Concentrates 101

Shatter, hash, diamonds, and more, explained

Maximum potency and flavour.

Cannabis concentrates are exactly what they sound like. They are refined forms of the plant that capture its terpenes, cannabinoids, and THC in a more concentrated format. From traditional hash to modern products like liquid diamonds, concentrates come in many forms and offer a wide range of ways to enjoy cannabis.

Most commonly, concentrates are added to joints, used in dab rigs, or filled into vape cartridges. As extraction techniques continue to evolve, producers are creating new textures, flavours, and formats that highlight different aspects of the plant.

In this month’s 101 series, we are breaking down some of the top concentrate types you will see in our stores.

Hash

The original concentrate, hash, has been part of cannabis culture for centuries. Historically, it was often consumed as an edible, and versions of hash have been documented in Northern India for thousands of years. It is also referenced in historical records from the 12th-century Egypt.

Hash is typically made by separating trichomes from dried flower. This can be done by sifting the plant material through fine screens, known as dry sift, or by agitating it in ice water. The collected resin is then pressed into bricks, balls, or slabs.

While hash is still more potent than flower, it is usually less potent than many modern concentrates, typically around 40 to 45 percent THC. Today, hash is commonly added to joints to increase potency and add a richer flavour to the smoke. To try hash, check out Carmel’s Animal Face Temple Ball, 3Saints' Black Afghan Hash, or Jublee’s Montreal-Style Aged Hash.

Shatter

One of the stronger concentrate formats, shatter is known for its glass-like appearance and amber colour. When broken, it snaps into thin pieces, which is where the name comes from.

Shatter is produced by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis using solvents. The extract is then carefully cooled and stabilized into thin sheets, creating its signature brittle texture.

It is usually vaporized in a dab rig, e-rig, dab pen, or concentrate vaporizer. These methods help preserve the terpene content that gives shatter its strong aroma and flavour. Shatter has remained a concentrated choice among many consumers thanks to its flavour profile and ease of use. Some options to check out include Endgame’s Black Cherry Punch x Jack Herer or Cheetah Stomper, as well as Phyto’s Alien Trufflez.

Live Resin & Live Rosin

Live resin focuses on preserving the fresh flavour of the cannabis plant. Instead of using dried flowers, producers freeze freshly harvested plants and extract the essential oils while they are still frozen. This process helps capture aromatic compounds that might otherwise be lost during drying and curing.

Because of this, live resin often delivers a more complex aroma compared with shatter or distillate. It is also considered full-spectrum, meaning it retains a wider range of the plant’s original compounds.

Live rosin follows a similar goal but uses a different process. It is made from fresh-frozen flowers and does not use solvents during extraction. Instead, heat and pressure are applied to squeeze resin from the plant material. This careful process often results in a premium concentrate known for its texture and rich terpene profile.

Want to try live resin or rosin? Check out options like Pura Vida’s Liquid Imagination Live Resin or Astrolab’s Cold Cured Lightspeed Live Rosin.

Distillate

Distillate is one of the most refined forms of cannabis concentrate. It is produced by removing plant material, impurities, and natural terpenes, leaving behind a highly purified THC extract that can range from 90 to 99 percent potency.

Because the natural flavour compounds are removed during the process, distillate is typically neutral in taste, smell, and colour. This makes it an ideal ingredient for vape cartridges and edibles, where additional flavour profiles can be added later.

Manufacturers often blend distillate with different terpene profiles to create unique flavour experiences. These can include profiles inspired by fruits, desserts, or beverages. Some distillate vapes this month include Back Forty’s Kush Mint, JAYS’s Macchiato Gold, and Spinach’s Strawberry Slurricane.

Diamonds, Liquid Diamonds, & Caviar

Diamonds are another highly refined concentrate. They are crystalline structures composed of nearly pure THCa, typically ranging from 95 to 99 percent. Their clear, gem-like appearance is what gives them their name

Diamonds are created through a process often referred to as diamond mining. The process begins with solvent extraction similar to shatter, followed by carefully controlled temperature and pressure conditions that allow THCa crystals to form. These crystals may then be combined with terpene-rich sauces or additional flavour components.

Liquid diamonds combine THCa diamonds with live resin, blending the potency of diamonds with the broader flavour profile of live resin. These are commonly found in premium vape cartridges or concentrate dabbers, such as Spectre’s Operation Orange Liquid Diamond Dabber.

Cannabis caviar is another variation, typically made by combining diamonds with terpene-rich sauce. This mixture adds aroma and flavour that pure diamonds may not provide on their own. For example, try Virtue Cannabis’s Galactic Glue Caviar.

Got it all?

Whether you prefer bold flavour or highly refined potency, there is a concentrate type for every preference. As the category continues to grow, producers are finding new ways to highlight the plant’s natural compounds and create different textures and experiences.

Concentrates often cost more than traditional flower, but finding the right product does not have to be complicated. At Canna Cabana, the Lowest Price Guarantee means you can shop confidently knowing competitive pricing is already built in.

A final tip. Because concentrates are highly potent, it is best to start with a small amount and take your time.