Walk into any Massachusetts dispensary and you’ll find a dizzying array of cannabis concentrates—from golden shatter to crumbly wax to premium live rosin. For newcomers, the options can feel overwhelming. What’s the difference? Why does live rosin cost more? Which is right for you?
At Redi Cannabis, we believe educated customers make better choices. Let’s break down three popular concentrate types and what makes each unique.
What Are Cannabis Concentrates?
Cannabis concentrates are products created by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis flower. The result is highly potent—typically 60% to 90%+ THC, compared to flower’s 15-30% range.
The extraction method determines everything: texture, flavor, potency, and price. Some use solvents like butane, others rely on heat and pressure alone. Quality concentrates come from premium starting material.
Live Rosin: The Premium Solventless Choice
Live rosin is the gold standard of concentrates. Made by pressing fresh-frozen cannabis with only heat and pressure—no solvents. The “live” designation means the plant was frozen immediately after harvest, preserving the full terpene profile that gives each strain its distinctive aroma and effects.
The process is labor-intensive: freeze fresh flower, wash with ice water to separate trichomes, dry them, then press through heated plates under high pressure. The result captures the plant’s essence.
- Appearance: Golden to amber, sticky and greasy. Ranges from saucy to badder-like consistency
- Flavor: Incredibly flavorful and aromatic. Captures true strain taste better than any other concentrate
- Potency: 70-85% THC, enhanced by full terpene profile (entourage effect)
- Price: Premium—most expensive due to labor-intensive process
- Best for: Connoisseurs who prioritize flavor and clean, solventless extraction. Medical patients avoiding residual solvents
Shatter: The Classic Glass-Like Concentrate
Shatter gets its name from its glass-like appearance and brittleness—it literally shatters when broken. Made using solvent extraction (typically butane or propane) from cured cannabis. The extract is purged of solvents and processed to create a stable, translucent product.
- Appearance: Translucent, glass-like. Light amber to deep gold. Snaps cleanly when cold, pliable when warm
- Flavor: Good flavor, though less pronounced than live rosin. Made from cured material with lower terpene levels
- Potency: High THC, often 80-90%+. Very efficient for strong effects
- Price: Mid-range—more affordable than live rosin, good value for potency
- Best for: Users wanting high potency at reasonable prices. Stable, easy to handle and dose. Great for those prioritizing THC over terpene complexity
Crumble: The Budget-Friendly Powerhouse
Crumble (also called wax) has a dry, crumbly texture that’s easy to work with. Like shatter, it uses solvent extraction from cured cannabis. The difference: during purging, the extract is whipped or agitated, introducing air and creating the crumbly texture.
- Appearance: Dry, crumbly with honeycomb structure. Opaque, yellow to light brown. Easy to break apart
- Flavor: Moderate profile. Agitation reduces some terpenes, but still flavorful and enjoyable
- Potency: Strong, 70-85% THC. Don’t let appearance fool you—just as potent as pricier options
- Price: Budget-friendly—usually most affordable. Excellent value for regular consumers
- Best for: Budget-conscious consumers and beginners. Dry texture makes it easier to handle than sticky products. Perfect for frequent dabbers maximizing value
Which Concentrate Is Right for You?
Choose Live Rosin for maximum flavor, solventless extraction, and full terpene profiles. Best for connoisseurs who appreciate strain nuances and don’t mind premium pricing.
Choose Shatter for high potency at reasonable prices. Stable and easy to handle with consistent effects. Great for those prioritizing THC content over intense flavor.
Choose Crumble for budget-friendly power. Perfect for beginners (easy to handle) and regular consumers who want strong effects without premium pricing.
Quality and Consumption Tips
When shopping for cannabis concentrates, quality matters:
- Check lab testing for potency, pesticides, and residual solvents
- Look for consistent color and appealing aroma
- Store properly in airtight containers, cool and dark
- Start small if you’re new—a rice grain-sized dab is plenty
- Use lower temps (450-600°F) for better flavor and smoother hits
Find Your Perfect Concentrate at Redi
Understanding the differences between live rosin, shatter, and crumble helps you make informed choices. Each offers unique benefits—whether you prioritize flavor, potency, price, or ease of use.
At Redi Cannabis, our staff can guide you through our concentrate selection and help you find products matching your preferences. We source from trusted Massachusetts cultivators and maintain strict quality standards.
Visit our Newton or Natick locations to explore our curated concentrate menu. Browse our selection on the Redi Mobile App or stop by to talk with our team.
Visit Redi Cannabis
Redi Newton📍 24 Elliot St, Newton, MA🕒 Mon–Sat: 9 AM – 9 PM | Sun: 12 PM – 7 PM
Redi Natick📍 26 Worcester St, Natick, MA🕒 Mon–Sat: 9 AM – 10 PM | Sun: 11 AM – 6 PM
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