Cannabis Concentrates: A Complete Guide to THC, CBD, and Dab Products in Australia

Concentrates are more potent than traditional flower and are typically consumed in smaller quantities. They’re used in a variety of forms, including dabs, vapes, oils, and even edible infusions.

Medicinal cannabis products are generally regarded as having low acute toxicity, however
concurrent use of other drugs may mask the effects of cannabis and severe toxicity including
adverse cardiovascular effects and death may be under-recognised4. In mammalsthe median
lethal dose of THC has been estimated to be >800mg/kg. CBD appears to be of very low
toxicity. Doses of 1000mg/kg CBD appear to have been tolerated safely in humans.

Common Concentrate Names:

THC: delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol
CBD: cannabidiol
CBN: cannabinol
Evidence: the available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition
is true or valid.

Most cannabinoid metabolism occurs in the liver and involves the CYP450 pathway. THC
accumulates in fatty tissue and is released slowly from this storage site. It is not clear if THC
also persists in the brain.
Before commencing treatment with medicinal cannabis
Given the limited scientific data to support its use in many circumstances, medical
practitioners might consider discussing proposed treatment regimens with a colleague before
commencement. Appropriate state or territory regulatory frameworks for access to medicinal
cannabis need to be considered and specialist review or reports may need to be included with
Special Access Scheme applications to the TGA.

A medical practitioner should complete a comprehensive clinical assessment of the patient that
identifies risk factors that will need to be addressed before applying for access to medicinal
cannabis.
An accurate and thorough history taken by the medical practitioner should include:
• presenting symptoms and underlying diagnosis—the symptoms and/or disease for which
the medicinal cannabis product is being considered;
• past medical history—in particular, cardiovascular disease, liver disease and renal disease;
• medication review—treatments that have been tried and have failed; as well as the
length of time the treatments were trialled and the reasons for ceasing;
• mental health history—history of mental illness, particularly schizophrenia;
• family health history—including mental health, particularly a family history of
schizophrenia;
• “at risk” behaviours associated with drug dependence and substance abuse disorder.
While previous cannabis use may not be a contraindication, care should be taken to
manage the risk of dependence. Particular attention should be paid to histories of
nicotine dependence (may contribute to patient smoking product), alcohol dependence/
abuse, and previous illicit drug use;
• social history—social and family support for the use of a medicinal cannabis product.
Consideration should be given to family responsibilities such as caring for young
children, child safety, employment (especially where it involves driving or operating
machinery), “at risk” living conditions and the risk of falls in older patients; and
• physical investigations as appropriate

Types of Cannabis Concentrates
Understanding the differences between concentrate types can help you find the right product for your needs. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular forms:

1. Wax Concentrates
Wax is a soft, pliable extract that resembles candle wax. It’s one of the most popular forms of dab concentrates and can vary in texture and potency.

– Consistency: Soft and sticky
– Potency: High (typically 60-90% THC)
– Use: Dabbed or vaporized

2. Shatter Concentrates
Shatter is a glass-like extract known for its transparency and brittle texture.

– Consistency: Hard, brittle
– Potency: Very high (often 70%+ THC)
– Use: Dabbed or vaporized with a dab rig or e-nail

3. Budder & Badder

Budder and badder are whipped versions of cannabis wax, giving them a smooth, creamy texture.

– Consistency: Buttery or cake batter-like
– Potency: High to very high
– Use: Dabbed or used in vaporizers

4. Sugar Concentrates

Sugar concentrates have a grainy, wet texture resembling brown sugar. They’re known for preserving rich terpene profiles.

– Consistency: Crystallized, semi-liquid
– Potency: High
– Use: Dabbing or topping bowls/joints

5. Oils & Syringes
Cannabis oil can refer to a variety of extracts, including distillates, full-spectrum oils, and syringes used for taking oral doses.
– Use: Consumed via dabs, cartridges, syringes, or added to food
– Potency: Variable, depending on the extract type

What is Cannabis Oil?
Cannabis oil is a concentrated extract that typically contains high levels of THC or CBD. It’s often sold in pre-filled syringes, vape cartridges, or tincture-style dropper bottles.

– THC Oil: Offers strong psychoactive effects.
– CBD Oil: Used for non-intoxicating experiences.
– Full-Spectrum Oil: Includes cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds.

Cannabis oils are popular for their versatility. They can be vaporized, dabbed, or used to infuse food and beverages.

How to Dab Concentrates (Beginner Guide)
Dabbing is the process of vaporizing cannabis concentrates using a heated surface and inhaling the resulting vapor. It provides a powerful and fast-acting experience.

Basic Equipment
– Dab rig or e-rig
– Torch (for traditional rigs)
– Dab tool
– Carb cap

Steps

– Heat your nail or banger with a torch.
– Let it cool to the ideal temperature (~500°F).
– Place a small amount of concentrate on the nail using a dab tool.
– Cover with a carb cap and inhale.

Check out our Beginner’s Guide to Dabbing to learn more.

Comparing Concentrate Textures
Wax vs. Shatter vs. Budder
– Wax: Softer, easier to handle, more terpenes
– Shatter: Stable and pure, but less flavorful
– Budder/Badder: Creamy, easy to dose, terpene-rich

Your preferred texture might depend on how you plan to consume it. Dabbers often prefer softer textures for ease of use, while some prefer the clean snap of shatter.

CBD Concentrates vs THC Concentrates
CBD and THC concentrates differ not just in effects, but in legality and application. Here’s a quick overview:

– CBD Concentrates: Typically non-intoxicating, often used for potential calm or focus
– THC Concentrates: Psychoactive, used for potential mood elevation, may help promote restful sleep, may enhance feelings of creativity

Some products combine both cannabinoids in a single concentrate for a balanced experience.
Top products: Look for labeled ratios like 1:1 or 2:1 (CBD:THC) for milder psychoactive effects.

Dosing
The general principle should be “start low, go slow”. Cannabis-naïve patients may only need
0.1–0.5 of the starting dose of a regular cannabis user to note effects (both positive and
negative).
In populations who are not naïve to cannabis, dosing advice should be to consider tolerance
and accumulation of THC in fat stores.
Information on pharmacovigilance should be collected by the prescribing doctor or
pharmacist. Research in this area should be supported, particularly in an end-of-life setting in
which cannabinoids will have different PK/PD properties than in a younger population.
Stopping rules
Pharmaceutical grade cannabinoids should be ceased where:
• the desired effect is not apparent after 4–12 weeks; and
• psychoactive or other side-effects are prohibitive (particularly for THC preparations).
There is little information on dose-response. Starting doses should be low, and the dose
increased in response to lack of efficacy until toxicity outweighs any benefit.
Cost
Medical cannabis products are not listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Annual
treatment costs must be met by the patient or a third party.