Alright, so you’ve been vibing with flower for a while now, but maybe you’re ready to explore something… a little more potent. Welcome to the world of cannabis concentrates – where things get stickier, stronger, and honestly, a whole lot more fun.
If you’re in Franklin Park or anywhere nearby and staring at a shelf full of wax, shatter, rosin, and cartridges like they’re items on a mad scientist’s table… don’t sweat it. We got you.
This guide breaks it all down: ways to consume cannabis concentrates, what gear you might need, and which ones to start with so you don’t end up stuck to your couch like a melted gummy.
What Are Cannabis Concentrates?
If you’re new to concentrates, think of it as cannabis flower turned up to eleven. They’re made by extracting the most desirable compounds from the cannabis plant; mainly THC, cannabinoids, and terpenes – and ditching the rest of the plant material.
What you’re left with is a potent extract that comes in different textures, strengths, and vibes. These babies hit harder than flower, so beginners, take it slow.
Types of Cannabis Concentrates You Might See at Theo
Let’s run through a few you’re likely to bump into:
- Wax: Soft and sticky. Think the peanut butter of dabs. Easy to scoop, super popular.
- Shatter: Glassy, brittle, and breaks apart – hence the name. High potency, clean hits.
- Budder/Crumble: Whipped like a mousse. It’s smooth, melts nicely, and is great for low-temp dabs.
- Live Resin: Flavor town, population: you. Known for being rich in terpenes and aroma.
- Rosin: A solventless extract (aka no chemicals). Just heat, pressure, and pure vibes.
- Cartridges: Pre-filled vape pens. Sleek, discreet, and perfect if you’re not about the dab rig life.
No idea what a dab or dab rig is? Keep reading! Or just scroll down to the section of Ways to Use Cannabis Concentrates. We got ya.
But before that, you can actually explore many of these options without leaving your couch (we see you introverts and we’ll reach out) — just check them out at Theo’s online store.
Extracts vs Non-Extracts: What’s the Difference?
Not all concentrates are created the same, and that’s actually kind of the fun part.
So, for cannabis concentrates, there are two major families: cannabis extracts (made using solvents) and non-extracts (made using mechanical or heat/pressure techniques). Let’s break it down like your favorite budtender would:
Extract-Based Concentrates (Solvent-Based)
These concentrates are made by using a solvent (like butane, CO2, or ethanol) to pull out the cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant. After extraction, the solvent is purged, leaving behind a potent concentrate.
Popular Solvent-based Concentrates (Extracts):
- Shatter
- Wax
- Budder
- Crumble
- Sauce/Live Resin
- Hash Oil/BHO (Butane Hash Oil) – highly potent extract oil
- Distillate – ultra-refined, often used in vape cartridges or edibles
These offer high potency and smooth vapor, but they do require advanced processing and a proper purge to remove the solvents.
Non-Extract Concentrates (Solventless)
These don’t rely on chemical solvents at all, just good ol’ pressure, heat, or mechanical separation to collect all those lovely trichomes.
Popular Solventless Concentrates:
- Rosin
- Kief – the dusty trichomes that fall off your flower; can be sprinkled on bowls
- Dry Sift Hash – like upgraded kief; more refined
- Bubble Hash – made with ice water and screens to “wash” trichomes off the plant
Solventless concentrates are usually considered “cleaner,” more natural, and especially popular among terp lovers and wellness users.
So Which Should You Try?
If you’re just starting out and want flavor – go for rosin or live resin. Check out our rosin products or live resin listings!
Want max potency? – Try a dab of shatter or wax.
Curious about the classics? – Roll a joint with some kief or bubble hash and see how smooth your ride gets.
At Theo, we carry both extract-based and solventless options, so come chat with a budtender and we’ll hook you up with a way to enjoy cannabis that fits your vibe. Or get our stuff online if that’s your thing!
Ways to Use Cannabis Concentrates (Without Freaking Out)
Alright, so you grabbed something saucy at the dispensary. Now what? Let’s go to the main event of this article. Here’s how folks in Franklin Park (and beyond) use concentrates:
1. Dabbing
This is the classic way to enjoy concentrates – and yeah, it might look like some high-level chemistry setup, but it’s easier than it looks once you get the hang of it.
Here’s what you’ll need for a proper dab session:
Dab Rig
Think of it as a bong’s high-tech cousin. It’s a glass water pipe made specifically for vaporizing concentrate instead of burning flower. Instead of a bowl, it has a “nail” or “banger” that gets heated up.
Torch
No, your Bic lighter won’t cut it. You’ll need a butane torch to heat the nail to the right temperature (usually between 500°F–600°F). Sounds intense, but it’s standard for dabbing.
Dab Tool
This is how you handle your concentrate. Wax and shatter are sticky, so you’ll use this tool -usually made of metal or glass, to scoop a small amount and apply it to the heated nail.
Carb Cap (Optional but Awesome)
Think of it like a lid that goes over the banger after your dab hits the nail. It helps trap the heat and vapor, giving you a smoother, more flavorful hit.
How to Dab (Step-by-Step):
- Heat the nail/banger with the torch until it’s red-hot.
- Let it cool down for 30–45 seconds (important: you don’t want to scorch it).
- Use your dab tool to drop the concentrate onto the nail.
- Inhale the vapor through the mouthpiece while rotating the carb cap.
- Exhale. Smile. Hydrate.
Start small. A dab the size of a grain of rice is plenty for most folks, especially if it’s your first time. Concentrates like wax, shatter, or live resin pack a serious punch.
Quick Note on Dab Safety
Look, we love dabs. But they’re not exactly the training wheels of cannabis. Here’s your short and sweet safety check before you take that first rip:
- They hit hard. Concentrates can be up to 4x stronger than flower. Start with a tiny dab (like rice-sized). Respect the potency.
- It gets hot. You’re using a torch, don’t treat it like a candle. Be mindful of surfaces and let the nail cool slightly before hitting it.
- Easy on the lungs. Even though it’s vapor, dabs can still feel intense. If you’ve got sensitive lungs, start with low-temp dabs or opt for a vape pen.
- Always go legit. Only buy concentrates from licensed dispensaries (ahem -> Theo). It’s the only way to make sure your dabs are clean, solvent-free, and safe.
TL;DR – Dab slow, dab smart, and you’ll have a great time.
2. Vape Pens & Cartridges
A great place to start if the torch sounds like too much. Just grab a pre-filled vape cart, screw it onto a battery, and puff away. And yup, that’s all there is to it. Vaping is easy, discreet, and user-friendly. And if you’re looking for some, we’ve got just the right vapes for you!
3. Topping Off Flower
This one’s a fan favorite because it’s the easiest way to level up your usual sesh – no fancy gear required. You’re basically boosting your bowl, joint, or blunt with a touch of concentrate for extra punch.
Here’s how it works:
Add to a Bowl
Sprinkle a little kief, crumble, or shatter on top of your packed bowl. Light it carefully, concentrates burn faster than flower. Pro tip: corner the bowl so you don’t waste all your goodness in one hit.
Roll into a Joint or Blunt
Want your joint to hit like a freight train? Add some hash or a thin line of wax into the center before rolling. Just be ready, it’ll burn slower, longer, and harder.
Keep It Clean
Sticky stuff like rosin or hash oil can make your gear messy, so try not to overdo it. A little goes a long way, and it’ll help avoid clogging your bowl or rolling something that won’t burn right.
This is a great entry point for those new to concentrates. You get the benefits of a potent extract while still riding with familiar flower. It’s like putting hot sauce on your favorite meal – more flavor, more fire. Here’s where to get the hot stuff.
Which Method’s Right for You?
If you’re a beginner, start with vape pens or add a little concentrate to your flower. They’re both beginner-friendly, require minimal gear, and give you a taste of the concentrated life without diving straight into the deep end. You can start by browsing through our stuff here.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could try using a dab rig – but maybe invite a seasoned buddy over. Or at least have snacks ready. You’re gonna want snacks.
Concentrates & Local Law: What to Know in NJ
Yes, concentrates are legal for adult-use consumers in New Jersey. But here’s the thing: the limit is on total THC content, not product weight. So even though a little dab might look tiny, it counts big.
Buy from licensed dispensaries (hey there 👋 -Theo), and keep your goodies in their original containers while traveling. Don’t dab and drive, obviously.
Give this a visit for more information about Recreational Cannabis Laws in New Jersey.
Final Thoughts: Take It Slow, Enjoy the Ride
Cannabis concentrates are a wild, wonderful ride, but only if you ease into them. You could stop by our shop in Franklin Park for the first time or you’d probably want to level up your cannabis experience, either way, the different types of concentrates offer a new way to enjoy the plant you love.
And if you still have questions? We’re here, we’re friendly, and we love talking about this stuff. Come through and say hey, or check out our latest product drops online – we have daily deals if you wanna save some moolah!
Theo Product Tip:
Ask your budtender about solventless rosin if you’re looking for a clean, pure dab experience. Remember, it’s made without chemicals and hits like a dream.
