Top 8 Best Cannabis Concentrates in 2025

Cannabis has evolved far beyond the use of flower, and perhaps one of the most intriguing new aspects of the last few years has been the emergence of concentrates of cannabis. These more powerful extracts have drawn both experienced users and new ones, with more extreme effects, distinctive flavors, and options for how to use cannabis.

Whether you want more powerful action, more pure tastes, or just trying something new in the way of consumption, cannabis concentrates give you a range of options that can not be provided solely by the flower. This guide will walk you through the basics of cannabis concentrates, the best types that are available in the market, as well as provide some practical tips on how to use and store them. 

What Are Cannabis Concentrates?

Cannabis concentrates are very strong extracts of the cannabis plant, which aim to extract and concentrate cannabinoids, terpenes, and other active ingredients. Depending on the extraction method and type of concentrate, they may include 40 percent to more than 90 percent of THC. Compared to conventional cannabis flowers, concentrates are more potent and immediate in their action, and they have a more diverse flavor profile.

Concentrates are produced in various ways, such as solvent-based extraction (butane, CO2, or ethanol) and solventless processes, such as rosin pressing or ice water extraction. The end products may be sticky oils or crumbly shatter, each with a different consistency, power, and taste experience.

Best Cannabis Concentrates

1. Shatter

 Shatter is the “glass” of cannabis concentrates, literally. It is fragile, transparent, and usually it looks like a fine sheet of candy glass. It contains high levels of THC, occasionally up to 90 per cent, which makes this concentrate one of the strongest products on the market. Shatter is usually made using solvents like butane or CO2, which extract cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant efficiently.

Handling shatter requires a bit of care; break off only the amount you intend to use. The payoff? A clean, intense hit that preserves the plant’s natural flavor without too much fuss. Shatter can be a favorite of experienced users as it is very strong, quick, and euphoric.

2. Wax

 Wax is the softer, more approachable cousin of shatter. It is creamy and occasionally fluffy in texture, and easy to work with. Wax also conserves more of the natural terpenes in the plant in its form, making it smell better and taste even better.

Wax’s texture is forgiving to a beginner yet suitable for dabbing without a lot of effort. Its effects are strong and come fast, which makes it ideal for users seeking a quick-tasting and flavorful high.

3. Budder

 Budder lives up to its name. It is creamy and occasionally fluffy in texture, and easy to work with. Wax also conserves more of the natural terpenes in the plant in its form, making it smell better and taste even better.

Wax’s texture is forgiving to a beginner yet suitable for dabbing without a lot of effort. Its effects are strong and come fast, which makes it ideal for users seeking a quick-tasting and flavorful high.

4. Live Resin

Live resin resembles the fresh-pressed cannabis concentrate juice. It is prepared using freshly picked, flash-frozen plants, which retain the complete range of cannabinoids and terpenes. The outcome is a concentrate full of flavor and smell and close to the live plant.

The extraction process usually involves solvents, although the emphasis is on keeping all the flavors of the plant. Live resin is ideally suited to users who enjoy an aromatic and rich experience and wish to be as close to the plant as possible in their high.

5. Rosin

 Rosin is the health-conscious choice in concentrates. It uses no solvents, and all the cannabinoids and terpenes are extracted with just heat and pressure. You can get live rosin (from fresh plants) or cured rosin (from dried buds). Both varieties are strong, tasty, and pure.

Because rosin requires no chemical solvents, it is sometimes regarded as a better, cleaner, and safer concentrate. The purists who desire smooth-tasting hits free of chemicals tend to gravitate towards rosin.

6. Crumble

Crumble, sometimes called honeycomb, has an easy-to-break, light, airy texture. It is prepared by solvent extraction and whipped into its crumbly texture. Crumble is a heavy terpene strain and is usually high, typically 60-90% THC.

Due to its texture, Crumble is easy to dose accurately. To enhance the potency, you only need to sprinkle or dot it onto your flower. Crumble is a superb, all-in-one concentrate for people who want to experience both convenience and reliability.

7. Distillate

 Distillates are highly refined, almost flavorless concentrates. The distillation technique separates particular cannabinoids, such as THC or CBD, to create a clear and strong liquid. Distillates can be used in many ways, such as edibles, vape cartridges, or even in combination with other concentrates.

Distillates do not contain rich terpenes, which means they are the best option if you want to do accurate dosing without affecting the flavor of your flower or recipe. They are strong, easy to carry, and effective in controlled effects.

8. Cannabis Oil

The cannabis oil is a highly versatile concentrate. It can be vaped, dabbed or put into edibles. Oils are concentrated, making dosing easy, and they’re simple to handle compared to sticky concentrates like wax or budder.

Cannabis oil is great for beginners or anyone who wants a flexible concentrate that they can use in multiple ways. Plus, it’s discreet, portable, and easily fits into a daily wellness routine.

How to Use Cannabis Concentrates

1. Dabbing

Dabbing is one of the most widespread and efficient methods of using concentrates. It involves using a dab rig, a specialized glass pipe similar to a bong but designed for vaporizing concentrates rather than burning flower.

Here’s how it works: heat the “nail” (a small surface made of quartz, ceramic, or titanium) with a torch until it reaches the right temperature, then place a small amount of concentrate, called a “dab”, onto the hot surface. The focus instantly vaporizes, and you inhale the vapor through the rig.

Dabbing delivers fast, powerful effects since the vapor enters your lungs. It’s ideal for experienced users who want a strong, clean hit. The flavor is also noticeably better, especially with concentrates like live resin or rosin, which retain their terpenes.

Tip: Start with a small dab. Concentrates can be two to three times stronger than flower, and overdoing it can lead to an overwhelming high.

2. Vaping

Vaping is the most convenient and discreet way to enjoy concentrates. You can use pre-filled cartridges (usually filled with distillate or oil) or refillable vape pens designed for thicker concentrates like wax or shatter.

Vaping heats the concentrate at a controlled temperature, creating vapor rather than smoke. It’s smooth on the throat, produces less odor, and is easy to carry. The effects are fast-acting, similar to dabbing but milder, depending on the device and concentrate used.

Tip: If you want flavor, choose a lower voltage setting on your vape pen; this preserves terpenes and prevents burning.

3. Adding Concentrates to Flower

If you enjoy smoking joints, bowls, or blunts, adding a little concentrate can enhance the experience. Simply sprinkle crumble, wax, or shatter on your ground flower before rolling or packing it.

This boosts potency and flavor, giving you a richer, more intense hit. It’s easy to experiment with concentrates without investing in special equipment. Remember to go light; too much concentration can overpower the flower, leading to a stronger high than expected.

4. Edibles and Infusions

Some concentrates, like distillates or oils, can be used in cooking or baking. They are easy to incorporate into butter, oils, or sauces as they are already activated (that is, the THC is decarboxylated).

Concentrate-based edibles have long-lasting effects that require time to manifest, typically between 30 minutes and two hours. Once they do, they stay much longer. This is an ideal way of obtaining discrete and long-term relief without smoking or inhaling fumes.

Tip: Always start with a small dose and wait before consuming more. The effects of edibles can be intense and long-lasting.

5. Using a Dab Pen or E-Nail

 For those who enjoy dabbing but want less setup, dab pens and e-nails offer a modern twist. A dab pen is similar to a vape pen, except that it can accommodate heavier concentrates, such as wax or budder. It warms up fast and provides a powerful vapor without the use of a torch.

An e-nail is an expensive device that heats your dab rig nail electronically to an ideal temperature. It offers stability, does away with guesswork, and gives you more control of flavour and vapor production.

6. Tinctures and Sublingual Use

Some concentrates are formulated as tinctures, liquid extracts that can be placed under the tongue. This technique allows cannabinoids to enter the bloodstream directly, resulting in quick effects in as little as 15 minutes. It is a non-vaping, non-smoking method of pleasure in concentrates.

Tips for Storing Your Cannabis Concentrates

• Keep it airtight: Store concentrates in tightly sealed containers to keep out air, which can break down cannabinoids and terpenes.
• Store in a cool, dark place: Heat and light can ruin potency and flavor. A drawer, cabinet, or small fridge works best.
• Handle carefully: Avoid touching concentrates directly. Use clean dab tools or tweezers to keep the texture consistent.
• Choose the right container: Use glass or silicone. Glass is best for brittle textures like shatter, while silicone is better for stickier ones like wax or rosin.
• Keep moisture out: Humidity can cause mold or change consistency. Always dry containers before sealing.
• Label and date: Mark each container with the strain and purchase date to track freshness.
• Store separately: To preserve individual textures and flavors, keep different types, like wax, shatter, and rosin, in their own containers.
• Skip plastic: Plastic can affect taste and quality over time. Stick to food-grade silicone or glass.
• Refrigerate for long-term storage: To keep it longer, seal tightly and refrigerate. Let it reach room temperature before opening to avoid condensation.
• Store safely: Keep all concentrates in childproof containers and out of reach of kids and pets.

Final Take 

Cannabis concentrates have reinvented the way people use cannabis, with more intense effects, deeper flavors, and modes of consumption. With the glass-like refinement of shatter and the solvent-free simplicity of rosin, each variety offers something different according to the tastes and level of experience. Whether you want bold flavor, smooth vapor, or potent relief, there’s a concentrate that fits your needs.

The key is to start small, carefully handle your products, and store them properly to preserve quality. As extraction methods evolve, concentrates continue to offer new ways to enjoy cannabis responsibly and creatively. Explore, experiment, and find what works best for you. There’s a lot to discover in the world of modern cannabis concentrates.