The Beginner’s Guide to Cannabis Concentrates

Cannabis concentrates made it to the mainstream when dabbing became popular. Dabs are still a popular way to use concentrates, though they can be consumed in other ways too.

June 18, 2024

Some people add concentrates to joints to take them to the next level, while others will add them to recipes. You can even eat them if you don’t mind the not-so-pleasant flavor. Another popular option is to vape concentrates.

Of course, cannabis concentrates didn’t start with dabs. Concentrated forms of cannabis have been used medically (and recreationally) for a long time. As cannabis extracts have continued to gain popularity, more and more products have emerged on the market.

Now we have a huge selection of concentrates to choose from. But if you don’t know where to start, that huge selection can be intimidating. Don’t fret. We’ve got your back.

What are cannabis concentrates?

Cannabis concentrates are highly potent extracts derived from the cannabis plant. They are created using various extraction methods to isolate cannabinoids (such as THC and CBD) and terpenes from the plant material, resulting in a product that is significantly more potent than dried flower.

Solvent cannabis concentrates

Shatter: This concentrate is aesthetically pleasing and potent. It gets its name from its delicate appearance and texture, resembling glass and subject to easily, well, shatter.

Shatter is typically a golden honey color and somewhat translucent. Unlike other concentrates that tend to get processed and agitated, shatter is not whipped around which allows it to remain transparent.

The typical use for shatter is with a dab rig or vape pen equipped for cannabis concentrates.

Budder: This concentrate is similar to shatter but has a very different texture. It’s creamy in consistency, similar to real butter, and is very malleable.

Pull and Snap: This concentrate is visually similar to shatter but has a tougher consistency. It doesn’t shatter but can rather be pulled until a portion is snapped off. Much likes shatter, it’s honey-colored and potent.

Crumble/Honeycomb Wax: Referred to as both crumble and honey wax, this concentrate is known for its ability to crumble. It’s a very dry extract that can be used in a variety of ways.

Because of how dry and malleable this substance is, it is a popular choice for more than just dabbing. It can easily be added to joints or combined with other smoking materials.

Live Resin: This extract is a form of butane honey oil that has been made with live or frozen fresh plant material. By extracting resin glands before the curing process, this extract keeps its terpene profile and remains fragrant and flavorful.

Rick Simpson Oil and other oils: Cannabis concentrate oils are potent but can be difficult to deal with. It’s why other concentrates remain a more popular choice.

However, there are many benefits to using oils, specifically for medical uses. Rick Simpson Oil, for example, was invented by a now cancer-free man who used cannabis oils to manage his illness.

Because of their stickiness, oils are typically sold in syringes. This prevents a lot of the mess that can come from using oils.

Tinctures: These concentrates have been used for centuries with a variety of herbs. Tinctures are made by soaking herbs in a solvent (typically alcohol) to extract the active ingredients.

Bonus: How to Make Cannabis Coconut Oil

Solventless extracts:

Now let’s take a look at popular solventless extracts.

Kief: The tiny little crystals all over your cannabis flowers are kief. When you grind up fresh bud, you may notice a powder left behind. That’s kief. Or, if you have a grinder with a screen to collect kief, you may see a full pile of the stuff at the bottom of your grinder.

Hash: This concentrate is made by pressing kief to create a new substance. You can do it from home with kief or purchase bubble hash and other variations.

You’ll often see hash displayed as thick, brown slabs. Because it’s a hard-pressed blend of kief and made from trichomes, it breaks easily. It’s also very sticky.

Rosin: This solventless concentrate is a popular choice because it’s easy to extract and can be manipulated into many other forms of concentrates.

It’s made from heating two plates at high pressure against cannabis materials. The glands begin to loosen and release all of their cannabinoids, leaving a sticky and potent substance.

Want to try cannabis concentrates?

Remember that cannabis concentrates are more potent than flower. If you don’t have a lot of experience with concentrates, we recommend you start slow. A dab will do ya. And make it a small one.

There is no one-concentrate-fits-all when determining the best concentrates. Different people prefer different types because everyone uses cannabis differently. We recommend you try a few different types before settling on your favorite concentrate.

Stock up with Piece of Mind Cannabis

Whether you’re looking for cannabis concentrates or just need some flower, Piece of Mind Cannabis has you covered.

Stop by and say high today!

Piece of Mind Cannabis is a medical marijuana and recreational Cannabis dispensary with locations in North Spokane, South Spokane, Bellingham, and Pullman, Washington.

Keep Reading: Homemade Topical Recipe: How To Make Cannabis Salve