Each cannabis concentrate has a unique quality and potency level. There are two main categories of concentrates: solvent based and solventless. When you visit a dispensary, you must talk to the budtenders about the kind of effect you’re seeking so that they can guide you to the perfect strain.
Concentrates differ in terms of the strain type, the concentrated form, and how the concentrate makes a difference. The different types of concentrates are:
Shatter: The word ‘shatter’ is derived from its glass-like consistency as it often breaks into tiny pieces when broken apart. It’s considered among the purest forms of concentrated marijuana and has a transparent or amber color. It has a solid, smooth, and sticky texture. When touched, it feels like thin sheets. The Butane Hash Oil extraction process creates shatter. It also undergoes an additional filtration process to ensure that the final product is pure and potent. Shatter provides a hard-hitting high.
Wax: This concentrate has the consistency of candle wax. Dabbing tools are used to handle specific concentrates. Wax is yellow and can be consumed using a rig or vaporizer.
Rosin: Rosin is made without solvents, different than shatter and wax. Heat and pressure are applied to the marijuana buds or kief. Due to the absence of solvents, rosin has many aromas and terpenes, making it a favorite among terpene lovers.
Oil: Oil concentrates are produced with CO2 instead of butane. Cannabis oils are used in vape pen cartridges or syringes and have a vivid taste. This is because the extraction process by CO2 saves more terpenes as it does not require high temperatures. Oil is commonly found in the CBD variety and is often used to make edibles.
Hash: Hash is a form of concentrates without a complicated extraction process. Hash is made by compressing kief into small greenish disks or pucks. Other hash forms are made using ice water and sifting through screens to collect the concentrated cannabis extract. Hash is one of the more potent concentrates containing up to 90% THC. It creates a sense of intense euphoria among users. Hash has medicinal uses, such as treating chronic pain, nausea, and inflammation. You can consume Hash oil by dabbing, applying it to the skin, smoking, or vaporizing it.
Butane Hash Oil (BHO): Butane Hash Oil is also known as hydrocarbon extract. These are cannabis concentrates that use butane and propane as a pressurized chemical solvent. BHO extracts have different potency levels. Dabbing is the most common way of consuming a BHO product form.
Distillate Oil: Distillate Oil is also called crude extract because it maintains a high level of terpenes throughout the process. THC or CBD only remains if it’s further refined. This pure form has little to no flavor. It’s usually used in edibles, topical products, and vape pens. Terpenes are often added to the oil to give it the cannabis flavor and effect.
Crumble: When the temperature and moisture levels are increased during the extraction process, some waxes are left with a drier texture. This creates the crumble or honeycomb texture which resembles a beehive.
Live Resin: Live Resin uses frozen plant material to maintain its profile. This process ensures that the terpenes are preserved. Live Resin is widely sought after because of its strong aroma and flavor. However, the texture varies; it can be hard, waxy, or sticky. Medical use of Live Resin helps treat patients suffering from stress, pain, and nausea. It can be consumed by dabbing or vaping and should be stored in an air-tight container in a cool space. If you don’t plan on using it for some time, leave it in the fridge. Like most other concentrates, it will lose its aroma and flavor profile if you leave it out in the open.
