Concentrates

What’s in a name?

All concentrates begin with a solvent, butane for example, or non-solvent (CO2) extraction process. It is after the extraction process that the producer makes a choice to make shatter or sugar for example. All concentrates depend on how the extracted oil is handled, but the choice of concentration technique makes a world of difference in the end product available to the consumer. 

 Shatter ( aka “pull and snap” or “taffy”):

Pros

• Butane Hash Oil (BHO) extractions can reach a 99% THC level.

Cons

• The butane extraction can leave behind residual solvent.
• The cooled glass-like nature of shatter is brittle and can literally shatter when trying to dab.

Wax/Budder (aka badder, batter, or crumble) 

Pros

• Moldable texture of wax.
• Easily put on a dab tool which eases dosing.

Cons

• Melts quickly. The dab rig must be at a cool temperature before adding.

Honeycomb (aka “pie crust” or crumble)

Pros

• The honeycomb look has a coolness factor.

Cons

• Honeycomb can be brittle like shatter or waxy like beeswax. There is no set standard for the product.

Rosin

Pros

• Prepared only by heat and pressure, there is no chance of solvent residue.
• Glue texture makes it easy to add to a dab ring.
• Can be vaped.

Cons

• Often more expensive than solvent extraction methods.

Sugar (aka oil or “sugar oil”)

Pros

• Shatter and budder can “sugar” if not stored properly. While the quality hasn’t changed, visually people feel it is different. Therefore sugar is sold at a discounted price. 

Cons

• Can be hard to get on a dab pin.

As with any cannabis, start low and slow. For a concentrate, a grain of rice is a good size to aim for.