With more and more states legalizing cannabis in all of its wonderful forms each election cycle, the industry and products themselves are evolving. One of the most exciting categories of cannabis products available now is extracts. Extracts have been around for decades, but only with the legal market have they really become the subject of intense enthusiasm.  

Those new to extracts frequently wonder what the differences are between solvent extracts and solventless extracts, as well as if there are any health concerns to consider. We’re going to take a deeper look at what defines solvent vs. solventless extracts, what makes each type unique, and if one is ultimately better than the other.

What Is The Difference In Solvent vs. Solventless Extraction?

When it comes to solvent vs. solventless extracts, the primary difference is how the extracts are made and whether that process involves any solvent. Solvent extracts require some intermediary to extract the trichomes and terpenes from the cannabis plant matter. Solventless extracts are those made without the use of any solvent or solution and require some sort of manual processing to extract the essential cannabis goodness. 

Popular Solvent Extracts

Bubble Hash

Some of the very first cannabis extracts of the modern era were made with the “universal solvent,” water, or to be more specific, ice. Also known as ice water hash, bubble hash is made by agitating frozen plant matter with ice and water, allowing the ice to break the frozen trichomes off, which are then sent through a series of screens to achieve different hash grades. The finer the mesh of the screen, the better the result. 

CO2 Oil

Many enthusiasts consider CO2 oil as clean as bubble hash. It uses supercritical CO2 to extract the trichs and terps from the plant material, so there is no petrochemical element, as well as BHO and PHO. Once the CO2 has extracted all the needed compounds, it is purged from the extract to leave a golden oil. One downside is that sometimes the terpene profile is suboptimal. 

BHO & PHO

Butane hash oil or BHO, and Propane hash oil or PHO, are highly popular and efficient ways to extract cannabis. BHO is far more popular, however. They involve using butane or propane to free the trichomes from the plant material, then subjecting the solution to a vacuum purge to remove all of the solvent. Depending on the processing specifics, BHO and PHO can result in whipped, fluffy budder, crisp & crunchy shatter, or even live resin, making it incredibly versatile. 

Full Spectrum Terp Sauce

Terp sauce is also known as “high terpene full spectrum extract,” and it is precisely that. It’s terpene-rich and provides the full concierge effect of a broad cannabinoid profile. It’s generally made using butane or propane, but it’s processed at far lower temperatures in the vacuum purge, at a much slower pace. This results in a thick sauce with “sugar” in it, which is actually crystallized cannabinoids.

Alcohol Wash Extracts

Since cannabinoids are alcohol-soluble, another popular extraction method involves using various alcohols, such as isopropyl or ethanol. Since alcohol is also a powerful solvent, this process must be done quickly to avoid leaching undesirable components like chlorophyll into the final extract. Quick-wash alcohol extracts have a very waxy texture and a much darker color than many other methods.

Popular Solventless Extracts

Rosin

Rosin is one of the most recent advancements for extraction, and it has become so popular that you can now order home rosin presses online to make your own from surplus flower. It involves a pair of heated plates that press flower with thousands of pounds of pressure and a few hundred degrees of heat to liquefy and squeeze out the cannabinoids and terpenes in a sticky, oily extract that is one of the most delicious cannabis products available. Rosin can be made from THC and CBD flower to suit the consumer’s preference.

Hash

Hash is fairly rare to find in dispensaries. It is the raw trichomes and oils from physically handling cannabis flower, which is then collected and pressed into a block or ball, often with the help of heat. Sometimes harvested flower is agitated on a screen, similar to your flower grinder but much larger, to collect the kief for processing.

Are There Health & Safety Concerns With Solvent vs. Solventless Extracts?

In every legal cannabis market in the country, there are stringent testing requirements in place to ensure public safety. We’re not talking about taste testing; we’re talking about full-scale laboratory-based gas chromatography-mass spectrometry testing. Testing confirms with molecular precision whether or not there are any contaminants in the extracts that are sold in dispensaries. 

The process is simple; each production facility in each state is governed by that state’s requirements for periodic batch testing. If anything tests above pre-defined safety limits or contains any harmful volatile organic compounds leftover from extraction, the products cannot be sold. The manufacturers go to great lengths to ensure their products are aligned with state regulations and safe to consume, and in many cases, you can even get the most recent test results via their websites, so you can dab with confidence.

Solvent vs. Solventless Extracts: Which Ones Are Better?

Like most pleasures in the cannabis space, which one is better will often come down to simple personal preference. When you’re shopping around in medical or recreational markets, you’ll likely see a handful of different brands that tend to dominate the inventory. This means you’re more or less bound by what types they offer but are free to explore within those bounds.

In many areas, there has recently been a considerable movement toward more organic cannabis experiences, including a significant shift toward solventless extractions. Lab testing in legal states ensures that there are no contaminants or chemical hazards in any extracts sold to the public, so what really matters is which products you like and get the most enjoyment from. 

Now that you know the differences between them, grab a few coupons for your local dispensaries and bring home a variety to taste and experience!

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So your buddy ran up to you today and said, “710 is right around the corner! It’s amongst us!” Then decides to follow up with, “how are we celebrating?” You get so caught up in the moment you exclaim, “As crazy as we can!” Suddenly, you realize you have no idea what 710 even is. What did you just sign up for?

Worry not, up-and-coming canna-connoisseur, 710 is a fairly recent entry into cannabis culture. The culture surrounding marijuana is loaded with special terms which add spice and fun to the bigger picture of enjoying cannabis like 420. 710 is just the baby of the terms.

In the last several years, another day to celebrate marijuana arose to showcase the notoriety cannabis concentrates were becoming.  

Today, we are going to look at what exactly 710 is, the history behind the number, the tools you may need to celebrate, and how you can weave 710 into a unique smoking festivity much like the more known 420.

What is 710?

While many marijuana lovers most likely know what 420 is, many don’t know about 710. 

710 is for cannabis concentrates as 420 is for marijuana bud/flower. The number is associated with dabbing and the enjoyment of cannabis concentrates such as wax and shatter. 710 makes July 10th the marijuana concentrate celebration day. 

You might ask yourself, “but why that number? 710?” It is kind of funny how simple that answer actually is.

710 spells “OIL” when looked at upside down.

Since legalization, marijuana extraction techniques have only continued to ascend concentrates into grand heights.

A Little History Behind 710

Sadly, the number, 710, has no clear-cut answer as to its origin.

710, as a term, might have emerged decades ago as a code for marijuana oil. It could be that hen the "Devil's Lettuce" was more frowned upon on a criminal level, those who wanted cannabis concentrates asked their dealers for "710," indicating their want for concentrates.

More likely, however, the code 710 has only been used in the last decade, starting in the mid 2010s. High Times mentioned 710 as an important holiday in 2014. 

Ok, But Concentrates and Dabbing? 

Wax/concentrate is a widely accepted term for any kind of marijuana concentrate like wax, shatter, distillate, etc. They are considered “concentrates” due to having THC levels as high as 99%. Making them highly “concentrated” with THC. 

Marijuana concentrates come in many forms like wax, oil, shatter, live resin, and many others. They are made through special processes that extract extremely delicate cannabinoids without chemicals or harsh solvents.

Dabbing is simply the act of smoking a marijuana concentrate. You take a “dab” of marijuana concentrate (not much at all), heat it on a nail, and inhale much like hitting a bong through a rig. Vaporizers are also a big tool when dabbing cannabis concentrates.

What Is Needed To Celebrate 710?

710 is best celebrated with a hefty dab or two. If you are a consumer who is new to dabbing, a traditional sized dab is a pinhead size portion of concentrate which is consumed via a rig (small concentrate bong).

Dab tools are a must. They allow you to size out your dab and also keep you from burning yourself while smoking. 

A torch will be needed to apply high heat for the concentrate to combust, allowing for inhalation. E-nails can also be used to delete the torch-needing process though are typically on the pricier end.

Vape pens and other portable dab vapes are another incredibly popular way to dab. They make the process very easy and without so many parts. They also allow for temperature control which grants the control of smoke production and flavor while smoking.

Kinds of 710 Concentrates You’ll Find

The best way to celebrate 710 is by consuming wax concentrates (and similar products). Here’s a breakdown of different concentrates.

Wax

Marijuana wax is typically softer than other concentrates. They can appear in many different ways in terms of texture, smell, looks, and color. Waxes come in variations like crumble, honeycomb, badder, and  budder. Wax can be up to 90% in THC content.

Shatter

Marijuana shatter is a harder and more fragile concentrate. The name shatter comes from its likeness to glass. Shatter is an amber-colored and translucent concentrate. 

Shatter can also come in a variation known as pull-n-snap shatter. This kind of shatter is much softer and more pliable making it easier to measure a precise dab amount to smoke.

Oil

Marijuana oils are a more liquidy, runny kind of substance. They typically come in a sort of syringe/applicator or vape pen cartridge. 

Live Resin

Live resin is the most delicious way to enjoy marijuana concentrates. The process is well-known for being the highest quality of marijuana extracts. The process of live resin maintains the fresh terpene profile of the original plant material. Live resin can also come in a substance known as sauce. In this form, the consistency of the substance is a watery texture packed with all the flavor you could ever want.

Distillate

A distillate is a marijuana concentrate that uses a refined distillation process. The results are a potent concentrate that can see single cannabinoids reach 100% purity. This makes THC distillates some of the more potent options out there.

So when your friend asks, “How are we celebrating?” You can tell them exactly how you want to celebrate with your vast knowledge of all kinds of 710 and dabbing. 710 is just another reason to celebrate cannabis and the culture it surrounds.

710 shines a light on the wonderful process of cannabis extraction and its leading players; wax, shatter, oil, distillate, and live resin.

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From your traditional joint to modern-day vapes, there are countless ways to consume marijuana. Although the result is ultimately the same, which is, it gets you high, there are ways stoners can get the most out of their weed without sacrificing the high or breaking the bank.

Efficient Consumption of Cannabis

Exploring different ways of consuming cannabis can help you find ways of keeping your tolerance low and lengthen the time between purchases.

Regular marijuana consumption can be costly.

Depending on your tolerance and the cost of your chosen consumption method, there might be other ways of getting high that could be more beneficial to your bank account. 

Next time you visit your local dispensary, discuss with your budtender the different options and products available to you.

Don’t forget to check Cannasaver before you go, as we have new deals daily! 

Most Efficient Ways to Get High

You shouldn’t have to sacrifice weed quality or shell out big bucks the next time you visit your local dispensary. There are several ways to get high efficiently.

Let’s learn more below.

Reach new highs with dabs

Dabbing refers to the inhalation of vapors or smoke emitted from THC concentrates. This smoking method can produce strong effects as most concentrates contain up to 80% THC. If you choose to dab, you can get high with little product.

However, some dab rigs cost upward of $350 and require extra accessories such as a dab tool, blowtorch or power source, resulting in an even higher price tag.

Check out some current deals on concentrates:

Verano Sunrock Shatter 1g $65 - GreenGate Chicago

8 grams of wax and shatter for $80 - Lucky Monkey Buds II

$12.95 Shatter - Pure Marijuana Dispensary

Microdose and consider a one-hitter

A one-hitter is a slender pipe with a screen designed for intimation. One hitter allows you to smoke smaller quantities while still getting very high. Most one-hitters can only pack in a small serving of about 25 mg. Microdosing your marijuana can prolong your stash and save you money. Most one-hitters go for an average of $10, cheaper than other smoking tools such as vapes and dab rigs.

Check out some current deals for your one-hitters:

Flower ⅛ pre-packed $20/3.5g - Oz Cannabis, Detroit

$56 oz of House Choice Flower - Cannabay, Bay City

Discount Flower Oz $55.50+ - Urban Gardens, Kalamazoo

Vape your weed

Vaping your weed can produce an intense but short high when using flowers, so depending on the smoker, this might not be the most efficient method. Stoners can choose to vape both flowers and concentrates, making it versatile. Concentrates usually come in cartridges or shatter, which can be more potent than regular weed. Another benefit to vaping is that you can smoke the byproducts of your bud. Whether it is kief or resin, vaping can help you extend the longevity of your stash.

Discover deals on cartridges and wax/shatter here:

Vape Cartridges 1000mg for $30 - Skymint, Hazel Park

Grassroots, Bubba Diagonal 1g Live Sugar - EarthMed, Rosemont

500mg Verano Vape Cartridges for $55 - Zen Leaf, Naperville

Eat your weed with edibles

Edibles can be very potent, perfect for stoners looking to chase an out-of-this-world high.

Start with a small dose and gradually increase when you feel comfortable with the high. The catch with edibles is that it takes anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours for the high to hit, so be patient and don’t eat the whole thing at once.

Smokers with lower tolerance should be cautious about how much edibles they consume at a time.

Check out some deals on edibles:

25% off all gummies sale - Fingerboard Farm Market

Mindy’s Gummies $30 (20pk) - GreenGate Chicago

Incredible 100mg Chocolate Bars $40 - Cannabist Villa Park

Get high with leftovers with shake

"Shake" is a byproduct of weed. Some leaves, stems or other parts in the plan fall off and form a dust-like substance. Shake can be extra potent and even accumulate kief on top, which can be more powerful than regular weed. You can even try making your edibles with Shake! Shake is cheaper than other bud and is a good option if rolling multiple joints or making edibles. 

Discover deals on shake:

2oz Shake $39.50 - Cannabay, Bay City

3.5g Shake for $40 Assorted Strains - Ascend, Montclair

$25 Trim Oz’s - The Healing Tree, Denver

Smoke and Save Efficiently with Cannasaver

Of course, the best way to be efficient with your weed is to check out Cannasaver for deals regularly! We post new sales on our website, Every. Single. Day!

Our mission is to connect you to the best dispensaries in your area. 

Check out our current deals and find a local dispensary near you! 

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Best Concentrate Deals in Denver and Concentrate Trends for 2016

Concentrate trends for 2016 show that sales of wax, shatter, and other concentrates are on the rise in Colorado, as more and more marijuana consumers are looking for alternative ways to medicate that don't involve smoking. If you haven't yet tried concentrates, it might be time to consider giving this potent marijuana extract a try. Some of the best concentrate deals Denver dispensaries offer throughout the year are going on right now. Here's what you need to know.

CLICK HERE TO GET COUPON FOR $19 GRAMS of RECREATIONAL WAX or SHATTER 

Concentrate Trends for 2016

Concentrate trends for 2016 indicate growth, growth, and more growth. According to a recent report published in Marijuana Business Daily, concentrates brought in a whopping 60.5 million in retail sales in the first quarter of 2016, representing a 125% increase over retail sales in the first quarter of 2015 just a short year ago. The market for flower, meanwhile, experienced only an 11% growth, which shows a consumer trend towards favoring concentrates over the more traditional flower. The data was compiled and analyzed by BDS Analytics, which gathered point-of-sale information from marijuana retailers throughout Colorado. BDS Analytics director of analytics Tom Jones expressed a belief that concentrates will continue to take up an increasingly large share of the overall marijuana market, stating, “The share of flower in dollars has dropped from 71% (of total sales) last year to 58% this year...That’s a big change, and we absolutely expect that flower will diminish to a minority share.”

Best Concentrate Deals in Denver

Here are some of the best concentrate deals Denver dispensaries are offering right now. From the best shatter in Denver to the best wax deals, Denver residents know that CannaSaver will save you both time and money with printable coupons and quick links to the best recreational dispensary deals in Denver. Be sure not to miss these deals:

Whole Meds, The Joint by Cannabis, and Rocky Road Aurora always have some of the best recreational dispensary deals on concentrates right now. They also have some of the best shatter in Denver and some of the best wax deals Denver bargain hunters love. With the printable coupons from CannaSaver, you can save as much as 50% on wax and shatter every day so you don't have to wait for Wax Wednesday to get a deal on wax, shatter or live resin. Lots of the stores offer deals on as many as 8 grams at a time giving you that bulk purchase discount.

Another of the best wax deals Denver dispensaries have going right now can be found at MMJ America's downtown Denver store where you buy 2 grams of wax and get the 3rd for a penny and they always have other great wax deals as well. Medicine Man Denver also has good wax deals, offering three grams for $89 with coupon. They have one of the best shatter deals in Denver, too, offering 4 grams of Nug Run shatter for $200 with a coupon. As far as daily specials for concentrates, Saturday is the day to shop, and Medicine Man Denver is the place to go. Every Saturday, you can get concentrates for $45 a gram, or get two grams for $60. Also on Saturdays MMJ America offers their same Wax Wednesday Deal, in case you missed it, for Wax $25/gram and Shatter $33/gram. 

If vaping is your thing, check out Denver Recreational Dispensary or DEN REC as they carry a good selection of O-Pen products that they usually do coupons for.

Livwell is one of the best recreational dispensaries in Denver and probably the overall best price dispensary Denver has to offer. They have everyday great deals on wax, shatter, oils, and other concentrates, and you can usually find printable coupons for Livwell on CannaSaver so you can save even more.

Colorado Concentrates on Concentrates

As the concentrate market share continues to grow, manufacturers are working hard to improve and perfect their product lines. Many companies are developing new products and perfecting new cutting-edge oil extraction techniques that will likely improve and expand the wide range of concentrate products currently available. Consumers are becoming more discriminating, too, taking the time to seek out the best concentrate deals Denver has to offer. If you haven't yet tried concentrates, now is the time to take advantage of some of the best concentrate deals Denver has to offer, and see for yourself why the popularity of wax, shatter, oil, and other concentrates are booming.

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