Illinois residents may purchase up to 30 grams of flower/pre-rolls; up to 500 milligrams of THC-infused edibles; and up to 5 grams of concentrates. Non-residents may purchase up to 15 grams of flower/pre-rolls; up to 2.5 grams of concentrates; and up to 250 milligrams of THC-infused edibles.
THC Diamonds: What They Are, How They’re Made & How to Use Them
Diamonds are more than just a girl’s best friend–they’re loved by cannabis enthusiasts too. THC diamonds are a popular cannabis concentrate, and we’ll dive into this unique creation here with answers to questions like:
- What are THC Diamonds?
- How Strong Are THC Diamonds?
- How Are THCA Diamonds Made?
- How Do THC Diamonds Differ from Other Concentrates?
- What’s The Difference Between THCA Crystalline vs. Terp Sauce?
- How Do You Smoke THC Crystalline Diamonds?
- How Do You Buy THC Diamonds?
What Are THC Diamonds?
THC diamonds are crystalline structures of pure, concentrated THCA, meaning they aren’t actually THC! So, while we’ll be referring to this product as “THC diamonds” in this article, bear in mind that they are actually “THCA diamonds.”
THCA activates and turns into THC when it’s heated through a process called decarboxylation. For example, smoking THCA diamonds in a dab rig or infused joint is enough to decarboxylate them and achieve the desired effects of THC. On the other hand, if you eat a THCA diamond without first decarboxylating it, you won’t experience the same effects.
THC diamonds appear crystal-like and translucent–hence the name “diamond.” The color of the crystals can range from clear to shades of amber, with less opaque THC diamonds generally indicating higher quality. Other names for THC diamonds include:
- Weed diamonds
- THC crystalline
- THCA crystals
- THCA diamonds
- Diamond sauce
- Liquid diamonds THC
How Strong Are THC Diamonds?
THC diamonds, after decarboxylation, can contain upwards of 99% THC, which is far higher than the 60-90% THC content of other cannabis concentrates.1 However, diamonds' high THC content doesn’t guarantee a more powerful psychoactive effect than other concentrates.2
According to a CU Boulder study, high-potency concentrates may provide more THC, but they won’t necessarily cause more intense psychoactive effects than regular flower.3 This is due to a phenomenon known as the entourage effect, where the cannabis plant’s terpenes and cannabinoids work together to produce more enhanced effects.
How Are THC Diamonds Made?
THC diamonds can be made using the closed-loop technique or the crystalline method.4 Both methods involve extracting cannabinoids from cannabis or live resin with solvents and purifying the extract to make diamond THC.
Here’s a high-level look at how cannabis concentrate manufacturers produce THC diamonds. Remember that making concentrates is very complex and dangerous, so do not ever attempt this at home.
The Closed-Loop Method
The closed-loop method for making THC diamonds minimizes waste by recycling solvents to produce pure THCA crystals. The process involves:
- Extraction: Manufacturers flash-freeze cannabis flower and use solvents to extract cannabinoids and terpenes.5
- Purification: Solvents are purged from the extract to create a thick cannabis concentrate. Next, they freeze the concentrate to filter out solidified waxes and get a refined cannabinoid and terpene-rich concentrate.
- Crystallization: The technicians use a nonpolar solvent to dissolve the purified concentrate. As the mixture slowly cools, it separates into a liquid terpene-rich “sauce” and chunks of THCA crystals.
The final step is diamond mining, which involves filtering the THC diamonds from the sauce. Some producers sell the sauce separately as a terpene-rich extract or coat the diamonds with the sauce to give them flavor.
The Crystalline Method
The crystalline or solvent-evaporation process for making THC diamonds typically involves the following steps:
- Extraction: Manufacturers create live resin concentrate by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from flash-frozen cannabis flower.
- Filtration: They then mix the concentrate with ethanol, freeze it, and filter it to remove impurities, such as waxes, lipids, solvents, and particulate matter.
- Diamond Mining: The purified concentrate is mixed with a nonpolar solvent, which is gradually cooled or evaporated until THCA crystals form and separate from the liquid (sauce).
While both methods may seem similar, they rely on different equipment and techniques to create THC diamonds.
Again, do not attempt to make diamonds at home. Even the slightest mistake while handling volatile solvents can lead to fire accidents, chemical burns, or exposure to toxic fumes.
How Do THC Diamonds Differ from Other Concentrates?
You now know what THC diamonds are, but how are they different from other cannabis concentrates? Here’s a summary of the other key differences between THC diamonds and popular cannabis concentrates.
THC Diamonds vs. Wax, Crumble, & Shatter
Wax, crumble, and shatter are all popular cannabis concentrates with slightly different production methods that result in their namesake consistencies. Like THC diamonds, you can smoke, dab, or vaporize wax, crumble, and shatter. Unlike diamonds, these popular concentrates contain the cannabis plant’s full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes.6
This makes concentrates like shatter, wax, and crumble ideal for experiencing the full flavor and effects of cannabis. Diamonds, on the other hand, are a better option for a strictly potent THC experience.
Finally, wax, crumble, and shatter have a THC potency that hovers around 90%, whereas THC diamonds are closer to 99%.7
THC Diamonds vs. Terp Sauce
THC diamonds and terp sauce are actually quite similar. After all, terp sauce contains THCA crystalline. The difference is, however, terp sauce also contains a liquid bath of terpenes and other cannabinoids. THCA diamonds, on the other hand, are literally pure THCA with no other cannabinoids, terpenes, or flavonoids in them. You can have terp sauce with THCA diamonds in it, but THCA diamonds cannot contain terp sauce.
While diamonds are THCA-rich and relatively flavorless, terp sauce is overflowing with various cannabinoids and flavorful terpenes. This makes diamonds ideal for a potent THC experience without the taste or smell of cannabis.
How Do You Smoke THC Crystalline Diamonds?
The only way to turn THCA diamonds into THC is to heat them, so most cannabis enthusiasts consume them by dabbing or vaporizing them. Since THC diamonds are typically flavorless, some people add liquid terpenes, like terp sauce, to enjoy the flavor of terpenes alongside a potent THC effect. Of course, this isn’t necessary if you prefer an odorless and neutral-tasting cannabis experience.
The best way to enjoy THC diamonds is to vaporize them with a dab rig, vaporizer, or e-nail. These devices generate temperatures of 350-400°F to properly and evenly vaporize the diamonds.8 If you prefer smoking, you can grind diamonds and sprinkle them on flower in your joint, bong, or pipe for a stronger THC hit.
Because THCA will convert to pure THC when heated, it’s important to remember that this is an incredibly potent concentrate. A little goes a long way, so start slow with a low dose and adjust from there.
How to Buy THC Diamonds
You can buy THC diamonds at most dispensaries and cannabis shops. You will need to prove you’re old enough to legally buy cannabis, so don’t be surprised if the budtender asks for your ID. Also, depending on your state’s marijuana laws, the dispensary may ask for your medical card before selling you THC diamonds.
A state-licensed dispensary is the best place to buy diamonds because they stock only legally compliant, accurately labeled, and third-party-tested cannabis. Get the best quality product by checking diamond THC for the following before purchasing:
- Quality and purity: It should have a lab test certificate that verifies it’s contaminant-free with a pure THCA content of at least 99%.
- Color and appearance: High-quality diamonds are typically clear or milky.
- Age: THC diamonds that are older than 12 months may be less potent.
Answering FAQs About THC Diamonds
This unique cannabinoid is the source of many questions in our dispensaries. Here are a few of the most popular queries.
What are THC diamonds?
THC diamonds are a crystallized cannabis concentrate with a THCA content of over 99%, leaving little room for other cannabinoids. Diamonds also contain little to no terpenes, resulting in a mostly neutral taste and smell when smoked or dabbed.
Are THC diamonds decarboxylated?
No. When you purchase a THC diamond, it is not decarboxylated. However, when you vape or dab the THC diamond, it will activate the cannabinoids, turning THCA into THC.
Are THC diamonds hard?
While these crystalline concentrates look like precious gems, they are easy to break into small pieces. This makes it easier to portion out your THC diamonds to fit your concentrate needs.
Are THC diamonds potent?
Yes! THC diamonds are concentrated forms of THCA with a purity of over 99%, making them extremely potent. Heating the THC crystals in a dab rig or vaporizer activates the THCA, turning it into THC that can cause powerful psychoactive effects.
Are THC diamonds the most potent form of cannabis?
THC diamonds are among the most potent forms of cannabis if you want a strong THC experience. However, if you prefer a fuller cannabis experience that includes other cannabinoids and terpenes, diamonds may not be your best choice.
How do you use THC diamonds?
Cannabis lovers typically enjoy diamonds with dab rigs or vaporizers. These devices evenly heat the THC crystals and release THC-loaded vapors that you can inhale. Alternatively, you can sprinkle ground diamonds on flower to smoke in joints, pipes, and bongs.
What's the difference between THC diamonds and live resin?
THC diamonds are crystals of concentrated THCA that become THC when heated. The diamonds contain zero or only trace amounts of terpenes and other cannabinoids. Live resin, on the other hand, is a liquid cannabis concentrate filled with cannabinoids and flavorful terpenes typically found in marijuana plants.
How long do THC diamonds stay potent?
With proper storage, THC diamonds can retain their potency for six to 12 months, after which the concentrate’s THCA content will begin degrading. Preserve your THC diamonds’ potency by storing them in an airtight container placed in a cool, dark cabinet.9
Why are THC diamonds sometimes called sauce?
Some people call THC diamonds “sauce” or “liquid THC diamonds.” However, these names are misleading because the “sauce” is the terpene-rich liquid that forms during the diamond production process.
You can find THC diamonds mixed in with the sauce under labels like “diamond and “sauce” or simply “sauce” for short.
Ready to Try THC Diamonds?
If you want a highly potent THC product without cannabis’s taste or smell, THC diamonds are a great choice. Each diamond is at least 99% pure THCA, which turns into THC when you light it up in a joint, pipe, vaporizer, or dab rig.
While THC diamonds aren’t the most common concentrate out there, you can typically find a dispensary near you that sells them. Visit one of our Verilife dispensaries, where the cannabis experts on staff can help you decide if you’d like to try diamonds, terp sauce, or any other cannabis concentrates. They can also answer any questions you may have, whether you’re new to cannabis or a seasoned connoisseur.
Sources
1. “What Are THC Diamonds – THC Diamonds Explained,” coloradoharvestcompany.com, March 3, 2022, https://coloradoharvestcompany.com/what-are-thc-diamonds-explained/
2. “Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC),” National Library of Medicine, November 12, 2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563174/
3. “Marijuana concentrates sharply spike THC levels but don’t necessarily get users higher,” CU Boulder Today, June 10, 2020, https://www.colorado.edu/today/2020/06/10/marijuana-concentrates-sharply-spike-thc-levels-dont-necessarily-get-users-higher
4. “What Are THC Diamonds and How Are They Made?” yodabbadabba.com, September 29, 2021, https://yodabbadabba.com/dabbing-resources/thc-diamonds
5. “What are THC diamonds and how are they made?” weedmaps.com, September 8, 2018, https://weedmaps.com/learn/dictionary/diamonds
6. “Marijuana And The Entourage Effect,” Cannabis Control Division Montana, May 13, 2024, https://mtrevenue.gov/cannabis/education/marijuana-and-the-entourage-effect
7. “Safety with THC Concentrates,” cannabis.colorado.gov, https://cannabis.colorado.gov/responsible-use/safety-with-THC-concentrates
8. “Best Temp to Dab Diamonds,” deltamunchies.com, September 30, 2023, https://deltamunchies.com/blog/best-temp-to-dab-diamonds
9. Can Marijuana Concentrates Go Bad?” yodabbadabba.com, November 8, 2021, https://yodabbadabba.com/dabbing-resources/can-marijuana-concentrates-go-bad/
Recreational cannabis is not available in all states. Cannabis is for medical use only and may only be used by certified patients in Ohio and Pennsylvania. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and certified patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.