Category: Concentrates

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CBD vs THC: What’s the Difference

CBD Vs. THC

Even if you are new to cannabis, you have probably come across the terms THC and CBD. 

Cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are the two most common compounds found in cannabis.  Although both come from the same plant, they can affect the body differently.

If you are curious about CBD and THC and their effects, you’ve landed on the right article. We’ll explain the potential benefits of each, how they might affect you, and suggest some products you can try to see which compound is suitable for you.

What Is CBD?

CBD is one of more than 85 active cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. It is derived from hemp and cannabis plants but lacks psychoactive properties that cause people to get high. Instead, CBD is known for its medical properties like pain relief and improved sleep.

CBD interacts with neuroreceptors in your endocannabinoid system to help regulate your mood, homeostasis (the balance of various systems in your body), and immune system. 

There’s a variety of CBD products you can pick from, including topical lotions, flower, edibles, tinctures, oils and vape pens.

What Is THC?

THC is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. Recreational cannabis products such as edibles and pre-rolls often contain THC, as this cannabinoid is responsible for the user’s euphoric effects or what is known as “high. ”

THC binds receptors in the nervous system and affects how a person remembers things, feels pleasure, moves around, thinks about things, concentrates on tasks, and perceives time. For example, some artists add THC to their creative process.

You can find THC in edibles, joints, vapes and topicals, among many other products on the market.

Are CBD and THC Similar?

Somewhat. CBD and THC are both cannabinoids and have the same molecular structure. However, there’s a slight difference in how the atoms are arranged. This is why one of these cannabinoids is psychoactive (THC) and the other one isn’t (CBD). 

When it comes to potential benefits, both CBD and THC might be effective against insomnia and chronic pain. Besides that, clinical studies have shown that the mix of THC and CBD can help manage symptoms of anxiety, chronic pain and inflammation. 

There’s a variety of products available on the market for both CBD and THC, including dried cannabis flowers, vape pens, edibles and more.

What Are The Key Differences Between CBD and THC?

Chemical Structure and Effects On the Body

CBD and THC have the same molecular structure, but how these molecules are arranged differs. Because of this difference, CBD and THC interact with the brain’s receptors in slightly different ways. 

THC binds to the cannabinoid (CB1) receptors in our brain, causing euphoria and altering the user’s perception.

On the other hand, CBD has minimal, if any, binding effects on CB1 receptors. As a result, CBD does not cause euphoria. 
So if you’re looking for a more wellness-focused experience, CBD products might be the way to go. They might help reduce inflammation, relieve physical pain, speed up the healing process, and improve stress management.

Where They Are Derived From

CBD can be derived from hemp or marijuana, but it is most commonly derived from hemp, which has low levels of THC. CBD products extracted from hemp are ideal for those who want to avoid the high produced by the THC compound. 

On the other hand, THC is extracted from the marijuana plant because it has higher levels of the THC compound than hemp.

Potential Health Benefits

Research indicates that THC and CBD have wide-ranging positive effects on the human body. 

To fully grasp these benefits, we first need to understand how our endocannabinoid system works. This system is a group of neurotransmitters that regulates several body functions, including sleep, mood, appetite, and memory. 

THC and CBD  interact with the endocannabinoid system and influence various biological processes.

CBD

CBD lacks euphoric effects, which are present in THC. This is why some people prefer CBD because it does not create the high typically associated with marijuana. 

CBD may help with conditions such as: 

THC

THC may be used to relieve the symptoms of some medical conditions. And from a recreational standpoint, users prefer THC for its euphoric and relaxing effects. 

THC has been shown to help with conditions such as: 

THC Products You Can Try 

Amsterdam Sativa

Amsterdam Sativa (High THC)

Highly Dutch’s Amsterdam Sativa (THC 23%) has sweet floral flavours with punchy aromas to compliment any occasion. This strain is organically grown and selected for quality to deliver a consistent potency and unique experience in every batch.

Amsterdam Sativa will leave you feeling creative, energetic, and inspired.

Magic Melon 510 | 1g

Magic Melon

The flavours of Magic Melon (THC 83%) are like nothing else. Prepare for a truckload of tropical, sour and sweet flavour with every puff. It’s not just the myrcene or caryophyllene terpenes that make it unique, but also the abundance of terpinolene, which gives off aromas reminiscent of a fresh honeydew melon. They’re perfect for any occasion where you want something light yet refreshing at once.

Sweet Tartz Pre-Roll | 1g

Sweet Tartz Pre-Roll | 1g

Sweet Tartz (THC 22.4%) is an originally bred hybrid strain by Gage Cannabis. This strain is known for its sour-tart-like flavour and gassy aroma. Sweet Tartz breeds frosty dense nugs with a beautiful mix of purple and green and soft orange hairs, perfect for a relaxing night.

CBD Products You Can Try

CBD 50 Plus Formula Oil | 30ml

CBD 50 Plus Formula Oil | 30ml

This CBD Oil (CBD 960 mg – 1000 mg) is made using the high-CBD Plus formula from MediPharm Labs, which is ideal for helping your body with the daily grind. This full-spectrum oil contains a high concentration of CBD per drop and is produced under strict manufacturing standards.

CBD Reign Drops | 30ml

CBD Reign Drops | 30ml

These drops (CBD 420 mg – 450 mg) are made with a greenhouse-grown blend of CBD cannabis, put through a state-of-the-art CO2 extraction process and diluted to the optimal concentration. It’s available in a 30 ml bottle and has an extremely low THC potency countered with a high CBD.

CBD GEMS+ | 15 caps

CBD GEMS+ | 15 caps

CBD+ Gems (CBD 435 mg – 495 mg) cannabis softgels are made with CO2-extracted oil from blended hybrid strains. This product comes in 15 capsule bottles, and each gelatin softgel contains 30mg per dose. They have high-CBD potency and are available in 15-capsule bottles. 

The high-CBD potency of these cannabis soft gels makes them perfect for those who want an all-natural, THC-free experience.

Takeaway

As you can see, there are some significant differences between CBD and THC. CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t get you high, while THC does produce a psychoactive effect. CBD is known to have a number of medicinal properties, while THC is mainly known for its psychoactive effects. 

We hope you now have a better understanding of the difference between THC and CBD. If you’re still not sure which product is right for you, check out our website or visit us in-store for more information.

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Cannabis 101 Concentrates

Looking for Something Stronger? A Guide to Cannabis Concentrates

Concentrate

Cannabis concentrates are known for their strength, purity, and variety of textures. Also known as extracts, all cannabis concentrates are produced from cannabis trichomes, the resinous glands found on the plant that contain cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds that produce the recreational and medicinal effects of cannabis use.

The trichomes are extracted from the cannabis plant chemically with a solvent or with heat and pressure to create a concentrated cannabis extract. The main difference between all the different concentrates out there is how they are made and the many forms are determined by the type of extraction and refinement processes used.


Because you are now dealing with cannabis in a concentrated form, the effects are much stronger than smoking cannabis flower, so extra caution should be taken if you are a new user. Most concentrates are vaporized in a glass dab rig or flash-vaporized in an electronic vaporizer. Some can even be sprinkled on top of the dried flowers to spice up a joint or bowl.

Concentrates are also readily available in prefilled cartridges that can be attached to a battery for discreet and portable consumption.

Crystalline THC-A

THC-A, short for tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is a non-intoxicating compound produced by the cannabis plant. THC-A turns into THC in the presence of heat (a process called decarboxylation.) Crystalline THC-A is often called ‘diamonds’ or ‘sugar’ because of the crystals formed by the high degree of purity in the isolated THC-A.

Crystalline THC-A
Crystalline THC-A

These concentrates tend to be more expensive because of the amount of labour needed to refine them to their extremely high level of purity. Since this concentrate has little to no taste, it is often combined with a ‘sauce’ or ‘juice’, a concentrated cannabis terpene product that enhances the flavour, aroma, and entourage effect.

Budder

Budder (also sometimes badder/batter/wax) is a creamy looking concentrate that is whipped to create a smooth product that resembles butter or thick cake batter. Depending on the nuances of the extraction process, such as which stage the product is whipped and whether or not terpene oils have been added, the end product can vary slightly in consistency but is usually a golden blond colour with a frosting-like texture. This product is much easier to dose and handle than more solid concentrates like shatter because it is soft and easy to pick up with dab tools.

Budder
Budder

Shatter

Shatter is a cannabis concentrate that has a transparent honey/amber color and a brittle, glass-like appearance. Shatter comes in a solid-state unlike its softer and more malleable cousins, and tends to crack or “shatter” into uneven pieces when broken apart.


The unique consistency and appearance of shatter is achieved by a butane or CO2 extraction process. Concentrates made with a butane extraction are also called BHO (butane hash oil.) Trichomes and desirable compounds like THC are stripped from the plant material by pushing the solvent through a container filled with cannabis.

The resulting oil is then further refined using processes called “purging” (the removal of residual solvents in a vacuum) and “winterization” (the separation of fats and lipids from the oil.) The hard, glassy look of shatter happens when the molecules are left undisturbed during processing, while the opaque and softer appearance of waxes occurs when the molecules are agitated during processing (like how budder is whipped.)

Shatter
Shatter

Resin

This concentrate is made from extracting the sticky resin off the trichomes of the cannabis plant using a solvent. Trichomes are the glands of the cannabis plant that produce cannabinoids and terpenes in a sticky substance the plant uses to protect itself from UV rays and deter pests.

Resin
Resin

Resin is flavourful, full-spectrum extract that has all of the naturally occurring cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids of the source cannabis plant. It can be made from dried, cured cannabis, or from freshly harvested flash-frozen cannabis plants (this produces a product called ‘live’ resin.) Resin is a popular choice for users who want to enhance the entourage effect and experience a ‘true to flower’ flavour from their concentrates. The consistency of resin is often thinner than wax or budder, making it a good option for 510 cartridges.

Honey Oil

Known for its resemblance to actual honey, honey oil (or hash oil) is a concentrate that has been around for decades. It is made by using butane or CO2 to extract a thick, sap-like oil from the cannabis plant that can be enjoyed by dabbing or spreading on a joint. The colour of honey oil can vary from a pale gold to a deep amber depending on the extraction method and is usually sold in glass or plastic syringes for easier handling of this sticky extract.

Solventless Extracts

Most of the concentrates on the market are extracted chemically with solvents like CO2 and butane, which are then purged out of the finished product during processing to ensure that the concentrate is safe for consumption. Solventless extracts however, are products that are made without chemical solvents and are created with either heat, pressure, or a combination of the two.

Hash

Hash (or hashish) is the oldest and most familiar cannabis concentrate and its use dates back hundreds of years. It has a long history in countries like Nepal, India, Afghanistan, Morocco and Jamaica. This concentrate is made by collecting the trichomes or ‘kief’ off of dried cannabis plants and then compacting them under high pressure to create a dark, solid chunk.

Dry Sift & Pressed Ice Hash
Dry Sift (Left) & Pressed Ice Hash (Right)

Kief can be collected and pressed in a variety of different ways to produce different types of hash, such as bubble hash (which uses a series of bags and ice water) or dry-sift hash (which agitates dried flower through screens and then presses the kief mechanically.) Hash is an enjoyable and easy to handle concentrate that can be smoked on its own in a pipe, or sprinkled into dried flower in a joint or bowl.

Rosin

Like all concentrates, rosin is created by separating the trichomes for the cannabis plant matter. To make rosin, cannabis plants are placed in a mesh filter bag and pressed in heated hydraulic plates. The oil that seeps out is a solventless rosin (if freshly harvested, flash-frozen cannabis is used, the product is called ‘live’ rosin.)

Live & Hash Rosin
Live rosin (left), Hash rosin (right)

The highest quality rosin is hash rosin, where the starting material is dry-sift or water hash instead of cannabis flower. Since the hash is already refined of plant matter, the resulting rosin is also purer. Rosin is usually enjoyed by dabbing or in a vaporizer and can come in a dry, crumbled texture, or a softer soap-like texture.


With so many concentrates to pick from and so many different ways to enjoy them, you’re sure to find a concentrates that best suits you. Concentrates are a great way to experience cannabis in a whole new way with extracts like resin and diamonds, or in an approachable and familiar way like hash and honey oil. Check out our current selection of cannabis concentrates here, or come in and visit our helpful budtenders to learn more about what’s available.

If you’re looking to learn more about cannabis, check out our blog here!

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Cannabis 101 Concentrates

What Is BOAZ’s New Honey Oil? A New Hash Product You Need To Try!

Boaz Honey Oil

Alberta-based growers, BOAZ, combined old-school craft growing with modern eco-innovation to create the hottest all-natural cannabis concentrate: Wildflower Honey Oil.

This full spectrum hash oil is extracted using a CO2 extraction process free from harmful chemicals or artificial terpenes


The result?


A sweet, high-potency oil that’s chock-full of cannabinoids and terpenes. BOAZ uses a select blend of THC strains to create a hybrid blend with euphoric, uplifting effects.


In this article, we’ll explore what exactly “honey oils” are, and what makes the BOAZ Wildflower Honey Oil so unique when compared with other cannabis oils and products in general.

What Are Honey or Hash Oils?

Above. Hash oil being processed

Honey or hash oils are simply another term for cannabis oils and similar cannabis concentrate products.


The term “hash” refers to hashish, which is one of the oldest forms of cannabis concentrates and usually comes in a pressed clay consistency. Hash oil in the literal sense refers to blending hash together with oil.


Nowadays, the term is synonymous with the large category of cannabis products that includes cannabis extracts, CBD oils, tinctures, and many other products that are processed, concentrated forms of cannabis.


For example, you’ll often find hash oils in all sorts of prepared products, including vaporizer cartridges, hydrocarbon extracts (shatter, budder/wax, crumble), hash rosin, and other forms of cannabis extraction.

How To Use Honey Oils

There’s a number of different ways you can consume honey oils, from combining it with smoking methods to oral ingestion. How you choose to use cannabis oils like BOAZ’s Wildflower Honey Oil depends on how you prefer to consume cannabis in general.


If you’re used to rolling and smoking joints, you can add a bit of hash oil to your ground cannabis while rolling.


For those who like to use bongs to smoke their cannabis, all you have to do is add a bit of the oil to the ground cannabis you’ve packed into the bowl. In this use case, you’ll want to pack a smaller bowl that what you’re used to, since hash oil is much more concentrated than the dried flower you’ve ground up.


Cannabis users who prefer vaping can also fill up a vape cartridge with hash oil or find pre-filled cartridges that are made with special blends.

Honey Oil
Honey Oil

And lastly, if you’re not big on smoking cannabis but consume edibles from time to time, you can always squeeze a couple drops into your mouth under your tongue.
These are just a few of the many methods for consuming hash or honey oils. As long as you’re careful about the dosage you use, you can experiment with how you use hash oil so you find a method that suits you best.

What’s in BOAZ’s Wildflower Honey Oil?

Now that we’ve discussed the basics of hash oils, let’s take a look at what BOAZ uses to produce its Wildflower Honey Oil.


This particular hash oil is a full-spectrum extract produced using a carbon dioxide (cO2) extraction process. The process itself is completely natural and doesn’t involve the use of other harmful chemicals or artificial terpenes. On top of that, no other distillates or isolates are added during the production of this oil, ensuring nothing contaminates the blend of THC extracts.


The cannabinoid profile of this oil includes: CBC 9.30 mg, CBG 15.10 mg, CBN 8.40 mg, and THCV 4.9 mg

Overall, the wildflower honey oil has is quite potent, with a THC content of about 65% – 73% or 650 mg/g – 730 mg/g and CBD content of 2.10% – 2.30% or 2.10 mg/g – 2.30 mg/g


The star terpenes in this concentrate include bisabolol, caryophyllene, and myrcene.

A Unique Way to Roll Your Joints

The Wildflower Honey Oil comes in a thoughtfully designed glass and metal syringe, which is perfect for dabbing, rolling, vaping, or infusing, without having to fuss about filling it up.


Instead of having to go through the trouble of pouring oil into a syringe and worrying about spillage, BOAZ delivers its Wildflower Honey Oil in its own needle container. This makes the process of enhancing your smoking routine with a touch of high-potency honey oil.

How Potent Is This New Hash Wildflower Honey Oil? What’s The Experience Like?

The new honey oil or hash oils are a stronger, more potent version of the original extracts of the cannabis plant. So if you’re looking for something hardcore for your then wildflower honey oil is ideal to get you the high you need.

As normally the raw cannabis that typically contains about 20% THC, will not get you that high as compared to the concentrate (honey oil) that can have upwards of 80% THC content.


At the BOAZ Wildflower Honey Oil’s rating of 60% – 70% THC content, which is on the higher end of the potency scale, it’s important that you start with a very small amount of oil the first time you dab or use this particular oil. Take some time to test gauge the effects of dabbing with this oil so you can know where your limits are.

Where Can I Buy BOAZ Wildflower Honey Oil?

If you’re interested in spicing things up with this innovative cannabis oil product from BOAZ, check out the Wildflower Honey Oil product page here on the Leaf Lab online menu. Or if you happen to be in the North York area, come check out our physical location here.

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Cannabis 101 Concentrates

Best Sativa Strains To Look Out For in 2022

Cannabis_Strain

Have you ever felt relaxed and energized at the same time? If so, kudos! You have tangled with Sativa strains and are here to learn about the best ones to add to your 2022 shopping list.

If you haven’t experienced the benefits of Sativa strains before and are looking to explore, keep reading. Your curiosity led you to the right place.

This article will dive into the list of Sativa strains that will help you reach new peaks with every puff as you tackle day-to-day life.

What is a Sativa Strain?

Marijuana strains generally fall under three main categories: Sativa, Indica, and hybrid.

Sativas are tall plants with long, thin, light green leaves. The effects of Sativa strains depend on several factors, but mainly on the concentration of different cannabinoids (like THC or CBD) and terpenes present in the strain.

A Sativa-dominant strain can either be a pure or Sativa-dominant hybrid. The hybrid derives from crossing Indica and Sativa strains, with Sativa being more present in the strain.

In comparison, pure Sativa strains come from two pure Sativa parent plants with no Indica whatsoever. Those are extremely rare.

Sativa strains are best known for uplifting and energizing experiences and are ideal for daytime use. They offer strong cerebral effects that can help with a creative block and are often used by writers, painters, and artists.

Best Sativa Strains To Look Out For In 2022

It can be challenging to keep up with all the new strains, so here’s a selection of our favorite Sativa strains that you should try in 2022.

Diesel

With its origins dating back to the early ‘90s, Diesel has been growing in popularity among users. Diesel has a reputation for being one of the best-selling strains on the market with various cross-breeds such as Sour Diesel, Jack Diesel, and NYC Diesel.

Diesel is also famous for its aromatic and flavorful taste. Diesel strains can generate creative and energetic effects that last for quite a long time. This is just one of many reasons why smokers love this strain.

Usage and Effects

Diesel is excellent for relieving stress symptoms by relaxing your mind and body. With its versatility, Diesel is perfect for both daytime and nighttime use. The choice is up to you.

Jack Haze [Jack Herer X Super Silver Haze]

Jack Haze is made by crossing Jack Herer and Super Silver Haze, hence the name. This Sativa-dominant strain provides users with an intense psychoactive effect. The strain also has a pine-like diesel and lemony aroma.

Usage and Effects

This strain, like a strong cup of coffee, will energize and uplift your day. Jack Haze users say they have a more focused mind, feel more energetic, and have better conversations. If you work in a stressful environment, you might want to consider adding this strain to your morning self-care routine.

BC Zaza

After a long week, we all just want to catch a break, relax, and unwind. BC Zaza is just that strain to ease you into the weekend. With a hint of diesel and pine, this strain has a slight earthy smell with notes of blueberry and lemon.

Usage and Effects

BC Zaza stimulates your mind in a calming way and leaves your body in a relaxed, euphoric, and uplifted mood.

Elevate your sleep with this strain — no more tossing and turning in bed, only a well-deserved goodnight’s rest. Just keep a snack by your bedside in case of a munchies emergency in the middle of the night.

Peggy’s Pride

Peggy’s Pride is a high THC Sativa with a unique terpene profile. This is yet another aromatic strain packed with flavors of spicy cinnamon and sweet fruity undertones. This strain is hand-trimmed and dried to preserve its flavor.

Usage and Effects

This flavor-filled strain sure does leave an impression. If you were hosting a party and wanted everyone to have the time of their lives, this would be a great choice.

Or maybe you just needed something to spark your creativity. Peggy’s Pride can leave you feeling inspired so you can finally finish writing that memoir or painting.

Organic Sugar Bush [Ice Queen x Blue Heron]

The Sugar Bush name comes from the maple tree forests in Quebec, the source of maple syrup used to nurture the soil it grows in. What you have here is a strain that is full-bodied and full of aroma, coated with a fruity, skunk scent that will leave you reminiscing about ripe melon and passion fruit.

Usage and Effects

If you’re feeling down, Sugar Bush is the perfect pick-me-up. It amplifies creativity and inspires conversation and social interaction. What better way to relax alongside your friends than with Sugar Bush after a long stressful day at work?

Pineapple Paradise [Pre-98 Bubba Kush X Sour Diesel]

Pineapple Pie is a hybrid strain created by crossing Pineapple E with Pre-98 Bubba Kush. This strain was originally found in Afghanistan, Colombia, Mexico, and South Africa. Its smell can be described as fruity, spicy, earthy, sour, or piney.

Usage and Effects

Pineapple Pie gives a euphoric feeling that sparks creativity yet leaves you feeling calm. This makes it ideal for nighttime use. There is no shame in being a couch potato after a long shift and relaxing with Pineapple Pie in front of your TV as you fall asleep.

Lemon Z [Las Vegas Lemon Skunk X Zkittlez]

Imagine popping open a cold can of lemonade on a sunny day. Refreshing, right? We couldn’t agree more!

Also known as Las Vegas kush, this Sativa-dominant hybrid strain is a crossbreed of Las Vegas Lemon Skunk and Lemon Zkittles (Lemon Z). It has a zesty, sweet, and sour aroma.

Usage and Effects

Lemon Z is best for nighttime use as it leaves you feeling relaxed, sleepy, and refreshed. Many users recommend taking it right before bed so you can get that full 8-hour of sleep.

Green Crush

Used to be known as “Green Crack” and “Mango Crack,” Green Cush is a potent Sativa strain made by crossing Skunk with an Indica strain. It is packed with a tangy, fruity flavor redolent of mango.

Usage and Effects

Have you been working a ton of overtime shifts? Perhaps you are a college student staying up all night studying for tests? If you answered yes to either of those questions, Green Crush may be your ticket to relief.

There aren’t many strains that compare to Green Crush’s intense energy and focus as it induces an exhilarating mental buzz. Many love it for its energizing effects.

Cold Creek Kush [MK Ultra X Chemdawg 91]

Cold Creek Kush is a potent hybrid born from a cross between MK Ultra and Chemdawg 91. In 2010, Cold Creek Kush seeds won 2nd place at Amsterdam’s Cannabis Cup.

Usage and Effects

With a piney and sour aroma, its fresh taste is a favorite among users. The strain helps you to relax without feeling too sleepy. Want to sit back and binge your favorite series? Cold Creek Kush would make an excellent addition to your viewing experience.

Lemon Haze [Silver Haze X Lemon Skunk]

Lemon Haze is a Sativa-dominant hybrid made from crossing Silver Haze and Lemon Skunk, both highly potent strains with cerebral effects. As a result, Lemon Haze Hash has an authentic lemon zesty flavor.

Usage and Effects

Lemon Haze may bring out your chatty, cheerful, and energetic side with its herbal smell relaxing the body and mind.

If you’re an introvert with a wedding to attend, take some Lemon Haze. You may find yourself chatting up a storm with family members you haven’t seen in forever.

Let’s Get Started!

Not sure which one might be right for you? Give them all a try by ordering some today!

Leaf Lab has a wide range of strains to choose from, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user. Depending on the type of experience you’re looking for, our staff members can guide you.

You can purchase your preferred strains online here or visit our store at 1961 Avenue Road in North York. For your convenience, orders above $50 can be delivered the same day if you’re within 10km from the store.

DISCLAIMER: Everyone experiences cannabis differently as such no claims made in this blog are guaranteed. Effects will vary from user to user.