Concentrate – What is it in Vaping?
Definition
In vaping, a concentrate is a highly purified form of cannabis or nicotine extract that is dramatically more potent than traditional e-liquid or dry herb. By removing excess plant matter, waxes and lipids, producers deliver a viscous oil rich in active compounds—typically 60-90 % cannabinoids or 20-50 % nicotine salts. The purpose of a concentrate is simple: maximum flavour and effect with minimal volume, making it the go-to medium for discreet dosing, economical use and intense cloud chasing sessions.
Technical Details
Concentrates achieve their strength through solvent or solventless extraction. Butane Hash Oil (BHO), CO₂ oil and rosin are common cannabis variants, while nicotine concentrates use freebase or salt formulations suspended in a 70/30 or 50/50 VG/PG ratio. Viscosity ranges from honey-thick distillate to shatter-like slabs; viscosity dictates what hardware is required. Most cartridge-ready oils measure 1–2 ml and test at 0.8–1.2 Ω when paired with a ceramic coil. Temperature sweet spots sit between 190 °C and 220 °C; hotter risks burning terpenes, cooler causes clogging. Advanced users may drip pure concentrate onto a Clapton coil or wick with organic cotton for rebuildable atomisers.
Usage & Tips
- Start small: A grain-of-rice sized dab delivers a full hit; overloading floods coils and wastes product.
- Warm-up: Pre-heat cartridges for 2–3 seconds to reduce viscosity and prevent dry hits.
- Clean gear: Residue builds quickly; swab chambers with isopropyl alcohol every few sessions to maintain flavour.
- Storage: Keep concentrates in a cool, dark place; heat and light degrade potency and darken colour.
- Safety: Always buy lab-tested products; contaminants like residual solvents pose health risks.
History & Context
Concentrates entered vaping culture in the mid-2000s when early dab rigs were miniaturised into pen-style devices. The rise of legal cannabis markets and nicotine salt technology accelerated innovation, turning concentrates from niche “wax” into mainstream vape staples now dominating Australian online stores and dispensaries alike.