What Are Cannabis Concentrates?
Cannabis concentrates are exactly what they sound like: highly concentrated extracts of the cannabis plant. They’re created by isolating and preserving the plant’s most desirable compounds: cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) and aromatic terpenes that give each strain its unique flavour and effects.
Why are concentrates becoming so popular? In a word: potency. While dried flower usually contains 15–25% THC, most concentrates range anywhere from 60% to over 90% THC, delivering a much stronger experience with less product. Beyond strength, they also offer pure, vibrant flavours and a more efficient, smoke-free consumption option when vaporized.
Compared to traditional dried flowers, concentrates provide:
- More intense effects with a smaller amount.
- Cleaner flavour profiles, terpenes shine through when vaporized or dabbed.
- Versatile consumption methods, from vaping to adding small amounts to your flower.
For Scarborough consumers looking for flavour, efficiency, or simply a new cannabis experience, concentrates open the door to a whole new level of enjoyment.
How Cannabis Concentrates Are Made
Concentrates are produced by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant, leaving behind most of the plant material. There are two main extraction approaches:
- Solvent-Based Extraction: Uses substances like butane (BHO) or CO₂ to separate cannabinoids and terpenes. After extraction, the solvent is carefully purged, leaving behind a potent and safe product when sourced from a licensed dispensary.
- Solventless Extraction: Relies on heat, pressure, or ice water to separate trichomes naturally no chemicals involved. Rosin and traditional hash are classic solventless products.
💡 Tip for Consumers: Always purchase concentrates from a reputable dispensary like Cannabuds to ensure the product has undergone lab testing for purity and residual solvent safety.
Popular Types of Cannabis Concentrates & Their Unique Qualities
Cannabis concentrates come in many textures and potencies. Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to the most popular types you can find right here in Scarborough:
Shatter
Shatter is known for its glass-like, brittle texture that “shatters” when broken apart. It boasts high THC levels and delivers a clean, pure flavour when dabbed or vaporized. Ideal for seasoned consumers looking for a strong, smooth hit.
Wax / Budder
With a soft, creamy consistency, wax (sometimes called budder) is easy to handle and load into a dab rig or vaporizer. Its terpene-rich profile makes it a favourite among flavour chasers and those who want an aromatic, potent experience.
Live Resin
Created from flash-frozen cannabis plants, live resin preserves the full spectrum of terpenes for a fresh, vibrant taste. It’s perfect for consumers who value flavour and aroma as much as potency.
Rosin
A solventless concentrate, rosin is made by applying heat and pressure to flower or hash. It’s prized for its purity and clean profile, making it an excellent option for those seeking chemical-free concentrates.
Hash & Kief
These classic, traditional concentrates are made by collecting trichomes (the crystal-like resin glands on cannabis buds). Hash and kief offer mellow potency and can be sprinkled onto flower or smoked on their own.
Distillate & Oils
Highly refined for maximum THC or CBD purity, distillates and oils are versatile they can be used in vape cartridges, edibles, or taken sublingually. Ideal for those who want precise dosing and clean potency.
Sauce
Sauce is famous for its rich, syrupy consistency and high terpene content. It often contains crystalline THC “diamonds” in a flavour-packed terpene sauce, great for dab enthusiasts chasing bold flavour.
Diamonds
These crystalline THC-A structures resemble diamonds and deliver incredible potency once activated (dabbed or vaporized). Perfect for experienced consumers who want the strongest possible hit.
Badder
With a whipped, cake-batter texture, badder is easy to work with and offers intense flavour. A go-to for those who love terpene-rich concentrates.
Applicators
These precise, syringe-style dispensers let you easily add distillate or oil to joints, bowls, or edibles without mess, ideal for controlled dosing and creative cannabis use.
✨ Pro Tip: Every type of concentrate delivers a slightly different flavour, texture, and experience. Ask the knowledgeable team at Cannabuds Scarborough to help you find the perfect match for your preferences and experience level.
How to Consume Cannabis Concentrates
Concentrates are incredibly versatile, and there’s no one “right” way to enjoy them. The method you choose depends on your lifestyle, equipment, and experience level:
Dabbing
The classic way to enjoy concentrates, dabbing involves heating a dab rig (a specialized water pipe) with a nail or banger and using a torch to reach the right temperature. Once hot, you apply a small amount of concentrate to instantly vaporize it, delivering potent, fast-acting effects. Dabbing is best for seasoned consumers who are comfortable handling high-THC products.
Vaporizers
Portable concentrate vapes and e-rigs are ideal for those who want a discreet and convenient experience without open flames. These devices are easy to use, require less equipment than a dab rig, and are a great entry point for beginners.
Twaxing
For those who love flowers but want an extra kick, try twaxing—adding a small amount of concentrate like kief, wax, or live resin to your joint or bowl. It’s an easy way to boost potency and flavour.
Edibles & Infused Products
Concentrates such as distillate can also be used to make edibles or purchased pre-infused into gummies, chocolates, or beverages. Effects are typically longer-lasting but take longer to kick in.
Potency & Effects: What to Expect
Cannabis concentrates are known for their high THC levels, often ranging from 60% to over 90% far more potent than dried flower, which typically sits around 15–25%.
Because of their strength, the effects are faster and more intense. This makes concentrates a favourite for experienced users seeking stronger relief or a powerful recreational high. Beginners should approach carefully:
- Start with a very small amount, often called a “dab,” and wait to gauge the effects before consuming more.
- Expect effects to hit quickly when inhaled (within seconds to minutes) and to be noticeably stronger than smoking flower.
Tips for Safe & Enjoyable Use
Whether you’re new to concentrates or a seasoned consumer, a few best practices ensure a smooth experience:
Start Low, Go Slow
Concentrates are much stronger than flower, so begin with a tiny dose and increase gradually if needed.
Store Properly
To maintain potency and flavour, keep concentrates in cool, airtight containers away from direct sunlight. Silicone or glass jars work best, depending on the consistency.
Use Clean Tools
Residue can affect both taste and potency. Regularly clean dab rigs, nails, and vape chambers to keep your sessions pure and flavourful.
By following these tips, you’ll enjoy a safer, more controlled, and flavour-rich experience, whether you’re dabbing, vaping, or twaxing.
Legal & Local Considerations in Scarborough
Before diving into concentrates, it’s important to understand the legal landscape in Ontario.
- Buy Only from Licensed Retailers: Cannabis concentrates are regulated products and must be purchased through licensed dispensaries or their official online stores.
- Age Restrictions: In Ontario, you must be 19 years or older to legally purchase or consume cannabis.
- Responsible Consumption: Enjoy concentrates in private residences or designated areas only, and never drive under the influence.
Buying from reputable local shops ensures your products are lab-tested for safety, free from harmful additives, and meet provincial standards.
Where to Buy Quality Concentrates in Scarborough
When it comes to finding safe, high-quality cannabis concentrates, look no further than Cannabuds Dispensary:
📍 Location: 2776 Kennedy Rd, Scarborough, ON M1T 3J2
Why Cannabuds stands out:
- Wide Selection: From shatter, wax, and live resin to rosin, diamonds, and distillate, you’ll find every type of concentrate to suit your preferences.
- Expert Budtenders: The knowledgeable team is ready to help you pick the right product, whether you’re a first-time user or a seasoned dabber.
Quality & Safety: All products are carefully sourced and lab-tested, ensuring you get the cleanest, most potent concentrates available. - Convenience: Take advantage of free same-day delivery across Scarborough and Markham on orders over $69, or stop by the shop for personalized recommendations.
Shop at Cannabuds, Your Local Scarborough Dispensary
Cannabis concentrates offer unmatched potency, rich flavour profiles, and versatile consumption methods from dabbing to twaxing or adding to edibles. Whether you’re curious about shatter’s glass-like texture or the flavour-packed experience of live resin, there’s a concentrate to match every preference.
👉 Ready to explore concentrates? Visit Cannabuds Dispensary in Scarborough or browse the online menu today. Not sure where to start? Chat with our budtenders, who can guide you toward the perfect product for your desired effects and experience level.