Delta 9 Concentrates: A Complete Guide

Delta-9 concentrates have developed a loyal fan club. They sound strong (and they are), but they’re also fascinating, versatile, and, when used with goals in mind, a surprisingly customizable way to explore how your body and mind respond to plant-based support.

If you’re curious about what delta-9 concentrates are, how they work, how to use them, we're here to shed some light on the topic.

What are delta-9 concentrates?

Delta-9 is the short name delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It’s a naturally occurring compound found in both cannabis and hemp, and it’s the one most commonly associated with the plant’s euphoric or elevating effects.

A concentrate is exactly what it sounds like: a concentrated form of the plant’s active compounds. In the case of delta-9, that means these products are designed to deliver higher levels of delta-9 in small quantities of concentrate.

Concentrates come in many forms. Some are sticky and rich like honey, others are smooth and waxy, some come in powdered form, and some come in a large crystalized form that looks similar to broken glass. 

What they all have in common is this: they pack a more powerful punch than flower, edibles, or tinctures.

How are delta-9 concentrates made?

Delta-9 concentrates are made by extracting the cannabinoids and active plant compounds out of the hemp or cannabis plant and leaving behind everything else. 

The process typically involves using heat, pressure, or a natural solvent (like food-grade alcohol) to separate the plant’s active ingredients. The solvent is removed, leaving behind highly concentrated active botanicals. 

The highly concentrated extract is minimally diluted in some cases to make it more usable. It may be combined with other ingredients to make it stable, like a neutral base for vaporizer cartridges. 

The goal is to capture the full richness of the plant while also amplifying the desired effects through concentrated amounts. This makes concentrates an appealing option for experienced users or those looking for a stronger experience without consuming large quantities of product.

What are the main types of delta-9 concentrates?

Concentrates come in many forms, each with distinct advantages. Although they're all used in similar ways, some people prefer the flavor or aroma profile that specific forms of concentrate lend. 

Live resin

Live resin is made from fresh-frozen hemp rather than dried material, which is why the concentrate is called "live." 

The plant is still alive when it’s gently preserved, and this helps retain the delicate terpene profile, which can add to both the aroma and the experience. People often describe live resin as flavorful, smooth, and vibrant.

Wax and budder

These have a soft, pliable texture, somewhere between butter and candle wax. They’re easy to handle and are typically vaporized with a special tool that quickly, cleanly, and evenly heats up the concentrate. 

People enjoy this formula because it's easy to measure for precise serving size control.

Shatter

Shatter is a glass-like concentrate that “shatters” when broken. It’s usually very pure and potent. Because of its hard texture, it’s best handled with tools and stored in cool, dry places. People often enjoy shatter because it's less messy than resin or waxy formulas that leave behind residue.

Crumble

Crumble has a dry, crumbly texture and is one of the easiest concentrates to sprinkle into a vaporizer. People often use crumble as a topper for dried flower products, livening up their flavor and boosting their profile of cannabinoids and aromatic compounds.

Distillate

This is one of the most refined forms of delta-9. Distillate is a thick, clear oil that contains very high levels of pure delta-9 THC. It’s often used in vaporizer cartridges or used to make very potent edible hemp products.

How do delta-9 concentrates work in the body?

All delta-9 products interact with the endocannabinoid system, a natural network of receptors in the brain and body that supports the regulation of many important systems. There are cannabinoid receptors in the systems of your body that regulate your circadian rhythm, your mood, and even your levels of physical tension.

Delta-9 binds directly to CB1 receptors, one of two distinct types of receptors in your endocannabinoid system. Most CB1 receptors are located in the brain and central nervous system. This is why delta-9 THC tends to have very noticeable effects on the way you think and feel.

Because concentrates contain higher levels of delta-9, they activate these receptors more strongly. This means the effects may show up faster, last longer, and feel more intense than they do with non-concentrated delta-9 products.

This is why concentrates are best used with care and intention. A small amount can go a long way. It’s always smart to start with the lowest effective serving and build gradually from there.

What are the benefits of delta-9 concentrates?

There are countless ways to incorporate delta-9 THC into your wellness routine. Why might someone choose a concentrate over a tincture, gummy, or flower? Delta-9 concentrate users are typically very experienced THC users who have found that the advantages of delta-9 work best for their goals.

Fast onset

Concentrates often begin working within minutes after they've been vaporized an inhaled. This makes them a good option for people who want fast support without waiting an hour or more for edibles to kick in.

Smaller servings needed

Because of their potency, you can use less product to experience the same level of support or balance. This can be more efficient and economical in the long run, particularly for people who are primarily interested in the effects and benefits of delta-9 THC and less interested in the supportive effects of other cannabinoids like CBD.

Stronger support

For those with a higher tolerance or those who use delta-9 for more immersive experiences, concentrates offer a way to go deeper without taking in unnecessary ingredients or fillers. People who have regularly been consuming delta-9 THC products for a long period of time may find that concentrates are more effective for their higher tolerances.

What does using delta-9 concentrates feel like?

The experience varies depending on the form, the serving size, your past experience with delta-9 THC, and your individual body chemistry. 

Delta-9 concentrates can make you feel the same way other delta-9 products make you feel, but to a more extreme degree. Higher levels of delta-9 THC heighten the experience. 

If you don't have much experience with delta-9 THC, it's probably not a good idea to reach right for delta-9 concentrate. Think about it this way — if you've never run a mile before, you wouldn't immediately jump into a marathon. 

The key is to approach it with intention and curiosity. Find a safe, comfortable space, clear your calendar, and create a setting where you can explore the experience in a grounded way.

Are there gentler alternatives to delta-9 concentrate?

Sometimes you want elevating effects, but you don’t want to be so elevated that you can’t see the ground from where you’re at. Delta-9 concentrates aren’t intended to be beginner friendly or gentle. They’re made for expert-level delta-9 THC users with a wealth of experience who are specifically seeking an intense experience. 

If you’re new to delta-9 or if you prefer your uplifting experience to be a little bit more manageable, there are a few softer alternatives that you can mindfully incorporate into your wellness or relaxation routine. 

Delta-9 gummies

Delta-9 gummies are single servings of pre-measured delta-9 THC. They’re excellent for portion control. When it makes you more comfortable to be aware of exactly how much delta-9 you’re ingesting, it doesn’t get much better than gummies. 

Since they’re premeasured, you won’t have to worry about complicated portion control. You also don’t need to use complicated equipment, like a vaporizer. 

Delta-8 gummies

If you have little to no experience with THC, delta-8 THC may be a better option than delta-9. They’re both THC, but delta-8 is significantly more gentle in its approach. Think of it as the diet version of delta-9 THC. You can enjoy the elevated, uplifting effects to a lesser extent. You’ll float a little, but you’ll still be able to keep one foot on the ground. 

Final thoughts

Delta-9 concentrates are more than just strong products. When used with care, they can be part of a thoughtful, deeply personalized approach to balance, creativity, and restoration. They're well loved among people with a wealth of experience using delta-9 THC.

If you're new to incorporating delta-9 THC into your wellness routine, concentrate may not be the best place to start. Delta-9 gummies offer a more controlled experience, and delta-8 gummies offer a much gentler experience.

Shop Sunmed for our full array of mindfully curated delta-9 and delta-8 products so you can experience the effects and benefits for yourself.

Sources:

Endocannabinoid System Components: Overview and Tissue Distribution | National Library of Medicine

[Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol pharmacokinetics] | National Library of Medicine

Delta-8 THC and Delta-9 THC: What’s the Difference? | The Association of Cannabinoid Specialists

Delta-8-THC: Delta-9-THC’s nicer younger sibling? | Journal of Cannabis Research