Wax, shatter, dabs, crumble—cannabis concentrates are everywhere right now. They show up on menus, in infused pre-rolls, and inside those sleek little vape carts everyone’s puffing on. But if you’ve ever found yourself wondering what cannabis concentrates are, you’re not alone.
They might sound a little intense at first (especially compared to flower), but concentrates don’t have to be intimidating. Whether you’ve heard about dabbing from a friend or seen something called “live resin” on the shelf and had no clue what it meant, you’re in the right spot. This is our no-nonsense guide to what concentrates are, how they’re made, why they’re so dang strong, and how to try them if you’re feeling curious.
From the first-timer to the seasoned smoker looking to switch things up, concentrates open up a whole new way to experience cannabis. We’ll walk you through the basics, making you feel overwhelmed. Let’s get into it.
Cannabis Concentrates 101
Let’s start with the basics—cannabis concentrates are exactly what they sound like: concentrated forms of the plant’s most active compounds, like cannabinoids (THC, CBD) and terpenes (aka the flavor and aroma molecules). Instead of smoking regular flower, you’re getting a much more potent version of the good stuff, pulled straight from the plant.
So, how strong are we talking? While traditional flower might land somewhere between 15–30% THC, concentrates can reach upwards of 70–90% THC or more. That’s why even a small amount goes a long way. You’ll also find CBD-rich extracts for those seeking relief without the high, as well as balanced blends that offer a little of both.
People reach for cannabis concentrates for all kinds of reasons—some want faster effects, others are chasing flavor, and plenty are just looking for a cleaner, more dialed-in experience. Whether you’re into dabs, carts, or infused pre-rolls, concentrates offer a powerful (and often smoother) way to consume cannabis, especially if you’re building up a bit of a tolerance or just want something that hits differently.
How Concentrates Are Made
Once you’ve got a handle on what concentrates are, the next piece of the puzzle is how they’re made. At the core, it’s all about isolating the good stuff—THC, CBD, and terpenes—from the rest of the plant to create a potent, flavorful extract.
There are two main extraction styles: solvent-based methods (using butane, CO₂, or ethanol) and solventless techniques (like ice water hash or rosin pressing). Both can deliver high-quality results, but what matters is a clean, properly tested product. Whether you’re dabbing rosin or puffing on a live resin cart, understanding the process helps you know what you’re putting into your body—and why it hits the way it does.
Regardless of the method, lab testing is essential. Look for transparency on how your concentrate was made, and check for test results that confirm it’s free of contaminants or residual solvents. Quality begins with the process, but it ultimately comes down to what’s on the label.
Types of Cannabis Concentrates
Concentrates come in all kinds of textures, consistencies, and names—and if you’re new to the scene, it can feel a little overwhelming. So let’s simplify things. Whether you’re getting into dabbing, exploring vape carts, or just want to know what you’re looking at on the dispensary shelf, here’s a breakdown of the most common types of cannabis concentrates (and what makes each one unique).
Shatter
Brittle, glass-like, and usually amber in color, shatter cracks and “shatters” just like it sounds. It’s high in THC, super potent, and known for its purity. If you’ve ever searched what is shatter, now you know—it’s a go-to for seasoned dabbers who want a clean, hard-hitting experience.
Wax
Wax is one of the most popular cannabis concentrates thanks to its soft, crumbly texture and high potency. Easier to handle than shatter, it’s great for dabbing or loading into a vape. Compared to hash, wax is more refined and typically hits harder. If you’re ready to level up from flower, this one’s a solid move.
Budder
Budder has a creamy, butter-like consistency that’s easy to handle and often preferred for its smoothness when dabbing or vaping. It’s made through a whipping process during extraction that introduces air, resulting in a soft, stable texture. Budder is typically rich in terpenes, delivering both strong aroma and flavor.
Badder
Badder, on the other hand, is slightly thicker and gooier—think cake batter or thick frosting. Like budder, it’s also produced through whipping, but its wetter consistency is due to different handling or environmental conditions during extraction. Both badder and budder offer high THC content and are favored by consumers looking for flavorful, high-performance concentrates. The choice often comes down to personal preference in texture and ease of use.
Live Resin
Made from flash-frozen flower, live resin keeps all those delicious terpenes intact, which means you’re getting rich, full-spectrum flavor and aroma. It’s a favorite for folks who care about taste as much as potency. If you’re comparing live resin vs. rosin, this one is solvent-based but extremely terp-heavy.
Rosin
This one’s for the solventless crowd. Rosin is made using only heat and pressure—no chemicals needed. It’s smooth, flavorful, and super clean. You’ll often find rosin in both dab form and infused products. Great if you’re after a natural concentrate that still hits hard.
Hash / Hash Rosin
Old school meets new school. Hash has been around for a long time, made by collecting resin glands from the plant. Hash rosin takes it a step further, pressing that hash into a smooth, solventless concentrate. It’s rich, full-bodied, and ideal for those who love a more traditional experience.
Distillate
Cannabis distillate is ultra-refined and stripped down to just cannabinoids, usually THC. It doesn’t have much flavor, but it’s versatile and potent. You’ll see it in vape carts, edibles, and tinctures. Great for folks who want high THC without the terpene taste.
Crumble / Sauce / Diamonds
These newer cannabis concentrate textures are for the flavor chasers and dab rig fans. Crumble is dry and crumbly, easy to sprinkle onto flower. Sauce is terp-rich with a syrupy consistency. Diamonds are pure THCA crystals, often soaking in terp sauce. All three pack flavor and potency in a big way.
Whether you’re new to concentrates or ready to explore something beyond carts, getting familiar with these textures and types is the move. Stairway Cannabis has a stacked menu with all the hits—shatter, live resin, rosin, and everything in between. Not sure where to start? Ask your budtender what they’ve got in stock—or better yet, what they’re dabbing on. They’ll point you in the right direction.
How to Use Cannabis Concentrates
If you’re new to cannabis concentrates, it can seem like there’s a lot of gear involved—but it’s way more approachable than it looks. Dabbing is the go-to method, utilizing a dab rig, e-rig, or pen, along with tools such as a dab tool and a carb cap. It might sound intense, but once you get the hang of it, dabbing delivers fast, clean, and potent effects. Pro tip: start with a small amount and keep the temps low.
Not ready to dive into dabs? Vape carts are a simple, no-fuss option. They’re usually filled with distillate or live resin and work with standard 510-thread batteries. Bonus points if you’ve got a good battery with variable temps—it makes a difference in flavor and smoothness.
You can also level up your flower by adding concentrates directly. Twaxing—mixing wax, oil, or hash into a joint or bowl—adds a serious kick. Or grab an infused pre-roll, already packed with extract for a smoother, stronger sesh. No matter your method, a few solid accessories—such as a good torch, dab tool, or cart battery—can elevate the whole experience.
Final Hit: Concentrates Made Easy
At the end of the day, cannabis concentrates are just another way to enjoy the plant—stronger, more flavorful, and a bit more dialed-in. They might sound intense, but once you get the hang of them, they’re no more complicated than picking your favorite flower.
Take your time, explore at your own pace, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. When you’re ready to try something new, stop by Stairway Cannabis and chat with a budtender—they’ll help you find your perfect match.
Shopping from home? Our Virtual Budtender makes it easy. Just answer a few quick questions, and we’ll recommend the right concentrate for your vibe—whether you’re looking for something mellow, extra-potent, or packed with flavor. No guesswork, just good options.
Key Takeaways
- Cannabis Concentrates Offer a Stronger, More Flavorful Way to Experience the Plant: Whether you’re dabbing, vaping, or upgrading your pre-roll, there’s a texture and potency for every type of sesh.
- If You’re New to Concentrates, Start Slow and Ask Questions: understanding how they’re made, how to use them, and what to expect makes all the difference. No pressure, just good info.
- Stairway Cannabis Is Your One-Stop Shop for Concentrates and Accessories: from live resin carts to dab tools, plus a Virtual Budtender to help you find your perfect match without leaving the couch.