1. Overview
Diamonds are cannabis concentrates. They are THC in crystal form. The cannabis diamond molecule is D9-THCa.
- D9-THCa = THC crystals
- Crystals = diamonds
D9-THCa is the natural compound found in the live plant. Cannabis plants grow THC crystals in their trichome heads. These crystals are what gives flower its frosty sparkles.
THCa diamonds become larger through ‘diamond mining.’ This involves growing the crystals in solvent through recrystallization. More about mining in section 2.
2. Process To Make Diamonds
THCa diamonds get made by extracting flowers to crude (usually by butane) then diamond mining. The diamond miner below is a small scale setup.
Diamonds have a crystal formation. So THC crystals can recrystallize and ‘grow’. ‘Diamond Mining’ recrystallizes THC crystals at the optimal temperature and pressure.
Inside the diamond miner, crude cannabis oil gets dissolved in solvent, then the solvent evaporates away. White THCa rocks (diamonds) form over a few weeks. Common solvents for diamond mining are butane, pentane, and ethanol. Some operators grow diamonds from rosin too.
Sometimes terpenes can be a solvent to recrystallize THCa. That’s why saucy Live Resin may grown diamonds over time!
THCa diamonds can be different sizes. From fine grains of sand all the way to quarter sized rocks and larger!
3. How To Use Diamonds
Diamonds are a type of cannabis concentrate. They are a dab. So they can be dabbed in rigs.
Diamonds have other uses. They can make liquid diamonds in vapes or get infused in flower to boost potency.
Jeeters in California melts diamonds to make their Jeeter Juice Liquid Diamond Vape Carts.
Raw Garden crushes their diamonds and uses them to make their Crushed Diamond Infused Pre-Rolls.
Dabbing diamonds is the most common form of consumption. Our favorite dabber to vape cannabis diamonds is the Puffco Peak Pro.
Diamonds are often sold as 1g dab concentrates. They cost $20-$50 per gram in California in 2022.
4. Diamonds vs Live Resin
Live Resin Profile
- Color: pale yellow, amber, orange, brown
- Appearance: Opaque, apple sauce, wet sugar
- Cannabinoids: D9-THCa
- Total THC: 60-90%
- Terpenes: 5-20%
Diamonds Profile
- Color: white (high purity), yellow
- Appearance: clear, powder, crystals
- Cannabinoids: D9-THCa
- Total THC: 80-98%
- Terpenes: 0-10%
Looking for a deep dive on Live Resin? We got you covered here.
5. Do Diamonds Have Terpenes?
Sometimes. Diamond 1g dabs get formulated with terpenes for flavor. So in the case of finished product diamond dabs, yes.
Raw diamonds with the liquid layer poured off have little terpenes. They look like dry chalky white rocks. See below.
Diamonds can grow over time in Live Resin. The fine grains of THCa recrystallize in terpenes for growing diamonds.
6. Are Diamonds in Live Resin?
Technically yes.
Since Live Resin is a grainy consistency, the granules in Live Resin are mini THCa diamonds. But the crystals are often too small in Live Resin to be considered diamonds.
If the Live Resin is terpy and wet, that can act as as a solvent to grow larger diamonds over time.
7. Best Diamonds in California and Where to Buy
Raw Garden is the leader in Diamonds in California. Check out their menus on Weedmaps or Leafly for local cannabis delivery.
FAQ
What are diamonds?
Crystallized D9-THCa
How are diamonds made?
Cannabis extraction then diamond mining
Who has the best Diamonds?
Raw Garden is the Diamond leader in California 2022
How much do Diamonds cost?
$20-$50 per gram in California 2022
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