Cannabis Extracts vs. Concentrates: What’s the Difference?
Last updated September 16, 2025 | Published on November 6, 2023
Want to learn more about cannabis concentrates and extracts, and the differences between the two? You’ve come to the right place.
[Image: Cannabis concentrates and oil on a beige background]
While you may hear the terms “extract” and “concentrate” used interchangeably, cannabis extracts are actually a specific type of cannabis concentrate. Or, to put it another way, extracts are always concentrates, but concentrates aren’t always extracts.
What are cannabis concentrates?
Concentrates are potent forms of cannabis available in a variety of solid and liquid formats. They are made by separating active ingredients such as cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids from plant material, such as buds, leaves and stems.
How are concentrates made?
Concentrates can be made with or without solvents. Both methods effectively extract the active ingredients from the rest of the plant.
Solventless concentrates employ physical methods, such as sifting, freezing and pressing, as well as heat and water extraction to separate active ingredients from plant materials.
Solventless concentrates include:
kief (also known as sift)
hash
rosin
Concentrates made with solvents are exposed to evaporating solvents that strip the cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids from the plant for a concentrated and potent format. Some combine solvents with physical production methods such as heating, stirring or whipping.
Concentrates made with solvents (also known as extracts) include:
shatter and wax
resin
distillate
Isolate
badder/batter
What are extracts?
Cannabis extracts are a subcategory of cannabis concentrates made by separating (extracting) the active ingredients inside cannabis using solvents, such as butane, carbon dioxide, alcohol and ethanol. After that, they may also be combined with a carrier oil to prepare the extracts for ingestion.
Extracts include products like:
cannabis oils
capsules
oral sprays
softgels
sublingual strips
What is a carrier oil?
Cannabis extracts are a subcategory of cannabis concentrates made by separating (extracting) the active ingredients inside cannabis using solvents, such as butane, carbon dioxide, alcohol and ethanol. After that, they may also be combined with a carrier oil to prepare the extracts for ingestion.
Extracts include products like:
jojoba oil
coconut oil
sweet almond oil
olive oil
grapeseed oil
argan oil
avocado oil
sunflower oil
fractioned coconut oil
Carrier oils are chosen based on their specific characteristics, such as absorption rate, shelf life and the intended use of the final product.
How do concentrates and extracts differ?
All extracts are concentrates, but not all concentrates are extracts. Extracts refer specifically to concentrates made with solvents and formulated into products for oral or sublingual use. Concentrates, on the other hand, can be made with or without solvents.
Cannabis concentrates
Cannabis extracts
Definition
Potent forms of cannabis (solventless or solvent)
Solvent-based concentrates combined with carrier oils or additives
Formats
Kief, hash, rosin, shatter, wax, distillate, isolate
Oils, sprays, capsules, softgels, sublingual strips
Potency
Typically high
Varies by product type
Consumption
Inhalation (vaporizing, dabbing)
Ingestion, sublingual, or infused products
What to consider before buying extracts and concentrates
When selecting a product, consider the following factors:
Potency: Extracts and concentrates vary widely in strength. Make sure to check product labels for THC and CBD content.
Consumption method: Concentrates are often inhaled by dabbing or vaping, while extracts are typically ingested or used sublingually.
Onset and duration: Inhaled concentrates produce faster effects, while extracts taken orally can have a delayed onset.
Experience level: Beginners may prefer measured-dose extracts like oils or capsules, while experienced users might opt for high-potency concentrates.
When it comes to potency and the onset, peak and duration of effects,, experiences will differ for every individual. There are many variables that factor into how cannabis can affect you, such as your metabolism, weight and how much food you eat before consuming.
General information only, not medical advice. Some guides were first written for Canadian readers; California rules may differ. You must be 21+ to buy cannabis.
