CANNABIS EXPLAINER
Cannabis Concentrate Guide
Cannabis concentrates deliver 60-95% THC — high potency demands careful dosing.
CANNABIS EXPLAINER
Cannabis concentrates deliver 60-95% THC — high potency demands careful dosing.
| Type | Texture | Typical THC % | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wax | Waxy, opaque | 60-80% | Dab rig or pen |
| Shatter | Glass-like | 70-90% | Dab rig |
| Live Resin | Saucy, wet | 65-85% | Dab rig or cart |
| Rosin | Oil/sap | 60-80% | Dab rig or pen |
| Distillate | Clear oil | 85-99% | Vape cart, edibles |
| Hash | Compressed | 30-60% | Pipe or bowl |
Cannabis concentrates are products made by extracting the most potent parts of the cannabis plant — the trichomes containing cannabinoids and terpenes — from the plant material. The result is a product with much higher potency than flower, typically 60-95% THC compared to 15-30% in flower. Concentrates are produced through solvent-based extraction (butane, CO2, ethanol) or solventless methods (rosin pressing, dry sifting).
The concentrate market offers many forms with different textures, potencies, and terpene contents. Wax and budder have a soft, malleable consistency. Shatter is brittle and glass-like. Live resin is made from fresh-frozen plants, preserving more terpenes and producing a flavorful, aromatic product. Rosin is a solventless concentrate made by applying heat and pressure to flower or hash. Distillate is a highly refined oil used in vape cartridges and edibles.
Because of their extreme potency, concentrates are not recommended for cannabis beginners. The standard consumption method is dabbing — using a dab rig, an instrument that heats a nail to vaporize a small amount of concentrate. Temperature matters: low-temperature dabs (450-550°F) preserve flavor, high-temperature dabs produce more vapor but lose terpenes. Dab pens offer a more portable option. Begin with very small amounts — a "rice grain" sized dab can deliver 50-80mg of THC.