Cannabis concentrates come in a range of textures, from brittle shatter to soft badder. The name sounds technical, but the basic idea is simple: concentrates collect and condense the compounds in a cannabis plant into a more potent format.
Our cannabis concentrate guide will cover the most common types, how they’re made, and the ways people use them. If you still need cannabis concentrates explained, our budtenders can give you answers and help you compare all of your options.
What Are Cannabis Concentrates?
Cannabis concentrates are made by separating cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis flower. The result is a product that’s higher in cannabinoid concentration (and thus the name) than traditional flower. A little bit goes a long way because there isn’t any plant material in the mix.
The final product can be sticky, crumbly, brittle, or soft depending on the extraction process used and how the manufacturer finishes it off.
Because concentrates are so potent, they are generally better suited for experienced consumers. However, anyone can use concentrates. The key is to start with a very small amount and let the effects fully develop before using more. Always read the product label, too, so you know more about the product before you use it.
How Are Cannabis Concentrates Made?
How cannabis concentrates are made depends on the product. Some extraction methods use solvents like carbon dioxide or ethanol to separate the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material. The solvent is then removed during processing.
There are solventless methods, too. Rosin, for example, is made by applying pressure and heat to cannabis material. Hash uses mechanical separation to collect resin glands without chemical solvents.
Live resin and live rosin are made with cannabis that is frozen after harvest to preserve more of the aroma and flavor of the plant. Cured resin is made from cannabis that’s gone through a drying and curing process.
There are many different ways to make cannabis concentrates, but they all require specialized equipment and a lot of careful handling. You shouldn’t try to make concentrates at home.
What Types of Concentrates Are There?
There are many cannabis concentrate types, including:
- Wax and badder: Soft textures, but badder has a whipped consistency. Easy to portion with a dab tool.
- Shatter: Thin, firm, and brittle. Often looks like glass and breaks easily when handled.
- Live resin: Made from fresh-frozen cannabis and valued for its aroma and flavor.
- Rosin: Solventless extract made with heat and pressure; can become badder or jam.
How Do I Use Cannabis Concentrates?
How to use cannabis concentrates depends on your product and equipment. Many concentrates are used with a dab rig or e-rig, which is similar to a vape.
Dabbing is placing a small amount of the concentrate onto a heated surface and inhaling the vapor. Electronic rigs designed for concentrates are beginner-friendly and don’t require an open flame, as you’d use in a traditional dabbing setup.
You can also add small amounts of concentrates to flower, then smoke it in a bowl or joint. It can increase the potency while also bringing more aroma and flavor to the session.
Always start with a small amount and use equipment suitable for your chosen format. Our team can help you choose products that match your experience level and available equipment.
Concentrate Picks at Crabtree Dispensary
Crabtree’s menu includes several textures and extraction styles, and here are some of our current favorites:
- Organic Remedies Gelato Ice Cream Live Badder: This live badder delivers rich gelato sweetness with a smooth, terpene-packed finish.
- Sunnies Fruity Gum x Cherry Pie Live Resin Batter: Bursting with cherry and fruit flavors, this flavorful batter is made in Maryland.
- District Cannabis Spirtzer RSO: Super concentrated cannabis oil with earthy notes. Easy to precisely measure with a full-spectrum formula.
- MPX Astrozone Cured Resin Sugar: Sparkling crystal texture with a punchy aroma and layered flavors.
- Beezle Pungent Smile Shatter: Glass-like consistency with a sharp aromatic hit that stands out.
- Eden Pineapple Upside Down Cake Rosin Jam Live Rosin: Bright pineapple meets rich cake sweetness in a solventless jam.
- Organic Remedies Druid Breath Live Sugar: Earthy and complex live sugar with an herbal aroma and sweet finish.
Availability can change, so check out our current menu before heading over.
Explore Concentrates at Crabtree
Come see everything the concentrates category has to offer at Crabtree. You’ll find us on University Boulevard in Kensington. Ask our staff which option they’d recommend, or browse our live online menu to order ahead or see what’s in stock. Drive-thru pickup is available to make it easier to get what you need while on the go!
