If you’ve ever marveled at the dazzling array of extracts on display at your local provisioning center, you’ve probably noticed the sparkling, crystalline concentrates scattered throughout sauce. Those are THC diamonds, a unique byproduct of certain extraction processes that have become a product type all their own. What are THC diamonds, how are they made, and what should you expect when consuming them?
What are THC diamonds?
THC diamonds are solid, virtually pure cannabis concentrates that contain up to 99% pure delta-9 THC. Named after their diamond-like appearance, THC diamonds form as part of the production of live resin.
Are THC diamonds and THCA diamonds the same thing?
Interestingly, THC diamonds in their solid form are made of Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), the acidic precursor of THC, and only convert when exposed to heat. As a result, you may also see them referred to as THCA diamonds.
What’s the difference between THC and THCA?
THCA is what THC is before it’s exposed to heat. It exists in the trichomes of freshly harvested cannabis flower. If you ingest THCA orally, you won’t feel high – it’s non-intoxicating. However, when you heat THCA, it converts into delta-9 THC and can contribute to feeling high. That means vaping, dabbing, or smoking THC diamonds involves consuming potent amounts of THC, rather than THCA.
On its own, THCA may contain some therapeutic benefits, including pain relief, anti-nausea and vomiting, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammation properties. Active, delta-9 THC, on the other hand, is thought to offer therapeutic benefits of its own. This includes the ability to alleviate pain, stimulate appetite, mitigate nausea and vomiting, and reduce inflammation.
What do THC diamonds look like?
Just as the name implies, THC diamonds are crystal-like structures that look much like the precious mineral for which they’re named. Generally, THC diamonds have a translucent yellow or amber appearance, though in some cases they may appear almost entirely clear. It’s common to see THC diamonds contained within the terpene-rich live resin extract known as sauce, though many provisioning centers also carry THC diamonds that have been removed from sauce.
How are THC diamonds made?
THC diamonds are the result of certain extraction processes. Much like real diamonds, these crystalline concentrates form under pressure. They can be made in the following ways:
- Closed loop extraction: With closed loop extraction techniques, THCA is isolated from the plant material using a liquid solvent, usually hydrocarbons or ethanol. Manufacturers then purge the solvent from the extract using temperature and pressure. When left in the right conditions, THC diamonds will form as part of this purging process. This process can take anywhere from two days to several weeks.
- Crystalline extraction: Similar to the closed loop extraction method, crystalline extraction involves manipulating the purging process to create THC diamonds. It involves mixing THCA isolate with a solvent and then applying heat and pressure. As the solvent evaporates, THCA molecules bind together to form diamonds.
- Diamond mining: A method referred to as diamond mining is used when extractors harvest THC diamonds from sauce, separating them from the terpene-dense extract after it is produced.
How do you consume THC diamonds?
The most common methods of consuming THC diamonds include dab rigs, vaporizers, or mixing it with flower. You might also want to try it orally (for products intended for ingestion – not all products are formulated for this). Here’s a bit more detail on each consumption method.
- Dab rigs: These pipes are typically made of glass but sometimes made of silicone. They’re outfitted with a “nail” or “banger” that’s made hot with a blowtorch or a digital device called an e-nail. To use a dab rig, heat the banger with a torch and place a small amount of diamonds on it with the help of a dab tool. The diamonds instantly vaporize. Dab rigs may also include accessories like carb caps to alter the consumption experience.
- Vaporizers: Electronic vaporizers typically consist of a battery, mouthpiece, and chamber. The THC diamonds can be loaded into the chamber, where the battery supplies heat that vaporizes them for inhalation through the mouthpiece. There are many vaporizers on the market, including ones meant specially for concentrates and other “dual use” designed to function with flower and concentrates. Check to make sure your device is compatible with THC diamonds first by reading the owner’s manual.
- Adding to flower: THC diamonds can be mixed with cannabis flower when packing a bowl, bong, or rolling a blunt or joint. Simply take the diamonds and sprinkle them into your dried flower before lighting up.
- Oral ingestion: If you’d prefer to try THCA in its original form, you can also consume diamonds orally. Keep in mind, though, that orally ingesting diamonds won’t get you high.
Do THCA diamonds get you high?
Yes, THCA diamonds get you high — as long as they’re heated enough to convert the THCA into THC. This is easily done with a dab rig or portable vaporizer.
Ready to try THC diamonds?
It’s a whole new world of cannabis products out there, and we at Iconic are here to help you try. We offer THC diamonds at our provisioning centers in Lowell, Gaylord, and Sturgis. Check out our online menu at Lowell, Sturgis, or Gaylord to see what’s available at your favorite location. Stop in and visit an Iconic Wellness dispensary today to see what we have to offer.
