If you’ve ever seen words like shatter, budder, or live resin on a dispensary menu and thought, “That sounds cool…but what is it?”, you’re not alone. Cannabis concentrates and extracts can seem a little intimidating at first, but they’re actually just a more potent, more refined way to enjoy the plant you already love.
Let’s break down the most popular concentrates and extracts so you can find your new favorite way to consume cannabis.
What Are Cannabis Concentrates & Extracts?
Concentrates and extracts deliver more potent versions of cannabis by removing excess plant material and isolating the good stuff—cannabinoids and terpenes—in a much more concentrated form. That means stronger effects, more flavor, and less product needed to get where you want to go.
You’ll hear “concentrates” and “extracts” used pretty interchangeably, but technically speaking, extracts are made using solvents (like butane or CO2), while concentrates is the broader category that also includes solventless products like rosin.
Collectively, they are a wide range of products that look, feel, and hit differently, from thick oils to crumbly waxes to glass-like shatter. Each one offers a unique experience depending on how it’s made and how you use it.
Common Types of Concentrates
There’s a whole world of concentrates out there, and each one has its own vibe. Some are sticky, some are crumbly, some look like tiny diamonds, but they all pack a punch. Here’s a quick guide to some of the most popular types you’ll see on the menu:
- Shatter: This one looks like amber glass and breaks apart (or “shatters”) easily. It’s super stable and packs a clean, potent hit.
- Wax: Softer and more pliable than shatter. It’s easy to scoop and comes in crumbly or sticky textures. Great for dabbing or topping off a bowl.
- Budder: Think whipped wax. It’s fluffy, smooth, and very user-friendly.
- Live Resin: Made from flash-frozen flower to preserve terpenes and flavor. It’s bold, aromatic, and a favorite among flavor chasers.
- Rosin: Solventless and squeaky clean. Made with just heat and pressure, so it’s a go-to for folks who want a pure, additive-free option.
- Oil: You’ll see this in vape cartridges and some dabs. Smooth, consistent, and easy to use, especially for discreet sessions.
- Sauce: Sticky, flavorful cannabis concentrate made up of two parts: high-potency THC crystals and terpene-rich liquid. It’s known for bold flavor and strong effects, thanks to all those preserved terpenes.
How to Use Concentrates
Concentrates come in all forms, and luckily, so do the ways you can use them. You don’t have to go full dab rig to enjoy the benefits (unless you want to, of course). Here’s a breakdown of how people use them:
Vaping
Vaping is one of the easiest entry points. Vape cartridges pre-filled with cannabis oil are perfect for on-the-go use. Just puff and go! You can also get refillable devices for thicker concentrates like wax or rosin.
Dabbing
This method uses a dab rig or e-rig and gives you fast, intense effects. It’s a favorite for experienced consumers, but beginners can absolutely try it (make sure to start out small).
Boosting Your Flower
Sprinkle a little wax, live resin, or crumble into a joint, blunt, or bowl. This is known as “twaxing” and it levels up the potency without needing special gear.
Things to Know Before You Try Concentrates
Trying concentrates for the first time? Sweet! Keep these ideas in mind so you can enjoy the ride without going overboard:
- Start Low, Go Slow: Concentrates are way more potent than flower. A little bit goes a long way, especially if you’re new or have a lower tolerance.
- Know Your Comfort Level: If you’ve only ever had a couple puffs off a joint, jumping straight into a full dab might not be the move. There are plenty of beginner-friendly options like vape carts or infused pre-rolls.
- Look for Lab-Tested Products: Always go for concentrates that are tested for potency and purity. At BestBüds, we only carry brands we trust, so you can shop with confidence.
- Ask Questions: Our budtenders are here to help. Seriously. Tell us your goals, your experience level, or what kind of high you’re looking for, and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Find the Right Concentrate for You at BestBüds Adult Use Dispensary
Concentrates might seem like a whole new world, but once you get the hang of them, they can be a total game-changer. From smooth vape oils to flavorful live resins to clean, potent rosin, there’s something out there for every kind of cannabis consumer.
Take your time, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to experiment a little. Finding the right concentrate is all about what feels good for you.
Swing by BestBüds recreational cannabis dispensary and let us help you explore your options. We’ll walk you through it, answer your questions, and make sure you leave with something you feel good about.
The contents of this blog are intended for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
