What's the Difference Between Shatter, Wax, Resin, & Rosin?

Whether you are just getting into smoking or you've been in the cannabis community for a while, chances are you've heard the terms: Shatter, Wax, Resin, and Rosin. But what exactly do they mean? We've put together a simple guide to help you understand the difference once and for all!

They're All a Type of Concentrate

Before you understand the difference between shatter, wax, resin, and rosin, it's important to understand what exactly they all are. In short, they all refer to a concentrated form of cannabis. As the name implies, concentrates are a more focused product made up of only the desirable compounds from the cannabis plant (cannabinoids and terpenes). You can almost think of concentrates as the hard alcohol of the cannabis world — essentially, they're all a more potent form of cannabis.

Shatter

Shatter is a marijuana extract that gets its name from its delicate glass-like consistency that can "shatter" if dropped. Since shatter is an extremely pure cannabis extract, it features a very high THC level (often 90%+). It's easily recognizable thanks to its rich orangish-honey color.

Wax

Wax is similar to shatter with its high THC levels and potent psychoactive effects, but features a more crumbly and gooey consistency much like earwax. This different consistency comes from slight differences in the way wax is produced. Aside from the different appearance and consistency, wax tends to degrade faster than shatter, but is considered easier to use.

Resin

Resin is the general term used to describe the sticky crystal-like residue (called Trichomes) found on the marijuana plant flowers. Trichomes contain all of the cannabinoids and terpenes which make you feel high. If you use a grinder with your flower, you will find these trichomes collecting in the base of it. Resin shares a somewhat similar appearance to wax but is naturally occurring.

Rosin

Rosin is produced by drying and curing marijuana flowers, then with a combination of heat and pressure, removing the THC-rich resin concentrate. Rosin has grown in popularity thanks to its safe and easy form of production.

The Differences

In summary, shatter, wax, resin, and rosin are all different marijuana concentrates. Resin is naturally occurring and can be smoked a variety of different ways, but is the least potent of the bunch. Shatter is typically the most potent, but requires a high skill level to produce. Wax features the same high THC levels as shatter, but has a different consistency and appearance. Rosin is a manually produced extract like shatter and wax, but the process is less sophisticated resulting in a slightly less potent concentrate.

If you want to learn more about cannabis concentrates like shatter, wax, resin, and rosin, feel free to stop by any Zips Cannabis location. We stock an extensive supply of popular concentrates from only the best producers. Our budtenders are happy to answer any questions you may have!