When you visit a dispensary and experience a collection of cannabis concentrates for the first time, things can be a bit confusing. With names like live resin and rosin wax, shatter, and RSO, it can be a bit intimidating to understand how all these unique concentrates are different. So, what are the differences between concentrates from cannabis? Find out more about cannabis concentrates and their differences below.
What are cannabis concentrates?
Cannabis concentrates are potent extracts derived from the rich buds of cannabis that concentrate cannabinoids like THC and CBD. The majority of the plant’s bioactive compounds are contained in the trichomes covering the flower buds. Therefore, most cannabis concentrates are made by using a spectrum of techniques to condense the trichome material, and potency levels can reach as much as 60 percent or higher with the resulting extracts.
Cannabis concentrates are known for their high potency and are often used for their fast-acting effects and versatility in terms of consumption methods. The highly potent extracts can be used in several ways, such as dabbing, vaping, or adding to edibles.
Solvent-Based vs Solventless Concentrates
Solvent-based concentrates use chemical solvents like butane or ethanol to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis plants. These methods are highly efficient but require careful purging to remove residual solvents. In contrast, solventless concentrates use mechanical or heat-pressing methods to extract cannabinoids without chemicals.
Live Concentrates
Live concentrates are made from freshly harvested cannabis plants, some of which are flash-frozen to preserve their terpene profiles. This process captures the plant’s essence at its peak, resulting in potent extracts with robust flavors and aromas. Live resin and live rosin are popular examples of “live” concentrates.
What are the differences between concentrates?
1. Wax Concentrates
Appearance: A soft, opaque substance with a wax-like consistency that can range in color from light yellow to dark amber and can sometimes have a crumbly or sticky texture.
Potency: ~60 – 90%
How It’s Made
Wax concentrates are typically made using solvent-based extraction methods such as butane extraction or CO2 extraction. The wax is purified after creation and often further processed to create a range of other concentrate types, such as badder, budder, and shatter.
2. Resin
Appearance: A sticky, amber-colored substance with a thick and viscous texture that often resembles honey or molasses and can vary slightly in color and consistency.
Potency: ~70 to 90%
How It’s Made
Resin is typically extracted using solvent-based methods after freshly harvested cannabis buds are flash-frozen. The extract is then purged to remove any residual solvents. The resulting concentrate is exceptionally terpene-rich, which makes live resin often touted as one of the most flavorful cannabis concentrates.
3. Rosin
Appearance: A translucent to opaque amber-colored concentrate with a texture like sticky or sap-like syrup. Sometimes whipped for a more butter-like consistency.
Potency: ~50 – 75%
How It’s Made
Rosin is commonly considered one of the finest cannabis concentrates due to its close alignment with the chemical composition of the strain it is taken from and its purity. Rosin is a solventless concentrate, usually made with manual extraction methods that rely on heat and pressure. The gentle fashion of extraction preserves the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant.
4. Sugar and Crumble
Appearance: A grainy, crumbly texture similar to wet sand or sugar crystals with a light amber to golden color. Can vary in consistency from soft and gooey to dry and crumbly.
Potency: ~75 – 90%
How It’s Made
Sugar and crumble concentrates are created through a solvent-based extraction process. Buds are processed with solvents to remove trichomes, and the extracted material is then purged of any residual solvents. During the purging process, the concentrate takes on its characteristic sugary or crumbly texture depending on factors like temperature, pressure, and agitation.
5. Hash
Appearance: Typically amber or brown, resinous, malleable, and can range in texture from sticky and pliable to crumbly like sand.
Potency: ~20 – 60%
How It’s Made
Hash is one of the oldest cannabis concentrates and is made without solvents. The most common way hash is made today is by using icy cold water or freezing temperatures to separate the trichomes from the plant. The trichomes are then collected and may or may not be pressed into small blocks.
Explore One of the Best Concentrate Collections at Eastern Green Dispensary
If you’re ready to explore the diverse world of cannabis concentrates, stop by for a visit at Eastern Green. Our menu is filled with one of the best collections of concentrates from trusted brands in New Jersey. You can also browse all available concentrates via our online menu, where you can order ahead for pickup.
