Types of Cannabis Concentrates: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

There are some interesting ways to experience cannabis, especially when you’re exploring ways to elevate your recreational experience to the next level. If you want to experience a stronger and more sensational high, then you should explore cannabis concentrates.

Whether you’re into smoking, vaping, or enjoying delicious edibles, there are different types of concentrates that you can try. These concentrates come in various forms, ranging from dry, powdery kief to brittle shatter, creamy wax, and liquid oils. 

Typically, concentrates come in a wide range of forms and textures. Each type offers a unique experience, depending on how it’s made and how you use it.   If you’re new to concentrates or want to better understand your options, this guide covers the types of cannabis concentrates, how they differ, how to use them, and tips to help you choose the right one for your desired experience.

What are Cannabis Concentrates?

Ever wondered why they’re called concentrates? It’s because these cannabis products contain a highly concentrated number of cannabinoids, especially THC, which makes them much more potent than traditional cannabis flower. 

Cannabis concentrates are extracts made by isolating the most active compounds from the plant, including THC, CBD, and flavorful terpenes. According to the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, concentrates typically contain between 40% and 90% THC, while some products like isolates can reach up to 99% THC.

Types of Cannabis Concentrates (Characteristics, Uses & Effects)

If you’re exploring cannabis concentrates, you’ll come across a wide variety of options, each with its own texture, potency, and effects.  So, that’s why it’s important to understand how these concentrates differ and which ones best match your preferences. 

Here are 18 types of cannabis concentrates, each offering a unique experience depending on how it’s made and used.

Shatter

Shatter is a popular cannabis concentrate known for its glass-like, brittle texture that easily snaps into pieces. It usually appears translucent, ranging from light golden to amber, and gets its name from the way it shatters when handled. 

It’s made using a solvent-based extraction process (often with butane) that pulls cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant, then purges out the solvent to create a smooth, stable sheet. Shatter is commonly used for dabbing, vaping, or infusing into edibles after proper decarboxylation. 

When it comes to potency, shatter is very strong, typically containing 70% to 90% THC. This high THC level delivers fast and intense effects, making it more suitable for experienced users or those seeking a more powerful cannabis experience.

Kief

Kief is one of the simplest forms of cannabis concentrate, made up of fine, powdery crystals that fall off the cannabis flower. These tiny crystals, called trichomes, contain a high concentration of cannabinoids and terpenes, giving kief its potency and flavor. 

It’s typically collected by grinding cannabis and sifting it through a screen, separating the resin glands from the plant material. Kief is easy to use as you can sprinkle it on top of flower, add it with edibles, mix it into joints, or press it into hash for a stronger experience. 

While not as strong as some other concentrates, kief still offers a moderate to high THC level, usually ranging from 50% to 70% THC. It provides a noticeable boost in potency compared to regular cannabis, making it a great option for beginners exploring concentrates.

Crumble

Crumble is a cannabis concentrate known for its dry, crumbly texture that breaks apart easily, similar to feta cheese. It usually has a light golden color and a soft, airy consistency. 

It’s made using a solvent-based extraction process and purged at lower temperatures for longer, which removes more moisture and creates its signature dry structure. Crumble can be used for dabbing, sprinkling over flowers, or infusing into edibles. It typically contains around 60% to 90% THC, offering strong effects while still being manageable for a wide range of users.

Sugar

Sugar, often called sugar wax or cannabis sugar, is a concentrate known for its grainy, wet texture that resembles damp sugar. It typically appears golden to amber and has a slightly sticky consistency due to its high terpene content. 

It’s made through a solvent-based extraction process where cannabinoids and terpenes are preserved, then allowed to crystallize over time. This process creates small THC crystals suspended in a flavorful, syrup-like liquid, giving sugar its unique texture and rich aroma. 

Sugar is commonly used for dabbing or vaping, and its semi-solid form makes it easy to scoop and handle. It usually contains around 60% to 80% THC, delivering potent effects along with enhanced flavor, making it a popular choice for users who value both strength and taste.

Wax

Wax is a widely used cannabis concentrate with a soft, creamy texture similar to candle wax. It appears opaque and ranges from light yellow to golden brown. It’s produced through a solvent-based extraction process where the extract is whipped during purging, creating a thick, fluffy consistency.  

Wax is commonly used for dabbing, vaping, or making edibles after decarboxylation. With 60% to 90% THC, wax delivers potent, fast-acting effects, making it a popular choice for users seeking a stronger experience.

Honeycomb

Honeycomb is a cannabis concentrate known for its light, airy structure with a porous texture that resembles a honeycomb. It typically has a golden-yellow color and a dry, slightly brittle consistency that easily breaks apart. 

It’s made using a solvent-based extraction process, similar to wax and crumble, but is purged in a way that creates trapped air pockets throughout the extract. This gives honeycomb its unique, sponge-like appearance and crumbly feel. 

Honeycomb is commonly used for dabbing or mixed with cannabis flower, as it’s easy to handle and portion. It usually contains around 60% to 90% THC, delivering potent effects while maintaining a smooth and flavorful experience.

Budder and Batter

Budder and batter are cannabis concentrates recognized for their rich, whipped consistency, resembling soft butter or thick frosting. They usually appear smooth and opaque, with colors ranging from pale yellow to deep gold. 

They’re created through a solvent-based extraction process where the extract is agitated during purging, forming a creamy, uniform texture instead of a brittle or crumbly one. This method also helps preserve flavorful terpenes. 

The soft texture of budder and batter makes them easy to scoop for dabs or load into vaporizers, and they can also be used in edibles when properly prepared. With THC levels typically between 60% and 90%, they deliver strong, smooth effects that appeal to both intermediate and experienced users.

Sauce

Sauce, often called terpene sauce, is known for its thick, syrup-like consistency with visible crystals suspended in a liquid base. It usually appears glossy and amber in color. 

It’s created through a solvent-based extraction process where cannabinoids crystallize and separate from terpene-rich liquid over time. 

The THC content generally in sauce concentrate ranges between 60% and 90%, but what sets sauce apart is its intense flavor and aroma. The terpene-rich liquid enhances the overall experience beyond just potency.

Hash

Hash, also known as hashish, is one of the oldest and most traditional cannabis concentrates. It typically has a solid, compressed texture that can range from soft and pliable to firm and crumbly, with colors varying from light brown to dark green or almost black. 

It’s made by collecting and compressing trichomes (resin glands) from the cannabis plant, often using methods like dry sifting or hand-rolling. Unlike many modern concentrates, hash is usually produced without chemical solvents, making it a more natural form of extraction. 

Hash can be smoked on its own, mixed with flower, or used in edibles, depending on the form. It generally contains around 20% to 60% THC, offering moderate to strong effects that are less intense than some newer concentrates but still more potent than regular cannabis flower.

Live Rosin 

Live rosin is a premium cannabis concentrate known for its soft, creamy texture and rich aroma. It typically appears light golden to pale yellow and has a smooth, slightly sticky consistency that’s easy to handle. 

It’s made without solvents by pressing fresh, flash-frozen cannabis using heat and pressure to extract cannabinoids and terpenes. This solventless process helps preserve the plant’s natural flavors, making live rosin one of the most flavorful concentrates available. 

Live rosin is commonly used for dabbing or vaping, delivering a clean and terpene-rich experience. It usually contains around 60% to 80% THC, offering strong yet balanced effects that appeal to users who prioritize purity and taste.

Live Resin

Live resin is a cannabis concentrate known for its rich aroma and flavorful profile, often featuring a sticky, saucy texture with a glossy appearance. It typically ranges in color from light gold to amber. 

It’s made using a solvent-based extraction process from fresh, flash-frozen cannabis plants instead of dried material. This method helps preserve more terpenes, resulting in a more aromatic and full-bodied experience compared to many other concentrates. 

Live resin is generally used for dabbing or vaping, offering a flavorful hit with strong effects. It usually contains around 65% to 90% THC, making it a potent option for users who want both intensity and enhanced taste.

Jelly

Jelly is a cannabis concentrate known for its thick, gel-like consistency that sits somewhere between sauce and wax. It has a glossy, semi-solid texture and usually appears in shades of golden to amber. 

It’s typically made using a solvent-based extraction process, where cannabinoids and terpenes are preserved and partially crystallized, resulting in a smooth, jelly-like form. This structure balances both potency and flavor. 

With THC levels generally ranging from 60% to 85%, jelly offers a strong and flavorful experience. Its soft, scoopable texture also makes it a practical choice for dabbing or vaporizing without the mess of stickier concentrates.

Rick Simpson Oil (RSO)

Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) is a cannabis concentrate known for its thick, dark, and sticky consistency, often appearing almost black or deep brown. It has a tar-like texture and a strong, earthy aroma. 

It’s made by extracting cannabinoids from cannabis using a solvent (commonly ethanol), then slowly evaporating the solvent to leave behind a highly concentrated oil. Unlike many other concentrates, RSO is typically produced from the whole plant, preserving a wide range of cannabinoids and compounds. 

RSO is most often used orally or in edibles rather than for dabbing or vaping. It usually contains 60% to 90% THC, delivering powerful, long-lasting effects that can feel more intense due to how it’s consumed and absorbed in the body.

Diamonds

Diamonds, also known as THC diamonds, are cannabis concentrates recognized for their crystalline, rock-like structure that resembles small, clear gems. They are usually translucent to white and often found sitting in a terpene-rich sauce. 

They’re formed through a controlled extraction and crystallization process where THCA slowly separates and solidifies into crystals over time. This method creates highly pure cannabinoid structures with minimal impurities. 

Diamonds are among the most potent concentrates available, often containing 90% to 99% THC (after decarboxylation). Its high purity and intense effects, while pairing them with terpene sauce, can enhance both flavor and overall experience.

Pearls

Pearls, often called THC pearls or dab pearls, are small, bead-like cannabis concentrates with a smooth, rounded shape. They usually appear glossy and can range from translucent white to light amber. 

They’re made through a refined extraction and shaping process where concentrated cannabinoids are formed into tiny spheres. In some cases, they are used alongside terpene-rich extracts to enhance both performance and flavor during use. 

Pearls are typically used in dabbing setups, where they help distribute heat more evenly and improve vaporization. With THC levels often ranging from 80% to 95%, they provide strong effects while also enhancing the overall dabbing experience.

Moon Rocks

Moon rocks are a potent cannabis product made by combining multiple forms of cannabis into one. They typically consist of a cannabis bud coated in hash oil and then rolled in kief, giving them a rough, chunky appearance with a sticky, crystal-covered surface. 

They’re created by taking high-quality flower, dipping or spraying it with concentrated oil, and finishing it with a layer of kief. This multi-layered process significantly boosts both potency and cannabinoid content. 

Typically, moon rocks often contain around 50% to 80% THC, making them much stronger than regular flowers. They are usually broken apart and smoked in a bowl or joint, delivering a slow-burning, highly intense experience.

Distillates

Distillates are highly refined cannabis concentrates known for their clear, viscous oil-like consistency. They often appear transparent or lightly golden and have a smooth, almost syrupy texture. 

They’re produced through a multi-step distillation process that isolates specific cannabinoids, most commonly THC, while removing impurities, plant matter, and much of the natural terpene content. This results in a clean and highly concentrated extract. 

Distillates typically contain around 80% to 95% THC, making them one of the more potent options available. The clean and neutral profile makes them a common choice for vape cartridges, edibles, and other infused products.

Isolates

Isolates are cannabis concentrates made up of a single, purified cannabinoid, most commonly THC or CBD. They usually appear as a fine, white crystalline powder with little to no smell or flavor. 

Producers create isolates by refining cannabis extracts to remove all other compounds, including terpenes, flavonoids, and additional cannabinoids. This process leaves behind a highly pure product that contains only one active ingredient. 

Isolates can reach up to 99% cannabinoid content, making them one of the purest forms of cannabis available. The lack of flavor and odor makes them easy to mix into edibles, oils, or other products without affecting taste.

How to Use Cannabis Concentrates?

Cannabis concentrates can be used in several ways, depending on the type and your preferred experience. Some methods offer stronger effects, while others focus more on convenience and flavor. 

If you’re new to concentrates, it’s important to start with simple methods and small amounts. Here are some of the most common ways to use them: 

• Dabbing: Heat a dab rig and vaporize a small amount of concentrate for fast, potent effects.  
• Vaping: Use a compatible vape pen or cartridge for a more convenient and discreet option.  
• Adding to flower: Sprinkle concentrates like kief, wax, or crumble onto cannabis flower to boost potency.  
• Edibles: Infuse concentrates into food or drinks (after proper preparation) for longer-lasting effects.  
• Topping bowls or joints: Mix small amounts into bowls or joints to enhance both strength and flavor. 

Dabbing and vaping are among the most common ways to consume concentrates. So, using the right tools and accessories, such as dab rigs, vape devices, and proper storage containers, can make concentrates easier to handle and improve your overall experience.

Tips to Choose the Right Cannabis Concentrate?

Choosing the right cannabis concentrate depends on your experience level, desired effects, and how you plan to use it. With so many options available, focusing on a few key factors can make the decision much easier. 

• Start with your experience level: If you’re new, go for lower to moderate potency options like kief or hash before trying high-THC concentrates like shatter or diamonds.    
• Consider THC potency: Concentrates can range from around 50% to over 90% THC. Higher THC delivers stronger effects, so choose based on your tolerance.    
• Think about flavor and aroma: If taste matters to you, terpene-rich options like live resin or sauce offer a more flavorful experience.    
• Choose the right texture: Some concentrates are easier to handle than others. Wax, budder, and crumble are beginner-friendly, while shatter or sauce may require more care.    
• Decide how you’ll use it: Dabbing, vaping, or adding to flower can influence your choice. For example, distillates work well in edibles, while wax and live resin are popular for dabbing.    
• Check product quality: Look for lab-tested products with clear labeling for THC content and purity to ensure safety and consistency.

Where to Buy Cannabis Concentrates in Grand Rapids, Michigan?

If you’re looking for cannabis concentrates in Grand Rapids, Skunkz Cannabis offers a wide selection of high-quality products to suit different preferences and experience levels. Starting from wax and shatter to live resin and distillates, you’ll find options for dabbing, vaping, or infusing into edibles. 

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cannabis user exploring new concentrates, our friendly and knowledgeable budtenders are here to help you choose the right product based on your desired effects, potency, and method of use.  

So, explore our online menu, or visit our cannabis store at 1628 Division Avenue South, Grand Rapids, MI 49507, USA to find concentrates and various other cannabis products. If you need help from a budtender to choose the right concentrate, you can even call us at (616) 256-8699 during opening hours.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best form of cannabis concentrate?

There isn’t a single best form of cannabis concentrate; it depends on your preferences and experience level. For flavor, options like live resin or live rosin are popular, while distillates and diamonds offer higher THC potency. Beginners may prefer easier-to-handle concentrates like wax or kief, while experienced users often choose stronger options based on their desired effects.

Which concentrate is best to smoke?

The best concentrate to smoke depends on your preference and experience. Wax, budder, and crumble are popular choices because they’re easy to handle and work well when added to flower or used for dabbing. Beginners often start with these, while more experienced users may prefer stronger options like shatter or live resin for a more intense experience.

What is the strongest cannabis concentrate?

Concentrates like THC diamonds and isolates are among the strongest, often reaching 90% to 99% THC. These are best suited for experienced users due to their intensity.

Are cannabis concentrates safe for beginners?

Yes, but beginners should start with low doses and milder options like kief or hash. High-THC concentrates can feel overwhelming if you’re not used to them.

How much cannabis concentrate should I use?

A small amount (about the size of a grain of rice) is usually enough for beginners. You can gradually increase the dose based on your tolerance.