Row of cannabis concentrates on a black table

What Are Dabs: Cannabis Concentrates 101

Verilife
Verilife

Dabs, or cannabis concentrates, are popular and highly potent forms of cannabis. They are firm favorites of cannabis enthusiasts, and considering the various types to experiment with, that’s no surprise. In this guide, we unpack everything there is to know about cannabis concentrates, including:

  • What is a Concentrate?
  • How Are THC Concentrates Extracted from Cannabis?
  • Types of Cannabis Concentrates
  • What are the Different Ways to Smoke Concentrates?
  • What Are the Best Temperatures to Smoke Concentrates?
  • Marijuana Concentrates FAQs

What Are Dabs, Also Known As Cannabis Concentrates?

Dabs are cannabis concentrates known for their potency and purity. They are made by extracting the active compounds of the cannabis plants, resulting in a concentrated form of THC and other cannabinoids. The concentrates are often consumed via dabbing, which involves heating the concentrate and inhaling the vapor.1

Why Are Concentrates Called Dabs?

The term “dab” is a slang term for cannabis concentrates because of how these products are frequently consumed—via dabbing. The dabbing process involves taking a small amount of concentrate, or a “dab,” and vaporizing it on a hot surface, like the nail of a dab rig. The resulting vapor is then inhaled, delivering a potent dose of cannabinoids.2

Are Concentrates Different From Extracts?

While the terms “cannabis concentrates” and “cannabis extracts” are used interchangeably, they aren’t exactly the same. Extracts are different because they are a specific type of concentrate made using solvents to separate the active compounds from the cannabis plant. All extracts are considered to be marijuana concentrates, but not all concentrates are extracts.3 

Cannabis concentrate in a clear glass on an orange tableCannabis concentrate in a clear glass on an orange table

How Are THC Concentrates Extracted from Cannabis?

There are two main methods to extract THC, the other cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds from cannabis to create a concentrate:

Solvent-Based Extraction: This method uses solvents like butane, propane, or CO2 to extract the THC and other cannabinoids from the cannabis plant’s resinous glands, known as trichomes. The solvents dissolve the cannabinoids, which are then collected and purified. 

Solventless Extraction: This method doesn’t use any solvents. Instead, mechanical processes, such as heat and pressure or ice water extraction, extract the cannabinoids. It’s often considered to be more natural and can produce high-quality, flavorful, solventless concentrates.

Cannabis concentrates in extraction labCannabis concentrates in extraction lab

Types of Cannabis Concentrates

Many types of concentrates are available, differing in their extraction method, texture, potency, and flavor. Here are the most common ones.

Solvent-Based Cannabis Concentrates

THC Distillate

Rows of THC distillate in glass jars on a table in a cannabis cultivation centerRows of THC distillate in glass jars on a table in a cannabis cultivation center
THC distillate is a highly potent concentrated THC that’s almost entirely free of other cannabinoids and terpenes, resulting in a thick, sticky, flavorless, odorless oil with 90-99% THC.

Shatter

Cannabis shatter concentrateCannabis shatter concentrate
Shatter is a highly potent THC concentrate known for its glass-like shards. It’s amber-colored and semi-transparent, with THC levels reaching up to 90%.

Wax

Cannabis wax concentrate on a dab toolCannabis wax concentrate on a dab tool
Marijuana wax is a flavorful, malleable, honey-colored concentrate with a waxy consistency.

Crumble

Cannabis crumble on a dab toolCannabis crumble on a dab tool
Crumble, a dry, crumbly, and very potent concentrate, is typically used as a topper—add it to flower for a more potent experience.

Live Resin

Cannabis live resin concentrate on a dab toolCannabis live resin concentrate on a dab tool
Live resin has a saucy texture and is made from flash-frozen cannabis plants and retains most terpenes, providing a flavorful experience.

RSO

Filled RSO syringe on a cannabis leaf next to cannabis capsulesFilled RSO syringe on a cannabis leaf next to cannabis capsules
Rick Simpson Oil, or RSO, is a highly potent concentrate that is often sold in pre-rilled syringes.

THCA Diamonds

THCA diamond on a dab toolTHCA diamond on a dab tool
THC diamonds are crystalline structures of pure, concentrated THCA, meaning they aren’t actually THC! They appear crystal-like and translucent–hence the name “diamond.”

Terp Sauce

Close up of THC terp sauceClose up of THC terp sauce
Terp sauce is a cannabis concentrate with a soaring terpene content, making it one of the most flavorful and aromatic products on the market today.

Solventless Cannabis Concentrates

Budder

Budder concentrate in a clear dishBudder concentrate in a clear dish
Budder is a creamy concentrate with a consistency similar to butter or smooth peanut butter. It’s made by whipping the concentrates during extraction.

Rosin

Cannabis rosin concentrateCannabis rosin concentrate
Rosin is made by applying heat and pressure to dried, cured cannabis flower. The potent, full-spectrum concentrate is a flavorful, sticky oil.

Hash

Brick of hash on a brown backgroundBrick of hash on a brown background
Hash, hashish, or dry sift is a traditional brown cannabis concentrate made by compressing the plant’s trichomes.

Bubble Hash

Bubble hash on a white backgroundBubble hash on a white background
Bubble hash, also called ice hash or ice water hash, is created using ice water to separate the trichomes.

What are the Different Ways to Smoke Concentrates?

Now that you’ve learned a bit about what cannabis concentrates are, you may be interested in the various consumption methods available. The ways in which concentrates are consumed are slightly different from what you may be used to, so here’s a primer to get you started.

Dab Kits & Accessories

Dab Rig

Rainbow colored dab rig in use with smoke swirling behind itRainbow colored dab rig in use with smoke swirling behind it
The most common method of consuming marijuana concentrate is using a device called a dab rig. Dab rigs are a lot like glass pipes, but they work a little differently.

Dab Pen

Open dab pen surrounded by concentrate and a dab toolOpen dab pen surrounded by concentrate and a dab tool
Dab pens are a more portable way to enjoy concentrates. These tools work similarly to vape pens, although the concentrate needs to be manually added during each session.

Vape

THC vape cartridge on a white backgroundTHC vape cartridge on a white background
Instead of purchasing concentrate on its own, you can buy a pre-filled vape cartridge that contains liquid extracts like live resin. They’re typically offered in reusable and disposable devices.

Nectar Collector

Clear glass nectar collector on a white backgroundClear glass nectar collector on a white background
Nectar collectors are straw-like, portable dabbing devices that work similarly to a traditional dab rig but without a nail. Simply heat the tip, press it against the concentrate, and inhale.

E-Rig

Concentrate being added to a dab nailConcentrate being added to a dab nail
Electric dab rigs use electricity or batteries to provide a consistent temperature. E-rigs typically have electric dab nails - or e-nail - built in, so you won’t have to purchase a separate dab nail.

Terp Pearl

Pile of colorful terp pearlsPile of colorful terp pearls
Terp pearls are marble-like balls that are placed at the bottom of your dab rig’s banger. As you inhale your concentrate, the terp pearl spins around to distribute and heat the concentrate evenly.

Dab Mat

Silicone mat with a red borderSilicone mat with a red border
A dab mat is a heat-resistant mat made of non-stick material that is designed to use during your dabbing sessions. Dab mats are great for keeping your tools organized and your rig from sliding around.

What Are the Best Temperatures to Smoke Concentrates?

Selecting the perfect temperature for your concentrates depends on what type of experience you want: high flavor, high impact, or both. Here is a guide for selecting the right temperature.

High-Temperature Concentrates: 570 - 600 Degrees Fahrenheit

Setting your concentrate consumption tools to high temperatures will encourage maximum cannabinoid - THC, CBD, etc. - extraction, leading to a more powerful experience. However, since terpenes boil off at these temperatures, you won’t be able to experience as much of the flavors and aromas of the concentrate.4

Standard Temperature Concentrates: 500 - 570 Degrees Fahrenheit

When in doubt, use a standard temperature for just about all concentrates. Extracts like live resin, shatter, and crumble that are heated to this temperature will remain flavorful and potent without scorching the valuable terpenes.4

Low-Temperature Concentrates: 400 - 500 Degrees Fahrenheit

Selecting lower temperatures for concentrates will provide you with the most flavorful experience as the concentrates will melt without boiling the terpenes. However, since not all of the concentrate will be hot enough to vaporize, you’ll likely end up with more waste.4

It’s best to start somewhere in the middle and adjust from there to find your ideal temperature setting.

Cannabis concentrate in a banger with smoke billowing out and floating upCannabis concentrate in a banger with smoke billowing out and floating up

Marijuana Concentrate FAQs

Want to know more about these ever-popular cannabis concentrates? Ask your budtender, or check out these commonly asked questions:

Is there a difference between concentrates and extracts?
Concentrates can be made using a solvent-based or solvent-free extraction process, but extracts are only made via solvent extraction. That means all extracts are marijuana concentrates.

How potent are marijuana concentrates?
Cannabis concentrates are highly potent, with THC levels ranging from 60% to 90% (or higher). In comparison, the average THC content in cannabis flower is 10-30%.5

Why are concentrates more potent than flower?
Concentrates are made by extracting, concentrating, and purifying the active compounds of cannabis, such as cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, resulting in a much stronger product than flower.6 

How many types of concentrates are there?
There are many different types of THC concentrates, each with unique properties and extraction methods. Some favorites are hash, rosin, budder, crumble, shatter, wax, and THC distillate.

What temperature is needed to smoke concentrates? 
If your dab rig or vape pen allows you to set a temperature, we recommend starting somewhere between 500 - 570 degrees fahrenheit. This standard range will provide you with a flavorful experience, and you can adjust accordingly from there.

Do you need a dab rig to smoke concentrates?
There are a variety of tools available to smoke concentrates, including dab rigs, dab pens, nectar collectors, and vape pens. If you’re unsure of which tool to choose, ask a budtender at your local dispensary.

Marijuana shatter concentrate on a white backgroundMarijuana shatter concentrate on a white background
Concentrate in a clear storage jar on an orange tableConcentrate in a clear storage jar on an orange table
Marijuana crumble concentrate on a white backgroundMarijuana crumble concentrate on a white background

Purchasing Cannabis Concentrates

Cannabis concentrates can be purchased at state-licensed dispensaries, ensuring the products are legal, safe, and of high quality. Talk with your favorite budtender if you want to know more about the potency of concentrated THC and the variety of marijuana concentrates available.

 

 

Sources:

1. “Concentrates,” Leafly, https://www.leafly.com/learn/cannabis-glossary/concentrates  

2. “What is dabbing?” Leafly, May 9, 2024, https://www.leafly.com/learn/consume/dabs 

3. “What are cannabis concentrates and how do you consume them?” Weedmaps, https://weedmaps.com/learn/products-and-how-to-consume/cannabis-concentrates 

4. “Best dabbing temperatures” Leafly, May 9, 2024, https://www.leafly.com/learn/consume/dabs/best-dabbing-temperatures 

5. “5 differences between cannabis concentrates and flower,” Leafly, July 28, 2020, https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/5-differences-between-cannabis-concentrates-and-flower 

6. “What Are the Benefits of Cannabis Concentrates?” Leafwell, https://leafwell.com/blog/benefits-cannabis-concentrates

 

cannabis leaf outline in a green circle

Recreational cannabis is not available in all states. Cannabis is for medical use only and may only be used by certified patients in Ohio and Pennsylvania. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and certified patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.