. It's lasted me so many years, it's fool-proof to use and it's blessed me with the opportunity to toke when there were days I had no cannabis left at all.
The "Pollen Shaker" is essentially a handheld aluminium or PVC tube that can be opened from both ends and has a fine screen built-in halfway inside. Used as a handheld kief shaker, one can put their ground up buds, trim and shake into one end, freeze the tube for 20minutes (rendering the trichomes on the cannabis brittle and easily breakable), and with a good 5 minute shake produce a sizeable mound of powdery kief on the other side.
This process can be repeated a couple times until you notice that the powder becomes more green in colour as more plant material (and less trichomes) starts passing through the fine screen mesh. This not only makes your kief less potent and pure, but the flavour also becomes far more plant-like when smoked.
The "Pollen Shaker" is essentially a handheld aluminium or PVC tube that can be opened from both ends and has a fine screen built-in halfway inside. Used as a handheld kief shaker, one can put their ground up buds, trim and shake into one end, freeze the tube for 20minutes (rendering the trichomes on the cannabis brittle and easily breakable), and with a good 5 minute shake produce a sizeable mound of powdery kief on the other side.
This process can be repeated a couple times until you notice that the powder becomes more green in colour as more plant material (and less trichomes) starts passing through the fine screen mesh. This not only makes your kief less potent and pure, but the flavour also becomes far more plant-like when smoked.
There are quite a few kief-makers on the market that typically tend to be more tray-like in fashion, making them too bulky to freeze in a common freezer and makes it difficult to efficiently shake the kief from the cannabis. The "Pollen Shaker" on the other hand, can be shaken vigorously and is far more efficient as a kief separator than the alternatives.
The amazing thing is that we often underestimate how much kief we can actually produce from the weed stems we would typically throw away! Start collecting your stems, and after a few joints, you could have enough stems to collect a gram of high quality kief!
Now, did I mention that Kief can sometimes be as high as 60% in THC? Not bad for some stems and leafy shake!
So what can we do with this kief? Well, there are a number of ways we can make use of this powdery gold:
The amazing thing is that we often underestimate how much kief we can actually produce from the weed stems we would typically throw away! Start collecting your stems, and after a few joints, you could have enough stems to collect a gram of high quality kief!
Now, did I mention that Kief can sometimes be as high as 60% in THC? Not bad for some stems and leafy shake!
So what can we do with this kief? Well, there are a number of ways we can make use of this powdery gold:
- Smoke it as is - fill up a bong or pipe bowl with some kief (optionally add tobacco) for a super smooth, yet hard hitting smoke or sprinkle some of this solventless cannabis extract into your joints or bowls for that extra THC boost. (Don't put too much or no air will pass through!)
- Moonrocks and Moonrockets - coat your buds or joints with some sticky cannabis oil and brush on a layer of kief for an out of this world high
- Homemade Dry-Sift Hashish - Press your kief using your fingers or some heat and a Pollen Press to create Pollen Pucks (small discs of dry sift hash)
- Rosin - A rosin press like this one uses high pressure and heated plates to extract the oils out of cannabis buds to create "rosin", and pressing kief will create an even more concentrated rosin extract.
- Topicals and Edibles - Kief can be used to infuse butter or oils to create cannabis edibles and topicals, such as with the Magical Butter or the Levo machine. Unlike infusing butter or oils with cannabis buds, infusing with kief will result in less green colour and less of a plant-like taste!
- Extracts and Tinctures - kief can be used to make concentrated cannabis extracts with the use of high-proof alcohol or solvents. When decarboxylated, it can be left in high-proof ethanol (drinking alcohol) to create a medicinal tincture.
When I was once a budtender, I was fortunate enough to keep all the stems and floor buds (yes, buds that fell on the floor, lol) at the end of every day. After accumulating bags of the stuff over a few months, I collected enough kief to fill my largest tupperware tub in my home. I would bong this with a few flakes of weed (to help it burn) and essentially toked free for almost a year!
So now that you know a little more about kief, what are you going to do with it?
 | Written by Gideon BentataGideon is the founder of Cognition Studios and works as a writer, graphic designer, cannabis educator and marketing consultant in Toronto, Canada. |