Cannabis Concentrates: Understanding THC Extracts
Concentrates offer a versatile and unique way to experience cannabis. Learn more about the different types of cannabis concentrates and the forms they take.
What are Cannabis Concentrates?
Cannabis concentrates are concentrated forms of marijuana, specifically the cannabinoids. Cannabinoids and terpenes are removed from the cannabis plant using extraction methods to create a crude extract.
Concentrates take many forms based on how the resulting crude extract is manipulated; shatter, crumble, distillate and rosin are common forms, but there are many more. The final form ranges in texture, but the dose remains the same across types.
Types of Cannabis Concentrates
For a novice, it may seem like all extracts and concentrates are just as potent. That much is true—the most potent products contain high levels of cannabinoids such as THC. In addition to similarities, there are many differences between the various types of concentrates, including texture, taste, color, and extraction process.
We’ve created the ultimate guide to everything you need to know about all the various types of concentrates, the differences between them, and your top FAQs.
Shatter
Shatter is a cannabis extract best known for its stunning appearance. Often referred to as shatter weed, marijuana shatter, or shatter wax, shatter is unlike any other marijuana product on the market. It’s reminiscent of stained glass—not quite opaque, not quite transparent. It has a brittle consistency that tends to shatter when dosed, hence the name, and varies in shade from dark ambers and honey-like tones to lighter shades of yellow like vegetable oil.
Rosin
Rosin stands out in the world of cannabis concentrates for its solventless extraction method, which guarantees a pure and potent product free from any chemical residues. This technique utilizes heat and pressure to extract the resinous sap from the cannabis plant, resulting in a sticky, amber-colored substance. Rosin is celebrated for preserving the rich terpene profile and cannabinoids of the original plant material, offering users a flavorful and aromatic experience.
RSO
Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) represents a highly potent form of cannabis oil, widely recognized within the medical marijuana community for its purported therapeutic benefits. RSO is distinct in its thick, tar-like consistency and dark color, often administered orally or applied topically. Its creation was inspired by Simpson’s personal success story, suggesting RSO’s potential in providing relief for various ailments. Due to its concentrated nature, RSO offers a potent and versatile option for those exploring cannabis-based treatments.
Budder and Badder
Budder is a concentrate that ranges from slightly runny to thick like cookie dough, and badder, a concentrate with a runny, wet appearance slightly thicker than sauce, are intensely aromatic and flavorful options.
These forms of cannabis concentrate are derived by melting down Shatter. The extract is then whipped to achieve a homogenous texture. Budder looks fluffy, like butter, hence its name, while badder is slightly runny and similar in texture to cake batter.
THC Distillate
THC distillate stands as a powerhouse in the world of cannabis concentrates, coveted for its purity and versatility. This translucent oil is the result of an intricate distillation process that strips the plant material of all compounds except for the desired cannabinoids, typically THC or CBD, resulting in a potency that can soar up to 90% or higher. Its lack of flavor and odor makes it a perfect candidate for a variety of applications, from edibles to topicals, without impacting the taste or scent of the final product.
Crumble Wax
Crumble wax is a distinguished type of cannabis concentrate, celebrated for its unique texture and high cannabinoid content. Its dry, crumbly form sets it apart from other concentrates, making it an easy-to-handle choice for both novice and seasoned users. Crumble retains a rich terpene profile, offering a potent and aromatic experience. Additionally, crumble is a versatile concentrate that can be easily dabbed or added to flower.
THC Sugar Wax
Sugar wax, a remarkable and versatile cannabis extract, is a textured collection of small THCA crystals, each one a tiny treasure trove of potent and delicious cannabis goodness. Created through a meticulously controlled hydrocarbon extraction process, Sugar boasts an uncompromising purity and mouth-watering taste experience that is sure to delight even the most discerning connoisseur.
What really sets sugar concentrates apart is its terpene content, where often the resulting crystals are immersed in a terpene sauce for a rich and complex flavor profile that is both subtly nuanced and powerfully aromatic.
Cured Resin
Cured resin, renowned for its potent flavor and aromatic profile, is an excellent contender in the concentrate arena. This concentrate is made from plants that have been carefully dried and cured, a traditional preservation technique that has been used for centuries.
This concentrate is a great choice for users looking to enhance their smoking experience with a concentrate that embodies the specific strain's terpenes and potency.
THCA Diamonds
Renowned for their purity, potency, and the sheer beauty of their crystalline form, THCA diamonds have captivated the interest of connoisseurs and medical patients alike, seeking the ultimate in concentrate quality.
THCA diamonds are a testament to the innovation and craftsmanship within the cannabis concentrate landscape, representing the pinnacle of purity and potency.
Cannabis Concentrates FAQs
Get answers to any of your additional questions about cannabis concentrates and discover everything you need to know to make an informed decision about which extracts is right for you!