Table of Contents
ToggleIntroduction
The global cannabis concentrate market has been overgrown in recent years, reaching a value of $4.3 billion in 2023 (See the graph below). This fast-growing industry includes many different products, but for the average recreational consumer, four names stand out: shatter, crumble, wax, and budder. These dab-friendly concentrates have become the most sought-after options in the market.
While these concentrates may seem distinct, they all share a common origin: solvent-based crude oil extraction. The visual and textural differences between shatter and wax, or shatter and budder, primarily result from variations in post-processing techniques. Crumble and budder are subcategories of wax-rich extracts, differing mainly in texture.
In this guide, we’ll explore the nuances of these popular concentrates, detailing their production processes and characteristics. We’ll also highlight how cutting-edge technology, such as PURE5™’s MAX HTE (High Terpene Extraction) R134a fully-automated cannabis extractor, revolutionizes the concentrate production landscape.
What is Shatter?
Shatter is perhaps the most visually striking of all cannabis concentrates. It’s characterized by its clear, glass-like consistency and brittle texture. Unlike softer, more malleable concentrates, shatter maintains a firm structure that requires users to literally “shatter” or employ a “pull and snap” technique to break off small pieces for consumption.
Characteristics of Shatter:
-
- Appearance: Translucent, ranging from dark amber to bright golden-yellow
-
- Texture: Hard and brittle, breaks like glass
-
- Potency: Typically high, often ranging from 70% to 90% THC
-
- Stability: Long shelf life due to its solid state
Production Process:
Shatter production usually begins with a low-temperature extraction, typically using a solvent like hydrocarbon. While butane has been the traditional choice, PURE5™’s innovative R134a extraction method offers a safer, more efficient alternative with distinctive extract quality:
-
- Low-temperature extraction using hydrocarbon cannabis extractors
-
- The resulting crude oil is carefully poured onto trays, creating a thin film of concentrate
-
- Vacuum purging for 36 to 72 hours to remove residual solvents
-
- The purge process is visible through the appearance of bubbles on the surface of the slab
-
- Some producers flip the slab (a thin layer of crude oil) several times during purging for more efficient solvent removal
The key to achieving the glass-like consistency of shatter lies in minimal agitation during the purging process. This allows the molecules to align in a way that results in a characteristic translucent appearance.
What is Wax?
Wax, often referred to as “marijuana wax,” “dab wax,” “weed wax,” or “THC wax,” is a concentrate with a softer, more opaque appearance compared to shatter. Its consistency can range from slightly soft to firm, giving rise to subcategories like crumble and honeycomb wax.
Characteristics of Wax:
-
- Appearance: Opaque, ranging from deep golden-brown to bright yellow
-
- Texture: Varies from soft and pliable to firm and crumbly
-
- Potency: High, typically between 60% to 80% THC
-
- Terpene profile: Often retains a more robust terpene profile than shatter
Production Process:
Wax production starts similarly to shatter, with a solvent-assisted extraction process. PURE5™’s 20L MAX HTE R134a automated cannabis extractor, for example, offers a safer, more efficient alternative to traditional hydrocarbon, ethanol, or CO2 extraction. The process:
-
- Extraction using PURE5™’s R134a technology
-
- The crude oil is poured into thin layers (slabs) on parchment-lined trays
-
- Vacuum purging to remove residual solvents
-
- The concentrate is then whipped or agitated
-
- Some producers whip then purge, while others purge then whip
-
- The agitation process separates THCA from waxes, lipids, and terpenes, forming crystals suspended in the waxy mixture
Whipping or agitating the concentrate gives wax its distinctive texture and opacity. The level of agitation and the terpene content of the starting material largely determine whether the end product will be a drier “crumble” wax or a more pliable “budder” wax.
What is Crumble?
Crumble, also known as crumble wax, is a type of cannabis concentrate that falls under the broader category of wax. It’s distinguished by its dry, crumbly texture, which some compare to feta cheese or honeycomb.
Characteristics of Crumble:
-
- Appearance: Opaque, typically light yellow to pale gold
-
- Texture: Dry and easily crumbled, hence the name
-
- Potency: High, usually ranging from 60% to 90% THC
-
- Flavor profile: Often retains a strong terpene profile due to low-temperature processing
Production Process:
Crumble is produced using a similar method to other waxes, but with some key differences:
-
- Extraction using PURE5™ HTE R134a cannabis extractor
-
- The resulting oil is spread thinly on trays
-
- Extended vacuum oven purging at low temperatures, often longer than other wax varieties
-
- Minimal agitation during the purging process
-
- The concentrate is allowed to dry out more than other waxes, resulting in the crumbly texture
It’s worth noting that not all cannabis strains are suitable for crumble production. The starting material must have a specific combination of cannabinoids and terpenes to achieve the desired consistency. Over-whipping during production may produce a budder-like consistency rather than the desired crumbly texture.
What is Budder?
Budder, also known as badder or batter, represents the softer, more pliable end of the wax spectrum. Its name comes from its butter-like consistency, from creamy to cake batter-like.
Characteristics of Budder:
-
- Appearance: Opaque, typically golden to pale yellow
-
- Texture: Creamy and easily spreadable, similar to whipped butter
-
- Potency: High, usually between 70% to 90% THC
-
- Terpene retention: Excellent, often considered one of the most flavorful concentrates
Production Process:
Budder production follows a similar path to other waxes but with specific techniques to achieve its unique consistency:
-
- Extraction using any of PURE5™’s automated R134a extraction systems
-
- Vacuum purging to remove residual solvents
-
- The hot concentrate is poured into a dish and then whipped
-
- The whipping process changes the color from dark brown to golden and makes the concentrate opaque
-
- Temperature control is crucial during this process to achieve the desired consistency
The whipping process for budder is still primarily done manually in small batches. Concentrates with higher terpene content often naturally take on the wetter, more pliable consistency typical of budder.
The PURE5™ Advantage: 20L MAX HPE R134a Automated Cannabis Extractor
While the post-processing techniques largely determine the final form of these concentrates, the initial extraction process is crucial for quality and safety. PURE5™’s 20L MAX HTE R134a Extractor offers several advantages over traditional hydrocarbon, CO2, or Ethanol extractors:
-
- Safety: R134a is non-flammable, significantly reducing the risk associated with hydrocarbon solvents.
-
- Terpene preservation: The low-temperature, low-pressure extraction process preserves delicate terpene profiles better than high-pressure systems.
-
- Efficiency: Its capacity to process 8-10 lb per cycle offers high throughput for commercial operations.
-
- Versatility: Capable of producing high-quality crude oil suitable for all types of concentrates.
-
- Automation: Reduces labor costs and ensures consistency across batches.
Conclusion
Shatter, wax, crumble, and budder represent just a fraction of the diverse world of cannabis concentrates. While they all start from the same crude oil, it’s the nuances in post-processing that give each its unique characteristics.
As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, innovative technologies like PURE5™’s THE R134a set new standards for safety, efficiency, and quality in concentrate production. Whether you want to produce glass-like shatter or creamy budder, this versatile system provides the foundation for creating top-tier concentrates.
Contact our team of experts today to learn more about how PURE5™’s extraction solutions can elevate your concentrate production.