cannabis
Cannabis Concentrates in Canada: A Guide to Dabs, Shatter, and Potent Experiences
With Canada’s cannabis market evolving rapidly since legalization, consumers now have access to a wide range of powerful cannabis products, including concentrates. Known for their high potency and rapid onset of effects, cannabis concentrates like shatter, wax, and dabs have become a go-to for seasoned users seeking stronger relief or deeper highs.
But what exactly are cannabis concentrates, how are they used, and how do they compare to traditional cannabis flower? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the types of concentrates available in Canada, their benefits and risks, and how to use them safely and effectively.
What Are Cannabis Concentrates?
Concentrates are products made by extracting the most potent parts of the cannabis plant—its cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) and terpenes—while removing excess plant matter. The result is a sticky, waxy, or glass-like substance that contains significantly higher THC levels than regular flower.
While dried cannabis typically contains 15–25% THC, concentrates can reach 70–95% THC, offering a more intense experience with smaller amounts.
Common forms of cannabis concentrates include:
- Shatter – brittle and glass-like, breaks easily
- Wax – soft, crumbly texture
- Budder – smooth, creamy consistency
- Live resin – extracted from fresh, frozen cannabis
- Hash – pressed trichomes, traditional concentrate
- Rosin – solventless extract made with heat and pressure
What Is the Best Way to Use Concentrates?
There are several popular methods for consuming concentrates:
1. Dabbing
- The most common method.
- Requires a dab rig, torch, and nail or banger.
- Concentrate is vaporized at high heat and inhaled.
- Produces immediate, intense effects.
2. Vaping
- Portable vaporizers (dab pens) offer a discreet, convenient option.
- Less harsh than dabbing with a rig.
- Good for smaller, controlled doses.
3. Mixing with Flower
- Adds potency to joints or bowls.
- Break off a piece of shatter or crumble wax into your flower.
- Increases strength and duration of effects.
4. Edible Infusion (DIY)
- Some concentrates (like rosin) can be used to make homemade edibles.
- Must be decarboxylated (heated to activate THC) first.
Can You Mix Concentrate with Weed?
Yes. Many users mix concentrates like shatter or wax into joints, bowls, or blunts to create a more powerful session. This method is called “twaxing.”
How to mix safely:
- Use small amounts of concentrate, especially if it’s your first time.
- Place the concentrate in the center of the bowl or joint to ensure even burning.
- Be aware that potency increases significantly—a regular joint can double in strength with just a little concentrate added.
Is Concentrate Stronger Than Weed?
Absolutely. Concentrates are several times more potent than traditional cannabis flower. Consider this:
- 1 gram of 20% THC flower = 200 mg THC
- 1 gram of 80% THC concentrate = 800 mg THC
Because of this, users should start with very small doses—often called “a grain of rice” size—especially when dabbing or using high-THC products.
How Do You Activate Concentrates?
Cannabis must be decarboxylated to activate THC. This happens automatically when:
- Smoking or vaping
- Dabbing
- Using a dab pen or concentrate vaporizer
If you plan to cook with concentrates or add them to edibles, you’ll need to decarb first by heating the product gently (usually around 220–240°F for 30–45 minutes). This converts THCa to THC, making it psychoactive.
Solventless concentrates like rosin or hash are great for edibles because they don’t contain residual chemicals.
How to Add Concentrate to a Bowl
If you want to boost a bowl of flower with concentrate:
- Grind your flower and pack the bowl.
- Take a small piece of concentrate (shatter, wax, etc.).
- Place it on top or in the center of the bowl.
- Light gently—concentrates can burn hotter and faster than flower.
- Inhale slowly and be ready for stronger effects than usual.
Adding concentrates to bowls or joints is one of the easiest ways to try them without buying extra gear.
How Do You Use a Bowl for Dabs?
Technically, dabs are not meant for a regular bowl. Dabbing requires high temperatures to vaporize concentrates properly. Using a regular glass bowl won’t get hot enough and could waste your product.
Instead, use:
- Dab rig with a torch and quartz banger
- Electronic rig (e-rig) for temperature control
- Dab pen or vaporizer made for concentrates
If you don’t have a rig, mixing dabs into a flower bowl is a good beginner method—but you’ll get the full effect only with proper dab equipment.
What Is the Strongest Form of Dabs?
There are many high-potency dabs, but some of the strongest include:
- THC Diamonds – crystalline, 99% pure THC-A
- Live Resin Sauce – rich in THC and terpenes
- Distillate – nearly pure THC (up to 95%) with no flavor
- Shatter/Wax – strong but may vary by batch
Each form offers different textures, flavors, and potencies. If you’re seeking the most intense effect, THC diamonds or distillate dabs are among the most powerful—often used for medical patients or very experienced consumers.
Is Shatter the Strongest Concentrate?
Shatter is very strong, but not necessarily the strongest. It typically ranges from 70–90% THC, making it a potent option. Its appeal comes from:
- Easy to handle (if kept cool)
- Long shelf life
- Smooth smoke or vapor
However, newer products like live rosin, sauce, and THC-A diamonds may test even higher or offer richer terpene profiles for enhanced effects.
Is It Better to Smoke Flower or Concentrate?
It depends on your goals:
| Factor | Flower | Concentrate |
|---|---|---|
| Potency | Moderate (15–25% THC) | High (70–90%+ THC) |
| Onset | Fast | Very fast |
| Duration | 1–2 hours | 1–3 hours |
| Ideal For | Casual, social use | Experienced users, strong relief |
| Cost per Dose | Higher (need more product) | Lower (small amount goes far) |
| Equipment Needed | Minimal | Dab rig, torch, or vaporizer |
Flower is great for beginners, microdosing, and social settings. Concentrates are best for medical users or those who need intense, targeted relief with minimal inhalation.
Legal Status of Concentrates in Canada
Cannabis concentrates became legal in Canada in 2019, alongside edibles and topicals. All products sold in licensed dispensaries must:
- Be tested for purity and potency
- Contain no dangerous residual solvents
- Be packaged in child-resistant containers
The THC limit for concentrates is much higher than for edibles. However, each package is limited to 1,000 mg of THC (per the Cannabis Act), which is more than enough for most consumers.
At OneStopBudShop, you’ll find a range of premium concentrates, including:
- Shatter
- Wax
- Rosin
- Live Resin
- THC Diamonds
- Vape carts with distillate or live resin
Tips for Using Concentrates Safely
- Start small: A rice-sized piece is enough.
- Use proper equipment: Dab rigs or pens designed for concentrates.
- Stay hydrated: Concentrates can hit fast and strong.
- Don’t mix with alcohol: Increases impairment.
- Store in a cool, dark place: Shatter and wax degrade with heat and light.
- Know your limits: Dabbing is not for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Cannabis concentrates offer a powerful, efficient, and effective experience for users looking to go beyond flower. Whether you’re managing chronic pain or just want a stronger high, concentrates deliver a punch in a tiny package. But with great potency comes great responsibility—so be mindful of dosing, choose the right product, and make sure you’re consuming in a safe and legal way.
At OneStopBudShop, we carry a full range of lab-tested, high-quality concentrates for every experience level. Whether you’re exploring dabs for the first time or looking for high-THC extracts like live resin or THC diamonds, our selection is curated for purity, potency, and satisfaction.
Ready to take your cannabis journey to the next level? Concentrates might just be your next favourite discovery.