Walk into any dispensary and you’ll see a long list of product types—flower, vapes, tinctures, edibles, concentrates, and more. Each has its own set of options, strengths, and quirks. This guide breaks down the main categories of cannabis products you'll find on the shelf, how they’re typically used, and what makes each one different.
For every category, you’ll find:
A short overview of what the product is
A list of subtypes you’re likely to see
Key info like how to use it and whether it’s full spectrum
Whether you’re browsing for something specific or just trying to make sense of the menu, this page is here to help you make more informed, confident choices.
A Quick Note on Terms You'll See
Throughout this page, you'll see references to full spectrum and other product formats. Here's what those terms mean in this context:
Full Spectrum: This means the product retains the full range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds found in the original flower. These compounds can work together to shape how a product feels—a concept known as the entourage effect. Most flower and solventless products are full spectrum by nature. Distillates and isolates are not.
How to Use: Each product type has a different method of consumption—smoking, vaping, eating, applying to the skin, etc. The "How to Use" column is there to help you understand how each format is typically consumed.
Sub-Categories: Each main product (like edibles or concentrates) comes in a variety of forms. We’ve listed and explained the ones you’re most likely to find at a dispensary.
Flower
Flower, also called bud, is the dried and cured part of the cannabis plant that’s most commonly smoked or vaporized. It’s full-spectrum by default and comes in a variety of formats, potencies, and quality levels.
Type
Description
How to Use
Full Spectrum
Loose Flower
Whole, trimmed cannabis buds sold by weight. The most common and versatile form.
Smoke or vaporize
Yes
Small Buds / Popcorn
Smaller buds from lower branches. Often more affordable with similar effects.
Smoke or vaporize
Yes
Shake
Loose plant material at the bottom of containers. May include tiny buds and trichomes.
Smoke, cook into edibles
Yes (variable potency)
Ground Flower
Pre-ground cannabis, typically sold for convenience. May be less fresh than whole buds.
Smoke, roll, vaporize
Yes
Infused Flower
Flower enhanced with concentrates like kief, rosin, or hash oil for increased potency.
Smoke or vaporize
Yes
CBD-Dominant Flower
Low-THC, high-CBD flower used for calm, clear-headed effects without intoxication.
Smoke or vaporize
Yes
THCA Flower
Hemp-derived flower high in THCA. Converts to THC when heated. Sold in some non-legal states.
Smoke or vaporize
Yes
Pre-Rolls
Pre-rolls are ready-to-smoke joints filled with ground cannabis flower. They’re a convenient option for people who don’t want to grind, roll, or prep their own flower. Pre-rolls come in a wide range of sizes, potencies, and formats—from classic single-strain joints to infused options loaded with concentrates for a stronger effect.
You’ll often see them sold individually or in multipacks, and they can vary widely in quality depending on what kind of flower (or shake) is used.
Type
Description
How to Use
Full Spectrum
Classic Pre-Roll
Filled with ground cannabis flower (typically a single strain). Available in 0.5g or 1g sizes.
Smoke directly
Yes
Infused Pre-Roll
Pre-roll enhanced with concentrate (like rosin, hash oil, or kief) for added potency.
Smoke directly
Yes
CBD Pre-Roll
Pre-roll made with high-CBD, low-THC flower. Non-intoxicating and often used for relaxation.
Smoke directly
Yes
Blended Pre-Roll
May contain a mix of strains or a combination of THC and CBD flower.
Smoke directly
Yes
Mini Pre-Roll / Dogwalker
Smaller format pre-rolls (typically 0.25–0.35g) for solo sessions or quick use.
Smoke directly
Yes
Vapes
Vape products deliver cannabinoids through inhalation—without combustion. They're known for being convenient, discreet, and fast-acting. Most products fall into one of two categories: cartridges or disposables, both of which use cannabis oil or distillate as the active ingredient.
Not all vape products are created equal. Some retain the full plant profile (live resin, rosin, etc.), while others use isolated THC or CBD with added terpenes. Knowing the difference can help you find what feels best.
A Note on Flavoring in Vape Products
Some vape cartridges are flavored using cannabis-derived terpenes, which come from the same strain the oil was extracted from. These tend to preserve the original aroma and effect profile of the plant. Others use botanical-derived terpenes, which are extracted from other plants (like citrus or pine) and blended to mimic strain profiles. These can be pleasant, but they’re not truly full-spectrum and may feel more generic. Both can taste good—but if you're after the full plant experience, look for cartridges labeled as having cannabis-derived terpenes.
Type
Description
How to Use
Full Spectrum
Flavor Source
510 Cartridge
Standard cartridge filled with cannabis oil; fits most 510-thread batteries.
Attach to battery and inhale
Varies
Varies
Proprietary Cartridge
Brand-specific carts like PAX or STIIIZY; require matching hardware.
Use with branded device
Varies
Varies
Disposable Vape
All-in-one pen, pre-charged and pre-filled. Single-use or limited use.
Inhale to activate
Varies
Varies
Live Resin Cartridge
Made from fresh-frozen flower. Preserves full terpene and cannabinoid profile.
Attach to battery and inhale
Yes
Cannabis-derived
Live Rosin Cartridge
Solventless full-spectrum oil made from live rosin. Flavorful and uncut.
Attach to battery and inhale
Yes
Cannabis-derived
Distillate Cartridge
Highly refined THC oil. Often flavored with added terpenes.
Attach to battery and inhale
No
Usually botanical-derived
Ratio Cartridge
Contains a specific THC:CBD ratio for more balanced effects.
Attach to battery and inhale
Varies
Varies
Concentrates
Cannabis concentrates are highly potent extracts made by isolating the most desirable compounds—like cannabinoids and terpenes—from the plant. They offer stronger effects, faster onset, and intense flavor profiles compared to flower. Depending on how they’re made, some concentrates retain a full-spectrum chemical profile, while others are refined to isolate specific compounds like THC.
Most concentrates are vaporized or "dabbed," though some can be sprinkled on flower or used in edibles. Their textures vary—from shatter-like glass to sticky sap to whipped wax—and that texture often defines the product category.
Solvent-Based vs. Solventless: What’s the Difference?
Cannabis concentrates are made by extracting the most valuable parts of the plant—usually cannabinoids and terpenes. There are two main methods of doing this: solvent-based and solventless extraction.
🧪 Solvent-Based Extraction
This method uses chemical solvents like butane, propane, ethanol, or CO₂ to separate cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant. The solvents are then purged from the final product.
Examples: Shatter, sugar, live resin, diamonds, distillate
Pros: Often higher yield, more efficient, great for capturing terpene-rich profiles
Considerations: Quality depends on proper purging; not all solvent-based products are full spectrum
🔥 Solventless Extraction
No chemicals are used—just heat, pressure, water, or physical agitation to pull the resin out of the plant.
Examples: Rosin, live rosin, bubble hash, dry sift (kief)
Pros: Considered cleaner and more natural; often full spectrum
Considerations: Labor-intensive, usually more expensive, terpene levels can vary depending on process
Both methods can produce high-quality products—but if you're looking for something closer to the natural profile of the flower, solventless is usually the way to go.
Type
Description
How to Use
Full Spectrum
Shatter
Glass-like, brittle concentrate made using solvent extraction and minimal agitation.
Dab or vaporize
Sometimes
Budder
Smooth, whipped concentrate with a creamy texture. Often rich in terpenes.
Dab or vaporize
Varies
Badder
Looser than budder, with a batter-like consistency. Easier to handle than sticky extracts.
Dab or vaporize
Varies
Crumble
Dry, crumbly extract. Often has a slightly chalky texture and is easy to sprinkle onto flower.
Dab, vape, or add to flower
Varies
Sugar
Grainy, wet consistency resembling raw sugar. THCA crystals suspended in terpene-rich oil.
Dab or vaporize
Often full spectrum
Live Resin
Extracted from fresh-frozen flower. Rich in cannabinoids and terpenes; known for flavor and aroma.
Dab or vaporize
Yes
Live Rosin
Solventless extract made from fresh-frozen flower using only heat and pressure.
Dab or vaporize
Yes
Distillate
Highly refined THC or CBD extract with most other compounds removed. Often flavorless unless terpenes are added.
Dab, vape, ingest, or use in edibles
No
Terp Sauce
Liquid portion of live resin extraction rich in terpenes. Often paired with diamonds.
Dab or combine with diamonds
Yes
Diamonds
Pure crystalline THCA. Typically dabbed with terp sauce for flavor and effect.
Dab alone or with sauce
No (unless paired with terp sauce)
Pull-and-Snap
Stretchy, taffy-like extract that snaps when pulled apart. Similar to shatter but less brittle.
Dab or vaporize
Varies
Hash / Bubble Hash
Solventless concentrate made by separating trichomes with ice water or screens.
Smoke, vape, or press into rosin
Yes
Rosin
Solventless extract made from dried flower or hash using heat and pressure. Clean and flavorful.
Dab, vape, or add to flower
Yes
Kief
Loose trichomes collected from cannabis flower. Can be pressed into hash or sprinkled on bowls.
Smoke, vape, or press into hash
Yes
Moon Rocks
Whole buds coated in concentrate and rolled in kief. Extremely potent.
Break up and smoke
Yes
Edibles
Edibles are cannabis-infused food and drink products that deliver effects through digestion. They offer long-lasting, body-focused effects that come on slowly—typically 30 to 90 minutes after consumption—and can last several hours.
Edibles vary widely in onset time, potency, and format. Some are made with full-spectrum extracts, while others use distillate or isolate. This affects not only the feel, but also the flavor and therapeutic potential. Because they pass through the liver, THC converts to 11-hydroxy-THC, a metabolite that may feel stronger and longer-lasting than inhaled cannabis.
Type
Description
How to Use
Full Spectrum
Gummies
The most popular edible format. Available in a wide range of flavors, doses, and cannabinoid ratios.
Eat and allow 30–90 minutes for effects
Varies
Chocolates
Infused bars, bites, or truffles. Rich in flavor; may mask cannabis taste well.
Eat and wait for onset
Varies
Hard Candies / Lozenges
Dissolve slowly in the mouth; may provide faster absorption through mucosal membranes.
Let dissolve orally
Varies
Baked Goods
Brownies, cookies, or other baked treats. Effects may vary due to uneven infusion.
Eat and allow for full digestion
Varies
Capsules / Pills
Pre-measured doses in a swallowable format. Easy for precise, discreet dosing.
Swallow like a supplement
Varies
THC Powder
Water-soluble powder that can be mixed into drinks or food. Designed for faster onset.
Mix into liquid or food and consume
Varies
Fast-Acting Gummies
Formulated for quicker onset using nanoemulsification or encapsulation technologies.
Eat; effects may begin in 10–30 minutes
Varies
CBD-Only Edibles
Contain no detectable THC. Used for relaxation, inflammation, or general wellness.
Eat like standard edible
No (isolate or broad spectrum)
Tinctures
Tinctures are liquid cannabis extracts taken orally, typically using a dropper. They offer a middle ground between inhalation and edibles—faster onset than edibles, but longer-lasting effects than inhaled products. Most are made with an oil or alcohol base and come in a variety of cannabinoid ratios and potencies.
Tinctures can be used sublingually (under the tongue) for quicker absorption, or swallowed like an edible for slower, longer effects. They’re often chosen for precise dosing, low-profile use, and medical applications.
Type
Description
How to Use
Full Spectrum
THC-Dominant Tincture
Formulated with high levels of THC. May produce psychoactive effects and deep body relaxation.
Place drops under tongue or add to food/drink
Varies
CBD-Dominant Tincture
Contains high CBD with little or no THC. Often used for anxiety, sleep, or inflammation.
Use orally or sublingually
May be full spectrum, broad spectrum, or isolate
Balanced Ratio Tincture
Products with a set ratio of THC to CBD (e.g. 1:1, 4:1, 20:1), often designed to temper psychoactive effects while providing therapeutic benefit.
Use sublingually or ingest directly
Varies
CBN or CBG Tinctures
Minor cannabinoid–focused formulas. CBN is often marketed for sleep; CBG for mood or focus.
Use as directed (usually oral/sublingual)
Varies
Alcohol-Based Tinctures
Traditional extraction method using alcohol as a solvent. Rare in dispensaries but still found in some markets.
Drop under tongue or into beverage
Usually full spectrum
Oil-Based Tinctures
The most common base today—often MCT oil, olive oil, or hemp seed oil. Mild in taste and easy to dose.
Drop under tongue or swallow
Varies
Capsules & Tablets
Capsules and tablets offer a precise, familiar format for cannabis use—especially appealing for medical users or anyone who prefers to skip the taste or texture of edibles and tinctures. These are usually filled with cannabis oil or pressed into solid tablet form, and they behave similarly to edibles in the body: slow onset, long duration.
Because they’re metabolized through digestion, effects typically begin in 30–90 minutes and may last 4–8 hours or longer, depending on dosage and individual metabolism.
Type
Description
How to Use
Full Spectrum
THC Capsules
Oil-based capsules containing a consistent dose of THC. Effects are similar to edibles.
Swallow with water
Varies
CBD Capsules
Non-intoxicating capsules with high CBD content, often used for general wellness or symptom relief.
Swallow like a supplement
May be full spectrum, broad spectrum, or isolate
THC:CBD Ratio Capsules
Contain a specific THC:CBD balance (e.g. 1:1 or 10:1) to modulate intensity and enhance therapeutic effects.
Swallow whole
Varies
CBN / CBG Capsules
Formulated with minor cannabinoids. CBN is often marketed for sleep; CBG for energy or digestion.
Swallow with water
Varies
Tablets / Softgels
May be fast-dissolving, time-released, or formulated for quicker absorption than standard capsules.
Swallow or dissolve orally, depending on type
Varies
Topicals
Topicals are cannabis-infused creams, balms, salves, and lotions applied directly to the skin. They’re designed for localized relief—commonly used for joint pain, inflammation, soreness, and skin conditions. Most topicals are non-intoxicating, even when they contain THC, because cannabinoids generally do not penetrate deeply enough into the bloodstream to produce a psychoactive effect.
Topicals are a popular choice for those seeking the therapeutic effects of cannabis without any mental or body “high.” Some newer formulations include transdermal ingredients, which can cross into the bloodstream and deliver systemic effects—those are covered separately under transdermal products.
Type
Description
How to Use
Full Spectrum
Creams & Lotions
Light, spreadable topicals often used for muscle or joint discomfort. May include cooling or heating ingredients.
Apply to affected area as needed
Varies
Balms & Salves
Thicker formulas made with waxes or oils. Often longer-lasting and deeply moisturizing.
Rub onto skin in circular motion
Varies
Roll-On Topicals
Cannabis-infused liquid applied with a rollerball. Easy to carry and apply mess-free.
Roll directly onto skin
Varies
Bath Soaks & Salts
Cannabis-infused bath products used for full-body relaxation and muscle recovery.
Add to bathwater and soak
Varies
CBD-Only Topicals
Formulated with no THC. Common in over-the-counter products for pain, skin care, or inflammation.
Apply to skin as directed
No (Broad spectrum or isolate)
Know What You’re Buying, Know What You’re Using
There’s a lot more to cannabis than just THC percentages or strain names. The type of product you choose—whether it’s flower, vape, edible, tincture, or concentrate—shapes not just how you feel, but how quickly it kicks in, how long it lasts, and how your body responds.
By understanding the product categories and the different forms within them, you can shop more intentionally and match what you buy to what you actually want out of the experience. Whether you're new to cannabis or just refining your routine, this guide gives you the foundation to read a menu with more confidence, ask better questions, and choose products based on real details—not marketing.
If nothing else, remember this: how you consume cannabis matters just as much as what’s in it.