They have been on modern dispensary menus for some time now, and if you have taken a closer look, you have probably noticed them — tiny, glittering crystals that sit in a glass jar and are identified as “THC Diamonds” or “THC-A Diamonds”. They resemble something you would find in a geologist's collection rather than as a cannabis product. Therefore, what are these little crystalline structures all about, and more importantly, how can you use them?
Let us break this down, not merely using scientific terms to define what they are, but with reference to the actual products and experiences that you will find.
So, What are THC Diamonds? The Science Explained
In simple terms, THC Diamonds represent the purest form of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) available today. We are referring to concentration levels that are typically 98-99.9% THC. To put that in perspective, high-quality cannabis flower is usually tested between 15-30% THC. In essence, you are looking at almost pure THC crystal.
To be honest, the best term for them is actually THC-A Diamonds. The raw plant contains THC in the form of THC-A (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), which is a non-psychoactive compound. However, through a very precise extraction and purification process—using techniques such as pressure, temperature, and solvents such as butane or CO2—it is possible to separate the THCA molecules from the rest of the plant material and cause them to “crash” out of the solvent and form crystals.
The first time I saw a jar of Live Resin Diamonds from a company such as Raw Garden or 710 Labs, I had two reactions. First, I was amazed by the physical appearance of the diamonds; they are indeed beautiful and resemble coarse, off-white sugar or tiny diamonds. Second, I was also impressed by the aroma; although the diamonds themselves contain virtually no smell (they are largely composed of pure THCA), they are almost always accompanied by a flavorful sauce containing terpenes. Terpenes are the aromatic compounds found in cannabis that provide the distinct flavors and effects of cannabis. The combination of pure potency and an abundance of flavor profiles make diamonds so appealing.
The “Why”: The Appeal of Diamonds
The reasons why diamonds are popular can be broken down to two key areas:
- Highest Potency: For those who are experienced cannabis consumers with a high level of tolerance, diamonds represent an extremely reliable source of a powerful effect that can be difficult to achieve with other types of extracts.
- Most Flavor Options: Since the diamonds themselves are relatively odorless, you have complete flexibility to choose how you want to enjoy them; either as a standalone product in a flavorful sauce or simply added to a bowl of your favorite cannabis flower to enhance it. Diamonds allow the consumer to have total control over both potency and flavor options.
How to Use THC Diamonds? A Practical Guide to Consumption
This is arguably the most important area of this article. You cannot simply ingest a diamond or burn it like a joint. Due to their extreme purity and crystalline structure, diamonds need to be consumed using certain methods and equipment. Below are some examples of how diamonds are used in real-life scenarios.
1. Dabbing (The Most Popular Method)
Dabbing is the most common method of consuming diamonds. Dabbing involves heating a small amount of extract and then inhaling the resulting vapor.
Heat the nail using a torch until it is red-hot, then wait for it to cool for a few seconds (this is critical to preserve the flavor), and finally, use the dab tool to carefully drop a grain-of-rice sized diamond onto the nail. Upon contact, it instantly vaporizes, and you inhale the vapor.
Dabbing diamonds is a true science of precision. The effects occur rapidly—a clear headed, soaring and intense cerebral high. I always suggest starting with a diamond that is half the size of a grain of rice. When working with a product as potent as Coldfire's "Diamond Collections", a little truly goes a long way.
2. Topping a Bowl or Joint (The “Super-Charger” Method)
For those who do not dab, topping a bowl or joint is an easy and efficient way to try diamonds. Think of it as a shot of espresso to your cup of coffee.
Take a small diamond (or crush it into smaller pieces), and place it on top of the cannabis flower in your bowl. Light the flower, and the resulting flame will vaporize the diamond, enhancing your overall experience. For joints, you would sprinkle the crushed diamonds into the flower before rolling the joint.
This is my preferred method when I am trying to elevate a typical day into something more meaningful. Adding a small Punch Extracts Diamond to a bowl of my favorite OG Kush flower significantly enhances the experience, creating an additional potent and energizing sensation that the flower alone cannot produce.
3. Using a Cartridge or Vape Pen (Portable Method)
You may have seen cartridges or pods called “Diamond Cartridges” or “Diamond Pods” for vape pens. These are created by dissolving the THCA diamonds into a flavorful sauce to create a liquid that can be vaporized.
Works the same way as any other vape cartridge—click the button and inhale.
Although portable and convenient, the high from a diamond cartridge is generally different from that achieved from dabbing raw diamonds. The act of dissolving the diamonds into a liquid can affect the overall experience somewhat. Companies like Jetty Solventless Diamonds or Stiiizy's Diamond Pods deliver a clean and incredibly strong high; however, for me, the experience is missing the entire spectrum of effects from a genuine dab.
A Final Warning: Respect the Diamond
One final warning is to start low and go slow. New users should avoid diamonds altogether. The potency of diamonds can result in anxiety or discomfort. Start building your tolerance with other forms of cannabis extracts, such as live resin budder or sugar.
The Bottom Line:
Diamonds are not a novelty product; they demonstrate the advancements that have occurred in cannabis extraction. They represent the highest levels of potency, while providing the ultimate in flexibility for the educated cannabis consumer. Regardless of whether you choose to dab diamonds for a pure, fast-acting high or simply to add an enhanced potency boost to your next bowl of flower, diamonds provide a versatile tool in the modern cannabis arsenal. Always treat diamonds with the respect they deserve.