Cannabis has developed much beyond simply edibles and smokes. Cannabis concentrates have become somewhat popular recently since they provide strong, tasty, and quick means to feel the effects of THC and other cannabinoids. Understanding the world of concentrates is crucial regardless of your level of curiosity-that as a novice or an experienced buyer seeking to broaden her knowledge.
We will discuss in this blog post what cannabis concentrates are, how they are produced, the most often used forms including wax, shatter, and live resin, and safe and efficient use techniques.
What are Cannabis Concentrates?
Cannabis concentrates are highly potent extracts derived from the cannabis plant. They contain high levels of cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) and terpenes, the compounds responsible for flavor and aroma. While traditional cannabis flower may contain around 15–25% THC, concentrates can range anywhere from 50% to 90% THC, making them significantly stronger.
The goal of concentrates is simple: isolate the most desirable parts of the cannabis plant (like cannabinoids and terpenes) while removing unnecessary material (such as plant fibers and chlorophyll).
How are Cannabis Concentrates Made?
Cannabis concentrates are typically created using two major methods:
- Solvent-Based Extraction
This method uses chemical solvents like butane, propane, ethanol, or CO₂ to dissolve the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material.
- Butane Hash Oil (BHO): A common extraction using butane. It’s the base for products like wax and shatter.
- CO₂ Extraction: A cleaner method using pressurized carbon dioxide. Common in producing vape cartridges.
- Ethanol Extraction: Often used for creating tinctures or full-spectrum oils.
After extraction, the solvent is purged from the final product to ensure it’s safe for consumption.
- Solventless Extraction
Instead of chemicals, this method uses heat, pressure, water, or mechanical separation to extract cannabinoids.
- Rosin: Made by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flower or hash.
- Ice Water Hash (Bubble Hash): Created by agitating cannabis in ice water and collecting trichome heads.
Types of Cannabis Concentrates
Let’s break down the most common types of concentrates available on the market today.
- Wax
Cannabis wax is a sticky, gooey concentrate that looks like soft wax or butter. It’s made using a butane extraction process, and its texture can vary based on how it’s whipped and purged during processing.
Features:
- THC levels: 60–90%
- Texture: Soft, creamy, often yellow or amber
- Use: Best consumed using a dab rig, vape pen, or dab pen
Pros:
- Easy to handle and measure
- High potency and flavor
- Widely available
Cons:
- Sticky, can be messy to use
- Requires tools for dabbing
- Shatter
Shatter is a translucent, glass-like concentrate that gets its name from its brittle texture. Like wax, it’s usually produced through BHO extraction, but it’s purged differently to create a hard, glossy finish.
Features:
- THC levels: 70–90%
- Texture: Glassy, breaks into shards
- Use: Ideal for dabbing, though it can be vaporized too
Pros:
- Extremely potent
- Long shelf life if stored properly
- Clean and pure appearance
Cons:
- Can be difficult to handle due to brittleness
- May lose terpene flavor compared to wax
- Live Resin
Live resin is a premium concentrate known for its intense flavor and aroma. It’s made using fresh-frozen cannabis plants, which helps preserve a higher concentration of terpenes and cannabinoids.
Features:
- THC levels: 65–85%
- Texture: Can range from saucy to sugary
- Use: Dabbing or vape pens
Pros:
- Exceptionally flavorful and aromatic
- Captures the essence of fresh cannabis
- Great for terpene lovers
Cons:
- Generally more expensive
- Requires careful storage (cool and dark)
- Rosin
Rosin is a solventless concentrate made by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flower, hash, or kief. It’s a favorite among health-conscious users because it involves no chemical solvents.
Features:
- THC levels: 50–80%
- Texture: Can be gooey or solid depending on strain and process
- Use: Dabbing, vaping, or even mixing with flower
Pros:
- Clean and natural
- Safe to make at home (with the right equipment)
- Good flavor and potency
Cons:
- May be less potent than solvent-based options
- Shorter shelf life
- Crumble
Crumble is similar to wax but has a drier, crumbly texture. It’s made by purging BHO at lower temperatures for a longer period, resulting in a product that’s easy to handle.
Features:
- THC levels: 60–85%
- Texture: Dry, crumbly
- Use: Dab rigs, vape pens, or topping off joints
Pros:
- Easy to dose
- Less messy than wax
- Can be mixed with flower
Cons:
- Not as flavorful as live resin or rosin
- Can dry out quickly
- Distillate
Distillate is a refined concentrate where THC or CBD is isolated into a pure, nearly odorless and tasteless oil. It’s commonly found in vape cartridges, edibles, and tinctures.
Features:
- THC or CBD levels: Up to 99%
- Texture: Thick oil
- Use: Vapes, edibles, or oral drops
Pros:
- Highly versatile
- Consistent dosing
- Minimal odor or flavor (can be flavored artificially)
Cons:
- Lacks full-spectrum cannabinoids and terpenes
- May feel less “natural” compared to whole-plant extracts
How to Consume Cannabis Concentrates
There are several ways to enjoy concentrates, depending on the type and your preferred experience:
- Dabbing
Dabbing involves heating a dab rig (a specialized water pipe) and placing a small amount of concentrate onto a hot surface (called a nail or banger). The concentrate vaporizes instantly, and the vapor is inhaled.
- Best for: Wax, shatter, live resin, rosin
- Pros: Fast-acting, intense
- Caution: High potency, not for beginners
- Vape Pens
Vape pens use cartridges pre-filled with distillate, live resin, or rosin.
- Best for: Discreet, on-the-go use
- Pros: Easy to use, odorless
- Cons: Less customization and control
- Adding to Flower
You can sprinkle crumble, wax, or kief on top of a bowl or inside a joint to enhance the potency.
- Best for: Mixed-use
- Pros: Boosts effects of flower
- Cons: Uneven burning if not mixed well
- Edibles and Tinctures
Some concentrates are made for oral consumption. Distillates and full-spectrum oils can be infused into food, drinks, or taken under the tongue.
Tips for Storage:
- Use Airtight Containers
To prevent your cannabis concentrates from losing potency and absorbing external contaminants, storing them in airtight containers is essential. Containers that seal tightly will limit exposure to oxygen and humidity, both of which can degrade cannabinoids and terpenes over time.
- Refrigeration or Freezing for Long-Term Storage
For those who plan to store concentrates for extended periods, refrigeration or freezing can be effective, especially for more delicate concentrates like live resin or rosin. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind.
- Avoid Humidity and Moisture
Cannabis concentrates should always be kept in a dry environment to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria, which can thrive in high humidity conditions. Moisture can also degrade the concentrate’s quality and texture over time.
- Store in a Cool, Dark Place
Heat and light are two of the most significant enemies of cannabis concentrates. UV light and excessive heat can quickly break down cannabinoids and terpenes, making your concentrates lose their flavor and potency. Storing your concentrates in a cool, dark place can help preserve their freshness for a longer period.
Are Concentrates Safe?
Cannabis concentrates are safe when used responsibly, but their high potency can catch users off guard.
Tips for Safe Use:
- Start with a small dose (especially if you’re new)
- Use lab-tested products to avoid contaminants
- Avoid DIY extraction (especially with butane) due to fire hazards
- Stay hydrated and avoid mixing with alcohol
Conclusion
Cannabis concentrates offer a powerful, flavorful, and efficient way to consume cannabis, but they’re not for everyone. If you’re new to cannabis, it’s best to start slow and understand your tolerance before diving into high-THC products like shatter or distillate.
For experienced users, concentrates can provide a cleaner, more refined high, greater flavor retention, and medical-grade relief for conditions like chronic pain or insomnia. Whatever your reason for exploring, being informed is the first step toward a safer, more enjoyable experience.
