Types of Cannabis Concentrates

Cannabis concentrates are cannabis extracts that are incredibly potent and can deliver a high amount of THC in a single, short inhalation. Their heightened potency can have significant physical and mental effects, and it’s important to use them responsibly and with care.

Cannabis concentrates are made by using mechanical or physical methods to remove and gather trichomes, the resinous coating that contains most of the plant’s therapeutic compounds. These extraction methods typically involve no solvents and create wax-like extracts like rosin, dry sift, and kief. Solvent-based extraction methods use a solvent, such as butane, to strip the trichomes away from the plant matter. The butane is then purged to leave a pure, safe, and effective cannabis product.

From Flower to Shatter: Understanding the World of Cannabis Concentrates

Solvent-based extraction methods also produce some of the most popular cannabis concentrates, such as budder, batter, and dabs. These extracts are often whipped during the production process to preserve a high percentage of terpenes and major cannabinoids. This produces extracts with a smooth, buttery consistency that’s found behind live resin on dispensary shelves.

Other common types of cannabis concentrates include sauce, crumble, and sap. Sauce is similar to budder or badder in its texture, but it has a more honeycomb-like consistency. Crumble and sap are brittle concentrates with a more coarse, granular texture that’s a little similar to sugar. These concentrates tend to have more neutral or unappetizing colors of deep amber and bright yellow, respectively. They’re used for dabbing, but can be incorporated into edibles as well.