CBD concentrates (wax, crystals, shatter, crumble, distillate) are fast-acting and highly-potent, often carrying up to 99% CBD. Some CBD concentrates are THC-free, while others contain a full range of cannabinoids (CBN, CBC, CBDV, THC) and terpenes (linalool, limonene, etc).
Many users consume CBD concentrates such as wax, dabs, and shatter for a range of health, wellness, social, and recreational purposes. Due to the very high cannabidiol content, they can be more effective for health purposes, but they’re better for seasoned and experienced users. Beginners may find them too overwhelming.
Health and wellness benefits include moderate-to-severe anxiety, immediate relaxation, sleep and insomnia, pain, inflammation.
Hemp-derived CBD concentrates are federally legal. You can purchase them online or in-store across 47 states. Not as common as CBD oils or CBD oil capsules but still easy to find.
If you’re a beginner, potency is important. 99% CBD is too strong. Start with a 500mg CBD oil and work your way up to CBD concentrates gradually. If you’re an experienced user but never tried concentrates before, start with a 75-80% CBD wax. For anyone else, the 99% option is perfect.
Best CBD Crystals, Wax, Crumble, Shatter, Isolate
Check out our top CBD concentrate product picks below!
CBDistillery CBD Isolate Powder
Get it for $28 at CBDistillery
- 98% CBD concentration
- 970mg CBD
- 0% THC
- Consistency: powder
- Ideal for using as an ingredient in food or drink
- Non-GMO
Lazarus Naturals CBD Isolate
Get it for $35 at Lazarus Naturals
- 98% CBD concentration
- 5000mg CBD
- 0% THC
- Consistency: powder
- Non-GMO
Cheef Botanicals CBD Wax
Get it for $29.95 at Cheef Botanicals
- 83.7% CBD concentration
- 1000mg CBD
- 0% THC
- Consistency: wax
- Non-GMO
Tweedle Farms CBD Wax
Get it for $45 at Tweedle Farms
- 83.7% CBD concentration
- 750mg CBD
- 0% THC
- Consistency: wax
- Terpenes: Limonene, Myrcene, β-Caryophyllene, Linalool
- Strain: OG Kush (Indica-Dominant Hybrid)
- Non-GMO
Extract Labs CBD Crumble
Get it for $39 at Extract Labs
- 89.9% CBD concentration
- 800mg CBD
- 0% THC
- Consistency: crumble
- Strain: Lemon Fuel (Sativa)
- Certified Organic, Vegan
Plain Jane CBD Crumble
Get it for $24.99 at Plain Jane
- 99% CBD concentration
- 800mg CBD
- 0% THC
- Consistency: crumble
- Strain: Cherry Wine (Hybrid)
Extract Labs CBD Shatter
Get it for $39 at Extract Labs
- 99% CBD concentration
- 1000mg CBD
- 0% THC
- Consistency: shatter
- Strain: Blue Dream (Sativa)
- Certified Organic, Vegan
Try The CBD Shatter
Get it for $34.99 at Try The CBD
- 97% CBD concentration
- 1000mg CBD
- 0% THC
- Consistency: shatter
- Strain: Super Lemon Haze (Sativa)
- Non-GMO
Plain Jane Full Spectrum CBD Shatter
Get it for $25.99 at Plain Jane
- 72.8% CBD concentration
- 800mg CBD per gram
- <0.3% THC
- Consistency: shatter
- Strain: Skywalker OG
Best Vaporizer for CBD Concentrates
Pax 3
Get it for $200 at Pax
The Pax 3 is a great portable vaporizer for CBD concentrates as well as dry herb. It comes with two separate heating chambers so you can easily switch between dry herb and concentrates. The price is a little steep (though you can save a few bucks with these coupons from Pax) but totally worth it for one of the best cannabis vaporizers on the market.
What to look for when purchasing CBD concentrates
- CBD content
Most CBD concentrates are notoriously potent. Live resins and pastes are the weakest you can purchase. CBD content is roughly 10-40%. Best for beginners. We suggest starting here if you’ve never tried a CBD concentrate product before. Still strong but not overwhelming. If you’re experienced, try a +90% concentrate. Use it sparingly, however. As mentioned, they’re generally very potent.
- Terpene profile
Terpenes enhance your CBD concentrate experience. You’ll find natural terpenes in CBD wax, CBD shatter, CBD live resin, etc. CBD isolates contain no terpenes but will sometimes be added back in after extraction and purification.
The best terpenes to look for in CBD concentrates include:
- Linalool — anti-inflammatory & anti-oxidant + sedating (when inhaled)
- Terpinolene — synergizes with linalool (sedation for sleep)
- Limonene — anti-inflammatory, appetite reduction
- Pinene — anti-inflammatory
- Humulene — anti-inflammatory & anti-fungal + potentially prohibiting tumor growth
- Myrcene — pain-relief & anti-inflammatory + muscle relaxant
Check the COA for the Terpene Profile. You typically find this info on the second page of a COA or right beside the Cannabinoid Profile.
- Extraction process
We generally prefer CO2 extraction over all other extraction methods. Butane extraction is also a go-to (for hemp-derived CBD hash). CO2 is said to be the most environmentally-friendly extraction method, as well as producing the cleanest and purest CBD concentrates.
After extraction, a process known as “winterization” strips off any unwanted excess waxes and other lipids via ethanol refinement. Stripping off these unwanted substances is vital. Waxes and lipids burn at much higher temperatures. This can cause diminished flavor. It can also cause unwanted residue in your coil, resulting in a harsh vape experience.
- Third-party testing (COA)
All CBD products (concentrates or otherwise) should be third-party tested. Third-party testing refers to independent, accredited laboratories evaluating and analyzing the CBD hemp extract and product for harmful compounds, toxins, and residual solvents, as well as the overall cannabinoid and terpene profile. This ensures safety and legality.
Once testing is complete, the laboratory will compile the results and issue a Certificate of Analysis (COA). Make sure your chosen brand has these publicly-available for viewing.
- Type of CBD concentrate
Not all CBD concentrates are created equal. Some are designed to hold pure CBD with no other plant compounds, while others carry a whole range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.
If you don’t want any other plant compound but cannabidiol, choose a pure CBD isolate powder. If you want the full CBD experience, a CBD live resin or CBD wax/crumble/shatter retains much of the hemp plant (to varying degrees as we’ll find out later on).
- Are you vaping or consuming orally?
For vaping, we prefer CBD shatter, CBD hash, or CBD live resin.
CBD shatter is the best out of the three, in our opinion, but either is perfectly fine to dab.
CBD isolate powder is our favorite to consume orally. It’s totally flavorless and extremely versatile. Add it to your favorite cocktail or juice for extra potency. Alternatively, sprinkle some in the middle of a CBD hemp joint or cigarette and smoke it. Remember, you only need a small amount.
- Color & texture
All CBD concentrates are different. A CBD crumble has a different color and texture than CBD wax, while a CBD isolate has a different color and texture than CBD shatter.
- CBD isolate powder — white powdery crystals, similar to very fine sand
- CBD wax — darker, yellow-colored, quite oily, looks like earwax or beeswax, sticky
- CBD shatter — glass-like rigid look (unheated), similar to hot honey when heated
- CBD crumble — similar to CBD wax, less waxy, more moisture, crumble-like texture, falls apart when touched
- CBD live resin — looks like a CBD balm (heated), faded yellow/darker orange color
- CBD hash — dark brown, crumbly
Poor-quality CBD concentrates can be hard to spot. Ineffective, poorly made CBD hash, for example, might be oily and firm. Good quality CBD hash is like chocolate cake — slightly soft and dense.
- Effects
Cannabis concentrates almost guarantee amazing results, especially if they’re high-quality. Low-quality CBD concentrates will produce fewer effects in your body. The most common cause of this is incorrect labeling. If a CBD brand labels the product as 99% CBD and you get no effects at all, consider it a dud and money wasted. If the extraction process is too harsh and has stolen many valuable plant compounds, you’re also not going to get the desired effects.
All high-quality CBD concentrate products should produce a positive effect on your mind and body.
What are CBD concentrates?
Put simply, CBD concentrates are highly potent CBD hemp extracts, often said to be the purest, most natural CBD products on the market.
As a term, “concentrate” doesn’t refer to just one product. There are a number of products that fall under this category, each with distinguishing features, uses, and physiological benefits (outlined in more detail below).
How to use CBD concentrates
CBD concentrates are highly versatile. They can be smoked, vaporized, applied topically, or consumed orally/sublingually.
Many concentrates such as CBD isolate powders are naturally odorless and flavorless. This means you can place it in your favorite foods and drinks for added potency.
Can beginners use CBD concentrates?
Yes, but with caution. CBD concentrates are very potent. You have to select your CBD concentrate product carefully.
A 99% CBD isolate powder isn’t a good idea if you’ve never used concentrates before. We recommend a lower potency 65% wax concentrate or a 10-15% hemp resin or paste. You’ll get all the benefits of CBD without being overwhelming and experiencing unwanted side-effects.
How to “dab” CBD concentrates
Dabbing refers to “flash vaporization” via a specialized dab rig or dab pen. The dab rig or pen heats up the CBD concentrate, causing it to quickly melt and vaporize. It’s almost like consuming a shot of whiskey or rum. Sharp, quick, and potent dose. Dab rigs can be purchased online and in-store.
Can you add CBD concentrates to other CBD products?
Yes. CBD concentrates can be used with other CBD products. CBD isolate powders are often added to regular topical products for added CBD benefits. CBD waxes or crumbles are broken down into smaller pieces and placed into CBD hemp flower joints.
We recommend being careful here, irrespective of your CBD experience. CBD hemp joints with 85-99% CBD concentrate additions might be way too strong. Check the potency of the CBD hemp flower before adding extra to the joint.
How to put CBD concentrates into a CBD joint
Don’t put the CBD concentrate on top of the CBD hemp flower. Make a middle layer of CBD concentrate and cover it in flower (above and below) — almost like a burger between two buns. This will stop it from burning too quickly along the top, resulting in an inconsistent smoke.
Side-effects of CBD concentrates
CBD concentrates are highly potent and may cause side-effects, especially if you’re a beginner. Since these concentrates contain up to 99% cannabidiol, they may be overwhelming.
Common CBD concentrate side-effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Stomach/digestive complaints
- Appetite changes
Are CBD concentrates safe for pets?
This is totally down to personal preference but we don’t recommend CBD concentrates for pets. The potency is typically too strong and may lead to side-effects. We suggest purchasing CBD products designed for pets, guaranteeing a safe and unharmful CBD experience. Specially made CBD dog treats or oils are useful here.
If you do choose to add a CBD concentrate product to pet food, we recommend sticking with a 10-30% concentration product.
Popular types of CBD concentrate:
1. CBD isolate
What is CBD isolate?
CBD isolate (aka CBD crystals) is the strongest CBD concentrate out there. It contains only CBD. No terpenes, flavonoids, or other plant compounds (no entourage effect). Completely odorless and flavorless. Crystal-like consistency. Very powdery.
Note: CBD isolate powder resembles cocaine. Be careful when taking out in public with you. Law enforcement may not be able to distinguish between the two.
CBD isolate uses and benefits
CBD isolates are perfect if you want a huge dose of only CBD. The lack of THC is desirable for those who dislike the idea of consuming an intoxicating compound. The only downside to CBD isolates is they contain no other plant compounds. Not suited if you’re looking for a more rounded and synergistic cannabis experience.
2. CBD wax
What is CBD wax?
CBD wax is exactly what it says on the tin: A CBD concentrate with a waxy, almost sticky look and texture. It contains an abundance of cannabinoids, terpenoids, essential oils, and waxes. Lipid content not as high as CBD live resin (outlined below). Less lipid content gives CBD wax its famous “waxy” texture.
CBD wax uses and benefits
Unlike CBD isolates, CBD waxes retain their cannabinoid and terpene profiles alongside other essential plant compounds. You’re not just consuming cannabidiol. In other words, it’s a highly potent full-spectrum CBD product.
CBD wax can be dabbed (vaporized), smoked, or consumed raw. We recommend dabbing or smoking it for the fullest effects. Great for relaxation and sleep, especially if you choose a +40% CBD wax.
3. CBD shatter
What is CBD shatter?
CBD shatter looks like shards of cloudy glass. During the extraction process, waxes and other lipids are almost completely removed, resulting in a firm, almost inflexible texture. Still contains a high cannabinoid and terpene content. Good for dabbing, vaping, or consuming orally/sublingually.
CBD shatter uses and benefits
CBD shatter typically contains more cannabidiol than CBD wax. Terpenes and other plant compounds still remain but in fewer quantities. CBD shatter is perfect for dabbing and vaporizing because it melts easily. You can also add shatter to topical products or consume it orally.
We recommend putting a small amount of shatter under your tongue for the best results. Great for mild-to-moderate pain and inflammation, as well as general health and wellness.
4. CBD live resin
What is CBD live resin?
CBD live resin is arguably the most well-rounded CBD concentrate available. Made using CBD extracted from still growing hemp plants to preserve and retain its natural terpene, cannabinoid, and other essential plant compound profiles. Very powerful smell (not odorless and certainly not flavorless). Much different from CBD isolates. Expensive and rare to find.
CBD live resin uses and benefits
CBD live resin’s high cannabinoid and terpene profiles are very useful for a range of symptoms. Relaxing, sleep-inducing, and physiological balancing. Great for anxiety, insomnia, and general health and wellness.