A Guide to Cannabis Concentrates: Types, Textures, and How They’re Made

As cannabis culture evolves, so does the way we consume. Concentrates have carved out a major space in the scene—offering flavor-forward formats for those who go beyond flower. From extraction method to texture, here’s how to decode what’s out there and how it’s made.

What are cannabis concentrates?

Cannabis concentrates are crafted by collecting trichomes—the resinous glands of the plant that contain cannabinoids and terpenes. This results in a more compact form of cannabis that can be used across a wide range of products, from dabbables to vape cartridges and infused pre-rolls.

The extraction process plays a major role in the final product’s format and experience. Concentrates generally fall into two main categories: solvent-based and solventless.

Solvent-Based vs. Solventless: The Methods Behind the Product

Solvent-Based Extraction

Solvent-based methods use hydrocarbons (like butane or propane), ethanol, or CO₂ to isolate trichomes from the plant material. These processes are often used in large-scale production due to efficiency and output variety.

Solventless Extraction

Solventless methods skip the chemicals and use physical techniques—like heat, pressure, or ice water—to separate trichomes. These approaches are all about minimal intervention and mechanical precision.

Solvent-Based vs. Solventless: The Methods Behind the Product

Here’s a breakdown of the most recognized forms, organized by how they’re made:

Solvent-Based

• Butane Hash Oil (BHO)
  A versatile extract that can be post-processed into formats like wax, shatter, or sauce.
  

• CO₂ Oil
   Extracted with supercritical CO₂ in a closed-loop system. Commonly used in vape cartridges due to hardware compatibility.
  

• Distillate
   A refined cannabinoid extract, often isolated to THC or CBD. Frequently found in vape pens and infused pre-rolls.

• Isolate (Crystalline or Powder)
  Single-cannabinoid extract (e.g., THCA or CBD) in crystal or powder form. Commonly used as an additive or dabbed alone.
  

• Cured Resin
  Made from dried and cured flower, retaining the original aroma and character of the strain. Can take the form of sugar, budder, or sauce.
  

• Live Resin
  Extracted from fresh-frozen flower to retain more of the original terpene profile.
  
  

Solventless

• Rosin
  Produced by pressing cured flower or hash with heat and pressure. Can result in formats like budder or jam. 
  
  

• Live Rosin
   A solventless extract made from fresh-frozen plant material, offering a full-spectrum experience.
  

• Bubble Hash (Ice Water Hash)
   Trichomes are separated in ice water and filtered through mesh bags. High-quality versions are often dabbed or pressed into rosin.

• Dry Sift (Kief)
  Trichomes collected from dry cannabis using fine screens. Can be added to joints or bowls.

Common Concentrate Textures

Once extracted, concentrates can be finished into different textures, each with a distinct consistency and handling preference:

• Wax
  Soft and pliable. Easy to scoop.
  
  

• Shatter
  Hard, glass-like, and brittle.
  
  

• Budder / Batter / Badder
  Smooth and creamy, made through whipping technique
  

• Crumble
  Dry and fragile with a breakable consistency.
  
  

• Sugar
  Semi-crystalline with a syrup-like base. Known for strong aroma expression.
  
  

• Sauce / Jam
  Thick and fluid, pairing cannabinoid crystals with terpene-rich extract. “Jam” has a gel-like texture variation.
  

Finding the Right Fit

When exploring concentrates, a few factors can help steer your choice:

• Extraction Style
   Solventless products like rosin or live rosin are produced without chemical solvents, appealing to those who prefer mechanically crafted options.
  

• Texture & Handling
   Budder offers easier scooping, while formats like sauce may require a dab tool.
  

• Source Material
  Products made from fresh-frozen flower typically preserve more of the plant’s original aromatic complexity than those made from cured material.
  

Ultimately, the best concentrates are a result of high-quality source material and meticulous extraction. From consistency to flavor expression, the process matters.

STIIIZY Concentrates: Built for the Modern Connoisseur

At STIIIZY, we don’t just extract—we craft. Our lineup is built on premium flower and precise, dialed-in techniques to offer options that reflect the full character of the plant.

From Live Rosin Jam to Solventless Pods and Live Resin Diamonds, every product is made to deliver concentrated expression in dabbable and vape-ready formats.

No gimmicks, no unnecessary extras—just curated concentrates for those who demand more from their cannabis. Explore all of STIIIZY's products here.