Cannabis concentrates are powerful and flavorful extracts made from the cannabis plant, offering strong effects and plenty of ways to enjoy them. If you’re new to this exciting world, don’t worry—this cannabis concentrates 101 guide breaks down everything you need to know, from the different types to the best ways to try them. Get ready to dive into the most potent side of cannabis!
What Are Cannabis Concentrates?
Cannabis concentrates are potent products derived from the cannabis plant, containing high levels of cannabinoids, typically THC. Concentrates are created by extracting the plant’s active compounds, resulting in products with THC levels ranging from 40% to over 90%, significantly higher than the approximately 20% found in traditional cannabis flower. Although there are definitely minor cannabinoids available in these extremely potent forms, mostly you’ll encounter THC concentrates.
Types of Cannabis Concentrates
Cannabis concentrates are created by extracting cannabinoids, terpenes, and other active compounds from the cannabis plant. How the plant is processed and what extraction methods are used impact the final result. There are two main categories: solvent-based and solventless concentrates, each with unique characteristics and extraction methods. Additionally, live and cured concentrates offer specialized experiences depending on how the flower is preserved before processing.
Solvent-Based Cannabis Concentrates
- High potency with THC levels often exceeding 70-90%
- Retain more cannabinoids for enhanced effects
- Versatile consumption methods, including dabbing, vaping, and infusion into edibles
Solvent-based concentrates use chemical solvents like butane, propane, or CO2 to extract the active compounds from cannabis. The solvent extraction process effectively separates cannabinoids and terpenes from the marijuana flower, resulting in highly potent products.
Some common types of solvent-based concentrates include:
- Shatter
- Wax
- Budder
- Crumble
- Distillate
- Resin
- Butane hash oil (BHO)
Solventless Cannabis Concentrates
- Chemical-free extraction process
- Retain the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes
- Deliver a more natural and unaltered cannabis experience
Solventless concentrates are made without chemical solvents, instead relying on physical methods such as heat, pressure, water, and ice to physically separate the cannabis trichomes. These natural extraction processes preserve the plant’s original terpene profile and provide a cleaner, more authentic cannabis experience. Popular types of solventless concentrates include:
- Rosin
- Hash
- Bubble hash
- Kief
Live Cannabis Concentrates
- Superior flavor and aroma due to preserved terpenes
- Full spectrum of cannabinoids for a well-rounded experience
- Enhanced potency and entourage effect
Live concentrates are a subcategory of extracts made using fresh cannabis flower that is flash-frozen immediately after harvest.
You’ll find different types of live concentrates made from solventless and solvent-based techniques. However, in both cases, the flash-freezing preservation technique aims to maintain the plant’s full terpene and cannabinoid profile, resulting in a more flavorful and aromatic product. Often, live extracts contain an exotic terpene profile that isn’t possible with a traditionally cured flower. A few live concentrates include:
- Live resin
- Live rosin
- Live badder
- Live resin liquid diamonds
Cured Cannabis Concentrates
- High purity and potency
- More traditional flavor and aroma
- Consistency in cannabinoid content and effects
Cured concentrates are made from dried and cured marijuana plants rather than fresh or frozen plant material. The curing process allows for the gradual development of flavor and potency.
These concentrates are typically more refined than their live counterparts and contain a high concentration of cannabinoids. Common forms of cured concentrates include:
- Distillate
- Cured resin
- Cured rosin
Popular Concentrated Cannabis Forms
We just talked a lot about how different extraction technologies and processes created several major concentrate categories. This is helpful stuff when you start looking at the concentrates on the Hashery menu — but not the final layer.
Now, it’s time to get into all the different types of cannabis concentrates you’ll find for sale. Generally speaking, the differences here boil down to consistency, texture, and ease of use.
Ready to start exploring? This is the good stuff, from the badders to resins to rosins.
Shatter
Shatter is known for its hard, brittle, glass-like consistency, which easily breaks into shards. It typically has a translucent amber or golden-yellow color, giving it a clean, appealing look. Shatter is potent and delivers a strong, concentrated flavor, although it is usually less aromatic than other concentrates. Its fragile nature requires careful handling with a dab tool, but its stable form makes it easy to store and way less messy than sauces or resins.
Wax
Wax concentrates are gooey and malleable, with a consistency similar to honey or soft candle wax. Depending on the extraction process and strain, wax can range in color from golden yellow to deep amber. Wax is known for its bold aroma and robust flavor, making it a favorite among flavor chasers. However, its sticky texture can be messy to handle, so it’s best used with a dab rig or vape designed for wax concentrates.
Budder
Budder has a creamy, whipped consistency, similar to butter or cake frosting. Depending on the starting material and final whip, its color varies from light yellow to golden brown. Budder is smooth and easy to scoop, making it one of the most user-friendly concentrates, especially for beginners. It’s also highly aromatic and flavorful, preserving the terpenes for a rich sensory experience.
Sugar and Crumbles
Sugar and crumble concentrates offer a different take on texture and flavor. Sugar has a gritty, granular texture, resembling wet sugar crystals, while crumble is dry, flaky, and easy to break apart. Both types have a light golden to amber color and are known for their rich terpene profiles, delivering exceptional flavor and aroma. Sugar is slightly sticky but manageable, while crumble is easy to sprinkle onto bowls or dab without the mess.
Sauce
Sauce (aka terp sauce) is a thick, oily concentrate with a consistency similar to marmalade or applesauce. Its glossy, golden amber appearance is as appealing as its potent, full-spectrum flavor. Sauce is rich in terpenes, offering an intense aroma and a flavorful experience. Due to its sticky, viscous nature, it requires a dab tool for precise application. Still, it rewards users with a deeply aromatic and robust flavor profile.
Best Ways To Use Marijuana Concentrates
The best method depends on your personal preferences, experience level, and desired effects. Dabbing and vaping offer fast-acting and potent effects, while edibles provide a long-lasting experience. Adding concentrates to flower enhances the potency of traditional smoking methods, and tinctures provide a smoke-free alternative with precise dosing.
Experimenting with different methods is the best way to discover options that fit your needs.
1. Dabbing
Dabbing is the most popular method for consuming cannabis concentrates. It’s incredibly potent and involves using a dab rig (a type of water pipe designed specifically for vaporizing concentrates). A small amount of concentrate (called a “dab”) is placed on a heated surface called a nail, where it instantly vaporizes into the dab rig. Users then inhale the vapor through the rig’s mouthpiece. This method delivers potent effects and preserves the flavor of the concentrate’s terpenes.
2. Vaping
Vaping, whether in a disposable 510 pen, vape cart or pod, or a portable vaporizer, is an ideal option for beginners and daily chronics. Look for vapes explicitly designed for concentrates like wax, shatter, and live resin.
Vapes usually comes in two styles: pre-filled cartridges and refillable chambers designed to work with cannabis extracts. Both types use a battery to heat the concentrate to the ideal vaporization temperature, providing a flavorful, discreet, and efficient way to consume cannabis on the go.
Medical marijuana patients often prefer vaping because it avoids the risks of smoke inhalation and delivers a more consistent experience.
3. Smoking
Another way to enjoy cannabis concentrates is by adding them to traditional flower and regular smokable experiences. You can sprinkle crumble or sugar on top of a bowl, mix wax into a joint, or even line the paper with a thin layer of shatter before rolling.
As you head into the dispensary, you’ll see these cannabis extract-infused smokable options everywhere — in the pre-roll category. Diamond-infused, resin-infused, and other smokable temptations aren’t just regular joints — these offer a substantially stronger experience.
4. Edibles and Infusions
Cannabis concentrates can also be used to make potent homemade edibles and infusions. Concentrates like distillate and isolates are the most common, but increasingly, you’ll find gummies infused with a full-spectrum extraction like live resin.
Safety and Precautions
When it comes to cannabis concentrates, especially dabbing, the golden rule is to start low and go slow. Potent concentrates average THC levels ranging from 40% to over 90%, which is significantly higher than traditional cannabis bud. This potency means that even a small amount can produce powerful effects.
For beginners, it’s best to start with a tiny dab — about the size of a grain of rice — and wait at least 15 to 30 minutes before considering more. Unlike smoking flower, the effects of concentrates can come on quickly and intensely. Taking too much too soon can lead to overwhelming experiences like anxiety, dizziness, or discomfort.
Remember, concentrates are not for the faint of heart. If you’re new to dabbing or other concentrate methods, get to know your limits. Stay hydrated, keep some snacks nearby, and always have a comfortable space to relax in case the high feels a bit too strong. Being cautious will ensure a positive and enjoyable experience every time.
Advice on Storage and Handling
Don’t just toss your little container of concentrate in a drawer and forget about it. Proper storage and handling are essential for preserving the potency, flavor, and safety of cannabis concentrates. Here are a few tips:
- Store concentrates in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Exposure to light and heat can degrade cannabinoids and terpenes, impacting both potency and flavor.
- Airtight containers are ideal for maintaining freshness.
- Cleanliness is key because concentrates are fragile and prone to contamination, so always use clean dab tools or silicone-tipped utensils. This helps prevent dirt, bacteria, or other impurities from compromising the purity and flavor of your product.
Cannabis Concentrates: Explore the Spectrum of Potency
By carefully storing and handling your concentrates, you ensure a safe, flavorful, and potent experience every time.
From shatter and wax to live resin and rosin, the world of cannabis concentrates is one without limits. With so many varieties and consumption methods available, there’s something unique for everyone. If you are just starting to explore these potent extractions, remember to start low, go slow, and always purchase from a trusted dispensary like Hashery.
