Posted on 1 October 20251 October 2025 by Joe

Taste the Gold: Amber Cup at The Jazzfarm!

The South African cannabis landscape is not just about lush outdoor grows and meticulously dialled-in greenhouses, as we’ve explored in recent weeks. It’s also about the vibrant culture, the passionate innovators, and the sheer artistry that transforms the remarkable Cannabis sativa L. plant into a spectrum of exquisite products. We’ve delved into the profound benefits of hemp seeds, celebrated the groundbreaking discovery of flavoalkaloids by local scientists, and even contemplated the cosmic dance of the Equinox as a guide for cultivation. Now, as the season progresses, it’s time to celebrate the pinnacle of cannabis refinement: extracts.

This week, we’re buzzing with excitement for a landmark event that perfectly embodies the spirit of South African cannabis culture and excellence: the 6th Annual Amber Cup at The Jazzfarm! This is more than just a competition; it’s a nationwide celebration of skill, innovation, and community, showcasing the very best in cannabis concentrates. And yes, we’re thrilled to tell you that our very own extracts are among the Amber Cup-winning elite, a testament to the quality and dedication we pour into every single dab.

From Humble Beginnings to National Glory: The Amber Cup Story

Every great movement has a compelling origin story, and the Amber Cup’s tale is deeply woven into the fabric of South Africa’s cannabis journey. The 1st spontaneous Amber Cup was born out of resilience and camaraderie in 2016, right there at The Jazzfarm. What began as an impromptu gathering of friends and family, dabbing away their sorrows after a last-minute shutdown of the “Weedstock” festival by the authorities, quickly transformed into something extraordinary.

People had travelled from far and wide, bringing with them a diverse array of delicious concentrates. What started on a “stoep table” with creative juices flowing and the unspoken understanding of “you know what you should do…”, swiftly led to a spontaneous competition. That seed was planted firmly, and just two years later, in 2018, the 2nd official Amber Cup was held, navigating the complexities of “The Trial of The Plant” with unwavering spirit. From those rebellious, heartfelt beginnings, a true South African institution was forged.

Celebrating Jules: The Heartbeat of Dab Culture

The Amber Cup wouldn’t be what it is today without the pioneering spirit and passion of individuals like our beloved Jules. Everyone who knew him understood one fundamental truth: Jules loved to dab! It wasn’t just a consumption method; it was his preferred way to truly experience the depth and nuance of cannabis.

From the early days of concocting RSO in a rice cooker – a truly South African ingenuity – Jules and his fellow dab connoisseurs relentlessly honed their craft. They were instrumental in shaping and growing the culture of vaporising concentrates across South Africa. This dedication to excellence, this pursuit of the perfect dab, defines the very essence of the Amber Cup.

Jules understood that the experience of dabbing extends beyond the concentrate itself. One cannot separate the dab from the glass, and he became an avid collector of dab rigs. The wildly creative art of glass blowing, with its intricate designs and functional beauty, gives this part of cannabis culture a unique edge that connects enthusiasts across the globe, celebrating artistry in every form. His legacy lives on in every puff, every rig, and every successful Amber Cup.

A Showcase of Extraction Mastery: What to Expect at The Jazzfarm

Today, the Amber Cup has blossomed into South Africa’s biggest nationwide extract competition, drawing the finest technicians and enthusiasts from every corner of the country. This isn’t just about winning; it’s about pushing the boundaries of extraction science and art, celebrating the incredible skill and knowledge required to transform cannabis biomass into these potent, flavourful concentrates.

At The Jazzfarm on October 4th, 2025, you will witness the best of the best competing in various prestigious categories:

Hash Making: The ancient art of separating trichomes to create pure, solventless hash.
Rosin Pressing: The innovative, solvent-free method of using heat and pressure to extract golden rosin.
Solvent Extracts (BHO and CO2): Showcasing the technical precision required for hydrocarbon (Butane Hash Oil) and supercritical CO2 extractions, producing incredibly potent and clean concentrates.

Each category demands a unique set of skills, an understanding of the plant’s intricate chemistry (from terpene profiles to cannabinoid ratios), and an unwavering commitment to quality and safety. The Amber Cup judges, true connoisseurs themselves, scrutinise every aspect – from appearance and consistency to aroma, flavour, and potency – to crown the champions. It’s a true feast for the senses and a masterclass in cannabis extraction.

Our Extracts: Award-Winning Excellence in Every Dab

We are incredibly proud to share that our extracts have consistently demonstrated the quality and innovation recognised by the Amber Cup judges, bringing home prestigious awards. This isn’t just a marketing claim; it’s a validation of our unwavering commitment to producing concentrates that are clean, potent, and bursting with the full, rich profile of the cannabis plant.

Our dedication goes beyond the accolades. It’s rooted in the same principles we’ve discussed for cultivation:

Scientific Rigour: We apply a deep understanding of the plant’s complex compounds, from the beneficial proteins and omega fatty acids in its seeds to the newly discovered flavoalkaloids in its leaves, ensuring our extraction processes preserve the most desirable elements.
Quality Ingredients: We start with cannabis cultivated with care, whether from monster outdoor crops or perfectly dialled-in greenhouses, ensuring a premium base for our extracts.
Precision and Artistry: Like the master technicians competing at the Amber Cup, our team combines scientific precision with artistic intuition, creating concentrates that truly stand out.

When you experience our award-winning extracts, you’re not just consuming a product; you’re engaging with the culmination of expert cultivation, cutting-edge extraction techniques, and a profound respect for the plant’s inherent potential. You’re tasting the gold standard of South African concentrates.

Join the Celebration! The 6th Annual Amber Cup Awaits!

This year, the Amber Cup is more than just a competition; it’s a testament to the growth, resilience, and ingenuity of South Africa’s cannabis community. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in the culture, connect with fellow enthusiasts, learn from the best, and experience the very highest calibre of cannabis concentrates.

Don’t miss this landmark event!

What: The 8th Annual Amber Cup – South Africa’s Biggest Nationwide Extract Competition
When: Friday, October 4th, 2025
Where: The Jazzfarm
Tickets: General admission tickets are R420 – a fitting tribute to the culture!
Exclusive Discount: We’re offering you a special 50% discount on your ticket! Use the code CONCENTRATESCREW at checkout.

Click here to secure your tickets for the Amber Cup Final!

Posted on 23 April 202523 April 2025 by Joe

Beyond the Bud: Your Guide to Cannabis Concentrates

While good old-fashioned flowers remain a favourite for many, the world of cannabis concentrates is booming! Offering enhanced potency, unique flavours, and versatile ways to enjoy, extracts are rapidly gaining popularity among enthusiasts looking for a different kind of experience.

But stepping into the concentrates section can feel a little overwhelming with terms like “BHO,” “Rosin,” “Diamonds,” and “Sauce” flying around. What exactly are these, and which one is right for you?

Think of concentrates as capturing the very essence of the cannabis plant, particularly the cannabinoid and terpene-rich resin found in the trichomes. The main difference between the types lies in how that potent resin is separated from the plant material.

Let’s break down some of the most common types and how they stack up.

The Solventless Stars: Rosin & Bubble Hash

Some concentrates skip the chemical solvents altogether, relying on physical separation methods to extract that valuable resin. These are often celebrated for preserving the plant’s natural terpene profile and offering a pure, unadulterated experience.

Rosin: This is a superstar in the solventless world. Rosin is made by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flower, hash, or kief. This simple yet effective method presses the sticky resin right out. Because no solvents are used, there’s no need for a post-extraction “purge,” making it a straightforward process. Rosin is loved for its natural flavour and is often described as having a thick, sap-like consistency, though textures can vary. It offers great potency, typically ranging anywhere from 50-85%+ cannabinoids.
Bubble Hash (Ice Water Hash): Another solventless method that uses ice water and screens to separate the trichomes from the plant material. The plant matter is agitated in icy water, freezing the trichomes, which then break off and sink. The water is then filtered through a series of screens (or ‘bubble bags’) to collect the trichomes. The result is a crumbly, sand-like or powdery substance. Bubble Hash is potent and flavourful, and it can be enjoyed as is (sprinkled on flower) or pressed into high-quality rosin. It’s fantastic for preserving terpenes due to the cold process.

When we started using extracts as part of our cannabis routines, we made the conscious decision back then to only use Rosin when it came to the extract department. We never trusted the solvent extracts because of a lack of sophistication. This remains a thing to this day. I mean, you can read my “let’s stop backyard extracts” article.

The Solvent Journey: BHO and Its Many Textures

Butane Hash Oil (BHO) is one of the most common types of cannabis concentrates on the market, produced using butane as a chemical solvent to strip cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material. While this method requires careful processing to remove any residual solvent (a process called purging), it’s widely used due to its efficiency and ability to produce highly potent extracts. Butane is very affordable and readily available. Because the process is done in a subcritical environment, normally at around -45 to -80 degrees, it allows for a high retention of terpenes and cannabinoids compared to Rosin.

BHO is incredibly versatile and comes in a range of popular textures you might encounter:

Shatter: Known for its glass-like, brittle texture that easily “shatters.”
Wax: A softer, more opaque concentrate with a texture similar to earwax.
Crumble: A dry, crumbly texture that easily breaks apart.

These textures often result from variations in the post-extraction process, like whipping or temperature fluctuations during purging. BHO extracts are known for their high cannabinoid levels, frequently hitting 70-90% THC and even higher, offering a powerful experience. When done with sophistication, it has the potential to be almost spiritual in effect. The reality, however, is that due to butane’s affordability and availability, most try to do this themselves without the correct safety precautions or extraction protocols in place. Resulting in the extract that has residual gas in it, which is harmful, as well as the potential for explosions during the purging process.

Next-Level Potency Meets Flavour: Diamonds and Sauce

Taking potency and flavour to another level are concentrates like Diamonds and Sauce, often found together.

THCA Diamonds: These are crystalline structures composed of almost pure THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid), the non-intoxicating precursor to THC. When heated (like when dabbing), the THCA rapidly decarboxylates into highly potent THC, offering an intensely powerful effect. These crystals can be visually stunning!
Sauce: This is the terpene-rich liquid often found accompanying Diamonds. While lower in cannabinoids than the diamonds themselves, the sauce is bursting with the aromatic compounds that give cannabis its distinct smell and flavour.

Diamonds in Sauce: As the name suggests, this combines the two! You get the incredible potency of the THCA diamonds suspended in a flavourful terpene sauce. It’s a popular choice for those seeking both maximum impact and a robust flavour profile.
Orbees: You might spot these unique crystal droplets in our selection! Orbees are a specific, visually appealing form of high-purity THCA diamonds, offering that same intense potency in a beautiful, translucent form.

Finding Your Perfect Cannabis Concentrates

The best way to figure out your preference is to explore! Consider what you’re looking for:

Maximum Potency? High-testing BHO, Diamonds, or Oorbees might be your speed.
Pure Flavour? Solventless options like Rosin and Bubble Hash excel here, as do terpene-rich Sauces or Diamonds in Sauce.
Specific Texture? Whether you prefer a stable shatter, a malleable wax, or a crumbly crumble, there’s a concentrate texture for you.

Each type offers a unique experience, from the terpene preservation of solventless extracts to the high potency and diverse textures of BHO. Don’t hesitate to ask us about any questions you have – we’re here to help you explore the exciting world of cannabis concentrates and find the perfect fit for your preferences.

Stop by and discover your next favourite way to experience cannabis!

Posted on 13 March 202422 January 2025 by Joe

THC-a Diamonds: Delicacy or Drug?

As the cannabis market becomes more and more sophisticated so too are the extraction technicians with their techniques. At the top of hydrocarbon extractions sits one extract, THC-A diamonds, a potent and visually striking cannabis extract. These crystalline formations resemble clear diamonds. They undoubtedly also look very similar to hardcore illicit substances. The very thing we as cannabis users tried so hard to separate ourselves from. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of THC-a diamonds, exploring their production, market demand, and ethical implications. Is coming full circle really what we want? Let’s discuss.

Evolution of Cannabis Extracts

Cannabis extracts have a long and varied history, dating back centuries. Initially used for their medicinal properties, extracts were prized for their potency and efficacy. However, with advancements in extraction techniques and growing consumer demand, the landscape of cannabis extracts has evolved significantly. What began as a delicacy or a means to enhance potency has transformed into a specialized niche within the cannabis industry. There is even a sub-niche market with the consumer only preferring one type of extraction over the other. Heated debates over which is better or cleaner etc. always happen.

THC-a diamonds are typically produced using a subcritical extraction method, using hydrocarbons such as butane or propane. This process carried out at low temperatures, allows for the extraction of THC-a while preserving its crystalline structure. Because temperatures are as ranging between -45 and -58 C all compounds extracted are in their raw form. Nothing is lost because there is no heat present. The resulting extract is then subjected to a separation process that takes several weeks to complete. The end product is a pure form of THC-a, separated with other things such as “sauce” terpenes, wax and sugars.

Physical Characteristics of THC-a Diamonds

One of the defining features of THC-a diamonds is their appearance. These crystalline formations are translucent and have a texture reminiscent of hard rocks. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, right? Well, think about this. Despite their purity and potency, the visual similarity to drugs poses challenges in terms of public perception and regulatory scrutiny. Yes, they are hard like rocks… Crack rocks… Which is not a good look to some who still have no tolerance for cannabis. When stoners see cannabis diamonds for the first time they look just as confused as those that don’t use it when they see it. That is because it looks like what it looks like. If you are pulled over with some THC-a Diamonds in a container, how would the police officer by the first impression know that it is not meth they are looking at? Please consider this.

Market Demand and Perception

Despite these challenges, THC-a diamonds have garnered significant attention from consumers seeking sophisticated and high-end cannabis products. The allure of these crystalline formations lies in their potency and exclusivity, with producers and growers dedicating their expertise to perfecting the extraction process. It truly is the pinnacle of extraction, in the hydrocarbon space. The 710 community has embraced this extract with open arms as they know what it is and the work that goes into it.

Medical Applications

Beyond their recreational appeal, THC-a diamonds hold promise for medical applications. The high concentration of THC-a offers potential therapeutic benefits, particularly for patients seeking relief from pain, inflammation, and other medical conditions. However, the potency of these extracts necessitates careful dosing. They are pure. And overdoing it can easily occur. Another alternative would be to ingest small amounts of the THC-a Diamonds. Most smokers reading this will cringe at that thought. But in a medical mindset, it would be like juicing raw flowers.

Recreational Use and Potency

The potency of THC-a diamonds raises concerns regarding their recreational use. While some consumers may seek out these extracts for their intense effects, others may find them overwhelming or even anxiety-inducing. This highlights the broader debate over the purpose of cannabis consumption and the balance between recreational enjoyment and responsible use. Something I am serious about. We as a community have to start admitting that there are issues. And that cannabis can be of detriment. And with anything in life. Too much of anything is bad for you.

Ethical and Social Implications

The production and marketing of THC-a diamonds raise ethical questions about their resemblance to drugs and the potential impact on societal perceptions of cannabis. While some may argue that these extracts represent progress and innovation within the industry, others view them as a step backwards, reinforcing negative stereotypes and undermining efforts to destigmatize cannabis use. Regardless of the stance you take. It is important to know that there is a space for everything, and only with real education and conversation can things be understood. As bad as these diamonds look to some they look absolutely beautiful to others. Some only wish they could find themselves in an environment to experience this amazing work of art.

Industry Perspectives

Producers and growers within the cannabis industry hold diverse perspectives on THC-a diamonds. While some embrace the challenge of perfecting the extraction process and meeting consumer demand, others don’t believe it is worth their time and effort. The process is long and can fail at any point during the 8-9 week period. The failed product becomes sugar. Which is still an amazing product, sought after by all of the 710 community. Hence why most producers just stop at the sugar step.

Personal Opinion

In my opinion, THC-a diamonds represent both the potential and pitfalls of cannabis extraction. While their purity and potency offer new possibilities for medical and recreational use, their visual resemblance to illicit substances raises valid concerns about public perception and regulatory oversight. As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, it is essential to strike a balance between innovation and responsibility, ensuring that products like THC-a diamonds contribute positively to the broader goals of legalisation and acceptance. For this very reason, we have also asked our producer to create Orbeez. A post-processed THC-A diamond blended with sauce. To create crystal droplets. Like something out of a movie….

THC-a diamonds occupy a unique position within the cannabis market, combining potency, purity, and controversy in equal measure. While their production and consumption raise ethical and regulatory challenges, they also represent innovation and progress within the industry. As society grapples with shifting attitudes towards cannabis, it is essential to approach products like THC-a diamonds with careful consideration and a commitment to responsible use and regulation. We at the certified are proud to offer THC-A diamonds and Orbeez on our catalogue. This farmer has worked tirelessly and has dedicated his life’s work to perfecting this craft. We are here to celebrate it. A delicacy once too expensive for most is now available here, the place with the Highest Quality at the most affordable prices.

Leave your thoughts below.

Tag: extracts