The world of cannabis concentrates, often called extracts, is a source of confusion for many consumers due to the high number of interchangeable terms. These products are created by isolating desirable compounds, such as cannabinoids and terpenes, from the raw cannabis plant material, resulting in a much higher potency than traditional flower. Terms like “dabs,” “wax,” “shatter,” and “budder” are used frequently, but they represent distinct concepts, making it difficult to understand the differences between the product itself and the method of consumption.
Dabs as the Umbrella Term
The term “dabs” is not a name for a single cannabis product but functions as a generalized, informal label for any cannabis concentrate designed for vaporization. It is most accurately understood as a reference to the act of “dabbing,” which is the process of flash-vaporizing a small amount of concentrate on a pre-heated surface. The high heat instantly turns the substance into an inhalable vapor, delivering a highly concentrated dose of cannabinoids.
Any extract consumed using a dab rig, e-nail, or specialized vaporizer pen may be generically referred to as a “dab.” This overarching category includes a variety of textures and consistencies, all of which are potent, refined cannabis material. The consumption method, not the physical properties of the substance, is the defining factor that makes a product fit under the “dab” umbrella.
Defining Wax and Its Physical Characteristics
“Wax,” in contrast to the verb “dab,” is a specific type of cannabis concentrate defined by its opaque, soft, and pliable texture. This consistency is achieved through specialized post-extraction processing, typically involving solvent-based methods that use butane or propane to strip the compounds from the plant. The resulting oil is then subjected to a vacuum purging process to remove any residual solvent.
During this purging stage, the extract is often agitated or whipped at a specific heat and pressure. This mechanical action causes the cannabinoid molecules, particularly tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), to rapidly nucleate and crystallize. This rapid crystallization scatters light, which is why the final product takes on an opaque appearance, distinguishing it from transparent extracts. The resulting texture is soft and malleable, making it easy to handle and portion.
The Spectrum of Concentrate Textures
The final consistency of a cannabis concentrate is determined by three main factors during the manufacturing and purging process: temperature, moisture, and the degree of post-extraction agitation. By manipulating these variables, extractors can create an entire spectrum of textures from a single starting material.
Budder and Badder
“Wax” can be further classified into softer forms like “budder” or “badder.” These are creamier and more malleable due to higher residual moisture or greater agitation.
Shatter
These softer forms contrast sharply with non-agitated concentrates like “shatter,” which is a stable, brittle, and translucent substance. Shatter achieves its glass-like appearance because the extract is left undisturbed during the purging process, allowing the cannabinoids to form an amorphous, cohesive sheet.
Crumble
Another distinct texture is “crumble,” characterized by a dry, honeycomb-like consistency. This is often achieved through lower-temperature, longer vacuum purging, resulting in a brittle, easily broken product.