If you’ve ever looked at a dispensary menu and wondered what the difference is between wax, shatter, and live resin, you’re far from alone. Cannabis concentrates can feel like a whole different language at first, but once you get the basics down, they make a lot more sense. Consider this blog your 101 on cannabis concentrates: what they are, what all the jargon means, and which products might be right for you.
What are cannabis concentrates?
Cannabis concentrates are products containing the most important parts of the cannabis plant, just concentrated into a more potent form. To make concentrates, cultivators refine the cannabinoids and terpenes in cannabis flower into something stronger and even more flavorful. The final product can take a bunch of different textures and forms, but the goal is always the same: a more efficient, more powerful experience.
Levels of the intoxicating cannabis compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in concentrates are much higher than you’ll find in flower. While flower might land somewhere between 15% to 30% THC content, concentrates often range from 60% all the way up to 99.9% THC.
How cannabis concentrates are made
The extraction process is what turns cannabis flower into concentrate. There are a few different approaches, but they usually fall into two main categories: solvent-based and solventless. Independent of these two classifications, you may also encounter “live” concentrates.
Solvents
“Solvent-based concentrates” is the term for concentrates that result from a cultivator using solvents such as butane, propane, or CO2 to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant. After the solvent moves through the plant material, it is then carefully removed, leaving behind just the cannabinoids and terpenes — a concentrated final product.
Common examples include:
- Wax
- Shatter
- Sugar
- Live resin
- Distillate
Solventless
Solventless concentrates are made without the use of a solvent. Instead, mechanical processes such as heat, pressure, and agitation extract cannabinoids and terpenes. This is why solventless concentrates are popular with consumers who want a product as close as possible to the plant’s original form.
Examples include:
- Bubble hash or ice water hash, which is made using ice water, agitation, and a bag sieving process using something like Bubble bags
- Rosin (pressed with heat and pressure)
- Kief
Live concentrates
“Live” concentrates are extracts that can be produced using either solvent-based or solventless methods. The big difference with live concentrates is that, instead of using dried and cured cannabis flower, manufacturers use cannabis that was frozen immediately after harvest. This freezing locks in more cannabinoids and terpenes, the latter of which are responsible for aroma and flavor. It’s why live concentrates, like live resin and live rosin, are among the most flavorful available.
Why try cannabis concentrates?
Concentrates are among our most popular menu items, and that’s not just because they’re strong. They offer a different kind of experience that can feel more refined and efficient.
Higher potency
With THC levels often reaching 60% to 90% THC and occasionally 99.9% THC, concentrates are ideal if you’re looking for something strong. Even a small amount can go a long way, so many experienced consumers gravitate toward concentrates.
Greater flavor
Concentrates often taste especially vivid among cannabis products because they’re a concentration of cannabinoids and the terpenes that determine flavor. Live products in particular are known for their bold, true-to-the-plant flavor.
Efficiency
You don’t need much to get the effect you’re looking for with concentrates. That means fewer hits, less material used, and a more streamlined experience. For some consumers, this also translates to a cleaner session that feels more controlled.
Versatility
Concentrates show up in more products than you might expect, which makes them easy to work into different routines and preferences. You’ll commonly find them in:
- Vape pens, in which concentrates comprise the oil that you’ll vape.
- Infused pre-rolls, in which concentrates are added to ground flower or applied to the rolling paper.
- Edibles, which may be enhanced with concentrates for deeper effects.
11 types of THC concentrates
Some of the most common types of concentrates you’ll see at Massachusetts dispensaries include wax, shatter, sugar, kief, live resin, live rosin, and Rick Simpson oil (RSO).
Wax
Wax has a thick, almost gooey texture. Expect a balanced experience that leans flavorful and strong without feeling overwhelming right away.
- Average potency: 60% to 90% THC
- Extraction method: Solvent-based
- How to consume: Dab rig, concentrate-compatible vaporizer, or “twaxing” (sprinkling a concentrate over flower in a pipe or joint)
Shatter
Shatter stands out for its smooth, glass-like appearance and higher THC content. It can be a little tricky to work with since it snaps and breaks apart easily. It’s a go-to for people who already have some familiarity with concentrates and want something stronger.
- Average potency: 90% THC
- Extraction method: Solvent-based
- How to consume: Dab rig or vaporizer
Sugar
Cannabis sugar has a texture that looks a lot like damp sugar crystals, and it’s known for being especially flavorful. It’s also relatively easy to handle compared to shatter, making it a nice middle ground if you want something aromatic, potent, and not too fussy to work with.
- Average potency: 60% to 90% THC
- Extraction method: Solvent-based
- How to consume: Dab rig, concentrate-compatible vaporizer, or twaxing
- Brands from Altai: Resinate
Kief
Kief is one of the simplest forms of solventless concentrate, and you might have already come across it without knowing it. Kief is the loose trichomes that naturally separate from cannabis flower, often collecting at the bottom of a grinder.
While kief is less potent than other concentrates, it still noticeably boosts THC content if you’re smoking a joint or bowl. It offers an easy way to enhance your usual cannabis flower without changing your routine too much.
- Average potency: 50% to 80% THC
- Extraction method: Solventless
- How to consume: Sprinkle onto flower
- Brands from Altai: Nature’s Heritage
Live resin
Live resin is all about preserving the plant’s original character. Because it’s made from fresh-frozen cannabis, it feels especially expressive of the plant. It’s a favorite among consumers who care equally about taste and potency.
- Average potency: 50% to 90% THC
- Extraction method: Solvent-based
- How to consume: Dab rig, concentrate-compatible vaporizer, or twaxing
Live rosin
Like live resin, live rosin is made using fresh-frozen cannabis. The key difference is that live rosin is a solventless concentrate made using heat and pressure instead of chemical solvents. It highlights the plant’s flavor in a really clear way and is a hit with consumers who care about both quality and how the product is made.
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- Average potency: 60% to 90% THC
- Extraction method: Solventless
- How to consume: Dab rig, concentrate-compatible vaporizer, or twaxing
- Brands from Altai:
RSO (Rick Simpson Oil)
RSO is a thick, highly concentrated oil that’s typically consumed differently than other THC concentrates. Instead of dabbing or vaping, it’s often consumed orally in very small amounts as part of an edible or tincture. Because of its high potency and full-spectrum nature, the effects often feel strong and long-lasting. It’s great for a more sustained experience, and it’s a favorite among medical consumers.
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- Average potency: 60% to 90% THC
- Extraction method: Solvent-based
- How to consume: Orally
Brands from Altai:
- Nature’s Heritage
Other types of concentrates
In addition to the above concentrates, you might also see crumble, badder, diamonds, and sauce on dispensary menus.
- Crumble: This dry, crumbly, solvent-based concentrate is easy to handle and a bit more forgiving for folks new to concentrates. Its potency hovers around 90% THC, and you can dab, vape, or twax it.
- Budder: This soft, whipped solvent-based concentrate has a smooth, creamy texture, so it’s easy to scoop. It’s rich in flavor, hassle-free to dab, and especially potent, with THC levels of 80% to 90%.
- Diamonds: These crystalline formations of tetrahydrocannabolic acid (THCA) are extremely high in potency — roughly 99.9% THC (THCA becomes THC upon heating). You can dab, vape, or twax this solvent-based extract.
- Sauce: Diamonds may sometimes be a part of this terpene-heavy, solvent-based concentrate with a liquid consistency perfect for dabbing, vaping, or twaxing. Sauce is typically very aromatic and flavorful, though among concentrates, its 60% average THC content is comparatively modest.
How concentrates are used in cannabis products
Concentrates aren’t just for dabbing, though that’s a tried-and-true classic. You’ll also find concentrates in vapes, pre-rolls, and edibles.
- Dabbed on their own: This is the most direct way to experience concentrates. With a dab rig or concentrate-compatible vaporizer like a Puffco, you get the full impact of the cannabinoids and terpenes all at once.
- Packaged into vape pens: Many vape pens contain cannabis concentrates like distillate or live resin for portable, discreet, no-fuss enjoyment.
- Added to infused pre-rolls: Some pre-rolls are enhanced with concentrates to boost THC content and overall effects. These infused pre-rolls are significantly stronger than standard options.
- Used to create edibles: Concentrates can be added to edibles to provide consistent THC levels and a more controlled experience. Since the extraction process isolates cannabinoids, it allows for more precise dosing in gummies, chocolates, and beverages.
How to consume cannabis concentrates
Concentrates are simpler to consume than you might think at first glance. A great experience comes down to your heating temperature and your dabbing rig or other accessories.
Best temperatures to try concentrates
Lower temperatures often bring out more flavor and give you a smoother, more relaxed hit. Higher temperatures can lead to stronger effects, but you may burn off some of the terpenes that give concentrates their flavor.
Tools you’ll need to try concentrates
There are a few different ways to get started with concentrates, depending on how hands-on you want to be. A traditional setup usually includes a dab rig, a torch or e-nail, a dab tool, and a carb cap to keep things clean and controlled.
If that sounds like a lot to start with, there are simpler options. Dab pens, concentrate-compatible vaporizers, and pre-filled disposable vape pens all make things more approachable.
How to store concentrates
Storing concentrates properly helps keep them fresh, flavorful, and effective. Stash your concentrates in an airtight container away from heat, light, and excessive air exposure.
A cool, dark place is ideal to help preserve cannabinoids and terpenes. When stored properly, a high-quality concentrate will retain its texture, potency, and flavor much longer.
How much concentrate can you buy in one dispensary trip in MA?
Adults 21 and over in Massachusetts can purchase up to 5 grams of cannabis concentrates in a single dispensary visit. (Adults younger than this can’t enter licensed dispensaries at all.) This limit is based on THC content equivalency, which is admittedly confusing. If you’re unsure how it all adds up, ask us in-store — we don’t believe in bad questions, and we actually want to get to know you.
Start your concentrates journey at Altai Alternative Care
At Altai Alternative Care, concentrates will feel especially approachable since our friendly budtenders answer all your questions passionately and compassionately. We’re here to help you feel at home — our customers often come in with something quick in mind and end up staying longer than planned. Whether you’re first venturing into concentrates or seeking a new favorite craft extract, visit our family-owned dispensary on Amherst Road (Route 116 in Sunderland) to experience our warm, welcoming vibe for yourself.
