Do not use cannabis if you are under twenty-one years of age. Keep cannabis out of the reach of children.
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If you’ve ever stood in front of the concentrates section at Shangri-La and felt a little overwhelmed, you’re not alone. With names like “badder,” “rosin,” and “diamonds in sauce,” these powerful products can feel like an entirely different language. But fear not—we’re here to demystify the world of cannabis concentrates so you can shop with confidence, whether you’re a curious newcomer or a seasoned dabber.
Let’s start with the basics.
Cannabis concentrates are exactly what they sound like: concentrated forms of cannabis, where the cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) and terpenes (the aromatic compounds that give each strain its unique smell and flavor) have been extracted from the plant.
These extracts are often far more potent than flower. While typical cannabis flower might contain 15–25% THC, concentrates can range anywhere from 50% all the way up to 90%+.
But not all concentrates are created equal. Differences in extraction methods, pre- and post-processing, as well as starter material, all contribute to the texture, potency, and flavor of the final product. Some are sticky and saucy. Others are dry and crumbly. Some come in pre-filled vape cartridges, while others are made to be dabbed using specialized glassware. Let’s explore.
When we talk about cannabis concentrates, one of the first distinctions to understand is how the cannabinoids and terpenes are extracted from the plant.
Solventless concentrates are made without the use of chemical solvents. Instead, they rely on mechanical processes like heat, pressure, or ice water to separate the trichomes (the resin glands where cannabinoids live) from the plant material. These include products like rosin and ice water hash.
Solvent-based concentrates, on the other hand, are extracted using a chemical solvent to pull the desired compounds from the plant. The most common solvents include:
After extraction, the solvent is carefully purged from the final product. Licensed cannabis brands are required, by law, to test their concentrates for residual solvents to ensure safety and compliance.
Concentrates might seem intimidating at first, but there’s a wide range of ways to enjoy them.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common (and delicious) options you’ll see on our shelves:
Made by pressing cannabis flower, kief, or hash between heated plates to squeeze out the resin. Rosin is highly regarded for its flavor, purity, and solvent-free process. It’s typically golden in color and has a sap-like texture.
Why people love it: Pure, terpene-rich, and made without chemicals. A favorite among connoisseurs.
Short for hashish, this is one of the oldest forms of concentrate. At Shangri-La, you’ll usually find ice water hash, made by agitating cannabis in ice water to separate the trichomes. The resulting hash is dried and graded by quality.
Why people love it: A clean, traditional extract that preserves the natural essence of the plant.
Live resin is made from fresh-frozen cannabis flower (instead of dried and cured), which helps preserve a wide range of terpenes. The result is a potent, aromatic product with a saucy texture.
Why people love it: Full-spectrum flavor that reflects the plant’s living profile. Great for terp lovers.
A versatile BHO product with a thick, crumbly texture that looks like—you guessed it—wax. Easy to handle and potent.
Why people love it: Affordable and easy to use, wax is a great entry point for those new to dabbing.
Sometimes called “budder,” this soft, creamy concentrate has a whipped consistency. It’s made by agitating wax during the post-extraction process.
Why people love it: Smooth, flavorful, and easy to dose. A treat for dabbers looking for great texture.
One of the flashiest concentrates around. THCA diamonds (crystalline THC precursor) are suspended in a terpene-rich sauce. You can dab the diamonds, the sauce, or both together.
Why people love it: High potency with serious visual appeal. Perfect for heavy hitters who also care about flavor.
These little devices have revolutionized cannabis consumption. Our shelves are stocked with carts made from a variety of concentrates, including:
Why people love it: Convenient, discreet, and effective. Great for everyday use and travel.
Concentrates might seem complex, but once you understand the basics—solvent vs. solventless, textures, and uses—it becomes a lot easier to choose the right one for your needs. Whether you’re dabbing fresh-pressed rosin, packing a bowl with hash, or pulling from a live resin vape, concentrates open up a whole new world of cannabis experience.
Not sure where to start? Just ask one of our consultants! We’ll walk you through our current selection, share some usage tips, and help you find a product that matches your vibe.
At Shangri-La, we believe in empowering every customer with the knowledge to explore cannabis with confidence. And when it comes to concentrates, there’s a lot to love—no matter how you choose to enjoy them.
Ready to explore the world of concentrates? Visit your local Shangri-La dispensary and ask about our latest drops.
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