Cannabis concentrates are stronger versions of cannabis with most of the plant material removed, leaving behind a potent product packed with cannabinoids and terpenes. Major Bloom offers different types of concentrates to suit various preferences and experience levels, and this guide will help you understand what makes each one unique.
If you’re new to concentrates, they might seem a little confusing at first—there are different textures, colors, and names that can feel overwhelming. But once you know the basics, you’ll realize they’re actually pretty simple. The main thing to understand is that concentrates deliver a more intense experience than flower because they contain significantly higher levels of THC, typically ranging from 55-70% or even higher in some cases.
Whether you’re looking for something easy to handle, maximum flavor, or the highest potency available, there’s a concentrate that fits your needs. Let’s break down what Major Bloom has to offer.
Major Bloom carries a variety of concentrate types, each with distinct characteristics that affect how you use them and what kind of experience you can expect.
Shatter is one of the most popular types, especially for beginners. It has a glass-like appearance and consistency that’s hard and breaks easily—hence the name. Shatter is usually golden or amber colored, and you can tell it’s a clean product by its light, translucent hue. The glass-like texture means it snaps apart cleanly, making it easy to portion out the small amounts you need.
Wax and budder concentrates have softer textures that look like their names suggest. Wax has a dense consistency with sometimes a bit of graininess and is opaque with a deep golden color. Budder truly does look and feel a lot like softened butter—it’s spreadable and has a light, airy quality. Both are easier to handle than shatter and are great options for dabbing. Because of their softer consistency, they’re simple to scoop up with a dab tool.
Live resin is different from other concentrates because it’s made from fresh frozen plants instead of dried ones. This preservation method keeps more of the plant’s natural terpenes intact, which means live resin has more flavor and smell than most other concentrates. It tends to cost more, but many people think it’s worth it for the enhanced taste and aroma. The experience feels closer to smoking fresh flower but with concentrate-level potency.
Sauce and diamonds are often sold together and represent some of the most potent options available. Sauce is a terpy liquid concentrate that’s rich in flavor compounds, while diamonds are crystalline structures of nearly pure THCA. When combined, you get both incredible potency and robust flavor. These products are known for being very strong, so they’re best suited for experienced users.
Crumble has a dry, crumbly texture that falls apart in your fingers, making it easy to portion out. Unlike stickier concentrates, crumble is a good option if you want something that doesn’t stick to everything it touches. It’s simple to work with and breaks apart cleanly, which some people prefer when loading a dab rig or vaporizer.
Distillate is the most refined type of concentrate, with the highest THC levels you’ll find—sometimes reaching 90% or more. The refinement process removes most terpenes and other compounds, leaving behind nearly pure THC. While this means less flavor compared to live resin or sauce, distillate is incredibly versatile. It’s often used in vape cartridges and edibles because of its potency and neutral taste.
Once you’ve selected a concentrate, you’ll need to know how to use it properly. There are several methods, each with its own advantages.
Dabbing is the most common method for consuming concentrates. You’ll need a dab rig, which looks like a bong but is specifically designed for concentrates. Instead of a bowl, it has a nail (the heated surface) and often a dome to capture the vapor. You’ll also need a torch to heat the nail and a dabber tool to apply the concentrate.
Here’s the basic dabbing process: First, heat the nail with your torch until it’s glowing hot. Then—and this is important—let it cool for 30-45 seconds so it won’t burn the concentrate. Burning it too hot destroys the flavor and can create harsh vapor. Once it’s cooled to the right temperature, use your dabber to apply a small amount of concentrate to the nail. Inhale slowly through the mouthpiece as the concentrate vaporizes. The vapor passes through water (like in a bong) before reaching you, which cools and smooths it.
Vape pens designed for concentrates offer a more portable option. Some pens are made specifically for wax and other solid concentrates—you just load a small amount into the chamber and press the button to heat it. These are convenient for on-the-go use and don’t require a torch or large rig.
Adding concentrates to flower is another popular method, sometimes called “twaxing.” You can put a little concentrate on top of your bowl or inside a joint to make it stronger. This gives you the familiar experience of smoking flower but with an extra kick. Just remember that concentrates will change how the flower burns, so use only small amounts.
Start with very small amounts—this cannot be stressed enough. Concentrates are way stronger than flower, so a piece the size of a grain of rice is enough for most people, especially if you’re new to concentrates. You can always use more, but you can’t undo taking too much.
Storage matters for maintaining quality. Keep your concentrates in a cool, dark place, ideally in silicone or glass containers designed for this purpose. Heat is the enemy—don’t leave concentrates in hot cars or they’ll melt into a sticky mess and can degrade in quality. Proper storage preserves potency, flavor, and texture.