Gone are the days when consumers could simply walk into a dispensary and choose between a variety of strains. Today, they are bombarded by a dazzling array of concentrates with names that sound more like artisanal desserts than cannabis products. As a long-time consumer of concentrates, I have learned that each type of "dab" provides a unique experience in terms of flavor, texture, and high.
This guide is not just a list of different types of wax dabs. Instead, it is a comprehensive guide that will help consumers understand the different types of wax dabs available today, what sets each apart, and when and why to choose one over another.
What is a "Dab"?
In simple terms, a dab is a concentrated dose of cannabis that is heated on a hot surface (usually a "nail" or "banger") and then inhaled through a "rig" (a specialized water pipe). The end product is a fast-acting, potent and extremely flavorful experience. The critical factor to consider when choosing among the various types of dabs — such as shatter, budder, live resin — is that these different types are primarily defined by the extraction method employed and post-extraction processing.
The Different Types of Wax Dabs: A Texture & Consistency Guide
Think of concentrates on a spectrum of solids to liquids. The consistency of concentrates plays a significant role in how they are handled and also typically defines the purity of the terpene profile.
1. Shatter: The Glass of the Grass
Shatter is a translucent, glass-like concentrate that, as the name suggests, breaks into pieces when fractured. It is one of the most stable forms of BHO (Butane Hash Oil) and is known for having a high concentration of THC.
Shatter was one of the first concentrates I tried. There is something gratifying about snapping off a small piece of shatter with a dab tool. The stability of shatter makes it easy to handle and minimizes mess compared to the other types of concentrates. That said, I have found that shatter tends to sacrifice some flavor in order to achieve this level of stability. The purging process that makes shatter so stable can strip away some of the more volatile terpenes. While it is a great option for a powerful, clean high, the flavor may not be as complex as some of the other options.
2. Wax/Budder: The Spreadable Extract
When shatter is whipped or otherwise disturbed during the purging process, it creates air pockets within the concentrate that create an opaque, soft, and creamy consistency. When this consistency is thicker and more akin to frosting, it is referred to as "wax." When it is lighter and more fluffy, it is referred to as "budder."
This is my go-to for a nice balance of flavor and potency. The process of whipping the concentrate helps to protect the terpenes, allowing for a more fragrant and flavorful dab. The texture makes it extremely easy to use — simply scoop a small amount onto your tool. I have found that budder to be one of the most consistent and reliable concentrates available. It is not always the most visually pleasing, but it almost always delivers a strong and enjoyable experience.
3. Crumble: The Dry, Easy-to-Grab Wax
Crumble is wax that has been purged at a higher temperature and/or for a longer period of time than typical, creating a dry, crumbly texture that is easy to break apart with your fingers.
Crumble is the most convenient option. Its dry nature makes it less likely to adhere to your tools or containers, making it possibly the most convenient concentrate to dose and load. I always recommend crumble to users that are tired of dealing with sticky, messy concentrates. That being said, it can sometimes be less potent and less flavorful than its budder counterpart because some terpenes may be stripped away during the longer purging process. It is a workhorse, not a showstopper.
4. Live Resin & Live Rosin: The Peak of Flavor
We enter the realm of the elite with live resin and live rosin. The "live" prefix refers to the starting material — the cannabis plant is immediately flash-frozen after harvesting. This preserves the terpene profile in its living state, providing a flavor profile that is unmatched.
- Live Resin: Live resin is extracted using solvents (such as butane or propane). Like any concentrate, it comes in many consistencies (e.g., saucy, buddery), however, it is always characterized by an explosive, fresh aroma.
- Live Rosin: Solventless, the king. Made by applying heat and pressure to frozen sift or bubble hash. No chemicals were involved in the production of live rosin, which is preferred by many purists, including myself.
The first time I tried live rosin was a revelation. It was like dabbing the soul of the plant. The flavor was so vibrant, complex, and true to the strain that it made all other concentrates seem dull by comparison. Live resin provides a similar experience and is often more affordable. To me, live resin produces a full-body high that includes both mind and body. For a special treat or an actual flavor experience, it is well worth the cost.
5. Sugar: The Crystalline Delight
Sugar is a concentrate that has a wet, grainy consistency — similar to wet sugar. Essentially, sugar is a sauce where the THCA has formed crystals into small grains rather than forming large diamonds.
Sugar is my favorite concentrate for everyday use when I do not have access to live rosin. It possesses an incredible terpene profile that makes it an extremely flavorful concentrate. Additionally, the consistency of sugar is significantly easier to manage than a runny sauce. Overall, it is the best all-around option: extremely easy to dose, incredibly flavorful, and extremely potent.
6. Sauces, Diamonds, and Terp Sauces: The Gourmet Experience
Sauces and diamonds represent a truly special two-part concentrate. Diamonds are large crystalline structures composed nearly entirely of THCA (the non-psychoactive precursor to THC). These diamonds float in a thick, highly flavored liquid rich in terpenes — the sauce or terp sauce.
Dabbing sauces and diamonds is an event. With this type of concentrate, you have complete control over your experience. Scoop up some of the sauce for a flavorful and aromatic experience, select a diamond for a clean and extremely potent high, or mix the two for the ultimate one-two-punch. I appreciate the ritual of dabbing sauces and diamonds. The sauce is the most flavorful substance I have ever encountered from cannabis, while the diamonds deliver a soaring, clear cerebral high that is quite unlike any other concentrate experience. It is the culmination of concentrate artistry.
Conclusion
My journey through the concentrate world has shown me that the "best" type of dab is a matter of personal preference. It is based on what the user values most:
- If you value ease and potency: You cannot go wrong with a dependable Wax or Budder.
- If you value the ultimate flavor experience and a solventless experience: Save up for Live Rosin.
- If you value an easy to dose, no-mess option: Crumble has your back.
- If you value a gourmet experience and a transcendental experience: Treat yourself to Diamonds and Sauce.
Take your time, invest in a quality rig and temperature controlled nail (low-temp dabs provide a game-changing flavor), and enjoy the adventure. The world of concentrates is expansive and exciting, and there is a perfect dab for every taste bud and preference.