From Wax to Live Resin: The Different Types of Cannabis Concentrates
Written by Ben Anderson on June 2, 2023
Cannabis concentrates (also known as cannabis extracts) have become increasingly popular in recent years, as they offer a more potent and efficient way to consume cannabis. Concentrates are essentially a purified form of cannabis that contain high levels of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids. There are several different types of cannabis concentrates, each with its own unique characteristics and effects. In this blog post, we’ll explore the most common types of concentrates and highlight the best ones in each category.
What are Cannabis Concentrates?
Cannabis concentrates are potent products that are made by extracting the active compounds from the cannabis plant. These compounds include THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids, as well as terpenes and flavonoids. Concentrates come in a variety of forms, such as wax, shatter, oil, and more. These products are consumed by vaporizing, dabbing (the action of smoking cannabis concentrates), or adding them to food or drinks.
Different Types of Cannabis Concentrates
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common types of marijuana concentrates.
| Concentrate Type | THC Content (Approximate) | Extraction Method | Consistency | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wax | 60-90% | Solvent (Butane or CO2) | Sticky, waxy | Vaporizing, Dabbing |
| Shatter | 70-90% | Solvent (Butane or CO2) | Hard, brittle | Vaporizing, Dabbing |
| Hash | 20-60% | Mechanical compression | Solid, varies (crumbly to sticky) | Smoking, Vaporizing, Edibles |
| Live Resin | 60-90% | Solvent (Butane or CO2) | Varies (sticky to brittle) | Vaporizing, Dabbing |
| Butane Hash Oil (BHO) | 60-90% | Solvent (Butane) | Varies (sticky oil to glass-like) | Vaporizing, Dabbing, Edibles |
Wax
Wax is a popular type of cannabis concentrate that is known for its high potency and strong flavor. Wax concentrates are created by extracting the active compounds from the cannabis plant using a solvent, such as butane or CO2. The resulting concentrate is a sticky, waxy substance that can be vaporized or dabbed. Wax is available in a variety of flavors and textures, ranging from crumbly and dry to sticky and gooey.
Shatter
Shatter is another popular type of cannabis concentrate that is known for its glass-like appearance and high potency. Shatter is created by extracting the active compounds from the cannabis plant using a solvent, such as butane or CO2. The resulting concentrate is a hard, brittle substance that can be broken into small pieces and vaporized or dabbed. Shatter is available in a variety of flavors and textures, ranging from clear and transparent to opaque and cloudy.
Some of the best Oil products available include:
Hash
Hash is a traditional form of cannabis concentrate that has been used for centuries. Hash is made by compressing the resin glands from cannabis buds into a solid block or ball. The resulting concentrate is a potent product that can be vaporized, smoked, or added to food or drinks. Hash is available in a variety of flavors and textures, ranging from dry and crumbly to sticky and gooey.
Some of the best Hash products available include:
Live Resin
Live resin is a type of cannabis concentrate that is made from freshly harvested cannabis plants. The cannabis buds are flash-frozen immediately after harvesting to preserve their terpenes and other compounds. The resulting concentrate is a potent product that is known for its strong flavor and aroma and is considered one of the most flavorful cannabis extracts by many. Live resin is available in a variety of flavors and textures, ranging from sticky and gooey to brittle and crumbly.
Some of the best live resin products available include:
- Raw Garden Live Resin: This award-winning live resin is made using high-quality cannabis
Butane Hash Oil
Butane Hash Oil, commonly referred to as BHO, is popular but perhaps one of the lesser-known marijuana concentrates. It’s known for its high potency and versatile uses. BHO is made by extracting the active compounds from the cannabis plant using butane as a solvent. The process involves passing butane through cannabis material to dissolve cannabinoids and terpenes, then evaporating the solvent to leave behind a concentrated oil.
The resulting concentrate can vary in consistency, from a viscous, sticky hash oil to a more solid, glass-like substance. BHO can be consumed in various ways, including vaporizing, dabbing, or incorporating it into edibles. Its high THC content makes it a popular cannabis oil among experienced users looking for a powerful effect.
How are Cannabis Concentrates Made?
Cannabis concentrates are made by extracting the active compounds from cannabis flower using both solvents and solventless methods. With solvent-based concentrates, the most common solvents used in the extraction process are butane, CO2, and alcohol. The solvent is used to dissolve the active compounds in the plant material, which are then separated and removed from the solvent using a process known as purging. The resulting marijuana concentrate is a potent product that can be vaporized, dabbed, or added to food or drinks. In solventless extractions, like bubble hash, water and ice are used. In Rosin, which is solventless by definition, heat and pressure are used to squeeze dry cannabis buds.
The Benefits of Cannabis Concentrates
Cannabis concentrates offer several benefits over traditional cannabis products, such as flowers or edibles. One of the main benefits is their potency, which allows users to achieve a stronger and more efficient high. Concentrates also offer a more discreet and convenient way to consume cannabis. Cannabis oils and extracts can be vaporized or dabbed without producing smoke or a strong odor. Additionally, concentrates are a good option for medical cannabis patients who require high doses of THC or CBD for pain relief or other symptoms.
The Risks of Cannabis Concentrates
While cannabis concentrates offer several benefits, they also come with some risks. One of the main risks is the potential for contamination during the extraction process, which can lead to health problems if the concentrate is consumed. This concern is mitigated by California’s stringent testing requirements for legal cannabis products. Additionally, concentrates can be very potent, which can lead to overconsumption and adverse effects such as paranoia or anxiety. As with all cannabis consumption methods, it’s important for users to start with a low dose and work their way up slowly to avoid these risks.
How Delivery has Made Cannabis Concentrates More Accessible
The legalization of cannabis in several states has made it easier for consumers to access cannabis concentrates. In addition to traditional dispensaries, many states now allow for delivery services that can bring cannabis products directly to consumers’ homes. This has made it more convenient for consumers to purchase and consume cannabis concentrates, especially for those who may not live close to a dispensary or who have mobility issues.
How to Consume Cannabis Concentrates
There are several ways to consume these different types of cannabis concentrates, including vaporizing, dabbing, and adding them