When it comes to consuming marijuana, there are a few different options available for consumers. You can either smoke dry herb which is known as the traditional way of consuming marijuana, or you can use a cannabis concentrate. Both of these ways of consuming cannabis have their advantages and disadvantages so before choosing one, it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into. To make the decision easier, this blog post will give you a quick overview of the two methods which will look into the potency of each as well as the taste and the onset period, so keep reading.
Understanding the Difference
Dry herb or weed is very popular in the cannabis community and this product refers to the dried part or flower of a female marijuana plant that can be consumed for recreational or medical purposes. Dry herbs can be consumed in many ways and one popular way is to vape them using a dry herb vaporizer which is a battery-powered inhalation device that produces vapor by heating dry herbs at a controlled temperature. Concentrates on the other hand are cannabis extracts which are not dried flowers but rather a candle-like texture, depending on the type of concentrate. Marijuana concentrates are consumed with glass dab rigs, which is a water filtration device that produces vapor. There are many different shapes and sizes available, and according to DankStop, there are even ways to upgrade your dab rig. For example, there are quartz nails used for dabbing. They’re made from high-quality quartz glass, which provides excellent heat retention and flavor. All in all, dab rigs provide a potent and flavorful experience that can’t be matched by other methods.
Which is easier to use?
When it comes to ease of use, dry herbs win this round. Dry herb vaporizers are a lot easier to use than a dab rig and are also more beginner-friendly. A dry herb vaporizer consists of components which include a mouthpiece, chamber, and battery. To use this device, you need to fill the chamber with a small number of dry herbs, turn the device on, select your desired temperature and then begin inhaling and exhaling. You are not required to empty the entire chamber in one session and can opt to turn the vaporizer off and continue at a later stage. Keep in mind that a dry herb vaporizer will need a bit of time to heat up before you can start your session. With a dab rig, on the other hand, you have a device that resembles a bong but comes with an extra accessory called a nail. To use this device, prepare a small bit of concentrate and put it in the bowl of the rig, take a flame and light the nail until burning hot, and then place the nail onto the concentrate until a vapor is formed which you will then inhale. When using a dab rig you might need to be coached by someone more experienced if you are a newbie.
Understanding the Potency
Although dry herbs are a traditional and popular marijuana product, concentrates have become many consumers’ go-to solely for the fact that it is far more potent. Research shows that the THC levels of dry herbs range from around 10-25% while the THC levels in concentrates start at around 50% and can go as high as 90%. This is one of the main reasons why cannabis extracts have grown to be so popular.
The Taste and the Effects
When it comes to taste, both dry herbs and concentrates have their strengths. When consuming with a vaporizer, you can set your heating temperature to a lower degree which will result in a more flavourful experience while dabbing concentrates are known to produce intense flavor. With that being said, if you prefer tasting what you inhale, whether it be floral or earthy notes, dry herbs are likely your best bet over concentrates. Concentrates can however create powerful flavor through terpenes. Both dry herbs and concentrates deliver an onset of just a few minutes which makes these methods great to use if you want to feel the effects almost instantly.
Whether you are new to the cannabis community or a veteran stoner, you have likely come across the terms dry herb and concentrates before. Both methods have their own set of advantages however if you are looking for the strongest potency, concentrate is where you should invest. On the other hand, dry herbs are easier to use and are associated with a better taste.
