As the cannabis industry evolves, so do the products it offers. From old-school flower to edibles to now, the ever-growing world of cannabis concentrates and infused products, it can be intimidating to enter the new world of weed.
Especially if you’ve been out of it for a while or are just stepping in for the first time.
That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate guide to the types of cannabis concentrates available on shelves today. We’ll cover everything you need to know about weed dabs, including the cannabis concentrate types explained, so you can best choose what’s right for you.
Get ready to get back to learning with our version of cannabis concentrates 101.
What Are Cannabis Concentrates?
To start our guide, let’s first answer the question: What are cannabis concentrates? Just as they sound, concentrates are the “concentrated” versions of cannabis flower, or the extracted resinous oil that’s responsible for the plant’s buzz.
In simpler language, it’s the oil that’s responsible for getting you high when you smoke cannabis flower. When extracted, cannabis concentrates contain only the plant’s cannabinoids and terpenes, so they’re more potent and more flavorful than flower varieties.
Similar to how orange juice concentrate would be more flavorful and tart than its juice. To consume cannabis concentrates, the most popular methods include dabbing, which is applying extreme heat to the oil with the help of a rig, whether portable or stationary, and via infused pre-rolls.
Cannabis Concentrates Chart: Quick Reference
For a quick, handy reference, here’s a complete cannabis concentrates chart for comparison.
Types of Cannabis Concentrates Explained
Now, let’s get to know each type of extract better with our next section: cannabis concentrate types explained. Here are some of the most popular and best forms of cannabis concentrates you’ll find in dispensaries today, and what makes each one unique.
- Wax: Wax is one of the first concentrates to hit the shelf. It’s pliable and “wax”-like, making it easy to handle and serving as a great type for beginners
- Shatter: Shatter is another OG type of cannabis concentrate that looks just like it could make the sound it’s named after. The concentrate is hard and glass-like, shattering into smaller pieces for dabbing. Its texture makes it more fragile to work with, and thanks to its high potency, it’s best for experienced dabbers.
- Live Resin: Live resin is a concentrate that’s made from fresh-frozen plant material and extracted using solvent-based methods (butane, etc.) to agitate and isolate the plant’s resinous glands. By growers harvesting the plants at the peak of their growth and freezing the material immediately, the process yields a rich terpene profile, resulting in a more flavor-focused concentrate.
- Live Rosin: Live rosin is also made from fresh-frozen material, hence its “live” designation. Instead of solvent-based extraction methods, live rosin is extracted from the plant using solventless methods. First, the flower undergoes an ice wash to isolate the plant’s trichomes or resinous glands. Then, that material is pressed, oozing the live rosin out for a hand-crafted, full-spectrum, premium product.
- Rosin: Rosin is the same as live rosin but without the “live” designation. That means it’s been made from dried and cured flower, which can alter the plant’s terpene profile over time.
- Badder / Budder: Badder and budder are concentrates that undergo various post-extraction techniques to achieve a whipped texture and smooth consistency. This process makes the concentrate easy to manipulate, making it an ideal choice for beginners, too.
- Diamonds: Diamonds are another type of cannabis concentrate in which extractors isolate and manipulate crystalline THCA to achieve a diamond-like appearance. These concentrates are ultra-potent and are often paired with “sauce,” which has a gooey-like consistency.
- Distillate: Distillate is an extract that’s highly refined. That means, it can lose its terps during processing and be less flavorful naturally; however, many extract companies will add back in terps to improve the flavor. This method is used mostly in vape carts and disposable vapes; however, distillate is also used to infuse edibles.
Which Concentrate Is Best for Beginners?
One thing all concentrates have in common is that they have a higher potency than cannabis flower. So, if you’re a beginner to weed dabs or cannabis concentrates in general, like edibles, it’s wise to go “low and slow” with your dosages until you gauge how they affect you.
The best types of cannabis concentrates to start with as a beginner are wax, budder, or badder or a low-temp vape cart. These extracts are easier to handle when dabbing or adding to a portable dab pen, and by smoking at a low temp, you can avoid overhitting and coughing.
With that said, keep in mind, at potencies of 70%+, another mantra to follow is a “little dab will do ya” at the beginning. If you need help deciding which is the best form of cannabis concentrate for you, visit an Elevated Exotics, where our friendly staff is happy to guide you.
How to Shop for Concentrates at Elevated Exotics
Elevated Exotics is the Upper Peninsula’s (and now the lower peninsula’s, too!) premier cannabis retailer for all types of cannabis concentrates. We’re proud to offer a wide selection of brands, varieties, potencies, and strains for connoisseurs and the curious.
Our budtender team is well-versed in the concentrates we offer and can make recommendations based on experience level. They’ll be able to point you in the right direction of concentrate type or potency, based on your unique preferences or budget points.
With our online menu, you’re also able to browse our current selection prior to stopping in, so you know what to expect.
Final Takeaway
With this complete cannabis concentrates 101 guide, you now know that concentrates don’t have to be intimidating. The right guidance, knowledge, and product can have you enjoying the advantages of weed dabs before you know it.
To elevate your routines, or try these types of cannabis concentrates for yourself, start by browsing Elevated Exotics’ concentrate menu. Find the location nearest you to shop now or learn more.
