Cannabis Concentrates Guide: Shatter, Wax and Rosin

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Cannabis concentrates have changed the way people take marijuana. As our world’s love for cannabis products becomes more potent and efficient, more people are turning to concentrates as a cornerstone of their cannabis lifestyle. Concentrates, by definition, are concentrated forms of cannabis that contain much higher levels of THC, CBD and other cannabinoids than traditional flowers.

Here, we’ll walk through the different types of concentrates available and also take a closer look at the most common forms of cannabis concentrates, especially wax and shatter. When we’re done, you’ll have a better sense of what cannabis concentrates are, how to make them, and a few tips for enjoying cannabis concentrates responsibly.

What are Cannabis Concentrates?

Cannabis concentrates are essentially concentrated forms of cannabis that are produced after the plant material is processed and stripped down to create a more concentrated extract of the active ingredients of cannabis known as cannabinoids, specifically THC and CBD. 

There are many types of cannabis concentrates that vary in name, each having specific attributes like thickness, colour, texture, flavour, and potency.

Cannabis concentrates are made to capture the most effective cannabinoids and terpenes while stripping out fats, carbohydrates, chlorophyll, and water. As a result, concentrates are much more potent than the original plant, enhancing the efficiency of the user in experiencing the effects of cannabis.

Types of Concentrates

  1. Wax

Wax is a cannabis concentrate that has a texture similar to earwax or soft candle wax. It is typically gold or amber in color, and has a high THC concentration, often between 60% and 80%. 

Wax is produced through a solvent-based extraction process. This means that a solvent, such as butane or CO2, is used to extract cannabinoids and terpenes from plant material. 

  1. Shatter

Shatter is recognized as a glass-like, translucent cannabis concentrate, which is also brittle in texture. Shatter is created using a solvent-based extraction process and can have THC levels that are up to 90%. Shatter’s unique texture is related to the way it is processed, specifically the careful disturbance of the extracted cannabinoids and terpenes.

  1. Rosin

Rosin is often referred to as a concentrate; it is, in fact, a cannabis extract without a solvent, which is what makes it an extract and not a concentrate. Rosin is created by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flowers or hash, which squeezes the essential oils and cannabinoids from the plant. Rosin has a thick, sticky, sap-like consistency. Rosin retains the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes of the source material, producing a full-quality experience.

How Concentrates Are Made 

Solvent-based extraction (BHO, PHO, CO₂, ethanol):

  • Cold liquid solvent passes through cannabis.
  • Cannabinoids & terpenes dissolve into the liquid.
  • The solution is heated or vacuum-purged to remove residual solvent.

Pros: High yields, scalable.   

Cons: The equipment is concrete, and purging must be done successfully to prevent leaving solvents behind.

Solventless extraction (rosin, dry sift, bubble hash):

  • Mechanical separation, ice water agitation, or pressure plates knock the trichomes from the plant material.
  • The resulting hash or rosin is collected, heated, and polished if desired.

Pros: No solvents are used, and flavor is coveted. 

Cons: Yields tend to be lower, and the process needs equipment, such as a rosin press, which can be expensive.

How to Use Concentrates

  • Dabbing: With a dab rig, first, heat the nail to a temperature of 315–450°F; lower temperatures are preferred for preserving terpenes. Drop a rice-grain-sized dab and inhale through the rig, keeping the dab on the nail, at the pace of a slow breath. It is advisable to clean the rig after every hit to have a fresh flavour experience.
  • Vaping: Vape pens with prefilled 510 carts or pod systems allow discreet sipping at 2–4 volts while travelling or where an odour-controlled method is preferred.
  • Topping Flower: Sprinkle some crumble or hash onto the ground flower in a joint or bowl. Expect the potency to be significantly increased, and start small!
  • Infusing Edibles: Distillates easily blend with oils or butter for DIY gummies or brownies.

Potency & Effects: What to Expect

Concentrates condense cannabinoids and terpenes, which makes them hit harder and faster than flowers. New to concentrates, users will often experience a euphoric cerebral effect within seconds of inhalation, followed by an even more profound body relaxation. Get ready to expect: 

  • THC range: 50–90 % (flower averages 15–25 %). 
  • Onset: 0–2 minutes (dabs/vaping) vs 5–10 minutes for a joint.
  • Duration: 1-3 hours for inhaled concentrates; longer if eaten. 

It is worth noting that a micro-sized dab can be equal to an entire joint’s worth of THC, so consider this while dosing.

Safety Tips for Beginners

  1. A small dab, the size of a sesame seed, could hold 20 mg of THC.
  2. Use licensed retailers, such as Dank Hub, with third‑party COAs.
  3. Overheating (> 550°F) can destroy terpenes and produce harsh by‑products.
  4. Potency may increase heart rate, so be in a safe and comfortable place.
  5. Butane extraction at home is dangerous and illegal in many areas.
  6. Concentrates can expand the lungs, so sip water between hits.

Conclusion

If you’re just getting started with concentrates, it’s essential to take it easy, find brands you trust, and then focus on getting the highest quality instead of the highest quantity. Discover various textures and extraction methods, and explore how they impact the overall experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment as long as you’re comfortable.

The Dank Hub is a great place to safely and confidently discover concentrates. All of our lab-tested concentrates are hand-selected, and we deliver quickly, right to your door in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, and Guelph.

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