Cannabis concentrates have exploded in popularity, and it’s easy to see why. These powerful, flavorful extracts offer a completely different experience than traditional flower. Stronger, faster hitting, and often more flavorful. That's great and all, but if you’re new to concentrates, it can all feel a little overwhelming. Wax? Shatter? Rosin? What does it all mean?

Don't worry, we’ve got you. This guide will walk you through what cannabis concentrates actually are, how they’re made, how to use them, and how to find the right one for you. Dabbing for the first time or just curious about what's behind the hype, let’s break it down.

What Are Cannabis Concentrates?

A Quick Definition

Concentrates are the good stuff, condensed. Think of cannabis concentrates as the distilled essence of the plant. They’re made by extracting the most important parts of the flower, cannabinoids like THC and CBD, plus flavorful terpenes and leaving behind the rest. The result? A much more potent product in a much smaller form.

How They're Made (The Basics)

There are two main ways to make concentrates: solvent-based and solventless. Solvent-based methods use things like butane, propane, ethanol, or CO2 to extract the good stuff. After that, the solvents are purged, leaving behind a clean and potent concentrate.



Solventless methods skip the chemicals and use heat, pressure, or ice water to squeeze out the cannabinoids and terpenes. It’s a more natural process, and it’s especially popular with people who want to keep things clean and simple.

Why Concentrates Are More Potent Than Flower

Because you’re getting a concentrated dose of cannabinoids, concentrates are way more potent than traditional flower. While a good flower might test at 20–30% THC, many concentrates land between 60% and 90% THC, or even higher. This makes them a go-to for experienced users or folks looking for strong, fast relief.

Different Types of Concentrates

There’s a whole world of concentrates out there, and each type has its own characteristics, texture, and ideal use. Here’s a quick guide to some of the most common types you’ll see at your local New York cannabis dispensary:

Wax

Soft, sticky, and easy to work with. Wax is great for dabbing or sprinkling on top of flower. It’s a solid choice for anyone new to concentrates who wants something that’s flavorful, but manageable. Expect strong effects and robust flavor with each hit.

Shatter

True to its name, shatter is glass-like and brittle. It's super pure, incredibly potent, and typically high in THC. Because it’s brittle, it requires a dab tool to handle, but the payoff is a smooth, hard-hitting experience. Best used with a dab rig.

Budder

Budder is fluffy, smooth, and whipped into a butter-like consistency. It’s one of the most flavorful concentrates, thanks to its high terpene retention. It’s easy to scoop and handle, making it ideal for beginners who want something tasty, but not too messy.

Live Resin

Made from cannabis that’s frozen immediately after harvest. Live resin is extracted from flash-frozen flower instead of dried buds. This method locks in more terpenes, giving you a super fresh, flavorful hit that captures the essence of the original plant. It’s sticky, saucy, and often considered a top-shelf concentrate.

Rosin

Rosin is all about clean, solventless extraction. It’s made using just heat and pressure and the result is a rich, gooey concentrate. Rosin still manages to pack a punch in both potency and flavor making it one of the most sought after options out there.

Distillate

Distillate is highly refined and usually stripped of most flavor and aroma, but it’s super potent and really versatile. It’s used in vape carts, edibles, and more. If you want pure THC with no frills, this is it.

Crumble

Crumble is dry, powdery, and true to its name, crumbly. It’s often used to enhance bowls or joints, adding a potent kick to your cannabis flower without changing your routine. It’s also great for people who don’t love sticky textures.

Sugar

Known for its gritty texture that resembles wet, sparkly brown sugar. It’s a favorite for terp lovers because it combines texture with intense aroma and flavor. The consistency makes it easy to handle and perfect for low-temp dabbing.

Diamonds & Sauce

These are as fancy as they sound. The diamonds are pure THCA crystals, and the sauce is a terpene-rich, flavorful liquid. Together, they deliver strong effects and bold taste. These are for seasoned users who want a more refined experience.

How to Use Cannabis Concentrates

There are a bunch of ways to enjoy concentrates, and each method offers a different kind of experience. Here’s what you should know:

Dabbing

Dabbing is like the espresso shot of smoking. Fast, flavorful, and powerful. Dabbing means vaporizing a small amount of concentrate on a hot surface (called a nail) and inhaling the vapor through a rig. It hits fast and hard, so it’s best to start slow with a tiny amount. Seriously, a grain of rice. You’ll need a dab rig or e-rig, a torch (or electronic heat source), and a dab tool. If you're new, it can feel like a lot of setup, but once you get the hang of it, many people swear by it.

Vape Cartridges & Pens

These are super popular because they’re discreet, easy to use, and great for on-the-go. Just screw the cart onto a 510-thread battery or grab a disposable pen. Most vape pens use distillate or live resin, and you just push a button (or inhale) to get a dose. No torch required. The vapor is smooth and less intense than a dab, making it a great intro to concentrates.

Topping Off Flower

Want to keep it old school? You can add concentrates to your regular routine. Sprinkle some crumble or wax on your bowl, or roll it into a cannabis-infused joint for added potency. This method boosts your flower’s effects without needing the extra gear, making it one of the easiest ways to start using concentrates.

Edible Infusions

Some concentrates, especially distillate, can be used to make your own edibles. Just make sure the product is labeled as food-safe, and keep in mind edibles can take up to 2 hours to kick in.

Benefits of Using Concentrates

Potency & Purity

If you’re chasing strong effects, concentrates are where it’s at. Many boast THC levels of 70% or more, which makes them powerful, fast-acting, and ideal for experienced users or medical relief. They’re also super refined. No plant matter, no fluff, just clean, potent extract. When made well, concentrates hit smooth and clean, giving you a more predictable and dialed-in experience.

Flavor Profile (Terpenes)

Flavor fans, this is your moment. Because many concentrates preserve or even boost terpenes, the taste is next-level. If you’re in it for the flavor, concentrates are where terpenes shine. You’ll taste subtle notes you might miss in regular flower. A citrusy limonene, an earthy myrcene, or a spicy caryophyllene, you’ll get a front-row seat to your strain’s full flavor potential, especially with live resin, budder, or sugar.

Efficiency & Versatility

You only need a little to get a lot. Concentrates are highly efficient and perfect for anyone who wants strong results with minimal product. They’re also crazy versatile. Dab them, vape them, top your flower with them. You have options. There’s a texture and form for every style, whether you prefer shatter, crumble, or a vape cart.

Choosing the Right Concentrate for You

Not sure where to start? Here are a few things to think about:

Potency & Tolerance

If you’re new to concentrates or have a lower tolerance, start with something like rosin or wax. These offer great effects without being too overwhelming. If you’ve been around the block and want something strong, try diamonds or distillate.

Flavor & Terpenes

Love flavor? Go for live resin or rosin. These are packed with terpenes that not only taste and smell great, but may enhance your high through something called the entourage effect where different cannabis compounds work together.

Solvent-Based vs. Solventless

Some folks prefer solventless options (like rosin or bubble hash) because they’re made without chemicals. If you’re cool with solvent-based products, live resin and shatter can be super flavorful and strong.

Budget Considerations

Looking to keep costs low? Wax and distillate often give you the most bang for your buck. If you're treating yourself, live resin and diamonds are more pricey, but worth it if you're chasing flavor and high-end effects. At Ripe Cannabis in Schenectady NY, we offer a range of concentrates that are sure to be within your budget.

Safety Tips and Best Practices

Concentrates are strong, and it’s easy to overdo it, especially at first. Here’s how to stay safe:

Dosing: Start Low, Go Slow

A little goes a long way. Concentrates are way stronger than flower, so ease in. Start with a piece the size of a grain of rice, especially when dabbing. Give it a few minutes before going back for more. You can always take more, but you can’t un-take a hit.

Proper Storage

Keep your concentrates in an airtight container, away from light and heat which can degrade THC. Silicone containers are great for stickier types like wax or live resin, while glass jars work well for drier textures like crumble. If you’re storing something like live rosin, consider refrigeration to help maintain texture and flavor. Whatever you do, keep them sealed tight. Air exposure is the fast track to a dry, harsh dab.

Know Your Source

Always buy from a licensed New York cannabis dispensary like Ripe Cannabis. Our concentrates are all lab-tested, so you can see exactly what’s in them: THC content, terpene profiles, and proof they’re free of residual solvents or contaminants.

Where to Find the Best Concentrates in Schenectady NY

Ready to try concentrates for yourself? At Ripe Cannabis in Schenectady, we’ve got one of the Capital Region’s best selections of lab-tested THC concentrate products. From flavorful live resin and rosin, to budget-friendly budder, to premium diamonds.

Still need help choosing the right option?

Stop by Ripe Cannabis and chat with our team. We’ll walk you through the differences and help you find the perfect product for your preferences. We have a variety of distillate, live resin and rosin products, so you're sure to find what you need.