Cannabis Extracts: Breaking Down the difference

Cannabis extracts aka cannabis concentrates have taken the industry by storm, offering a wide variety of ways to enjoy cannabis in potent, flavorful forms. From wax to rosin, and shatter to distillate, the world of extracts can be a bit overwhelming for newcomers. Let’s break it down and explore the most popular types of cannabis extracts and what sets them apart.

1. What Are Cannabis Extracts?

Cannabis extracts are highly concentrated forms of cannabis that are created by isolating cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) and terpenes from the plant material. This process involves the use of solvents or heat and pressure to create products with elevated potency and refined flavors

2. Types of Cannabis Extracts

Here’s a breakdown of the most common extracts you’ll find at dispensaries:

• Shatter:
  Named for its brittle, glass-like texture, shatter is one of the most recognizable cannabis extracts. It’s translucent and breaks easily into pieces for dabbing.
  • Texture: Hard and glassy.
  • Potency: Very high THC levels, making it ideal for experienced users.
  • Use: Best used with a dab rig or vaporizer.
• Wax:
  Wax is a soft, opaque concentrate with a texture ranging from crumbly (crumble) to sticky (budder).
  • Texture: Softer and more pliable than shatter.
  • Potency: Highly potent, similar to shatter.
  • Use: Perfect for dabbing or adding to flower for an extra kick.
• Rosin:
  Rosin is a solventless extract made by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flower, hash, or kief. It’s prized for its purity and terpene-rich flavor.
  • Texture: Can vary from sappy to crumbly.
  • Potency: High, but with a more balanced cannabinoid profile.
  • Use: Dab it or enjoy it in a vaporizer.
• Live Resin:
  This extract is made using fresh, flash-frozen cannabis rather than dried flower. The result is a product that preserves more terpenes, offering enhanced flavor and aroma.
  • Texture: Sticky, often slightly gooey.
  • Potency: High THC with robust terpene profiles.
  • Use: Dab it or use it in a vape pen.
• Distillate:
  Distillate is a refined extract that isolates specific cannabinoids, such as THC or CBD, resulting in a nearly odorless and flavorless product.
  • Texture: Thick and syrupy.
  • Potency: Extremely high THC or CBD levels.
  • Use: Found in vape cartridges, edibles, or tinctures.
• Hash:
  One of the oldest cannabis extracts, hash is made by compressing trichomes into a dense, sticky block. Modern methods have evolved, but traditional hash is still a favorite.
  • Texture: Solid and crumbly or sticky, depending on the type.
  • Potency: Lower than modern extracts but still potent.
  • Use: Smoke it, vape it, or mix it with flower.

3. Solvent vs. Solventless Extracts

• Solvent-Based Extracts:
  These use solvents like butane, CO2, or ethanol to extract cannabinoids and terpenes. Examples include shatter, wax, and live resin. These tend to have very high potency but require thorough purging to remove solvent residues.
• Solventless Extracts:
  These are created without the use of chemicals, relying on heat, pressure, or manual techniques. Rosin and traditional hash fall into this category, offering a cleaner option for those concerned about solvent residues.

4. How to Choose the Right Extract for You

• Flavor Enthusiasts: Try live resin or rosin for their terpene-rich profiles.
• Potency Seekers: Shatter, wax, and distillate pack the strongest punches.
• Purity Fans: Opt for solventless extracts like rosin or hash for a cleaner experience.
• Beginners: Consider lower-potency extracts or start with a small amount of a potent product like wax or live resin.

Closing Thoughts

Cannabis extracts offer something for every type of consumer, whether you’re chasing bold flavors, high potency, or a solventless experience. Curious to explore the world of concentrates? Visit Galaxy Dispensary in Richton Park, IL, and let our knowledgeable staff guide you to the perfect extract for your needs.