Okay, so, THC concentrates. They might not have the simplicity and ready-to-roll nature of flowers or the "nobody's gonna notice" factor of edibles, but they're taking the cannabis industry by storm. Why? Well, they kick in quickly, deliver powerful effects, and offer a diverse range of unique experiences.
Just look at this: the global cannabis concentrate market is predicted to hit a whopping $2.4 billion by 2030, according to a recent report by Fairfield Market Research. That's huge! Clearly, these little powerhouses are playing a major role in shaping the cannabis scene.
With all the different textures and names out there, it's easy to get lost. Shatter, wax, budder, crumble—it can feel like a whole new language. That's why understanding THC concentrates is so important, especially as they grow in popularity. Fortunately, we're here to make it simple!
This comprehensive guide breaks down the essentials of these cannabis derivatives, the specific benefits and effects each one delivers, and how to choose the perfect one for your needs.
Let's dive into the world of THC concentrates to understand the intricacies of these products!
Types of THC Concentrates
If we asked you, "What are the different types of cannabis concentrates?" what would be the first thing that comes to mind? You'll probably come up with one or two options based on your experience.
The truth is that there's everything from oil, wax, and resin concentrates to diamonds. Technology has allowed the cannabis industry to grow and offer many more alternatives, and each is different in potency and characteristics.
Here, we'll explore the specifics of the most popular ones! Below are the different types of concentrates explained!
Oil Concentrates
THC oil concentrates are the liquid gold of the cannabis world. They're potent extracts, usually with 60% to 90% THC, and you can use them in different ways.
Some people vape them, mix them with drinks, or put a few drops under their tongue (called sublingual). The latter is the faster option and will hit you in about 15 to 30 minutes, while the other alternatives may take a little longer.
Oils are so versatile—many even add them to smoothies and tea sometimes!
If you prefer smoking, you can use a vape pen or add them to your joint for a little kick, but remember—oils are strong, so start small and build up from there.
Lastly, if you're cooking with them, we recommend you keep the heat below 245ºF so that you don't burn the good stuff.
Wax Extracts
Wax extracts are sticky, solid, and for a lot of people, their favorite cannabis concentrates to play with. Many consider them the best type of concentrate to dab because of their consistency.
There are different types of wax dabs, with names varying depending on what you get and their composition. Most are usually made using solvents that help get the good stuff from the cannabis plant. The result? Potent concentrates with about 60-80% THC, sometimes even making it to 90%.
Wax is loved by many because, as mentioned, it's considered the strongest concentrate to dab, or at least one of the most potent ones. It has a strong flavor and quick effects, and if you're not a fan of dabbing, you can also vape it or sprinkle some in your joint for an extra punch.
The best thing about wax is, by far, its versatility. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even use it to make edibles.
Shatter
Shatter is like the Lamborghini of THC concentrates: looks cool and has a strong punch. Plus, it's one of the prettiest concentrates—it has a glass-like appearance and is usually golden or amber in color. However, it's super brittle, so if you drop it, it'll literally shatter, hence the name.
Additionally, shatter is extremely potent, containing about 89-90% THC, which is a lot stronger than the average joint. This is why it's so popular among experienced users.
Many prefer shatter because it's strong, pure, flavorful, and very efficient. A tiny bit of it will go a long way, and it keeps the original flavors of the weed strain, so it's delicious for those who like that kick. Just keep in mind that this isn't for newbies, so make sure to start small.
Budder/Butter
Budder is the soft option in the cannabis market. Its texture is literally like butter —creamy and easy to spread, making it a great option to start with if you're new to concentrates.
Even though budder isn't the strongest concentrate to dab, it still has about 70% THC, and in some cases, it can go up to 90%. However, what's so cool about it is that it's super user-friendly because of its texture. You can dab it, vape it, or sprinkle it on a joint to get an extra kick.
If you're wondering, "What is the best type of concentrate for dabbing?" we're here to tell you that it vastly depends on the person, but that budder is a favorite because of its user-friendliness. It really can't get easier than this!
Another great thing about budder is its flavor. It's packed with terpenes, which give cannabis its particular taste and smell, so when you consume it, you're getting all the deliciousness of the original strain.
Crumble
This concentrate is very dry and crumbly, a bit like feta cheese that's been left out too long. That's the beauty of it, though, because it means you can use it in many different ways.
Crumble fits into everything. You can dab it, vape it, or sprinkle it on top of your regular weed for a stronger kick. Some people like to get creative with it and mix it into recipes for edibles, too (decarboxylation needed). Also, although it'll darken over time, it has a yellowish color when fresh. That's why it's also called "honeycomb." Looks delish, IMO!
Potency-wise, we're talking about one of the strongest THC concentrates, so just a tiny bit will do the trick.
Live Resin
This concentrate is the fresh prince of THC concentrates because it's all about preserving the plant's freshness right after the harvest.
The process of getting live resin is a bit like catching lightning in a bottle: rare but also exciting. We have to take freshly harvested weed and freeze it immediately (this is called flash-freezing) to lock the terpenes and cannabinoids before they start deteriorating.
As a result, we get a product that's rich in aroma and flavor, way more than the average cannabis. Live resin is also very potent, ranging from 65% to 90% THC.
The best part of live resin is how the flash-freezing process keeps the plant's properties intact, which is why it's popular among people who want to enjoy the full experience: flavor, smells, and a strong kick.
Many people compare live resin vs shatter, but it'll always depend on what you need or are looking for. While shatter is pretty, it's also fragile. Resin, on the other hand, is more about the process of keeping the natural characteristics of cannabis.
Diamonds
These concentrates are the actual gems of the cannabis world. They're not only crystal-clear and beautiful but also the purest THC concentrates, sometimes having 99% THC.
Diamonds are pretty to look at, but the best part about them is that when you heat them up, THCA turns into THC and gives you one of the most potent highs out there.
These aren't your everyday concentrates, though. They're hard to come by, and you'll need to find the right dispensary to get your hands on them.
Diamonds are rather exclusively for cannabis connoisseurs who know where to get them and how to handle the punch behind their purity. So, if you're new to the concentrates game, you might want to start with a different option.
Categories and Extraction Methods
Have you ever wondered how we get from raw cannabis to powerful THC concentrates? It's all about cannabis extraction. The method used to manufacture these products plays a crucial role in determining their potency, purity, texture, and sometimes, categorization.
Extraction methods are typically categorized into solvent-based and solventless. Each technique is used to create specific products. Let's go over some examples.
Solvent-based methods dissolve and separate the good stuff (cannabinoids and terpenes) from the plant, often leading to high potency and purity, but they require specialized lab equipment and demand proper, careful handling to ensure safety. These techniques rely on the use of ethanol, CO2, or hydrocarbons, and are popular for producing a wide range of concentrates, such as shatter, wax, butane hash oil, budder, crumble, and honeycomb.
On the other hand, there are solventless methods, including rosin pressing, ice water extraction, and dry shifting, which offer a cleaner, chemical-free alternative.
Rosin pressing, for example, involves applying heat and pressure to squeeze out cannabinoids, resulting in a potent and flavorful product without any solvent residue. Ice water uses, well, ice and water, to separate trichomes. Some of the products usually crafted with solventless extraction include rosin, rosin jam, bubble hash, and kief.
Each method has its own benefits and produces different types of concentrates. Solvent-based products are often more efficient and cost-effective, while solventless concentrates are becoming more common because of their purity, natural flavor profiles, and perceived safety. So, choosing one is really about what you're looking for!
To sum up, these techniques impact the final form of THC concentrates, shaping everything from their terpene profiles to their texture.
But how do the various types of concentrates differ in potency, and what extraction techniques contribute to those differences? The truth is that potency may vary in each scenario. Generally, solvent-based methods achieve the highest THC concentrations, while solventless procedures preserve more of the original plant's profile, potentially resulting in lower, but still potent, THC levels with richer terpene profiles.
Do you want to dive deeper into the nitty-gritty of how it all works? Check out our blog post "Cannabis Extraction: Methods, Products, and Tools," for a full breakdown of the science behind this!
Choosing the Right Concentrate
So, what are the most popular types of cannabis concentrates? Oil, wax, live resin, shatter, and rosin may definitely fall into this category. However, there are so many options that you may not even know where to start.
Picking the right concentrate really depends on your personal needs and preferences. Let's list the main factors you should consider to make the right choice:
Potency
This is a big one, and arguably the most important. If you look at a THC concentrates chart, you'll notice that there are many variations from one product to another in terms of potency. Choosing the right one can make the difference between an enjoyable and an overwhelming experience.
Do you consider yourself a "pro" and want to experience cannabis to the fullest, or are you just dipping your toes in? If you're after the strongest options, shatter, wax, dabs, and diamonds are worth considering. If you prefer or are looking for something more balanced, or are new to concentrates, low-potency options like live resin and budder may be for you.
Flavor
Have you heard of "terpene profiles"? It's a bit of a jargon-y phrase that gets thrown around a lot, but you need to understand it if you want to choose THC concentrates that taste right.
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds in cannabis and influence your final product's smell and flavor.
When you see a concentrate described as having a certain "terpene profile," it's telling you which terpenes are present and in what amounts. Extracts with high terpene content often offer rich and complex flavors similar to the original plant, for example.
Do you want us to be more specific? If you see a product that is high in limonene, it'll probably have a citrus smell and taste. If it's high in myrcene, it'll probably have an earthy smell and taste.
But remember that each strain or concentrate can have specific combinations or concentrations of terpenes. For more information about a product's flavor, check the label or ask the dispensary staff for help.
Intended Use
Do you know how to use cannabis concentrates? How do you plan to consume yours? These products offer high versatility, but you should choose one based entirely on your preferences.
Are you a fan of THC concentrate dabs? Budder and wax have soft consistencies that are easier to handle. Would you like something richer and more potent to elevate your experience? Shatter may be a better option.
Vape cartridges filled with oil are also common among concentrate enthusiasts because they offer on-the-go convenience, while crumble and kief can be used to add potency to flowers.
Beyond vaping and dabbing, some concentrates are formulated for topical use, and others are great for edibles, including distillates and cannabis-infused oils and butters.
Ultimately, the best THC concentrate is the one that suits your individual needs and preferences in terms of potency, flavor, convenience, and discretion. Don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you.
Just keep in mind that if you're exploring the strongest options, you should start with a very small dose and allow enough time to assess the full effects, as these products can be quite potent. Use them with respect!
Distru: Cannabis Compliance Software and ERP
Are you producing THC concentrates? Yeah, we know that keeping up with compliance and managing production across the highly regulated cannabis supply chain can get tricky. That's where Distru steps in.
With cannabis businesses like yours in mind, we've built a powerful cannabis manufacturing software and ERP solution that allows you to have everything you need for your operations organized in one place, from your assemblies to your Bill of Materials (BOMs).
You can track inputs and outputs, automate tasks to minimize errors, ensure consistency in quality, and simplify regulatory reporting. Thanks to these capabilities, you'll have detailed recipe cards and production guides to streamline your processes, boost efficiency, and save time and costs.
With innovative features for cannabis inventory tracking and seamless integrations with state-mandated systems like Metrc and BioTrack, Distru also helps you comply with all the strict cannabis laws, headache-free.
Distru's here to make your processing operations easier, more efficient, and compliant, so you can focus on creating those high-quality THC concentrates that will take your business to a whole new level. Schedule a quick demo today to learn more about our solution!
Exploring THC Concentrates: Our Recap
Alright, we've explored the world of THC concentrates together, and we've learned a lot!
The market boasts a huge number of products, and each one is unique in its own way. From diamonds with a flawless appearance but potent punch to the terpene-rich and more "cannabis-like" flavor of live resin, there's a concentrate for every preference.
As mentioned, extraction methods play a huge role in the potency and flavor of the product you'll consume, so that's another important factor to consider when choosing the right option for you.
With the THC concentrate market booming, there's never been a better time to explore these powerful cannabis derivatives. So, don't be afraid to experiment and find your favorite — responsibly, of course!
