Cannabis Concentrates 101: A Guide to Concentrates
Cannabis concentrates are highly potent extracts that contain concentrated levels of THC, CBD, and other beneficial compounds found in cannabis plants. Unlike traditional flower, these products undergo specialized extraction processes to remove plant material and isolate the most valuable cannabinoids and terpenes, resulting in products that can be 3-10 times stronger than regular cannabis. From sticky waxes and glass-like shatters to creamy budders and crystalline diamonds, concentrates come in various textures and forms, each offering unique benefits for both medical patients seeking targeted relief and recreational users looking for enhanced potency and flavor experiences.
What are Cannabis Concentrates?
Cannabis concentrates are like a super-concentrated version of the cannabis plant – imagine making orange juice concentrate by removing all the water to get a much stronger, more flavorful result. While regular cannabis flower typically contains 15-25% THC, concentrates can reach 60-90% THC, making them 3-10 times more potent than traditional flower.
These powerful extracts are created by collecting the tiny, crystal-like structures called trichomes from cannabis plants. Trichomes are where most of the plant’s active compounds live – including THC (which creates the psychoactive effects), CBD (known for therapeutic benefits), and terpenes (which provide flavor and aroma). Think of trichomes as tiny factories that produce all the good stuff you want from cannabis.
Common Methods to Make Concentrates
Understanding how concentrates are made helps you choose the right type for your needs. There are two common approaches：
- Solventless Method: This method doesn’t use any chemicals. It’s all about physically shaking off the trichomes from the plant and then pressing them into oils using low heat and high pressure. These types of concentrates are known as “rosin” and they come in various forms like fresh press rosin, rosin badder, and a few others.
- Pros: No chemical residues, “clean” product, full spectrum of compounds
- Cons: Lower yields, higher costs, limited texture variety
- Solvent-based Method: This method uses chemicals like butane or CO2 to get the trichomes off the plant. After that, they have to carefully remove all the chemicals to make sure the final product is safe to use. These concentrates can be different from the rosin types in how they’re made and how they might feel when used.
- Pros: Higher yields, variety of textures, consistent quality, lower costs
- Cons: Requires proper purging to remove solvents, more complex process
Different Cannabis Concentrates: Texture, Potency and Usage
Live Resin
Source from Leafly
Live resin generally have a sticky consistency, almost like taffy. However, manufacturers can manipulate the final texture to be saucy, sugary, or buttery, depending on the processing method. In terms of color, live resin concentrates are typically dark yellow but can vary from light yellow to white. Depending on the cannabinoid profile of the live plant, most live resin concentrates retain a THC content ranging from 65% to 95%. These concentrates are particularly well-suited for vaping with a dab pen or smoking on a standard dab rig.
Wax
Source from Leafly
Wax concentrates have a sticky wax consistency. They’re typically dense, sometimes granular, and often look golden in color. Wax concentrates are known for their intense aroma and robust flavors that vary depending on the cultivar from which they’re produced.
Vape pens don’t usually handle wax well, and lighting wax directly to smoke destroys much of the temperature-sensitive terpenes. Most experienced cannabis users consume wax concentrates through a dab rig, a specialized type of bong, or a water pipe with an attached nail to smoke dense concentrates like wax via water vapor.
Shatter
Shatter is a type of concentrate that looks gold or amber and has a hard, glass-like texture. Creating high-quality shatter is a delicate process as it easily becomes cloudy and loses its transparency. Shatter is known for its potency and is one of the more popular extracts on the market.
Due to shatter’s rigid, brittle consistency, it must burn at consistently high temperatures for the best effects, which can easily damage equipment like standard vape pens. The two most common methods for smoking shatter are dabbing it and vaporizing it.
Budder, Badder, Batter
Source from Cannmenus
Budder, also known as batter or badder, is often considered the cleanest and one of the strongest concentrates available. On average, budder contains about 90% THC and boasts up to 99% purity. The frosting-like texture makes it very malleable, so it’s easy to scoop onto dab tools for almost effortless consumption. However, due to the labor-intensive process and its high potency, budder tends to be more expensive than other types of concentrates.
Sugar
Sugar and crumble concentrates are flavorful products with a richer terpene profile than shatter or budder. At the same time, these products don’t quite match the aromatic superiority of live resin. Sugar and crumble color ranges from pale yellow to deep amber. Crumble looks like sugar clumps and is probably the driest form of cannabis concentrate.
The sugar texture makes it easy to handle and ideal for sprinkling on a rolled joint. It is also easy to vaporize on a rig or dab setup. Sugar is slightly wetter than crumble, making a vaporizer its best consumption method.
Diamonds
Diamonds in cannabis concentrates are high-purity crystals of a single compound, like THCA or CBD. They’re so pure that they form solid crystals, similar to actual diamonds. Since they’re mostly one compound, they’re called isolates, unlike full-spectrum extracts that contain a plant’s full range of cannabinoids and terpenes. Diamonds are often used with terp sauce for dabbing because they lack terpenes and therefore don’t have much flavor on their own.
How to Evaluate Quality Simply
As a beginner, you don’t need to be an expert to spot quality concentrates. Here are simple visual and sensory cues:
Visual Inspection
Good signs:
- Color: Light golden to amber (avoid dark brown or black)
- Clarity: Clear or translucent (for shatter/diamonds)
- Consistency: Uniform texture throughout
- No visible contaminants: No plant matter, hair, or particles
Red flags:
- Too dark: May indicate old material or poor extraction
- Cloudy or milky: Could mean residual solvents or moisture
- Inconsistent texture: Might indicate improper processing
- Visible particles: Sign of contamination
Aroma Test
Good concentrate should:
- Smell strongly of cannabis/terpenes
- Have distinct strain characteristics
- Be pleasant and not harsh
- Match the strain’s expected aroma profile
Avoid if it smells:
- Chemical or solvent-like
- Musty or moldy
- Completely odorless (except pure THCA)
- Harsh or burning
Texture and Handling
Quality indicators:
- Shatter: Should be brittle and snap cleanly
- Wax: Should be pliable but not sticky
- Budder: Should be creamy and easy to scoop
- Live resin: Should be saucy but not too runny
Lab Testing (Most Important)
Always look for:
- COA (Certificate of Analysis): Lab test results
- Cannabinoid profile: THC, CBD, CBG percentages
- Terpene profile: Flavor compounds listed
- Residual solvents: Should be non-detect or minimal
- Pesticides: Should be non-detect
- Heavy metals: Should be within safe limits
Pro tip: Reputable dispensaries will always provide lab results. If they can’t show you test results, shop elsewhere.
Potential Risks and Considerations
While cannabis concentrates offer enhanced potency and flavor, it’s crucial to understand the potential risks associated with their use to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Overconsumption risks:
- Anxiety or paranoia: Too much THC can cause uncomfortable mental effects
- Dizziness: High doses may cause lightheadedness
- Nausea: Paradoxically, too much cannabis can cause nausea
- Rapid heart rate: High THC can increase heart rate
- Impaired coordination: Don’t drive or operate machinery
Long-term considerations:
- Tolerance: Regular use of high-potency products can increase tolerance quickly
- Dependence: While not physically addictive, psychological dependence is possible
- Respiratory effects: Dabbing at high temperatures may irritate lungs
Safety Guidelines
Start low, go slow:
- Begin with a piece smaller than a grain of rice
- Wait 15-20 minutes before taking more
- Use lower temperature settings on devices
- Have CBD products available to counteract THC effects if needed
Create a safe environment:
- Use in a comfortable, familiar setting
- Have water and snacks available
- Don’t use alone for your first time
- Keep your schedule clear for several hours
Know your limits:
- Don’t mix with alcohol or other substances
- Avoid use if you have heart conditions
- Stop use if you experience severe anxiety or discomfort
- Don’t use before driving or important activities
Artrix DabGo: Recommended Vaporizers for Enjoying Concentrates
Cannabis enthusiasts typically consume these concentrates through traditional methods, like joints or bowls, which can be wasteful and fail to deliver the full potency and flavor profile that concentrates offer. Modern dabbing methods provide a superior experience – they preserve the delicate terpenes, deliver precise dosing, and allow users to taste the true essence of high-quality concentrates. Unlike traditional smoking methods that burn away valuable compounds, dabbing vaporizes concentrates at optimal temperatures, maximizing both potency and flavor while reducing harsh smoke. This makes dabbing the preferred consumption method for concentrate enthusiasts who want to experience the full benefits of their premium extracts.
The First-Ever Disposable Dab Pen- Dabgo have achieved a new level of sophistication through innovations that fuse simplicity and efficacy, as demonstrated by products like DabGo. These next-generation dab pens incorporate user-friendly aspects from portable vaporizers – notably their ease of use. Additionally, when engineered as disposable units, dab pens bypass the often tedious tasks of cleaning and maintenance, establishing them as hassle-free choices for users at any experience level.
Artrix has prioritized affordability, making this innovative dab pen a cost-effective entry point into dabbing. This approachability extends further as the DabGo is adept at handling a variety of concentrates. Whether it’s the nuanced flavors of live rosin, the potency of liquid diamond, the richness of wax, or the clarity of shatter, the DabGo delivers a high-quality experience typically reserved for more expensive, traditional dabbing setups.
Conclusion
Cannabis concentrates offer a potent, flavorful, and efficient way to consume cannabis, but they require respect and proper knowledge to use safely. Start with small amounts, choose quality products from licensed dispensaries, and invest in a proper vaporizer for the best experience. Remember that the concentrate world is constantly evolving, with new products and techniques emerging regularly. Take your time to learn what works best for your needs, and always prioritize safety over potency.
Further Reading
