What is Budder & Why You Should Try It

The world of cannabis concentrates has a lot to offer - there are many different ways to create a variety of concentrates that all have unique ways to be consumed. While we love our concentrates, not all are created equal. Today, we want to shine a light on one of our favorite cannabis concentrates: budder. Whether you're a cannabis connoisseur or new to the game, we think budder is worth giving a shot. Let's dive into why. 

What Is Budder?

When you read "budder," the first thing that likely pops into your head is "butter," which is exactly where the name came from. Budder (also known as budder wax) is a burned-yellow/orange cannabis concentrate with a creamy consistency. It is quickly becoming a preferred concentrated because of its potency since it retains a lot of the original cannabis plant's terpenes when extracted, so it's very aromatic, has a lot of flavors, and packs a punch with its high THC levels. Not only is it one of the most potent forms of cannabis, but it's also one of the cleanest when being used. Budder wax is technically in the same category as crumble and is often confused with crumble due to similar colors and consistency. The two can be told apart because budder wax is creamy spreadable and crumble wax, well, crumbles. When you put budder vs wax, the difference lies simply in the consistency. Wax is stickier and closer to a liquid, while budder is soft but not as malleable. Budder vs shatter, on the other hand, is the opposite - budder is much softer and creamier compared to the hard, breakable shatter.

How to Make Budder Wax

All concentrates are various outcomes of different processes for the same concept: extract specific aspects (cannabinoids and terpenes) from the marijuana plant that results in a highly concentrated product. The primary concentrates are oils, shatter, hashes and waxes. Cannabis budder is most similar to the latter category and can be created through a hydrocarbon extraction process involving either CO2 or butane, or it can be created through a solventless curing process. 

Creating Budder via Solventless Extraction

The solventless process results in a less intense product with diminished terpene levels, but it's also a much easier process to conduct at home. You'll need parchment paper, a hair straightener, and some cannabis bud. The process is simple: heat the hair straightener on high, wrap your bud in parchment paper, and press the wrapped cannabis between the two prongs of the hair straightener. Over time, the heat and pressure will force rosin out of your bud. Once enough rosin is collected, it can be whipped into the appropriate consistency. Budder is made different from other types of concentrate extracted in this method because it is whipped into a more buttery consistency. If not whipped, it will likely take the form of shatter, a much harder concentrate. 

Creating Budder via Hydrocarbon Extraction

Using the hydrocarbon extraction process, either CO2 or butane is used to wash the cannabis of THC extracts and other desired aspects of the plant. The extract then goes through a refinement period of intense heat and pressure to wash out any impurities and remaining solvent. This process is called refinement and collection. Because both these solvents are harmful if consumed, an important part of the extraction process is to put the concentrate through refinement and collection several times to ensure none remain in the final product. The extract is then whipped into the proper budder consistency. This final product keeps high amounts of the original plant's terpenes and is also known as live resin budder. However, while live budder has higher terpenes levels, it has about the same amount of THC as regular wax budder (roughly 80%).

How to Use Budder

Another great thing about weed budder is how many ways you can use it. Budder can be dabbed (likely the most popular method), vaped or used in a bubbler or bong. 

Dabbing Budder

A dab rig is needed for this method. Glass pieces are fairly inexpensive, but you can also invest in some high-end rigs that will run you several hundred dollars. Dab rigs have two main parts: the body and the nail. The body of the rig is where the vaporized cannabis gathers until inhaled, and the nail is the surface on which the budder is placed and heated from underneath to produce a vapor.  

Vaping Budder

You'll need to purchase a vape pen that allows you to place your concentrate into the device (not a vape pen with a pre-loaded cartridge). The concept is generally the same as dabbing, but vape pens offer portability and ease of use. To vape budder, all you need is an appropriate vape pen that you then load the budder into and heat up with the push of a button. The budder is heated within the pen and inhaled just like an e-cigarette.  

Using a Bong or Bubbler

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You can use a bong or bubbler for budder the same way you would use them for flower. Simply load your budder onto the bowl and directly heat it until it melts and vaporizes within the piece. This method will be harsher than vaping or dabbing, but it'll still get the job done.

How to Properly Store Budder

Once you've got budder, unless you use it immediately, you'll want to store it properly so that it doesn't dry out and go bad. To properly store your budder, use the same steps you would for regular flower. Place your budder in an airtight container and place it in a cool, dark environment. Keep it out of direct light and away from heated areas (do not place it on top of the fridge or in a cabinet that heats due to nearby appliances). Every time you take out your budder to use, just scoop out what you need and quickly place the rest back with the jar completely sealed. And, if you're going to not be using your budder for an extended period, you can place your vacuum-sealed jar into the freezer.

Are you a budder expert? Let us know how you prefer to use your budder, what strains you use to make it, and how you store it. Comment below!