Question 1

What are cannabis concentrates?

Accepted Answer

Cannabis concentrates are highly potent extracts made by removing plant material and leaving behind cannabinoids and terpenes in a concentrated form. They include wax, shatter, live resin, rosin, distillate, and diamonds. Concentrates typically range from 60–99% THC, compared to 15–30% in flower.

Question 2

What's the difference between BHO and solventless concentrates?

Accepted Answer

BHO (butane hash oil) and CO₂ extractions use chemical solvents to pull cannabinoids from the plant. These require post-processing to remove solvent residue. Solventless concentrates — like rosin and ice water hash — use only heat, pressure, and cold water. Solventless products are generally considered cleaner and more flavorful, though they are typically more expensive.

Question 3

What equipment do I need to consume concentrates?

Accepted Answer

The most common method is dabbing — you need a dab rig, a banger (quartz nail), a torch, and a dab tool. Wax pens and dab pens provide a portable alternative that heats concentrate with a battery-powered coil. Some consumers also add small amounts of concentrate to flower bowls or joints for enhanced potency.

Question 4

What is live resin?

Accepted Answer

Live resin is made from fresh-frozen cannabis — plant material that is frozen immediately after harvest rather than dried and cured. This preserves a fuller terpene profile compared to traditional extraction methods. Live resin typically has a more complex, flavorful aroma and effect profile than distillate-based concentrates.

Question 5

What's the difference between rosin and resin?

Accepted Answer

Resin (specifically live resin) is solvent-extracted using butane or propane. Rosin is solventless — extracted using only heat and pressure applied to hash, kief, or flower. Live rosin combines both ideas: rosin pressed from fresh-frozen ice water hash, generally considered the top of the solventless quality pyramid.

Question 6

What's the ideal dab temperature?

Accepted Answer

Most concentrates dab best between 500°F and 600°F. Lower temperatures (500–550°F) preserve terpenes and flavor; higher temperatures (550–600°F) produce thicker vapor but burn delicate terpenes. A quartz banger with a carb cap and a thermometer (or e-nail) gives you the most consistent results.

Question 7

How should I store concentrates?

Accepted Answer

Most concentrates should be stored in airtight non-stick silicone or glass containers in a cool, dark place. Live resin and sauce benefit from refrigeration to preserve terpene profile and texture. Avoid temperature swings — repeatedly warming and cooling concentrates degrades them faster than steady cool storage.

Question 8

What are THCA diamonds?

Accepted Answer

THCA diamonds are crystalline structures of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid — the non-psychoactive precursor to THC. When heated (in a dab rig or vape), THCA converts to active THC. Diamonds often test above 95% THCA and are typically sold in "sauce" — a terpene-rich liquid that surrounds the crystals.

SunSmoke

About SunSmoke

Products by SunSmoke

Garlic Bananas 14g Flower

Sativa Blend 14g Pre Ground Flower

Hybrid Blend 14g Pre Ground Flower

Indica Blend 14g Pre Ground Flower

GMO 1.5g Ice Water Hash

Lucid Lemon 1g Live Resin

Blueberry Muffin 1g Live Resin

Strawberry Peach 1g Live Rosin

Sun Fire Kush 1g Live Rosin

Blue Blaze Nectar 1g Live Rosin

Skywalker OG 1g Vape Cart

Blue Dream 1g Vape Cart

Shop SunSmoke at Atrium Dispensary

Learn More