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CBD Concentrates: The Complete Guide to CBD Extracts and Extraction Methods

CBD extracts guide: high quality cannabidiol concentrates and crystals

CBD concentrates (also called CBD extracts) are highly potent products obtained from the hemp plant through a range of extraction methods. Compared to CBD flowers or CBD oil, CBD concentrates deliver a much higher concentration of cannabidiol, typically between 50% and 99% pure CBD. They are premium products for consumers who want maximum potency and purity in a small dose.

What exactly are CBD concentrates, and how do they differ from flowers or oil? Which types of CBD extracts are on the market (shatter, wax, rosin, crumble, CBD crystals, Moon Rock), and how is CBD extracted from hemp? This guide covers every major type of CBD concentrate, compares CO2, ethanol and solventless extraction methods, and explains how to choose quality products.

What Are CBD Concentrates? (CBD Extracts Explained)

CBD concentrates (also called CBD extracts) are highly potent products derived from the cannabis plant, concentrating the cannabidiol molecule to levels that flowers alone cannot reach. CBD itself is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, so CBD concentrates do not produce the "high" associated with THC. When derived from industrial hemp within applicable national thresholds (typically 0.2-0.3% THC under the EU CAP cap of 0.3% in force since 2023), CBD concentrates are widely available across Europe.

CBD is extracted from the hemp plant using various extraction methods, and it can be used in many different forms: CBD oil, e-liquids, topicals and, of course, CBD extracts and concentrates. CBD is known for its potential benefits, including support for relaxation, sleep and overall well-being.

Why Choose CBD Extracts

The advantages of CBD extracts compared to other CBD products:

The practice of concentrating cannabis resin is far older than most people realise. In the foothills of the Himalayas, Indian farmers have been producing charas (a primitive form of cannabis extract) for thousands of years by rubbing fresh cannabis flowers between their palms to collect the sticky resin. In Lebanon, traditional hashish production using dry sieving techniques dates back centuries and was a significant part of the regional economy. From the ancient Scythians, who burned cannabis on hot stones in enclosed tents according to the Greek historian Herodotus, to the sophisticated CO2 extraction systems of today, the human desire to concentrate the active compounds of the cannabis plant has been a constant thread through civilisation.

Types of CBD Concentrates: Shatter, Wax, Rosin and Crystals

The market offers many different types of CBD concentrates (CBD extracts), each with unique characteristics. Here are the main CBD concentrates you should know about.

Shatter CBD

Shatter is a CBD extract with a glassy, transparent consistency: it "shatters" like glass (hence the name). The consistency is hard and brittle, the colour ranges from golden to amber yellow. Shatter CBD is one of the most pure extracts because the extraction process and purification removes most impurities from the plant material.

Shatter CBD has a high cannabidiol content and a well-defined cannabinoid profile. It is ideal for vaporisation: heat melts it, releasing a vapour rich in CBD and terpenes.

Wax CBD

Wax CBD has a waxy, soft consistency: it can be easily moulded between fingers. The colour is generally opaque gold. Wax is a popular CBD extract due to its practicality: it is easy to dose and to use with a concentrate vaporiser.

The consistency of wax CBD depends on the extraction process and the processing temperature. Unlike shatter, wax maintains a softer structure due to the presence of air in the material.

Rosin CBD

Rosin is a CBD extract obtained without the use of solvents: the extraction process uses only heat and pressure. The plant material (hemp flowers or hash) is pressed between two heated plates, and the resin rich in CBD flows out as a golden oil.

The advantages of rosin CBD:

Rosin CBD is considered one of the most prized CBD extracts due to its purity and its intact aroma profile. This extraction method produces a concentrate with an exceptional flavour.

Crumble CBD

Crumble is a CBD extract with a crumbly consistency: it breaks apart easily (hence the name). The colour is generally golden yellow and the consistency is dry and granular. Crumble CBD is produced through an extraction process that includes a low-temperature purification phase to remove residual moisture.

Crumble is a practical type of extract that is easy to dose. You can add it to CBD flowers for vaporisation, dissolve it in oils, or use it directly with a concentrate vaporiser.

CBD Crystals (CBD Isolate)

CBD crystals are the most pure form of cannabidiol available: up to 99% pure CBD. CBD crystals appear as a white crystalline powder, completely free of THC, terpenes and other compounds. They are CBD isolate in its most concentrated form.

CBD crystals are ideal for:

Moon Rock CBD

Moon Rock CBD is a unique product: hemp CBD flowers coated in CBD oil and then rolled in CBD crystals or pollen. The result is an extremely potent concentrate with a lunar appearance, hence the name "Moon Rock." They represent the best of CBD extracts for those who want maximum potency and an intense experience.

Different forms of CBD extracts: shatter, wax and crystals

CBD Extraction Methods: How to Extract CBD from the Plant

The CBD extraction methods used determine the quality, purity and compound profile of the final product. Understanding how to extract CBD is important for choosing high quality products. Here are the main extraction methods used in the production of CBD extracts.

CO2 Extraction (Supercritical Carbon Dioxide)

CO2 extraction is considered the best CBD extraction method for producing high quality CBD extracts. In this extraction process, carbon dioxide is brought to a supercritical state: at specific temperatures and pressures, CO2 behaves as both a gas and a liquid, becoming a powerful solvent.

The CO2 extraction process works like this:

  1. Supercritical CO2 is passed through the plant material (hemp flowers and buds)
  2. The carbon dioxide extracts the cannabinoids, terpenes and other compounds from the plant material
  3. The CO2 is then returned to its gaseous state, evaporating completely and leaving only the pure extract

The most common advantages of this extraction method:

CO2 extraction requires expensive equipment, which is why extracts produced with this method tend to be more expensive. But the quality of the final product is incomparable.

Extraction with Solvents: Ethanol and Hydrocarbon Extraction

Extraction with solvents is a more economical but effective method. The most commonly used solvents are ethanol (ethyl alcohol) and butane.

Ethanol extraction: ethanol is used to dissolve the cannabinoids from the plant material. Ethanol extraction is safe and produces extracts of good quality. Ethanol is a food-grade solvent and residues are generally minimal. This extraction method is the most common for large-scale production of CBD products. Ethanol is also versatile: it can be used to extract a wide range of cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material.

Hydrocarbon extraction (BHO): butane is a very efficient solvent that produces potent concentrates. However, butane is flammable and requires rigorous purification processes to ensure the final product is free of solvent residues. High quality BHO CBD extracts go through vacuum purging to guarantee the absence of residual solvents.

Solventless Extraction (Rosin Method)

Solventless extraction uses only heat and pressure to separate the resin from the plant material. This method is the most natural:

  1. Hemp flowers or hash are positioned between two plates
  2. The plates are heated (80-120C) and pressed together
  3. The resin flows out from the plant material under the effect of heat and pressure
  4. The resin is collected: this is rosin, a pure and natural CBD extract

The advantage of solventless extraction is total purity and safety of the process. No chemical solvents, no residues: just CBD, cannabinoids and terpenes from the hemp plant.

Understanding the different extraction methods is a lot like understanding different ways to brew coffee. CO2 supercritical extraction is the espresso of the CBD world: high pressure, precise temperature control, and a concentrated result that captures every nuance of the source material. Ethanol extraction is more like a French press: effective, reliable, slightly less refined but producing a full-bodied result. And the rosin method? That is the equivalent of a slow cold brew: no chemicals, just time, pressure and patience, yielding a remarkably pure and flavourful product. Each method has its place, and the best choice depends on what you value most: maximum purity, full terpene preservation, or a balance of both.

Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum and CBD Isolate

Understanding the different spectrum types is important when choosing CBD extracts.

Full Spectrum CBD Extracts

Full spectrum CBD extracts contain CBD along with all the other cannabinoids and terpenes found in the hemp plant, including trace amounts of THC (within legal limits). Full spectrum products offer the entourage effect, where all the natural compounds work together synergistically. Many people prefer full spectrum CBD because it is believed to be the most effective form.

Broad Spectrum CBD Extracts

Broad spectrum extracts contain CBD and other cannabinoids but with THC completely removed. They offer some of the entourage effect without any THC content.

CBD Isolate

CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD: 99%+ pure cannabidiol with no other cannabinoids, terpenes or compounds. It is ideal if you want precise control and prefer to avoid THC entirely.

How to Use CBD Concentrates and Extracts

CBD concentrates and extracts can be enjoyed in several ways. Here is how to use them.

Vaporisation (Dabbing)

Vaporisation is the most popular way to consume CBD extracts. With a concentrate vaporiser (dab rig or dab pen), the extract is heated to produce a vapour rich in cannabidiol and terpenes. Dabbing offers an intense experience: the effects of CBD can be felt in just a few minutes.

Adding to CBD Flowers

CBD extracts can be added to hemp flowers to boost their effects. A bit of crumble or wax CBD on the flowers before vaporisation significantly increases the CBD concentration.

Making Personalised CBD Oil

CBD crystals can be dissolved in a carrier oil (hemp seed oil, MCT oil) to create a CBD oil with the desired concentration. This is an economical way to make your own CBD oil.

Use in Cooking

CBD extracts (particularly CBD crystals) can be used in cooking. CBD is fat-soluble: dissolve it in butter or oil before adding it to recipes.

CBD extract quality: laboratory analysis

How to Choose the Right CBD Extracts

Here are the considerations for choosing high quality CBD extracts. It is important to know what to look for.

Extraction Method

Extracts produced with supercritical CO2 extraction or the rosin method are generally the best in terms of quality and purity. Extracts made with solvents can also be good if the extraction process includes adequate purification.

Types of Extracts for Your Needs

Laboratory Analysis

High quality CBD extracts are accompanied by laboratory analyses that certify CBD content, the absence of residual solvents, pesticides and heavy metals. Do not buy CBD extracts without certifications. According to industry standards, all reputable producers should provide these reports.

Where to Buy CBD Concentrates and Extracts

If you are looking for high quality CBD concentrates and extracts, JustBob is the reference shop.

JustBob offers a complete range of CBD extracts: shatter, wax, Moon Rock, crumble and other CBD concentrates. All products have laboratory analyses and THC content within legal limits.

With the JustBob discount code PROMO15 you save 15% on all CBD extracts and on the entire catalogue.

Discover CBD extracts on JustBob

For our complete review, read the JustBob review.

Frequently Asked Questions About CBD Extracts

What Are CBD Extracts?

CBD extracts are concentrates obtained from the hemp plant by isolating the cannabinoids from the plant material. They have a much higher concentration of cannabidiol than flowers: from 50% to 99%.

What Is the Best CBD Extraction Method?

CO2 extraction (supercritical carbon dioxide) is considered the best method for quality and purity. The rosin method (solventless) is the most natural. Both produce excellent CBD extracts with high quality results.

Are CBD Crystals Safe?

Yes, CBD crystals are the most pure form of cannabidiol: up to 99% CBD. They contain no THC, no solvents and no other compounds. They are safe and versatile.

How Should I Store CBD Extracts?

CBD extracts should be stored in an airtight container, in a cool place away from light. Some extracts like shatter can become sticky at high temperatures: store them in the refrigerator to maintain their consistency.

Further Reading