Dabs—that beautifully concentrated, lung-filling delight that has become a staple for many in the cannabis community over the last few years. While most fans have mastered the act of dabbing, distinguishing between the various types of concentrated products on the market can be tricky. Are you aware of the difference between crumbly textures and glass-like shatters? Can you tell the sticky saps from the drippy oils?
Following Stoner Strategies for identification and proper storage, here is your breakdown of the most common dabs you will encounter.
Understanding Different Types of Concentrates
1. Alcohol Hash Oil
One of the easiest at-home extraction methods, this is made by mixing cannabis flower with a strong solvent like high-proof alcohol. Once the plant material is strained and the alcohol is evaporated, you are left with a potent hash oil. The final potency depends on the THC levels of the starting material—a great method if you are working with lower-quality flower.
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Storage: Keep in a silicone container in a cool, dark place.
2. BHO (Butane Hash Oil)
Butane Hash Oil is created by extracting THC from the plant using butane as a solvent. BHO is generally thicker than CO2 extracts, making it easier to handle with a traditional dab rig.
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Storage: Always use a silicone dab container and store it in a cool, dark place.
3. Budder
Budder—often associated with a creamy, peanut-butter-like consistency—was popularized in the 90s. When shatter is exposed to heat and agitated, it breaks down into this concentrated form. Generally, a lighter golden color indicates higher potency. If your budder feels too liquid, a few minutes in the freezer will help solidify it for easier handling.
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Storage: Use an airtight glass jar or a silicone container in a cool, dry place.
4. CO2 Oil
Created using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), this method uses carbon dioxide compressed beyond its critical point. Because this process happens at low temperatures (around 90°F), it effectively preserves delicate terpenes and cannabinoids without denaturing them. CO2 oil is usually liquid and often packaged in syringes, making it perfect for vape pens.
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Storage: Keep it in its syringe or a silicone dab container in a cool, dark place.
5. Crumble
Crumble is the least sticky of all concentrates, characterized by a granular texture that you can often handle by hand when preparing your dose.
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Storage: Avoid parchment paper, which can absorb oils. Use a silicone or airtight glass container in a cool, dry place.
6. Shatter
Shatter is a stable, glass-like concentrate that lives up to its name—if dropped, it is more likely to snap than to melt. Quality is easy to spot: hold it up to the light. If it is clear with minimal swirls, it was likely purged well. High levels of discoloration can indicate improper purging or chemical contamination.
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Storage: Shatter can be stored in parchment paper, though a silicone dab container is often the best choice for longevity.
7. THCa Crystalline
Often considered the "holy grail" of extracts, THCa Crystalline can reach a purity level of 99.96% if produced correctly. The crystalline form is achieved through a specific extraction process where chemicals are purged, leaving behind a highly pure substance.
8. Wax
This is the "sticky icky" standard. Wax should never be handled with your bare hands, as you will likely end up with a sticky mess and waste your precious dabs. Always use a clean dab tool.
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Storage: Use a silicone container with a lid. Avoid plastic jars, as they can degrade the quality of the wax.
Pro-Tips for Success
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The Stoner Strategies Secret: When in doubt, silicone is your best friend. Most concentrates store best in silicone containers because they are non-stick, ensuring you don't lose product when scooping.
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Temperature Matters: If your product becomes too runny to work with, a quick 5–10 minutes in the freezer will instantly make it more manageable.
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Quality Check: Always observe the color and clarity. A professional-grade concentrate should look clean and smell like the strain it was derived from, not like harsh chemicals.
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