Consuming cannabis reclaim—the sticky residue left behind after vaporizing concentrates—is common among users seeking to maximize their product. Reclaim retains a significant portion of its psychoactive compounds, making it distinct from the original concentrate due to the transformation process it has undergone. The primary concerns are whether this leftover material can be consumed without introducing new health risks and understanding the effects it will produce.
What Exactly is Cannabis Reclaim?
Reclaim is the dense, resinous material that condenses and collects on the inner surfaces of a dab rig or vaporizer after a cannabis concentrate is heated and inhaled. This substance is essentially a recondensed form of the original vaporized product, appearing as a dark amber or brown, sticky residue. It differs chemically from fresh concentrate because it has been exposed to high temperatures, which causes a fundamental change in its cannabinoid composition.
The heat exposure from the vaporization process has already caused the material to be fully decarboxylated. Decarboxylation converts non-psychoactive compounds like tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) into the psychoactive delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This means that the reclaim is already “activated” and ready to produce an effect if ingested. While it retains most of its cannabinoids, the delicate terpenes—the compounds responsible for flavor and aroma—are largely diminished or destroyed by the heat.
Safety Concerns and Potential Contaminants
The consumption of reclaim introduces health concerns primarily due to the potential accumulation of harmful substances. A significant risk involves the presence of heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium, or mercury. These metals can leach from the heating coil or atomizer components of the vaporization device, or they may have been absorbed by the cannabis plant itself, which is known as a hyperaccumulator.
The repeated heating process can also degrade the cannabinoids, potentially forming undesirable byproducts. If the reclaim is collected from a water-filtered device, the stagnant water can harbor mold, mildew, and other water-soluble compounds. Consuming reclaim collected using solvents like isopropyl alcohol poses a risk unless the solvent is completely purged, as residual chemicals can be toxic.
Understanding Potency and Expected Effects
Reclaim is potent because the vaporization process concentrates the remaining cannabinoids into a smaller mass. Laboratory testing has shown that reclaim can contain total cannabinoid levels up to 65% and THC concentrations often ranging between 40% and 50%. Since the material is already decarboxylated, it is highly bioavailable when eaten, meaning the body can readily absorb the active compounds.
The effects of ingesting reclaim are similar to traditional edibles, characterized by a delayed onset that can take between 30 and 90 minutes, with effects lasting for four to eight hours. Users often report a more sedating or “body-heavy” experience. This is due to the higher concentration of Cannabinol (CBN), a degradation product of THC associated with a drowsy or calming effect. Given the unknown and variable concentration of the reclaim, it is advised to start with an extremely small amount to gauge the strength.
Practical Methods for Consumption
Because reclaim is already activated, it does not require an additional heating step before consumption, making the process relatively straightforward.
Collection Methods
One common method for collection is to gently heat the outside of the glass rig with a torch, allowing the viscous material to melt and drip onto a non-stick silicone surface. Another technique involves dissolving the reclaim out of the device using high-proof grain alcohol, which is then allowed to fully evaporate, leaving only the concentrated residue behind.
Ingestion
To ingest the collected reclaim, dissolving it into a high-fat medium is recommended, as cannabinoids are fat-soluble and this aids in absorption. Common applications include mixing the reclaim into a small amount of melted coconut oil or butter, or encapsulating the material into empty gel capsules. While it can be eaten directly, the dark, diminished flavor often makes it unpleasant, so mixing it with flavorful foods or liquids is preferred.