If you want to get high, concentrates are
the way to go. Concentrates, of which there are many varieties, are the result
of distilling cannabinoids and terpenes, i.e., isolating the sticky and shiny
stuff on the buds that make you stoned and give cannabis its flavor. This not
only means removing all that excess plant matter, but also a far greater
THC/CBD-to-product ratio: Standard cannabis buds rarely exceed 30 percent THC
content, concentrates start around the 50 percent range and can get as high as
the mid-80s. If you are not an experienced consumer, take care when sampling
these particularly potent byproducts. You will also need to purchase a dab rig of some form, since concentrates cannot be easily consumed with conventional paraphernalia
like bongs and rolling papers.
This review will address four types of
concentrates:
Wax: A hash made by freezing buds and
removing the resins. It gets its name from the way it bubbles when exposed to
flame.
Crumble: Reminiscent of granular honey, crumble is
one of the most versatile concentrates and can be added to joints or sprinkled
in a bowl, rather than consumed by dabbing.
Sugar: Known
for high terpene content, sugars have pleasant aromas that tend to linger. Sugars
are similar in texture to crumble, but more viscous. Store upright or the
product will run.
Shatter: A solid, amber-colored sheet that
shatters like glass.
WAX
Purple Punch | The Pass
Indica | THC: 82.5%
The wax that does it all. With an
enjoyable woody aftertaste reminiscent of classic pollen hash, Purple Punch is
potent at 82.5% THC, yet is surprisingly manageable. The high is gentle and
cerebral, allowing the consumer to go about their lives without the usual oomph
of a high-end indica. Purple Punch also burns gently, producing a vapor-like
smoke that leaves a pleasant scent.
Taste: 5/5| Potency: 3.5/5 | Overall Rating:
5/5
Available at: The Pass, Sheffield, Massachusetts
CRUMBLE
Donatello Kush | 253 Farmacy
Indica | THC: 78.6%
No more than a grain of rice, or so reads
the advice on the packaging. Take heed. The slow, creeping effects of Donatello
Kush crumble may fool you into believing more is the answer, but patience is a
virtue. Twenty minutes after ingesting you will enjoy a warming sensation under
the eyes and a light head high. The taste is also memorable, with an underlying
flavor of red apple and white oak.
Taste: 4/5| Potency: 3/5 | Overall Rating:
3.5/5
Available at: Canna Provisions, Lee, Massachusetts
SUGAR
Gelato | RHYTHM
Hybrid | THC: 70.5%
The first thing you will notice about
Gelato sugar is the scent, a powerful and pungent skunky nose reminiscent of
classic cannabis bud. And the boldness of the smell is prescient for the entire
experience. Arguably the most powerful of the products on this list, Gelato
should be treated with care. A little goes a very long way, and since it is
slow to burn, check the temptation to go through the whole dab at once. A full
body high is accompanied by gentle and soothing cerebral effects. The taste
will linger for quite some time.
Taste: 3/5| Potency: 5/5 | Overall Rating:
4.5/5
Available at: Canna Provisions, Lee, Massachusetts
| Silver Therapeutics, Williamstown, Massachusetts
SHATTER
Redvine Jackie | Berkshire Roots
Sativa | THC:76.1%
Shatters tend toward the stronger side of
the THC spectrum, and the light, floaty high of Redvine
Jackie certainly makes its presence known. A slow-burning product, expect a
warm sensation around the eyes, as well as a sweet watermelon aftertaste. Best
consumed from a specialized shatter dabber.
Taste: 3/5 | Potency: 4/5 | Overall
Rating: 4/5
Available at: Berkshire Roots, Pittsfield, Massachusetts
This article appears in June 2021.
