Differences between Shatter and Wax, Crumble, and Budder

The global cannabis concentrate market was valued at $3.5 billion in 2022 (Grandview Research). This complex space encompasses a wide range of extraction methods and product variations. For the average recreational consumer, however, terms like shatter, wax, crumble, and budder are what really matter, making these the most common types of concentrates available.

Most of these dab-friendly concentrates start with hydrocarbon-extracted crude oil. Although they are extracted using similar methods, the visual and textural differences between shatter and wax, or shatter and budder, arise mainly from different post-processing techniques. Essentially, crumble and budder are both types of wax, varying only in texture, and can be viewed as subcategories of wax. While the terminology surrounding cannabis concentrates can be confusing, grasping the fundamental production principles is key.

Below, we outline the differences between shatter and waxes (including crumble and budder), facilitated by the processing of hydrocarbon crude oil using machines like the PX30 Hydrocarbon Extractor from Precision by Agrify.

**What is Shatter?**

Shatter is a visually impressive cannabis concentrate recognized for its transparent, glass-like appearance. Unlike softer concentrates, shatter maintains a rigid texture that requires users to “shatter” or “pull and snap” to break off portions for use.

Authentic shatter is clear and can range in color from dark brown to bright golden-yellow. It can be consumed via vaping, dabbing, or further processed into vape cartridges and edibles.

The production of shatter begins with a low-temperature hydrocarbon extraction, usually employing a butane-based solvent mix. In contrast, extractions that rely heavily on propane typically yield a sugary or crystallized texture, which results from a more complex terpene profile being extracted.

During production, a technician spreads the crude oil over trays to create a thin layer of concentrate. This layer undergoes a vacuum purge lasting between 36 to 72 hours. The presence of bubbles on the slab’s surface indicates that the purging process is in effect. Some operators may flip the slab multiple times to enhance purge efficiency.

**What is Wax?**

Terms like “marijuana wax,” “dab wax,” “weed wax,” and “THC wax” all refer to this particular cannabis concentrate. True to its name, wax has a distinctly “waxy” texture compared to shatter. Its consistency can vary from somewhat soft (known as crumble wax) to firmer varieties (like honeycomb wax).

Wax is always opaque and can vary in color from deep golden-brown to bright yellow. It is a highly potent concentrate that maintains a distinct terpene profile and is typically consumed through dabbing or vaping.

The process begins with crude oil obtained via butane-based hydrocarbon extraction. Technicians then remove any residual solvents by placing the crude oil in a vacuum oven.

Operators spread the crude oil into thin layers, or slabs, on parchment-lined trays before heating the vacuum oven and creating a vacuum. This process purges residual solvents at low temperatures, helping to preserve the terpenes.

While hydrocarbon extraction followed by a vacuum purge is standard for concentrates intended for dabbing, producing wax requires additional steps to achieve its specific texture. Typically, after the vacuum purge, the concentrate is whipped to create the desired consistency. Some facilities whip the crude oil, while others may fold or knead it. The timing of whipping and purging can vary; some processes purge before whipping, while others do the opposite. Ultimately, both manipulation and purging are essential to develop the characteristic waxy texture.

Whipping the concentrate helps separate THCA from any remaining waxes, lipids, and terpenes. This THCA can then crystallize within the waxy lipid mixture. Waxes with lower terpene levels often exhibit a “drier” texture, characteristic of “crumble” waxes.

Wax generally undergoes a longer purging process than other extracts to achieve a drier consistency. Additionally, not all plant strains are suitable for crumble production; excessive whipping can lead to a badder rather than a honeycombed crumble wax.

Budder Wax

Budder is a general term that encompasses the stickier varieties of wax, including budder wax, badder, BHO budder, cake badder, and other similar products.

Once the crude oil has been purged, the hot concentrate is transferred into a dish and whipped, similar to other wax-type concentrates. Waxes with a higher terpene content typically have a “wetter” consistency, which is characteristic of budder wax. The whipping process is mainly manual and conducted in small batches. This process lightens the color from dark brown to golden and makes the concentrate opaque. The terms budder and badder are derived from their resemblance to creamed butter or cake batter.

All of the above products can be manufactured by us at Ocean Deep Extraction Labs.