How to Identify High-Quality Extracts When Shopping Online

Posted by Steve Smith on October 23rd, 2024

As the cannabis market continues to evolve, extracts have become one of the most popular products for both medical and recreational users. Extracts are concentrated forms of cannabis that deliver potent doses of cannabinoids like THC and CBD, offering enhanced effects compared to traditional flower. However, the wide variety of extracts available online can make it challenging to determine which products are truly high-quality. This guide will help you identify the key indicators of premium extracts when shopping online, so you can make informed choices and ensure a satisfying experience.

1. Types of Cannabis Extracts

Before diving into the specifics of identifying high-quality extracts, it’s important to understand the different types of cannabis extracts available. Here are some of the most common:

• Shatter: A brittle, glass-like concentrate that is known for its potency and clarity.
• Wax: A softer, more pliable extract with a consistency similar to wax or honey.
• Live Resin: Extracted from fresh cannabis plants, live resin retains a rich terpene profile, offering enhanced flavor and aroma.
• Rosin: A solventless extract made using heat and pressure, rosin is known for its purity and clean extraction process.
• Distillate: A highly refined extract that isolates specific cannabinoids, typically THC or CBD, for a nearly pure product.
• Budder: A creamy, whipped concentrate that is easy to handle and has a smooth consistency.
• Crystalline: A crystal-like form of extract, often THC or CBD isolate, offering near 100% purity.

Each extract type has its own characteristics, and high-quality versions of each can deliver exceptional potency and flavor. But how do you know which ones to choose? Below are some tips for identifying top-tier extracts when shopping online.

2. Potency and Cannabinoid Content

One of the first things to consider when evaluating a cannabis extract is its potency. High-quality extracts are typically very potent, with THC levels often ranging between 60% and 90%, depending on the type of extract. For CBD extracts, look for products that clearly indicate their cannabinoid content, with a high percentage of CBD.

Reputable online retailers should provide detailed lab testing results that indicate the cannabinoid content of their products. Make sure to check these lab reports to verify the extract’s potency. A lack of information about cannabinoid content could be a red flag, as it may indicate that the extract hasn’t been properly tested or labeled.

3. Terpene Profile

Terpenes are the aromatic compounds in cannabis that contribute to the plant’s distinctive flavors and effects. High-quality extracts should retain a rich terpene profile, especially products like live resin or rosin, which are prized for their robust flavors. When shopping online, look for extracts that clearly list their terpene content or describe the dominant terpenes present in the product.

Some common terpenes to look for include:

• Myrcene: Known for its earthy, musky aroma, myrcene offers relaxing and sedative effects.
• Limonene: A citrusy terpene that provides uplifting and energizing effects.
• Pinene: Smelling of pine, pinene is thought to offer anti-inflammatory and memory-boosting benefits.
• Linalool: Floral and lavender-scented, linalool is known for its calming and anti-anxiety properties.

Extracts with a well-preserved terpene profile offer a fuller, richer experience, providing not only potent effects but also enjoyable flavors and aromas. If the terpene profile isn’t listed, you may want to reach out to the retailer or consider another product.

4. Extraction Method

The method used to create the extract plays a crucial role in determining its quality. There are two main types of extraction processes: solvent-based and solventless.

• Solvent-Based Extractions: These use solvents like butane, CO2, or ethanol to extract cannabinoids from the plant. When done correctly, solvent-based extractions can produce high-quality, potent products. However, it’s important to ensure that the extract has been properly purged of any residual solvents, as consuming leftover solvents can be harmful. Reputable retailers should provide lab reports confirming that their products are free of residual solvents.

• Solventless Extractions: Solventless methods, such as making rosin, use heat and pressure to extract cannabinoids without the use of chemical solvents. These extracts are often viewed as cleaner and more natural, as there is no risk of solvent contamination. Rosin and bubble hash are popular solventless extracts known for their purity and quality.

When shopping online, always check for details about the extraction method used and whether the product has undergone testing for solvent residues. Solventless extracts or well-purged solvent-based extracts are typically a safer choice for high-quality products.

5. Purity and Lab Testing

One of the most important indicators of a high-quality extract is the presence of third-party lab testing. Trusted online retailers will always provide lab test results, known as Certificates of Analysis (COA), for their products. These reports should verify:

• Cannabinoid Content: Confirming the THC, CBD, and other cannabinoid levels.
• Terpene Profile: Listing the terpenes present in the extract.
• Residual Solvents: If the extract was made using solvents, the lab report should show that any residual solvents are well below harmful levels.
• Pesticides and Contaminants: Lab tests should also confirm that the extract is free from harmful chemicals like pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.

If a retailer doesn’t offer lab testing, it’s a red flag that the product may not meet safety or quality standards. Always opt for extracts that come with verifiable lab results.

6. Appearance and Consistency

When shopping for extracts online, you won’t have the benefit of physically inspecting the product before purchase, but product photos and descriptions can still offer clues about its quality.

• Shatter should be clear or amber in color and free from bubbles or cloudiness, which could indicate the presence of residual solvents.
• Wax and Budder should have a smooth, creamy consistency, without any visible impurities or discoloration.
• Rosin should be golden or amber, with a sticky but clean texture.
• Live Resin should have a rich, sugary texture and maintain a vibrant color, indicating a well-preserved terpene profile.

High-quality extracts are typically golden, amber, or light in color, while darker extracts may indicate oxidation or the use of lower-quality starting material.

7. Customer Reviews and Ratings

One of the best ways to gauge the quality of an extract when shopping online is by reading customer reviews and checking ratings. Look for products with positive feedback from verified buyers, especially those who mention factors like flavor, potency, and effects.

While reviews should not be the sole determining factor, they can offer helpful insights into the real-world performance of the extract. Products with consistently high ratings are often a safe bet for quality and reliability.

8. Price vs. Quality

While it’s tempting to look for deals, extremely low-priced extracts may be a sign of inferior quality. High-quality extracts are typically made using premium cannabis plants and carefully controlled extraction processes, both of which can drive up the price. If you come across a product that seems suspiciously cheap, it may not have been produced with the same level of care as higher-priced options.

That said, you don’t need to overspend either. Many reputable online retailers offer discounts or promotions, so keep an eye out for deals from trusted sources to get the best value without sacrificing quality.

Final Thoughts

Identifying high-quality extracts when shopping online comes down to doing your research. Focus on potency, terpene content, extraction methods, lab testing, and customer reviews to ensure you're getting a top-notch product. By following these guidelines, you can confidently navigate the world of cannabis extracts and enjoy the full potential of these potent and flavorful products.