There are several different types of cannabis concentrates, and each one looks, tastes, and handles a little differently from the next. That variety can make the category feel intimidating if you’re just starting out, but our cannabis concentrate guide breaks down exactly what you need to know to shop the shelves with confidence.
Rosin vs. Resin
The difference between rosin and resin comes down to the extraction process.
Rosin is solventless, which means the concentrate is made without using chemical solvents. Instead, it requires heat and pressure to extract the resin from the plant material. Live rosin starts with fresh-frozen cannabis, which can preserve more of the plant’s natural aromas and flavor. If you care about tasting more of the plant’s original terpene profile, rosin can be a good option.
Resin, often sold as live resin, is made with solvents. The solvents are used on fresh frozen cannabis plants, then removed later in the production process. Because solvents are a more efficient way to produce concentrates, these tend to be at a more accessible price point.
Wax vs. Shatter
The biggest difference between wax and shatter is the texture.
Wax is soft and scoopable. It can be easier to work in small amounts, especially if you are using a dabbing rig. You might also see sugar wax on the menu, which has a more granular texture.
Shatter is firmer and has the consistency of thin sheets of glass that are easy to snap apart. Some people like shatter over wax because it’s more shelf-stable, but it can be trickier to get specific amounts.
Comparing Potency and Flavor Across Types
When shopping for concentrates, potency matters. But it’s not the only thing you want to consider. You should also look at flavor and how you want to use the product.
Most concentrates hit stronger than flower, and the experience can feel completely different from what you’re used to. That experience shifts from concentrate to concentrate, too. A dab of live resin brings something different to the table than a dab of high-THC wax, for example, and each form handles a little differently in your hand or your rig.
That’s part of why some shoppers stick with shatter over butters or waxes; it just fits their process better. It’s a category that requires exploration. You might have to try a few different formats to find the one you prefer.
Best Concentrates for Beginners
The best concentrates for beginners are typically the ones that are:
- Easier to handle
- Easier to portion
- Sold in small quantities
Look for jars with manageable textures like wax or sauce. Buying a smaller 1g jar can be a nice intro to a product without committing to a huge amount of something you might not enjoy.
You’ll want to make sure you have the right equipment, too. A budtender can teach you how to use a dabbing rig or set you up with an e-rig, which is often more accessible for new consumers. If you are experienced with flower, concentrates like hash rosin work great when added to a bowl or sprinkled onto a joint, so those may be a better option for you.
Just remember that when it comes to concentrates, a little goes a long way. Go slow and ask questions if you aren’t sure about what you are buying or how to use it.
Concentrate Picks at Green Choice
Concentrates can be a fun addition to your stash, especially if you are looking to increase potency. Here are some of the options we’re currently recommending on the shelves:
- MAC’s Musty Buffalo Sugar Wax Baller Jar 3.5g: Hybrid sugar wax in a large format jar for shoppers who already love concentrates.
- DCC Flower’s Super Lemon Skunk Sugar Sauce 2g: Sativa hybrid sugar sauce with high terpene content and a citrus taste for fans of lemon flavors.
- Aura Cannabis Co.’s Strawnana 1g Live Rosin: Sativa-leaning hybrid with a fruity taste and strong scent in a solventless format. A classic!
- Bountiful Farms’ Purple Mercury Full Melt Hash 1g: Hybrid hash for shoppers who want a mood boost with physical relaxation.
- Aura Cannabis Co.’s Bananaconda 1g Live Rosin: Solventless concentrate with a bold, tropical flavor and aroma that reportedly destroys stress.
- Flavor Flow Labs’ Rocket Punch Live Hash Rosin 1g: Cold-cure hash rosin with a citrus start and dessert finish in a silky texture. Ideal for social hangs.
- Flavor Flow Labs’ Jamberry Live Hash Rosin Sap 1g: Terpene-rich live rosin sap with a candy-sweet profile. Uplifting results with a calm headspace.
Want the Good Stuff? Shop Our Shelves
Concentrates might seem intimidating, but they are easy to understand once you do a little research. If you still have questions about concentrates, our budtenders have answers. Stop by Green Choice on 114 Main Street in Blackstone and ask our team to walk you through the current selection. You can also shop our online menu for the latest picks and to see what’s in stock.
