Cannabis concentrates have become increasingly popular among cannabis consumers for their potency, purity, and variety of forms. Whether you’re a seasoned user or a newcomer to cannabis, understanding the different types of concentrates and their benefits can help you make informed choices. In this article, we’ll explain what cannabis concentrates are, how they’re made, and the key differences between them.

What Are Cannabis Concentrates?

Cannabis concentrates are products made by extracting the most desirable compounds—mainly cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) and terpenes (responsible for flavor and aroma)—from the cannabis plant. These extractions result in a highly potent product that contains a much higher concentration of cannabinoids compared to traditional cannabis flower.

Because of their high potency, cannabis concentrates are favored by those seeking stronger effects with smaller amounts of product. They come in a variety of forms and textures, each offering a unique experience in terms of consumption method, flavor, and strength.

Types of Cannabis Concentrates

There are several types of cannabis concentrates, each made using different extraction processes. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular forms:

1. Shatter

Shatter is one of the most well-known cannabis concentrates. It has a glass-like texture and breaks apart easily, hence the name. Shatter is created through a solvent-based extraction process, typically using butane or CO2, and is known for its high THC content. When heated, it turns into a vapor that can be inhaled using a dab rig or vaporizer.

2. Wax

Wax is a soft, sticky concentrate with a consistency similar to candle wax. It is also made through solvent extraction but has a different texture due to how it’s processed. Wax is highly potent and easy to work with, making it a favorite for dabbing or vaping. There are different varieties of wax based on consistency, such as budder (creamy and soft) and crumble (dry and crumbly).

3. Live Resin

Live resin is a concentrate that preserves the full flavor profile of the cannabis plant, offering a rich, terpene-heavy experience. It is made by freezing the cannabis plant immediately after harvest and then extracting the cannabinoids and terpenes. This process preserves more of the plant’s original aroma and flavor, making live resin one of the most flavorful concentrates available.

4. Rosin

Rosin is a solventless concentrate, meaning it’s made without the use of chemicals. It’s produced by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flower or hash, extracting the cannabinoids and terpenes naturally. Rosin is known for being pure, clean, and potent, making it a great option for those looking to avoid solvent-based products. It has a sticky, sap-like texture and can be used for dabbing or in vape pens.

5. Hash

Hash (short for hashish) is one of the oldest forms of cannabis concentrates. Traditional hash is made by separating the trichomes (tiny, resinous glands) from the cannabis plant and pressing them together to form a solid or paste-like substance. Modern methods include bubble hash, which uses ice water and agitation to isolate the trichomes. Hash can be smoked, vaporized, or added to joints or bowls for an extra kick of potency.

6. Distillate

Distillate is a refined cannabis concentrate that contains a very high concentration of a single cannabinoid, usually THC or CBD. The distillation process removes all other compounds, including terpenes, so distillates are often flavorless and odorless. However, some products add terpenes back in for flavor. Distillates are commonly used in vape cartridges, edibles, and tinctures because of their potency and versatility.

7. Crumble

Crumble is a brittle form of concentrate that falls apart easily, as the name suggests. It is similar to wax but has a dryer texture. Like other concentrates, crumble is highly potent and typically used for dabbing or vaporizing. Its unique texture makes it easier to handle and measure compared to softer concentrates.

8. Sauce

Sauce is a liquid, terpene-rich concentrate that can vary in consistency from runny to thick. It often contains small THC crystals suspended in a viscous layer of terpenes, offering a flavorful and aromatic experience. Sauce is typically used for dabbing, and its high terpene content makes it one of the most flavorful concentrates on the market.

Key Differences Between Cannabis Concentrates

When choosing a cannabis concentrate, it’s essential to understand the key differences between them, which include:

1. Extraction Method

• Solvent-Based: Concentrates like shatter, wax, and live resin are made using solvents like butane or CO2, which help extract cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant. These concentrates are often more potent but may contain trace amounts of solvents if not processed correctly.
• Solventless: Rosin and traditional hash are made without the use of chemicals, relying on physical methods such as heat, pressure, or agitation. Solventless concentrates are preferred by users who want a cleaner, more natural product.

2. Texture and Consistency

• Concentrates vary in texture, from the glass-like shatter to the sticky wax, crumbly crumble, or liquid sauce. The texture often influences how the product is consumed (dabbing, vaping, or adding to flower).

3. Flavor and Terpene Content

• Concentrates like live resin and sauce are known for preserving a high level of terpenes, which give cannabis its distinct flavors and aromas. Distillates, on the other hand, are often flavorless but can have terpenes reintroduced for a customized experience.

4. Potency

• Most concentrates have higher cannabinoid concentrations than traditional cannabis flower, with some products reaching THC levels of 80% or more. The type of concentrate and the extraction method both affect the overall potency.

5. Usage

• Dabbing and vaporizing are the most common methods for consuming concentrates, but some (like distillate) can be used in edibles or tinctures, while others (like hash) can be smoked or added to joints.

In Summary

Cannabis concentrates offer a potent and diverse way to experience the effects of cannabis, with options to suit every preference and tolerance level. Whether you’re looking for strong flavors, high potency, or a solventless product, there’s a concentrate for everyone. As always, it’s important to start with a low dose, especially if you’re new to concentrates, and consult with a knowledgeable dispensary staff member to find the right product for your needs.

Learn More: Vaping vs. Smoking Cannabis: Key Differences and Which is Better