It’s always good to switch things up from time to time, to get out of our comfort zone and see what delights we might uncover. Seeing as it’s a new year, now seems as good a time as any to try something new. Though not all changes have to be large or dramatic, such as switching careers or getting married, small changes benefit us too.

Like, trying something new at your favorite restaurant or, even better, with so many cannabis consumption options, why get pigeonholed into only one? Smoking dried cannabis flower is by far the most common and classic choice for consumption, but cannabis concentrates have their own unique and often underrated benefits. So why not switch things up and try them if you haven’t already? In fact, we’ll give you five reasons we think you should.

They’re More Potent

We’re making this number one because it’s quite possibly the best thing about cannabis concentrates. Concentrates are significantly stronger than smoking dried cannabis flower, often over twice as much. The dried flower usually ranges between 10 and 30 percent in potency, whereas cannabis concentrates are between 70 and 90 percent, sometimes more.

The more potent effects of cannabis concentrates are especially ideal for anyone suffering from chronic pain or insomnia. Of course, it also makes getting high recreationally really fun. Though we suggest going slow to avoid adverse side effects.

More Cost Effective

A perk of concentrate’s extra potency is that a little goes a long way – making them more cost-effective. Since concentrates require very little to feel their effects, they last a lot longer than dried cannabis flowers and most edibles.

While the price tag of concentrates may be higher than the $5 to $20 dried flower, concreates still comes out as the better deal thanks to their lasting longer and requiring such a small amount with strong effects.

Odorless

Smoking cannabis is easily the most classic consumption method associated with marijuana, but not everyone is a fan of its odor. Sometimes it’s even compared to that of a skunk. While we greatly enjoy the smell of cannabis in all its forms, concentrates offer a more, shall we say, discrete consumption option than smoking.

They Hit Quick

Because your digestive tract has to digest edibles before you feel anything, it can take an hour or two, sometimes longer, before you feel the effects. Meanwhile, the activation time for concentrates is much quicker and more in line with smoking dried cannabis flower without lung-irritating smoke. This is especially great for anyone suffering from asthma or other breathing disorders.

Concentrates are Versatile

Lastly, concentrates come in many forms. If you enjoy the act of smoking, then vape pens might be an excellent option for you. All the benefits without the typical smells or smoke associated with smoking dried flower. You can also smoke cannabis hash, resin, or shatter concentrates using a dab rig. But if you enjoy smoking dried cannabis leaves, then just sprinkling a little of your concentrates on top of your flower will increase the potency for a low-maintenance boost.

Meanwhile, other forms of cannabis concentrates are better consumed orally. Some cannabis oils, such as Siskiyou Sungrown, can be added to any food to turn it into an edible, or just spread a small dab on your finger and lick it off. It’s a discrete and convenient method that provides fast and long-acting effects.

Final Thoughts

There are many ways to experiment with concentrates, and there’s something for everyone. But sometimes, it’s nice to shake things up and try something new. Besides, there are pros and cons no matter how you choose to consume marijuana and knowing them can help you decide which method to choose.

Of course, we always encourage you to be safe in your exploration, so feel free to ask our friendly and knowledgeable staff here at Greeley Gallery. In addition to quality staff, you’ll also find quality products including locally grown and made cannabis concentrates of only the highest caliber at our north Portland cannabis dispensary to choose from.

Written by: Katrina Paulson