If you thought there was only one form of CBD extract to choose from, think again. The world of CBD products is incredibly diverse. From wax to live resin, there are numerous different forms of CBD extracts to create and enjoy. To learn about some of the different types of CBD concentrates, continue reading.

What Is a CBD Concentrate?

Before we discuss the many different types of CBD concentrates, let’s discuss what a CBD concentrate is. Essentially, a CBD concentrate is a type of CBD product that contains an extremely high level of cannabidiol. Due to the product’s potency, concentrates allow those who use them to experience the benefits and effects of a higher dosage of CBD in a comparatively short amount of time in relation to other forms of the substance.  

The 3 Main Types of CBD Concentrates

CBD concentrates typically fall into three main categories: isolate, full-spectrum, and broad-spectrum. Each of these categories are primarily defined based on the active components that the extract contains. To learn more about each of these primary categories, continue reading.

• CBD Isolate: CBD isolate is a highly concentrated form of CBD that virtually doesn’t contain any other active compounds from the hemp plant. During the process of creating CBD isolate, nearly everything else in the plant is separated from the CBD through the implementation of high-pressure liquid chromatography. As a result, a 99 percent pure CBD concentrate is created to form an extremely potent product.
• Full-Spectrum CBD: Full-spectrum CBD contains several different extracts from the hemp plant. In addition to CBD, it may also contain terpenes, essential oils, cannabinol, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and other active compounds in the hemp plant.
• Broad-Spectrum CBD: Broad-spectrum CBD is very similar to full-spectrum CBD in that it contains many different active compounds found in the hemp plant in addition to full-spectrum CBD. However, unlike full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD does not contain any THC.

Different Forms of CBD Concentrates

In addition to the three main categories listed above, CBD concentrates come in several different forms. Below, we provide information on some of the most popular forms of CBD extracts.

Wax

As its name suggests, wax has a soft, oily consistency similar to candle wax. Typically, wax is created through the process of butane or CO2 extraction. CO2 extraction, however, currently remains the most popular option in the industry as it can create clean, high-quality wax with a potency ranging between 65 and 90 percent CBD. In addition to CBD, wax often includes an array of other compounds and synergistic phytochemicals such as terpenes, flavonoids, sterols, and natural waxes from the hemp plant from which it was extracted. In terms of appearance, wax generally has a darker, yellowish color. 

Because wax is often highly sticky, most users handle it using a dabbing tool. That being said, CBD wax concentrates can range from having a sticky texture like honey, to a crumblier texture depending on the variation. The texture of the wax will largely be influenced by the heat and moisture levels implemented during the extraction process. Two of the most common variations of wax include budder and brittle.

Budder

Budder is a variation of a wax CBD concentrate. It has a gooey consistency and is created from oils that are rich in moisture. The process of creating budder involves purging the CBD extract at a higher temperature and air pressure during the final stage of extraction. Then, the substance gets whipped vigorously to remove the solvent. In doing so, a fluffier, creamier texture that resembles butter—as its name suggests—is added to the wax CBD concentrate. Like wax, budder is typically created using a butane or CO2 extraction process and, thus, has a similar potency.

Crumble

Another common variation of wax CBD concentrate is crumble. Also known as honeycomb, crumble has a more brittle consistency rather than a sticky and gooey one. Like wax and budder, crumble is typically derived using a butane or CO2 extraction process.

Throughout the process, less moisture is removed from the extract. The increased water content in the crumble facilitates the creation of a more solid, less viscous product with a crumbly texture. Because crumple is less sticky and has a more solid consistency, it is typically much easier to handle and work with than wax or budder.

Shatter

Shatter is a highly concentrated CBD product that has a unique, translucent appearance that is typically clear or amber in color. Known as one of the purest forms of concentrated CBD, shatter has a smooth, solid consistency and is made into thin sheets that closely resemble glass. Like glass, shatter cracks and separates suddenly into many pieces when placed under pressure—which is where the substance gets its name. When exposed to heat, however, shatter melts and bubbles to take on a thick, more goopy texture that resembles honey.

Though several different techniques can be implemented to create shatter, the most common is butane extraction. Upon extraction, shatter often goes through additional filtration processes to enhance the purity and potency of the final product.

Live Resin

Live resin is a form of broad- or full-spectrum CBD extract that is created from fresh hemp buds that are flash-frozen directly after harvest. Without this cooling process, a large amount of volatile terpenes would degrade during the drying and curing process.

By freezing hemp buds prior to extraction, such terpenes are preserved which allows the final product to contain a larger amount of terpenes and cannabinoids. Because live resin captures the terpene profile from the hemp buds so well, the final product typically has enhanced flavor and automatic qualities.

Typically, live resin has a runnier, more fluid consistency and an impressively high potency of 90 percent CBD. Due to the high potency and flavor benefits that live resin provides, supply tends to be more limited and costly.

USA Lab Equipment offers a wide range of machinery, tools, and devices that you can use to create exceptional CBD extracts. From laboratory chests freezers to create live resin concentrates to various different extraction instruments, you can find everything you need to start high-quality producing CBD concentrates. For more information regarding our competitively priced laboratory equipment, contact us or peruse our expansive online inventory today.