THC-A crystalline is a newcomer in the field of cannabis concentrates, but it packs a punch. Concentrates of this type, otherwise known as THC diamonds, contain up to 99.9% THC, making them the most potent on the market. However, a pair of questions frequently go unanswered amid all the excitement and praise surrounding these products: what are THC-A diamonds, and where do they come from? If you’ve been wondering the same thing as many others, you’ve come to the right spot because I’m going to give you some information on this cannabis concentrate that can provide you with the most potent high.
What are THC diamonds?
THC-A diamonds are distinguished by their crystalline form, as the name suggests. Crystallization occurs when THC is reduced to its more refined form. While there may be a negative stigma associated with similar-looking compounds, don’t be fooled by their appearance; cannabis diamonds are the most potent and purest THC type.
How are THC diamonds made?
Diamonds are most commonly extracted from resin extracts, a form of concentrate known for their terpene content and potency. Although any form of the concentrate may be used, the most common starting material is live resin. Recrystallization is the chemistry term for the mechanism by which a solution crystallizes into cannabis diamonds. The most frequently used method of producing cannabis diamonds is referred to as “diamond mining” by industry insiders. This is the form I will discuss today.
This method, like many others, starts with butane extraction to produce an uncured live resin. Following the same extraction, the solution is heated to eliminate any remaining solvent (no vacuum is used). The live resin will then be put in a jar and placed somewhere dark so that it can separate. Cannabinoid crystals will start to configure on the bottom while the terpenes produce a liquified layer on top, this part of the process is called separation. This phase takes two to three weeks, depending on how long it takes to shape a sufficient amount of crystals at the bottom of the container; after that, the solution is ready for the final purge.
Experienced extractors would also split the liquid and crystal layers before purging to purify them separately, enabling them to purge the crystal layer for longer. The effect of this second separation is a better quality end product since the liquified terpene solution takes about 60 hours to purge instead of the 72 or so hours it takes for the crystals to purify. The resulting terpene liquid and THC diamonds are either packaged separately or recombined before being put on the shelves of a dispensary local to you for your enjoyment.