Best Practices for Handling Cannabis Concentrates
This guide provides cannabis operators with essential strategies for storing, handling, and processing concentrates like distillate, rosin, live resin, and hash. Proper practices are crucial because these products are susceptible to temperature fluctuations, light exposure, and contamination. The market for concentrates is also showing steady growth, with these products accounting for 29.8 % of retail cannabis revenue in Montana from January 2022 to June 2024.
Operators should utilize controlled storage environments, maintain clean processing areas, and adopt standardized operating procedures to ensure consistency and safety. Compliance with state regulations is equally important, as improper handling can result in costly violations and product recalls.
By prioritizing safe workflows, accurate labeling, and transparent record-keeping, operators can meet rising consumer demand while protecting both their teams and their brand reputation. Let’s explore further the best practices for handling cannabis concentrates in this article.
What Are Cannabis Concentrates?
Cannabis concentrates are processed extracts in which the cannabinoids (such as THC, CBD) and often terpenes have been isolated from the raw plant material. The extraction and purification reduce fats, chlorophyll, and other unwanted plant components. The result is a highly potent product with better consistency, smaller volume, and easier integration into other delivery formats.
Operators favor concentrates for infused vs regular pre-rolls, vape cartridges, and edible formulations, since they allow precise dosing, blending flexibility, and infuse CBD and THC compared to raw flower. Several forms of concentrates dominate the legal market. Below, each is defined and contextualized for its typical applications.
Distillate
Distillate is produced via fractional distillation (often in a short-path or wiped-film setup), which isolates cannabinoids to high purity. Pure distillate usually achieves 80 % to 95 %+ potency in THC or CBD, with minimal residual plant compounds.
Because it is nearly flavorless, colorless, and chemically “clean,” distillate is ideal for use in vape cartridges, capsules, tinctures, and edibles where a neutral base is desired. Its stability, uniformity, and ease of blending into matrices or diluents make it a workhorse input in infused product workflows.
Rosin
Rosin is a solventless concentrate created by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flower, hash, or kief, forcing the resinous oils to flow from the cellular structure for collection. Because it avoids chemical solvents, rosin is often marketed as a purer, “clean label” option. When processed with care, rosin can retain a full-spectrum cannabinoid-to-terpene profile (albeit less refined). Many consumers consider rosin a premium concentrate, and operators utilize it in high-end formulations or direct-dabbing products.
Live Resin
Live resin is produced from fresh-frozen biomass (rather than dried/ cured plant material). Immediately after harvest, the plant material is flash-frozen to preserve volatile terpenes and delicate aromatic compounds that would otherwise degrade or evaporate during the drying process.
The extraction then proceeds under low-temperature conditions, retaining a richer terpene suite and fuller aroma profile. Live resin is popular in vape cartridges, dabs, sauces, and high-end infused products that emphasize flavor and terpene complexity.
Hash and Kief
Hash and kief represent traditional, mechanical forms of concentrate. Kief is the collection of trichome heads (resin glands) separated from dried flower using screens, sieves, or vibration.
Hash is pressed or heated kief or resinous material into cakes, blocks, or pucks. Though less refined than distillate or live resin, hash holes and kief preserve a plant’s native profile and are frequently used in coatings, infused pre-rolls, or as potency boosters in blends.
Why Proper Handling Matters
Handling is not just a logistical concern; it has a direct impact on product potency, quality, safety, and regulatory compliance. Poor protocols can erode consumer trust and invite costly recalls or enforcement actions.
Potency loss: Excess heat, light, or oxygen can degrade cannabinoids (e.g., THC oxidizing to CBN) and terpenes, reducing efficacy and altering flavor.
Batch inconsistency: Lack of uniform protocols or contamination can lead to variable potency and irregular performance across units or batches.
Safety risks: If residual solvents, microbial contaminants, heavy metals, or chemical adulterants are introduced, consumer safety is compromised.
Noncompliance and recall risk: Regulatory agencies often reject products that fail lab testing or issue recalls when contamination, incorrect labeling, or adulteration is detected.
For instance, the California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) maintains a Cannabis Recalls Portal that lists both mandatory and voluntary recalls.
Recently, California recalled multiple vape cartridge products due to pesticide contamination (e.g., the “Lemon Cherry Runtz” and “First Class Funk” batches). These recalls show how a handling lapse can lead to forced market removal, legal exposure, and reputational harm.
Another recall example is the “Mr. Zips” vape line, which the DCC voluntarily recalled due to detected contamination.
In aggregate, California has issued dozens of recalls and pulled hundreds of noncompliant batches from the market.
Such recall events illustrate how inadequate handling can result in significant financial losses and regulatory liability. Therefore, operators must build robust handling protocols that preserve chemical integrity, ensure reproducible quality, maintain safety, and comply with regulations.
Storage Best Practices
Optimal storage is a crucial step in maintaining the quality of concentrates. Concentrates are chemically delicate, and three environmental factors are essential: temperature, light/air exposure, and humidity control. Proper storage reduces degradation, contamination risk, and recall exposure.
Temperature Control
Here are some helpful practices:
Cold storage: Concentrates should be stored in refrigeration or low-temperature freezers (e.g., –20 °C or lower) to slow chemical breakdown and terpene evaporation.
Avoid heat exposure during transfers, processing, or handling. Elevated temperatures accelerate the degradation of both cannabinoids and terpenes.
Thawing protocols: If frozen, thaw slowly at a controlled temperature to avoid condensation, separation, or heat shock.
Temperature monitoring: Utilize calibrated sensors and alarms to detect temperature excursions and prevent accidental warming during storage or transit.
Light and Air Exposure
The following are some aspects to balance the light and air exposure:
Opaque or UV-blocking containers: Use containers that block or absorb ultraviolet and visible light to prevent photodegradation.
Minimize oxygen contact: Store with inert gas blanketing (such as nitrogen or argon) or vacuum sealing to exclude air and prevent oxidation.
Seal integrity: Containers must have high-quality seals to limit the ingress of ambient oxygen.
Limited headspace: Reducing the space inside containers reduces the volume of residual air that interacts with the concentrate, thereby minimizing the potential for contamination.
Humidity Control
For humidity control, keep in mind the following factors:
Low relative humidity: Maintain storage room humidity at a low level to minimize moisture absorption, which can encourage microbial growth.
Use of desiccants: Packets or humidity-control media inside containers help absorb any residual water vapor.
Regular humidity monitoring: Use calibrated hygrometers in storage zones and trigger control systems when humidity exceeds thresholds (e.g., 30% RH).
Avoid over-drying: Excessive dryness can cause resin cakes or solids to crack or lose textural integrity, impacting downstream processing.
By rigorously controlling these three environmental variables, operators can reduce chemical breakdown, preserve flavor and potency, and maintain safety and regulatory compliance.
Some More Best Practices
Here are some more extended best practices to achieve the best results:
Handling and Processing Workflow Tips
Some good cleanroom / controlled environment protocols are:
Utilize dedicated processing rooms equipped with HEPA filtration and positive pressure to minimize particulate contamination.
Operators should wear proper PPE (gloves, hair nets, lab coats) and observe strict sanitation protocols.
Implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) that outline every step, including transfer, mixing, and sand sampling, for consistency.
Batch traceability and documentation
For batch traceability and documentation, follow these steps:
Assign unique batch identifiers to raw biomass, intermediate concentrates, and final products.
Log time, operator, temperature, humidity, and processing conditions.
Maintain chain-of-custody records and laboratory test results linked to those identifiers.
In the infused products space, infused pre-rolls experienced the most significant growth among product categories between June 2023 and June 2024, with sales increasing by 11.89%. Infused pre-rolls also maintained a market share of ~43.4% of pre-roll units sold.
These figures underscore rising consumer demand and the competitive pressure to maintain product quality, consistency, and compliance in a sensitive market.
Preparation for Use in Production
Cannabis concentrates require careful preparation before they can be infused into edibles, coated onto pre-rolls, or filled into vape cartridges. Proper preparation ensures that the material maintains its potency, complies with legal standards, and delivers consistent effects to consumers.
Operators must focus on temperature control, precise dosing, and safe mixing to prevent product failures or compliance issues.
Heating and Viscosity Control
Concentrates, such as distillate, rosin, and oils, must be heated before use to achieve the correct viscosity. If the product is too thick, it will not flow properly into vape cartridges or infusion systems. Excessive heat, however, can degrade cannabinoids and terpenes, reducing potency and flavor.
Distillate: Commonly warmed between 40–60 °C to achieve workable viscosity.
Rosin: Best kept below 50 °C to preserve its solventless purity.
Oils: Carrier oils blended with concentrates should also be kept at a temperature below 60 °C to prevent oxidation.
Safe heating practices prevent contamination and protect cannabinoid integrity. According to OSHA laboratory heating guidelines, operators must always use calibrated equipment and avoid open flames.
Measuring and Dosing
Accurate dosing is critical for compliance and consumer safety. Overdosing can result in regulatory violations and unsafe products, while underdosing damages consumer trust. Operators should use precision scales and automated fillers when possible to maintain consistency across batches.
State laws often require strict labeling of potency. For example, Massachusetts cannabis rules mandate that infused products contain no more than 5 milligrams of THC per serving unless otherwise approved. This demonstrates the importance of exact measurements during concentrate preparation.
Mixing with Other Materials
Concentrates are often combined with terpenes, carrier oils, or adhesive solutions when preparing products. Mixing must be done carefully to maintain uniformity and prevent separation.
Use clean glassware and food-grade containers.
Stir or homogenize at controlled speeds to prevent the formation of air bubbles.
Avoid introducing excess oxygen, which can cause oxidation.
Following these guidelines helps ensure that concentrates deliver consistent potency and flavor across all infused products.
Equipment Needed for Handling Concentrates
Proper equipment plays a significant role in the safe and efficient handling of cannabis concentrates. From manual tools to fully automated systems, each type of equipment supports different stages of the production process. Producers often require guidance in selecting, configuring, and scaling this equipment to match their operational needs.
Robotics consulting services can help cannabis manufacturers evaluate options, design efficient workflows, and implement systems that balance efficiency and compliance. Whether it’s infusion, dosing, or packaging equipment, having the right mix ensures consistency, safety, and profitability across the production cycle.
Manual Tools
Small-scale operations or early-stage processes often rely on manual tools. These include:
Syringes for accurately dispensing small amounts of distillate or rosin.
Spatulas for handling sticky materials, such as hash or kief.
Glass jars for short-term storage during preparation.
Heating plates for gently warming concentrates to working viscosity.
These tools are affordable and practical for labs that produce smaller volumes or develop prototypes. Operators must ensure that all manual equipment is cleaned regularly to avoid cross-contamination.
Automated Systems
Larger cannabis operations often rely on automated machines to improve consistency and throughput.
Infusion machines (Jiko, Jiko+) allow precise application of concentrates onto pre-rolls or other products.
Kief coating machines (Stardust) streamline the process of rolling joints with kief, eliminating the need for manual handling.
Vape fillers (Omni) ensure consistent cartridge filling with accurate dosing and reduced waste.
Automation minimizes human error and increases efficiency. Based on NIOSH research on workplace automation, mechanized systems reduce repetitive motion injuries and enhance accuracy, which is especially valuable in cannabis production.
Safety Guidelines for Handling Concentrates
Safety is a critical aspect of working with cannabis concentrates. Operators must protect both workers and products by implementing strict safety measures, adhering to regulatory guidelines, and maintaining clean and organized workspaces.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Workers should always wear PPE when handling concentrates. This includes:
Gloves to prevent skin contact and product contamination.
Masks or respirators are required when working with powders or aerosols.
Goggles to protect against splashes during mixing or heating.
Lab coats or gowns are used to maintain hygiene and reduce contamination risks.
The CDC NIOSH PPE guidelines emphasize that protective equipment is a key barrier against workplace hazards. In cannabis labs, it also helps maintain product integrity by reducing exposure to foreign particles.
Ventilation and Workspace Safety
Proper ventilation ensures that workers are not exposed to harmful fumes or airborne contaminants. Concentrates, especially when heated, may release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Without adequate airflow, these compounds can accumulate in the workspace, posing a health risk.
Install fume hoods in areas where concentrates are heated.
Maintain HEPA filtration systems to remove airborne contaminants.
Keep fire safety equipment readily available since many concentrates are flammable under certain conditions.
A report from the California Department of Industrial Relations emphasizes that inadequate ventilation in cannabis labs has contributed to workplace incidents, underscoring the need for engineered safety systems.
Compliance With Regulations
Compliance ensures both worker safety and product legality. Cannabis handling facilities must align with OSHA rules, GMP standards, and state-specific cannabis regulations.
OSHA: Requires safe handling of chemicals, proper PPE, and ventilation systems.
GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices): Mandates the use of documented procedures to ensure product quality and safety.
State cannabis laws: Vary by jurisdiction but typically require tracking systems, potency testing, and contamination prevention.
For example, OSHA launched a Local Emphasis Program in 2023 focusing on cannabis workplace safety. This shows how compliance enforcement is increasing as the industry grows.
Maintenance and Cleaning of Concentrate Equipment
Routine maintenance and cleaning of concentrate handling equipment are essential for maintaining performance, preventing contamination, and ensuring accurate dosing. Without systematic upkeep, residue buildup, equipment degradation, and drift can undermine product quality and regulatory compliance.
Innovative solutions like industrial MoonGlue are designed with precision dosing and efficient workflows in mind, but even advanced equipment requires proper care. Regular cleaning of dosing components, adherence to manufacturer-maintained schedules, and documented sanitation procedures help maintain accuracy while extending the equipment’s lifespan.
By pairing robust technology with disciplined maintenance practices, producers can achieve both operational efficiency and compliance while protecting product quality.
Cleaning After Each Use
After each production cycle, perform these cleaning steps to eliminate residue and cross-contamination:
Flush tubing, lines, and nozzles with an appropriate food-grade solvent (e.g., ethanol) that has been warmed to aid in dissolution.
Disassemble removable components, such as nozzles, connectors, and gaskets, and scrub them with lint-free brushes or swabs.
Rinse with high-purity solvent or deionized water (when compatible) to remove leftover solvent or material.
Dry all components thoroughly using filtered air, a vacuum, or a clean, desiccated environment.
Visually inspect all surfaces before reassembly.
These steps reduce residue, microbial growth, and dosing drift, ensuring system integrity.
Replacing Seals and Nozzles
Seals, gaskets, and nozzles degrade over time, compromising the precision of dosing. Key guidelines include:
Replace seals and O-rings at regular intervals, as recommended by the manufacturer or according to usage cycles.
Inspect seals daily for signs of wear: cracks, deformation, or residue adhesion.
Use pharmaceutical-grade materials for all wetted parts to avoid contamination.
Periodically rotate or replace nozzles to prevent clogging or flow variation caused by wear or buildup.
Log replacement dates and associate them with production batches for traceability.
Timely replacements maintain accuracy and reduce drift.
Calibration and Testing
Machines can drift over time, even with regular cleaning and replacement of parts. Calibration and verification support consistent dosing:
Perform calibration checks weekly or per shift, using certified reference weights or volumetric standards.
Record calibration data, adjustments, and operator details in a log tied to production batches.
Perform analytical testing (e.g., HPLC assays) on sample units to verify actual cannabinoid concentration matches expected labels.
If a batch shows deviations beyond regulatory tolerances (commonly ±10 % or less), halt production and recalibrate.
Validate after cleaning and reassembly to confirm that accuracy is maintained.
Consistent calibration ensures product fidelity and strengthens defense in audits or regulatory review.
Trends in Concentrate Handling
Emerging technologies and practices are transforming the way concentrates are handled, monitored, and packaged. Innovations focus on improving bioavailability, real-time quality monitoring, and sustainability.
Beyond new product formats, many producers are turning to robotics manufacturing services to help integrate these advanced systems into their existing workflows. These service providers support everything from equipment layout and process design to validation and operator training, enabling better control over quality and traceability.
Here are some trends in concentrate handling:
Nanoemulsion Technology
Nanoemulsion breaks down cannabinoids into nanoscale droplets that disperse more readily in aqueous systems. This increases bioavailability, allows lower concentrate loads, and enables more uniform dosing. In the cannabis/CBD sector, the nanoemulsion market is projected to surpass USD 14 billion by 2025.
For concentrate handling, this trend means operators may shift from thick resin blends to more fluid, stable formulations that integrate better into infusion or coating systems.
Smart Sensors for Quality
The Internet of Things (IoT) enables embedding sensors in storage containers, pipelines, and mixing vessels. These devices monitor temperature, humidity, oxygen levels, and pressure in real-time, triggering alerts if conditions deviate.
In indoor cannabis cultivation, IoT sensor systems have achieved up to 97 % accuracy in environmental monitoring (moisture, temperature, imaging).
Applied to concentrate handling, such sensors help prevent degradation, detect leaks or oxidation ingress, and assure quality continuity throughout processing and storage.
Sustainable Packaging
Brands are increasingly adopting eco-friendly packaging for concentrates to reduce their environmental impact while maintaining product integrity and compliance. Innovations include:
Ocean-bound recycled plastics or post-consumer recycled materials that have been treated for compliance.
Biodegradable or compostable containers made from pulp, bamboo, or hemp fiber.
Minimalist designs that reduce material use while retaining child-resistant and tamper-evident features.
One example is a concentrate lid made from 100% reclaimed ocean-bound plastic in the cannabis packaging industry.
As regulations and consumer preferences push for sustainability, concentrate operators must align packaging choices with environmental responsibility, compliance, and the preservation of product stability.
According to the OSHA Technical Manual, in 2010, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recorded 34,400 recordable skin diseases or disorders in chemical-handling workplaces, at a rate of 3.4 illnesses per 10,000 full-time employees, highlighting the occupational importance of contamination control.
Streamline Concentrate Handling with Sorting Robotics
Safe, consistent, and compliant handling of cannabis concentrates is critical for maintaining potency, protecting workers, and ensuring products meet regulatory standards. From proper storage and preparation to using the right equipment and adhering to strict safety practices, every step significantly influences product quality and consumer trust.
As the cannabis market continues to grow, operators who adopt reliable processes and advanced technology position themselves for long-term success.
At Sorting Robotics, we design automation solutions that help producers achieve precision, efficiency, and compliance in concentrate handling. Book a demo with Sorting Robotics to see automated concentrate handling solutions in action and discover how they can transform your production workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should cannabis concentrates be stored at?
Cannabis concentrates should be stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 32°F and 68°F (0°C to 20°C). This range slows oxidation and prevents terpene loss, while also avoiding condensation and microbial growth.
Can concentrates degrade over time?
Yes, concentrates degrade due to exposure to light, oxygen, and heat, which break down the cannabinoids and terpenes that comprise them. Properly sealed and refrigerated products can last up to a year, although their potency and flavor may decline gradually over time.
What equipment is best for handling distillate?
For small batches, syringes and heated plates work well, while larger operations benefit from automated infusion or vape-filling systems. The choice depends on volume, precision needs, and compliance requirements.
Are concentrates safe to handle without PPE?
Handling concentrates without gloves, goggles, or masks increases risks of skin contact, inhalation, or accidental spills. Regulatory agencies, such as OSHA, require PPE to protect workers and ensure product integrity.
How do I prevent concentrates from clogging equipment?
Clogging is minimized by gently heating concentrates within safe ranges to manage viscosity, performing regular cleaning after each use, and replacing worn seals or nozzles before buildup occurs.
