There are so many different types of cannabis concentrates on the market today. The type of concentrate product you receive depends on the way the product was extracted. All different forms of extracts are produced when extracting cannabis. Each type has a different consistency, look, color, There are many different factors that affect the result of extraction. Different techniques used, the ‘biomass’ that is used, solvents or solvent-less, plant material, just to name a few.
We will go over the different types of cannabis concentrates: their consistency, color, compounds, profiles, and all the details you need to know about each type of concentrate product. View our list and see real products that are produced in each category.
Distillate
Considered to be one of the purest forms of THC cannabis extract on the market. Distillate is
created by extracting THC from cannabis plants and distilling it. After distillation it is put through a process known as winterization and then decarboxylated to activate the THC compounds resulting in a 99% pure THC extract.
Diamonds
A 99% THC cannabis concentrate made through various complex processes utilizing
expensive and specialized equipment. This form of cannabis concentrate is characterized by tiny
diamond-like crystals, often a few millimeters in size, sometimes within a sauce.
Live Resin
A unique cannabis concentrate made by freezing freshly harvested cannabis plants to a
subcritical temperature. The plants are then retained at that temperature while THC is extracted. By skipping the drying and curing process, it allows for terpenes and trichomes to be preserved, resulting in a terpene-rich potent cannabis concentrate averaging 65-96% THC.
Rosin
A solvent-less cannabis extract made utilizing heat and pressure. It is believed to be one of the
cleanest forms of cannabis extract as it requires no foreign compounds to remove the cannabinoids from the plant material. This process of extraction also retains the valuable terpenes often lost during
extraction processes utilizing solvents. Rosin typically contains 50-70% THC; however, it is known to exceed these levels.
Badder
A form of cannabis concentrate that can be made utilizing both solvent and solvent-less
extraction methods. This form of extract can be made using freshly harvested plants or cured buds. The consistency of batter is soft, malleable, and similar to whipped butter or cake frosting, typically ranging from gold to brown in color. It can also be similar to crumble in appearance depending on how long the extraction was whipped, and the temperatures used.
Honey Crystals
Honey crystals are a variety of cannabis concentrate that undergoes extra steps beyond extraction. In order for a product to be called honey crystals, it must be winterized and dewaxed completely. This means all botanical impurities, waxes, and fats are separated and removed at extremely low temperatures from the end product. Honey crystals produce rich, intense flavors and are known to be much smoother than regular extracts.
Sugar
Sugar, also known commonly as sugar wax, is a form of cannabis concentrate that is similar to sugar in consistency. This form of extract most often starts its journey as a high-grade extracted cannabis oil. This oil is then carefully agitated before being placed in a vacuum oven for a process commonly known as purging. The end result is a waxy, crystalline, sugary substance with a potent THC content averaging above 50% THC. Sugar wax can vary in color ranging from light gold to dark brown, depending on factors such as extraction process, heat, time in a vacuum oven, and more.
Shatter
A solvent extracted cannabis concentrate typically made utilizing butane, propane, CO2, or
ethanol. Shatter ranges from an extremely brittle consistency to a snap-and-pull texture. This form of concentrate tends to offer a lower terpene profile, with THC concentrations averaging as high as 80%.
Crumble
A potent cannabis extract reaching THC content as high as 90%. This dry, powdery, and crumbly concentrate is made through a solvent extraction process utilizing either fresh frozen cannabis or dried buds. When made from fresh frozen cannabis, it is known as live resin crumble. During the extraction process, the product is often whipped to result in the crumble consistency.
Cannabis Concentrates: The Different Types
- Distillate
- Diamonds
- Live Resin
- Rosin
- Shatter
- Badder
- Crumble
- Sugar
- Honey Crystals
- Live Resin
- Rosin
- Hash Resin
