A cannabis distillate syringe is a plastic tube with a plunger that holds concentrated cannabis oil. You will find these behind the counter at most dispensaries. The oil is refined to remove plant material and impurities, leaving mostly THC and sometimes other cannabinoids. A syringe gives you a way to transfer this oil into a vaporizer, onto a dab tool, or into food.
Why choose a syringe?
Syringes are portable and precise. They allow you to control your dose with very small increments. They also provide one of the most affordable ways to buy concentrated oil. Buying a syringe at a dispensary is often cheaper than buying the same amount in a prefilled cartridge.
What to ask the budtender
Before you buy, ask whether the oil is activated. Activated oil is ready for eating. Unactivated oil must be heated for use in edibles. Ask about the solvent used, whether it is CO2, ethanol, or hydrocarbon. Ask for the lab test date and the list of major and minor cannabinoids.
How to use a distillate syringe
- Warm the syringe in your hand for 30 to 60 seconds.
- Unscrew the cap and attach the dispensing tip if included.
- Push the plunger to squeeze out a drop.
- If filling a cartridge, insert the tip into the tank and squeeze.
- For edibles, squeeze oil into a spoon with fat and swallow.
Do not use the syringe on a hot surface. Heat can make the glass crack and the oil bubble. Start with a very small dose if you are new to concentrates.
How to store it
Keep the syringe away from direct sunlight and heat. A kitchen drawer or a dark cabinet works well. Note that distillate may thicken in cooler temperatures. If it is too thick to squeeze, run the syringe under warm water for a few seconds.