All cannabis extracts are created either with or without solvents – but’s that is only how we begin to classify concentrates. For many common rec concentrates it’s what happens after processing that affects the look, texture, and, dare I say, aesthetic of the extraction. Isolate is the only extracted product in which post-processing affects the cannabinoid percentages in the finished product.  Shatter, honeycomb, sugar, and budder processed from the same dried flower will be chemically homogenous; varied in texture only.  

Rosin and hash are examples of solventless extractions, produced without chemical intervention. Just pure-ass hippie shit, arguably as nature intended. 

Warning – To discover concentrates is to discover that contemporary stoner vernacular is a strange mess, but this quick guide will give you enough info to at least ask informed questions of your next budtender, and maybe even teach them a thing or two.  

Shatter (aka pull and snap, taffy) – Shatter is known for having the glossy, stiff texture of quickly cooled molten glass. While other concentrates are defined by the agitation they sustain during extraction, shatter is distinguished not by agitation, but how it’s purge, heat, cool, repeat process.

Wax/Budder – The supple, moldable textures of wax and budder are the result of a whipping process that incorporates air while evaporating residual solvent. Aggressive whipping will result in a drier, more crumbly wax, while a quick whip will result in a creamy budder. The only significant difference between wax, budder, and shatter is texture.

Honeycomb (aka pie crust, crumble) – Nucleation is the required process for creating honeycomb. WTF is nucleation? Nucleation happens when matter enters a new thermodynamic phase and rearranges its structure. Honeycombing is achieved by spreading fresh extract onto parchment paper, vacuum purging and then pressing. The press impels the extract to reorganize itself (hello, nucleation) in the familiar honeycomb formation.

Sugar – Sugar is another nucleated concentrate – any extract can experience a sugaring effect. Sugaring occurs when strains with higher fat contents or hydrophilic (water-attracting) terpenes begin to separate from the cannabinoids after the extraction process. As the trichomes attempt to return to their original state, they begin to look less like shatter, budder, wax or oil and begin to look more like raw sugar and warm honey. It’s not uncommon for any concentrate to begin to “sugar” when kept in moist quarters. Shit, I’ve got some month-old shatter sugaring in my basement right now.

Rosin (aka live resin) – Rosin has no post-extraction processing but it will always be on the shelf beside these other concentrates. Rosin is the result of using pressure and heat to squeeze the essential oils from dried flowers. Resourceful DIY-ers can use a hair straightening iron to extract rosin from their flowers, but the industry standard is a hydraulic press. 

Hash – Cold water hash is made by freezing buds and processing them in a blender with ice-cold water; once processed, the plant matter will rise to the top of the blender. The trichome-rich water is then filtered through a fine sieve. Once that water is evaporated, the final product is a concentration of trichomes. That’s it. That’s the whole process.

Isolate – When extracted has been winterized and distilled, removing all contaminants like water, waxes, and fats, and is then dissolved in pentane, the result is a spontaneous crystal formation. These crystals are isolated cannabinoids, and can look like white sugar or crushed diamonds. The process of creating isolate is hazardous and requires all manner of specialized equipment. Don’t try to make this shit in your kitchen.