Cannabis concentrates are extracts — the cannabinoid- and terpene-rich portion of the plant separated from the flower material. They run 60–90% THC (vs. 18–32% for flower), deliver stronger, cleaner effects, and come in multiple textures and processes. The major types: live resin (solvent-extracted from fresh-frozen plants, terpene-rich), live rosin (solventless, fresh-frozen pressed), wax (BHO-extracted), badder/budder (whipped, creamy texture), shatter (glass-like), hash (traditional, older process), and distillate (refined, high-THC, used in many edibles and carts). This guide explains each, with shopping recommendations for NYC consumers visiting The Flowery. Adults 21+.
Quick Comparison
| Type | Process | Texture | Typical THC | Terpene Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Live Resin | Solvent (BHO), fresh-frozen | Sauce, diamonds | 70–85% | High |
| Live Rosin | Solventless, pressed | Gooey, batter-like | 60–80% | Highest |
| Wax | Solvent (BHO) | Soft, crumbly | 70–85% | Moderate |
| Badder/Budder | Whipped concentrate | Creamy, cake-batter | 70–85% | Moderate-high |
| Shatter | Solvent-extracted | Hard, glass-like | 70–85% | Lower |
| Hash | Traditional dry-sift | Solid, putty-like | 40–60% | Varies |
| Distillate | Refined, filtered | Oil, often in carts | 85–95% | Added back (or none) |
Live Resin
Live resin is extracted from cannabis plants that were frozen immediately after harvest (called “fresh-frozen”) — before drying or curing. This preserves the full terpene profile. The extraction uses a hydrocarbon solvent (butane, propane, or a blend), which is then purged out.
Texture: Varies. “Sauce” live resin is wet and gooey with diamond crystals. “Badder” live resin is whipped and smoother.
THC: Typically 70–85%.
Why consumers love it: Richest terpene experience of any solvent-extracted concentrate. Strain character comes through.
Best for: Connoisseurs who care about terpene profiles. Dab rig users. Vape cart enthusiasts (live resin carts are premium).
The Flowery’s live resin shelf rotates with cultivator-specific releases.
Live Rosin
Live rosin is the solventless equivalent of live resin. Fresh-frozen plants are washed in ice water to produce hash, which is then pressed with heat and pressure to produce rosin — no chemical solvents involved.
Texture: Gooey, buttery. “Cold-cure rosin” can be batter-like.
THC: Typically 60–80%. Slightly lower than solvent-extracted concentrates because no chemistry is pushing yield.
Why consumers love it: No residual solvents. Fullest terpene preservation. Often considered the purest concentrate format.
Cost: The most expensive concentrate tier. $60–$100 per gram isn’t unusual.
Best for: Purists. Consumers who specifically want solvent-free. Experienced dab users who appreciate nuance.
Live rosin at The Flowery is typically the top-shelf concentrate option.
Wax
Wax is a catch-all term for soft, crumbly BHO (butane hash oil) concentrate. Before “live” extraction became standard, most wax was made from dried/cured flower, resulting in a slightly lower terpene count but still significantly higher than flower itself.
Texture: Crumbly, waxy, sometimes slightly wet.
THC: 70–85%.
Best for: Dabbers looking for strong effect at a moderate price point. Often more affordable than live resin.
The Flowery stocks wax as a mid-tier concentrate option.
Badder and Budder
Badder and budder are concentrates that have been whipped during the purge process, creating a creamy, cake-batter-like consistency.
Texture: Thick, creamy, spreadable.
THC: 70–85%.
Why consumers love it: Easy to handle on a dab tool, cleaner dabs than crumbly wax.
Best for: Dab users who want a clean texture without moving up to live resin pricing.
Shatter
Shatter is purged flat and cooled to form a glass-like, translucent concentrate that literally shatters when broken.
Texture: Hard, brittle, glass-like.
THC: 70–85%.
Terpenes: Lower than live products because the extraction is typically from dried material.
Best for: Purity-of-format appreciators. Shatter was the dominant concentrate format in the 2010s and still has a loyal user base.
Hash (Traditional)
Traditional hash — made by collecting and pressing trichomes from dried cannabis — predates modern concentrates by centuries. Modern dispensary hash is usually ice water hash or dry sift hash.
Texture: Solid, putty-like, often dark brown or gold.
THC: 40–60%. Lower than modern concentrates but still 2–3x flower strength.
Best for: Traditional consumers. Consumers who smoke hash in flower bowls or with tobacco mixes. Anyone who wants a classic cannabis concentrate experience.
Distillate
Distillate is heavily refined cannabis oil, often 85–95% THC with most other compounds (including terpenes) removed during processing.
Texture: Clear to amber oil.
THC: 85–95%.
Terpenes: Usually none, or added back artificially.
Where you encounter it: Most vape cartridges that aren’t specifically “live resin” or “live rosin” are distillate. Many edibles are distillate-based for consistent dosing.
Best for: High-THC consumers who don’t care about terpene nuance. Practical vape cart format.
How to Consume Concentrates
Concentrates are used three main ways:
Dab Rig
A water pipe designed for concentrates. You heat a nail (or banger) with a torch, place a small amount of concentrate on it, and inhale the vapor. Steepest learning curve but most traditional dab experience.
E-Rig / Concentrate Vape
Battery-powered devices that heat concentrates without a torch. Portable, easier to use, still deliver a strong dab experience.
Concentrate Vape Pens
For distillate, live resin, or live rosin carts — battery-powered pens that vaporize pre-loaded concentrate. Easiest format by far.
Sprinkled on Flower
Wax or badder can be crumbled onto a bowl of flower or inside a joint for a stronger hit. Common “toppin’ up” practice.
Starting Recommendations
- Concentrate first-timer: A live resin vape cart at a Flowery location. Easy format, controlled dose.
- Occasional dab user: A gram of live resin in badder consistency. Good value, strong experience.
- Purist: Live rosin — higher price, cleanest experience.
- Budget-conscious experienced consumer: Wax or traditional hash.
- Cartridge user: Pick between distillate (cheaper, higher THC) and live resin (more expensive, more flavor).
Concentrate Safety
Concentrates are strong. A rice-grain-sized dab of live resin can equal several joints of smoking flower. Start small — much smaller than you think — especially if you’re new to concentrates.
Additionally:
– Buy only from licensed dispensaries. Unlicensed concentrates can contain residual solvents or contaminants.
– Check the COA. Certificate of analysis shows solvent residue testing. A legal dispensary’s concentrates should test clean.
– Don’t combine high-dose concentrates with edibles. The stack can push you into uncomfortable territory.
Where to Shop
The Flowery’s concentrate section stocks live resin, live rosin, wax, badder, and occasional hash across all 12 locations. Same-day delivery covers most of NYC and the Hudson Valley.
For beginners, asking a budtender for a starting recommendation is the fastest path — the staff knows the current inventory and can match you to a format and strain that fits your experience level.
The Short Summary
Concentrates expand what cannabis can do. Live rosin at the top for purists, live resin for most connoisseurs, wax and badder for everyday dabbers, distillate in your vape cart. Start small, buy licensed, and build tolerance slowly. The category rewards careful exploration.