> ## A Beginner's Guide to THC Concentrates: Shatter, Wax, Live Resin, and More

> Author: Manus AI

> Date: October 5, 2025

> ### Introduction

> If you are new to the world of cannabis, you may have heard the terms "dabs," "shatter," "wax," and "live resin" being thrown around. These are all different types of THC concentrates, which are highly potent extracts of the cannabis plant. Concentrates offer a more powerful and flavorful experience than traditional flower, but they can also be a bit intimidating for new users. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the different types of THC concentrates, helping you to understand what they are, how they are made, and how to use them safely and effectively.

> ### THC Concentrates: A Head-to-Head Comparison

> | Concentrate | Texture | Potency | Flavor | Extraction Method |

> |---|---|---|---|---|

> | Shatter | Glass-like, brittle | 70-90% THC | Clean, pure | BHO (Butane Hash Oil) |

> | Wax | Soft, waxy | 60-80% THC | Rich, flavorful | BHO (Butane Hash Oil) |

> | Crumble | Dry, crumbly | 60-80% THC | Rich, flavorful | BHO (Butane Hash Oil) |

> | Budder/Badder | Creamy, buttery | 60-80% THC | Rich, flavorful | BHO (Butane Hash Oil) |

> | Live Resin | Sticky, saucy | 70-90% THC | Very flavorful, aromatic | BHO (Butane Hash Oil) with fresh, frozen flower |

> | Live Rosin | Sticky, saucy | 70-90% THC | Very flavorful, aromatic | Solventless (heat and pressure) with fresh, frozen flower |

> | Hash | Dry, crumbly | 40-60% THC | Earthy, spicy | Solventless (sifting or ice water) |

> | Distillate | Thick, viscous oil | 90-99% THC | Flavorless (terpenes are removed) | Distillation |

> ### Solvent-Based Concentrates

> Solvent-based concentrates are made by using a solvent, such as butane, propane, or CO2, to extract the cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant. The solvent is then purged from the extract, leaving behind a highly potent concentrate.

> * Shatter: Shatter is a type of BHO (butane hash oil) that has a glass-like, brittle texture. It is known for its high potency and clean, pure flavor.

> * Wax: Wax is another type of BHO that has a soft, waxy texture. It is known for its rich, flavorful taste and high potency.

> * Crumble: Crumble is a type of BHO that has a dry, crumbly texture. It is known for its rich, flavorful taste and high potency.

> * Budder/Badder: Budder and badder are types of BHO that have a creamy, buttery texture. They are known for their rich, flavorful taste and high potency.

> * Live Resin: Live resin is a type of BHO that is made from fresh, frozen cannabis flower. This preserves the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes, resulting in a very flavorful and aromatic concentrate.

> * Distillate: Distillate is a highly refined cannabis oil that has been stripped of all other compounds, including terpenes. This results in a very potent but flavorless concentrate. Distillate is often used in vape cartridges and edibles.

> ### Solventless Concentrates

> Solventless concentrates are made without the use of any solvents. Instead, they are made by using heat, pressure, or water to separate the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material.

> * Live Rosin: Live rosin is a type of solventless concentrate that is made by pressing fresh, frozen cannabis flower between two heated plates. This results in a very flavorful and aromatic concentrate that is free of any residual solvents.

> * Hash: Hash is a type of solventless concentrate that is made by sifting the trichomes (the resin glands of the cannabis plant) from the plant material. Hash has been used for centuries and is known for its earthy, spicy flavor.

> ### How to Use THC Concentrates

> THC concentrates can be consumed in a variety of ways, including:

> * Dabbing: Dabbing is the most popular way to consume THC concentrates. It involves heating a small amount of concentrate on a hot surface (a nail or a banger) and inhaling the vapor.

> * Vaping: Many THC concentrates can be vaped in a wax pen or a concentrate vaporizer.

> * Topping a Bowl: You can also add a small amount of concentrate to a bowl of flower to increase its potency and flavor.

> ### Conclusion

> THC concentrates offer a powerful and flavorful way to experience the effects of cannabis. By understanding the different types of concentrates and how to use them safely and effectively, you can unlock a whole new world of cannabis experiences. Whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, there is a concentrate out there for you. Happy dabbing!