As the cannabis industry continues to grow, so does the variety of concentrates available. Cannabis concentrates are prized for their potency, purity, and versatility, appealing to both experienced users and newcomers looking for a high-intensity experience. Below, we’ll dive deep into the world of concentrates, explaining the most popular types on the market and why they’re so widely sought after.
1. Shatter
Description: Shatter is a brittle, glass-like concentrate named for its breakable consistency. It’s produced by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant, often using solvents like butane or CO2. Shatter is amber or translucent in appearance and is known for its potency.
Benefits: Shatter’s appeal lies in its strength and purity, often containing THC levels of 70% or higher. Due to its high THC content, shatter offers a quick, intense high, making it ideal for seasoned users looking for fast-acting effects. It’s typically consumed via dabbing or vaping, though it can also be sprinkled on top of flower.
2. Wax
Description: Wax is a sticky, malleable concentrate, often appearing opaque and textured. There are different types of waxes, such as “budder” (smoother) or “crumble” (drier), each with slight variations in consistency depending on the extraction and purging methods.
Benefits: Wax is versatile and generally easier to work with than more brittle concentrates. It’s a favorite among those who prefer dabbing, as its consistency allows for simple portioning. The high THC levels provide powerful effects, and the preservation of terpenes offers a full-bodied flavor experience.
3. Budder
Description: Budder, or “badder,” is a smooth, creamy concentrate with a consistency similar to butter. This texture is achieved by whipping during the purging process, allowing it to retain high levels of terpenes while maintaining potency.
Benefits: The whipped texture of budder makes it very easy to handle and measure. Known for its rich terpene profile, budder provides a strong flavor along with a potent high. It’s perfect for those looking for a balanced experience of flavor and potency, often used in dab rigs or vaporizers.
4. Live Resin
Description: Live resin is made using freshly harvested cannabis that’s flash-frozen to preserve the plant’s terpene and cannabinoid profile. This frozen cannabis is then processed, creating a concentrate that’s rich in flavor and aroma.
Benefits: Live resin’s main appeal is its authentic flavor profile, often reminiscent of the fresh plant itself. Because of the flash-freezing, live resin maintains a high terpene content, delivering robust aromas and a more nuanced high. This concentrate is especially popular with cannabis connoisseurs looking for the “live” essence of the plant.
5. Rosin
Description: Rosin is a solventless concentrate, meaning it doesn’t use chemicals like butane or CO2 during extraction. Instead, heat and pressure are applied to cannabis flower or hash, squeezing out the resin. The result is a pure, flavorful, and potent concentrate.
Benefits: Rosin appeals to users looking for a clean, solvent-free option. It offers both potency and purity, delivering effects that are strong and immediate. Rosin is versatile and can be dabbed, vaporized, or even added to joints or bowls for an extra kick.
6. Crumble
Description: Crumble is a dry, crumbly concentrate that’s easy to break apart, hence its name. It has a similar production process to wax but is purged longer, giving it a more brittle, airy consistency.
Benefits: Crumble is easy to dose and work with, making it user-friendly for new concentrate consumers. Despite its dry texture, crumble is potent and can be dabbed, vaporized, or added to joints. The high THC levels provide a powerful effect, ideal for seasoned users.
7. Distillate
Description: Distillate is an ultra-refined concentrate produced through distillation, which removes impurities and unwanted compounds, leaving behind pure THC or CBD. It’s often found in vape cartridges and edibles, as it’s odorless and tasteless.
Benefits: Distillate offers flexibility and high potency, making it ideal for those who want a strong dose of cannabinoids without the plant’s original flavor. It’s great for discreet use, and its purity makes it ideal for consistent dosing, especially in edibles and vape pens.
8. Isolate
Description: Isolate is a pure, single-cannabinoid concentrate, usually containing 99% pure THC or CBD. It’s processed to remove all other plant compounds, resulting in a powder or crystalline form.
Benefits: Isolate provides a precise and clean way to experience a specific cannabinoid without any other compounds, making it popular among those who want to experience THC or CBD alone. It can be dabbed, vaporized, or even added to food or drink.
9. Sauce
Description: Sauce is a concentrate that’s rich in terpenes, typically consisting of THCA crystals suspended in a flavorful, viscous terpene sauce. This combination gives it a unique texture and potent effects.
Benefits: Sauce offers a well-rounded experience, with high THC levels and a strong, flavorful profile. It’s popular with dabbers who prioritize taste and seek the enhanced effects from a higher terpene content, adding to the entourage effect.
10. Hash
Description: Hash, or hashish, is one of the oldest cannabis concentrates and can come in many forms, such as bubble hash or dry sift. It’s made by compressing the resin glands (trichomes) from cannabis buds, creating a dense, brown or black substance.
Benefits: Known for its rich flavor and moderate potency, hash provides a smooth, balanced high. Hash is typically smoked, vaporized, or added to bowls, making it accessible to both new users and seasoned enthusiasts.
11. Kief
Description: Kief is the fine, powdery resin collected from cannabis flower, containing trichomes that are rich in cannabinoids and terpenes. It’s often gathered from grinders or sifted directly from buds.
Benefits: Kief is one of the simplest concentrates and can easily be sprinkled over flower to increase potency. It offers a quick, potent high and is a versatile option for both smoking and making homemade concentrates.
Each cannabis concentrate offers its unique set of effects, flavors, and benefits. From potent shatter to flavorful live resin and user-friendly crumble, there’s a concentrate to suit every preference. If you’re ready to explore NYC’s selection, check out our concentrates menu at MetroBud and find the perfect fit for your needs.
