THE EVOLUTION OF CANNABIS CONCENTRATES: A BRIEF HISTORY

Cannabis concentrates have a rich history dating back centuries, with ancient cultures in China, India, and the Middle East utilizing resins and oils for medicinal and ritualistic purposes. However, it wasn’t until the 20th century that cannabis concentrates became widely accessible. Today, concentrates come in various forms like wax, shatter, rosin, and oils, offering high potency and ease of use, thus changing the landscape of cannabis consumption. Let’s delve into the evolution of cannabis concentrates and their journey to becoming the products we recognize today.

The earliest known use of cannabis concentrates can be traced back to 2700 BC in ancient China and India, where hot knives were used to smoke hashish, a concentrated form of cannabis resin. Similarly, in the Middle East, charas, another cannabis concentrate, was created by hand-rubbing the plant. Ancient Egypt also utilized cannabis concentrates for medicinal purposes.

However, in the 19th and early 20th centuries, political and social factors led to a decline in the popularity of cannabis concentrates, particularly in the United States, where cannabis was criminalized with the Marihuana Tax Act of 1937. This prohibition stifled manufacturing and purchasing of cannabis, resulting in a downturn until the counterculture movement of the 1960s revived interest.

The 1970s saw the emergence of hash oil, produced by individuals using solvents like butane and propane. By the 1980s, a new type of concentrate, honey oil or amber glass, gained traction. This extract, made by soaking cannabis in alcohol and evaporating the solution, yielded a sticky, amber-colored oil. The 1990s brought about the CO2 extraction method, utilizing pressurized carbon dioxide to separate cannabis compounds.

The early 2000s witnessed a surge in cannabis concentrate popularity, driven by advancements in extraction techniques and technology. This era saw the introduction of wax, shatter, and budder, created by purging butane or propane from the extract. More recently, rosin gained favor due to its solventless extraction method, involving pressure and heat applied to the cannabis plant to produce a resinous substance.

From ancient practices to modern innovations, the journey of cannabis concentrates reflects advancements in technology and extraction methods. Today, these concentrates are favored for their potency, convenience, and versatility, driving their increasing popularity in the cannabis community. With the ongoing legalization of cannabis in many states, the market for concentrates is poised to expand further, offering consumers a diverse array of options.