Cannabis Concentrates | Wax, Shatter & Live Resin
Your complete guide to cannabis concentrates at The Library in West Orange, NJ. Explore types, learn consumption methods, and find concentrates near you.
What Are Cannabis Concentrates?
Cannabis concentrates are highly potent extracts made by separating the most desirable compounds — cannabinoids and terpenes — from the cannabis plant material. The result is a product that delivers significantly stronger effects than traditional flower, with THC levels ranging from 60% to over 95%.
Concentrates are produced through different extraction methods, each creating a distinct texture, flavor profile, and potency level. Solvent-based extraction uses chemicals like butane or CO2 to strip cannabinoids from the plant. Solventless methods rely on heat, pressure, or ice water to achieve the same goal without chemical solvents. The extraction method directly influences the final product's quality, purity, and terpene retention.
At The Library in West Orange, NJ, every concentrate on our shelves is lab-tested for potency, residual solvents, pesticides, and contaminants. Our budtenders help you navigate the wide world of concentrates, whether you are an experienced dabber or exploring extracts for the first time.
Concentrate Quick Facts
- THC Range:60-99% (vs. 15-30% for flower)
- Potency:3-6x stronger than flower
- Onset:Near-instant (1-5 minutes when dabbed or vaped)
- Duration:2-4 hours typical
- Best For:Experienced users seeking intense effects and rich flavor
High Potency Warning
Concentrates are not recommended for beginners. Start with flower or low-dose edibles to build tolerance first.
Types of Concentrates
Each concentrate type offers a unique combination of texture, potency, flavor, and ease of use. Understanding the differences helps you choose the right product for your preferences and experience level.
Wax / Budder
Soft, opaque, and easy to handle. Wax has a slightly crumbly texture while budder is smoother and creamier. Both are beginner-friendly among concentrates because they are easy to portion and load onto a dab tool. THC typically ranges from 70-85%.
Best for: First-time concentrate users, balanced potency
Shatter
Glass-like and brittle with a translucent amber appearance. Shatter is one of the purest forms of concentrate, with THC levels reaching 80-90%. It snaps cleanly, making precise dosing straightforward. Its stability also gives it a longer shelf life than softer concentrates.
Best for: Precise dosing, long-term storage
Live Resin
Made from flash-frozen fresh cannabis rather than dried and cured flower. This process preserves the plant's original terpene profile, delivering the richest flavor and aroma of any solvent-based extract. THC ranges from 75-90%. Learn more in our live resin guide.
Best for: Flavor enthusiasts, premium experience
Rosin
A solventless concentrate made using only heat and pressure — no chemicals involved. Rosin appeals to health-conscious consumers who prefer clean extraction. Live rosin, made from fresh-frozen material, is considered the pinnacle of concentrate quality. THC: 70-85%. Read our complete rosin guide.
Best for: Solventless preference, clean consumption
Crumble
A dry, honeycomb-textured concentrate that crumbles easily between your fingers. Its consistency makes it simple to sprinkle on top of flower in a bowl or joint. Crumble is often more affordable than other concentrate types while still delivering 75-85% THC.
Best for: Topping flower, budget-friendly option
Diamonds & Sauce
THCA crystals (diamonds) suspended in a terpene-rich liquid (sauce). This is the most potent concentrate available, reaching 90-99% THC. Diamonds deliver overwhelming potency while the sauce provides complex flavor. See our liquid diamonds guide for more.
Best for: Maximum potency, experienced dabbers
Not Sure Which Concentrate Is Right for You?
Our budtenders at The Library walk you through every option and help match a concentrate to your experience level, flavor preferences, and desired effects. Visit us at 5 Washington Street in West Orange or check out our in-depth concentrates guide for detailed comparisons and NJ pricing.
How to Consume Concentrates
Dabbing
The most popular method for consuming concentrates. A dab rig uses a heated nail or banger (450-600 degrees F) to vaporize a small amount of concentrate instantly. Dabbing delivers the full flavor profile and strongest effects. Ideal for home use with a dedicated setup.
Equipment: Dab rig, torch or e-nail, dab tool, carb cap
Vaporizing
Portable concentrate vaporizers and dab pens heat your extract to the optimal temperature without combustion. This is the most convenient and discreet option, perfect for on-the-go use. Many devices offer precise temperature control for customizing your experience. For cartridge-based vaping, see our vapes hub.
Equipment: Concentrate vape pen or portable vaporizer
Topping Flower
Add a small amount of concentrate to a bowl of flower or roll it into a joint for enhanced potency. This method (called "twaxing") requires no special equipment beyond what you already use for flower. Crumble and wax work best for this approach. You can also try our infused pre-rolls for a ready-made version.
Equipment: Joint, pipe, or bong (no extra gear needed)
Choosing Your First Concentrate
If you have experience with cannabis flower and are ready to explore concentrates, start with a lower-potency, easy-to-handle option. Budder and crumble are the most forgiving for new concentrate users — their texture makes portioning straightforward, and they work well across all consumption methods.
Begin with a rice grain-sized amount, regardless of which type you choose. Wait at least 15 minutes before consuming more. The effects of concentrates hit faster and harder than flower, so patience is essential. As your tolerance builds, you can explore higher-potency options like live resin, shatter, or diamonds.
Our budtenders at The Library are happy to walk first-time concentrate buyers through the options, recommend appropriate products, and explain proper consumption techniques.
Beginner-Friendly Progression
- 1.Crumble or Budder
Easiest to handle, moderate potency (70-85% THC), works great sprinkled on flower
- 2.Wax
Slightly more potent, good for dabbing at low temperatures, versatile
- 3.Live Resin
Premium flavor, higher potency (75-90% THC), best at low temp dabs
- 4.Shatter or Diamonds
Highest potency (80-99% THC), for experienced users who know their tolerance
Shop Concentrates Near You
The Library serves cannabis concentrate enthusiasts across New Jersey. Find concentrates available in your area:
Frequently Asked Questions About Concentrates
What are cannabis concentrates and how are they made?
Cannabis concentrates are highly potent extracts created by separating cannabinoids and terpenes from plant material. They are made through solvent-based extraction (using butane, CO2, or ethanol), solventless methods (heat and pressure for rosin), or live extraction (flash-freezing fresh plants for live resin). Concentrates contain 60-95% THC compared to 15-30% in flower.
What is the difference between shatter, wax, and live resin?
Shatter is glass-like with a brittle, translucent texture and 80-90% THC. Wax has a softer, opaque consistency that is easier to handle at 70-85% THC. Live resin is extracted from flash-frozen fresh cannabis, preserving more terpenes for richer flavor and aroma at 75-90% THC. Each offers a different balance of potency, flavor, and ease of use.
How do you consume cannabis concentrates?
The three main methods are dabbing (using a dab rig heated to 450-600 degrees F), vaporizing (using a concentrate pen or portable vaporizer), and topping flower (adding a small amount to a joint or bowl for enhanced potency). Dabbing delivers the strongest effects, while vaping is the most portable and discreet option.
Are concentrates safe for beginners?
Concentrates are best suited for experienced cannabis users because they contain 3-6 times more THC than flower. Beginners should start with flower or low-dose edibles to build tolerance. If trying concentrates for the first time, use a rice grain-sized amount, choose a lower-potency option like budder or crumble, and wait at least 15 minutes before consuming more.
What concentrate types does The Library carry?
The Library carries a full selection of lab-tested cannabis concentrates including shatter, wax, budder, live resin, live rosin, diamonds, sauce, crumble, and hash. Our expert budtenders provide personalized guidance on selection, consumption methods, and dosing to match your experience level and preferences.
Explore More Cannabis Products
Cannabis Flower
Premium indica, sativa, and hybrid buds — the classic cannabis experience.
Edibles
Gummies, chocolates, and infused treats with long-lasting effects.
Vapes & Cartridges
Convenient vape pens and cartridges for portable, discreet use.
Pre-Rolls
Ready-to-smoke joints and blunts — no equipment needed.
Helpful Concentrate Guides
Ready to Explore Cannabis Concentrates?
Visit The Library in West Orange for lab-tested concentrates and expert budtender guidance.
NJ Cannabis Retail License RE000228 | Ages 21+ Only | Experienced Users Recommended for Concentrates