Wax, shatter, budder, resin and diamonds all refer to types of cannabis concentrates that contain various amounts of THC and CBD. Derived from fresh or dried trim and buds, cannabis concentrates generally have between 50 and 90 percent CBD/THC concentrations, which is why they are referred to as concentrates. Vape pens, dab rigs or other smoking devices are commonly used to partake of cannabis concentrates.

Wax Concentrates

Wax concentrates (weed wax) encompass a variety of cannabis concentrates that have textures resembling melted candle wax. Shatter, budder, crumble and other wax concentrates are made by mixing a solvent with cannabis, heating the mixture, and then whipping it into a pliable wax.Commonly used solvents for producing wax concentrates are isopropyl alcohol, CO2 and butane.

Shatter

Nicknamed “shatter” because of its resemblance to glass splinters, shatter is one of the most popular concentrates available in several different consistencies. Shatter concentrates made with a butane solvent are less opaque and firmer than shatter concentrates containing activated (decarboxylated) THC. In some cases, wax-like shatter may have more terpenes and CBD than crystal-shaped shatter. Dab and vape pen users prefer the harder form of shatter because it is easier to smoke and intensifies the experience.

Budder

Budder concentrates are made the same way wax concentrates are made, using heat and whipping the concentrate to extract CBDs. As with most cannabis concentrates, budder gets its name because it looks like a lump of whitish-yellow butter. Extraction solvents for budder include CO2 or butane. Anecdotal evidence suggests that budder concentrates made with propane hash oil may present a smoother, more buttery consistency. Propane hash oil may also help preserve terpene quality of budder concentrates.

Resin

Also called “live” resin, resin concentrates use extraction methods similar to other concentrates. However, users of resin concentrate say it is more flavorful and aromatic than standard waxes. One reason why this may be true is because resin is made with cannabis plants frozen as soon as they are harvested. Freezing fresh cannabis preserves terpenes, CBDs, oils and other elements that can be diluted during non-freezing curing processes.

Diamonds

Crystalline in shape and more potent than other concentrates, diamonds generally contain over 90 percent CBDA and/or THC. Diamonds must be combusted to release the psychoactive properties of THCA. Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) is a THC precursor that requires combustion and heat to convert it to actual THC. Like THCA, CBDA is a CBD precursor that needs combustion and heat to release potential therapeutic qualities of CBD.

What’s the Best Way to Consume Cannabis Concentrates?

Since dabbing is the most popular method of using wax, shatter, budder, resin and diamonds, these concentrates are often referred to as just dabs. However, concentrates can also be consumed/used as edibles, tinctures and topicals. To optimize the potency of a concentrate, users prefer dab rigs to vaporize the concentrate. Alternately, vape pens prefilled with a concentrate will give users a less intense high when they don’t have the time to savor a more intense high.