Quick Answer: Cannabis concentrates are highly potent cannabis extracts with THC levels between 50–90%+. The four most common types are shatter (hard, glass-like), crumble (dry and versatile), diamond budder (crystalline + terpene-rich), and distillate cartridges (refined oil for vape pens). Each has a different texture, potency, and ideal method of consumption.
If you’ve been smoking flower for years and you’re ready to level up, concentrates are the next frontier. Higher potency. Bigger flavour. Smaller amounts needed. And a whole lot of options to choose from.
This guide breaks down the main cannabis concentrates available at Discount Dave — what they are, how they’re made, how to use them, and which one might be right for you.
What Are Cannabis Concentrates?
Cannabis concentrates are products created by extracting cannabinoids (THC, CBD) and terpenes from cannabis plant material, resulting in a highly potent, flavour-dense product.
Depending on the extraction method and post-processing steps, the result can range from a hard, glass-like slab (shatter) to a soft, creamy substance (budder) to a fine crumbly powder — all dramatically more potent than flower.
As a general rule: concentrates hit faster and harder than flower. We’re talking THC levels of 50–90%+, compared to 15–30% for most cannabis flower. If you’re new to cannabis, flower is the place to start. If you’re an experienced consumer looking to explore, concentrates open up a genuinely different world.
Shatter: What It Is and How to Use It
Shatter is a hard, translucent cannabis concentrate produced through BHO (butane hash oil) extraction, recognized by its amber, glass-like consistency and high potency.
It gets its name from exactly what you’d expect: break it and it shatters. The glass-like appearance results from a stable molecular structure achieved through careful extraction and minimal agitation during purging.
Typical THC content: 70–85%
How to use shatter:
- Dab rig (the classic method)
- Concentrate-compatible vaporizer
Who it’s for: Experienced concentrate users who want a clean, potent hit and straightforward dosing. Shatter has been around long enough to earn a serious fanbase — and it delivers every time.
Try Rainforest Reefers Shatter — B.C.-grown, locally made.
Crumble: What It Is and How to Use It
Crumble is a dry, porous cannabis concentrate made through a similar BHO process as shatter, but purged at lower temperatures for longer, resulting in a waxy, breakable texture.
The dry texture makes crumble one of the most flexible concentrates on the market. It handles easily, stores well, and can be used in more ways than almost any other extract.
Typical THC content: 60–80%
How to use crumble:
- Sprinkle on top of flower in a bowl or bong
- Mix into a joint or spliff
- Use in a dab rig or concentrate vaporizer
Who it’s for: Concentrate fans who want flexibility. Crumble is the everyday workhorse — easy to work with, great for adding to flower, and versatile enough for whatever session you’ve got going.
Diamond Budder: What It Is and How to Use It
Diamond budder is a premium cannabis concentrate that combines THCA diamonds (pure, crystalline THCA formations) with a terpene-rich budder, delivering both maximum potency and full-spectrum flavour.
This is the two-in-one of the concentrate world: the raw power of THCA crystals meets the aromatic complexity of high-quality terpenes. The result is one of the most flavourful and potent products on the market.
Typical THC/THCA content: 80–95%+ (THCA converts to THC when heated)
How to use diamond budder:
- Dab rig at low temperature (recommended — preserves terpene profile and smoothness)
Who it’s for: The concentrate connoisseur who wants the full experience. Big terps, exceptional potency, and something genuinely worth savouring.
Try Rainforest Reefers Diamond Budder
Distillate Cartridges: What They Are and How to Use Them
Distillate cartridges are pre-filled vape cartridges containing highly refined cannabis oil (distillate), designed for use with a standard 510-thread battery.
Distillate removes most plant material from cannabis oil, leaving a purified, high-THC product. Some cartridges have terpenes added back post-extraction for flavour; others are clean and neutral by design.
Typical THC content: 80–90%
How to use distillate cartridges:
- Attach to a compatible 510-thread vape battery and inhale
Who it’s for: Concentrate users who want potency plus convenience. No torch, no rig, no setup. Just click and go — ideal for on-the-move use.
Browse the distillate cartridge lineup
How Potent Are Cannabis Concentrates?
Cannabis concentrates are significantly more potent than flower, with THC levels typically ranging from 50% to over 90%, compared to 15–30% for most cannabis flower.
Even for experienced cannabis consumers, this represents a meaningful jump. Effects are faster-acting, more intense, and longer-lasting. A dab the size of a grain of rice can deliver the equivalent of several cannabis inhalations from flower.
This is not a “let’s see what happens” product category. Know what you’re working with, start small, and build from there.
How to Use Cannabis Concentrates: 5 Safety Tips
- Start with a very small amount — a grain-of-rice-sized dab is a good starting point, even for experienced consumers
- Use the right equipment — a dab rig or concentrate-compatible vaporizer for most products; a 510 battery for distillate carts
- Control your temperature — lower temps preserve terpenes and deliver smoother hits
- Wait before re-dosing — concentrates act fast; give effects time to develop before taking more
- Store properly — cool, dark, airtight containers (silicone works well) extend freshness and potency
Frequently Asked Questions About Cannabis Concentrates
What is the strongest type of cannabis concentrate?
Diamond budder is one of the most potent cannabis concentrates, with THCA content often exceeding 90%. THCA converts to THC when heated, making diamond budder exceptionally strong compared to other concentrate types.
Is shatter or crumble better for someone new to concentrates?
Crumble is generally easier to start with due to its dry, manageable texture and flexibility — it can be sprinkled onto flower rather than requiring a dedicated dab rig. That said, both shatter and crumble are best suited to experienced cannabis consumers due to their high THC content.
What equipment do I need to dab cannabis concentrates?
To dab most cannabis concentrates, you need a dab rig, a quartz banger or nail, a torch, and a dab tool to handle the product. Distillate cartridges are the exception — they only require a compatible 510-thread vape pen battery.
Are cannabis concentrates legal in Canada?
Yes. Cannabis concentrates are legal for adults 19+ in British Columbia and across Canada under the Cannabis Act. Discount Dave carries concentrates online and ships Canada-wide.
What is the difference between distillate and other cannabis concentrates?
Distillate is a highly refined cannabis oil from which most plant material has been removed, resulting in a clean, high-THC product commonly used in vape cartridges. Concentrates like shatter, crumble, and diamond budder retain more of the plant’s original terpene profile, offering more complex flavour and a broader cannabinoid spectrum.
How do you store cannabis concentrates?
Store cannabis concentrates in a cool, dark place in an airtight, non-stick silicone or glass container. Avoid heat, light, and humidity. Properly stored, most concentrates maintain quality for several months.
What is the difference between shatter and budder?
Shatter is a hard, brittle concentrate with a translucent, glass-like appearance. Budder (and diamond budder) is softer, creamier, and higher in terpene content. Shatter tends to be easier to handle in small amounts; budder offers richer flavour and, in the case of diamond budder, even higher potency.
Where to Buy Cannabis Concentrates in BC
Discount Dave carries a full lineup of concentrates — including Rainforest Reefers shatter, crumble, diamond budder, and distillate cartridges — available online at discountdave.ca.
Free delivery on orders $50+ to Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Surrey, and Langley. Canada-wide shipping available.