What Are Cannabis Concentrates?
Extracts. Dabs. Oils. No matter the name you choose to call them, cannabis concentrates are the heaviest of hitters in the cannabis world. These products pack a serious punch by isolating the most desirable parts of the plant, cannabinoids and terpenes.
Just the tastiest parts of the plant are pulled during an extraction, leaving behind plant fats and other bitter compounds. This results in a potent, versatile, and ultra flavorful experience that’s growing in popularity among cannabis consumers.
Whether you’re new to concentrates or a seasoned dabber, this guide will break down everything you need to know about these high-powered products.
Why Choose Cannabis Concentrates?
Cannabis concentrates are a powerhouse of potency, typically containing 60% or more THC, making them a top choice for experienced consumers seeking strong effects. Their versatility allows for multiple consumption methods, including dabbing, vaping, mixing with flower, or even infusing into edibles.
Concentrates offer a more discrete option compared to traditional cannabis flower, producing less odor in vapor form. Best of all, their fast-acting nature means you can feel the effects almost immediately, making them an excellent option for quick relief.
Solventless vs. Solvent-Based Concentrates
Cannabis concentrates fall into two major categories based on their extraction method: solventless and solvent-based.
Solventless Extracts
Solventless concentrates are made without the use of chemical solvents. Instead, mechanical processes like heat, pressure, or agitation are used to gently extract cannabinoids and terpenes. Some classic solventless concentrates include:
Rosin: created by applying heat and pressure to fresh or frozen cannabis flower or hash.
Hash/Hasheesh: made by collecting and compressing trichomes from the plant (sometimes using equipment or traditionally by hand).
Bubble Hash: uses ice water and agitation to separate trichomes from the plant material. These are then meticulously strained through filter bags and dried to create a powder of gem-like trichome heads.
Solvent-Based Concentrates
These are extracted using solvents like butane, ethanol, or CO2 to dissolve and strip cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant. After extraction, the solvent is purged, leaving behind a clean, potent and pristine product. Common solvent-based concentrates include:
Shatter: glass-like and brittle, known for its purity and mega-potency.
Wax: soft and crumbly, with plant lipids and high terpene content for bold flavors.
Budder/Badder/Batter: creamy and smooth, with an easy-to-dab consistency.
Sugar & Crumble: granular textures with strong terpene profiles.
Sauce (Diamond Sauce): high-terpene liquid with THC or THCA crystals suspended within it.
These different forms of concentrate can have a range of THC and terpene percentage. Here is a breakdown of each:
| Type of Concentrate | THC % | Terpene % |
|---|---|---|
| Rosin | 70-80% | 1-4% |
| Hash | 20-60% | 0.5-4% |
| Bubble Hash | 30-60% | 1-4% |
| Shatter | 80-90% | 2-5.9% |
| Wax | 60-90% | 2-5.9% |
| Budder/Badder/Batter | 70-90% | 2-5.9% |
| Sugar/Crumble | 70-90% | 0-5% |
| Diamond Sauce | 90-95% | 10-20% |
| Distillate/Isolate | 95-99.9% | <1% |
Live vs. Cured Concentrates
The difference between live and cured concentrates comes down to how the starting plant material is treated prior to extraction.
Live Concentrates
Live concentrates, like live resin, are made using fresh, flash-frozen cannabis. Freezing the plant preserves its terpenes and cannabinoids at the moment of harvest, resulting in a more flavorful and aromatic experience.
These true-to-strain flavors reign supreme, and are a must try if you love complex terpene profiles. When purchasing Live Concentrates please ensure to refrigerate during storage to preserve terpenes and flavor.
Cured Concentrates
Cured concentrates come from dried and cured flower. While they may have slightly lower terpene levels compared to live resin, they still deliver potent effects and deep, unique flavor profiles. Many cured concentrates will contain minor cannabinoids that develop post-harvest during the curing process, like CBN.
How to Use Cannabis Extracts
Depending on your preference, there are several ways to enjoy concentrates.
Dabbing with a rig, e-nail, or electronic vaporizer allows for fast, potent hits, while portable vape pens provide a convenient and discreet option wherever you go.
Ready to level up your flower? You can also enhance your favorite bud by sprinkling a bit of concentrate into a bowl or joint for an extra kick. Perhaps you want a no-fuss option? There are many exquisitely infused pre-rolls to try.
Some of the greatest edibles are made using cannabis extracts. Many concentrates are rich in flavor, however some distillates are purified to the point they have little to no taste, making them ideal for edibles. These extracts blend into edibles without a trace of bitter-taste.
Preserving Flavor and Potency
To best preserve the quality of extracts, it is best to keep your extracts in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Concentrates with ultra-flavorful concentrates like live resin are kept in pristine form when stored in either a refrigerator or freezer.
This helps keep all of the cannabinoids and terpenes intact so each dab is as good as the first. Cured concentrates can also be kept in cold storage, but it’s not absolutely necessary to preserve their quality.
If you plan to keep your dabs in chilled storage, always make sure you allow them to reach room temperature before opening the jar. This helps avoid any condensation from collecting on your extracts.
Dabbing 101: Safety and Best Practices
Since concentrates are significantly stronger than cannabis flower, it’s important to start slow. If you’re new to dabbing, here are some simple tips to dabble with concentrates safely.
Start small: a dab the size of a half grain of rice is plenty for beginners.
Watch your temperature: ideal dabbing temps range between 375 – 550°F to preserve terpenes and prevent combustion.
Stay hydrated: high potency can cause dry mouth, so keep some water handy.
Sugar trick: if you dab too much and feel overwhelmed, a sugary snack can help counteract THC’s effects and alleviate initial dizziness.
| Low Temp Dab | Best for flavor | 400–450°F | Dabbing with a quartz banger? Wait 60 seconds after torching |
| Mid Temp Dab | Great for potency and flavor | 475–550°F | Dabbing with a quartz banger? Wait 30 seconds after torching |
| High Temp Dab | Best for potency, fast-acting | 550–650°F | Dabbing with a quartz banger? Wait 15 seconds before dabbing |
The Future of Cannabis
At Good Day Farm, we’re committed to providing the highest quality concentrates by sourcing top-tier genetics, using meticulous extraction methods, and maintaining strict lab testing standards.
Whether you’re chasing bold flavors, potent effects, or a next-level cannabis experience, concentrates offer an excellent way to stay lifted and explore the range of cannabis’ effects.