There comes a time in every stoner’s life when both the weed budget and your supply are seriously dwindling. Enter crumble, the reasonably priced concentrate here to answer your prayers. 

Crumble is an extract, a form of cannabis concentrate made using a solvent. Unlike other forms of concentrates — which are fluid or sticky — crumble is known for its uniquely dry texture which crumbles when handled. You can dab or vape it on its own or sprinkle it over your bud to add an extra kick to your bowls, blunts, and joints. 

This versatility, combined with its potency, makes crumble one of the best-kept secrets in the world of concentrates —but not for long. The cat is officially out of the bag. Our guide will break down exactly how to use crumble to stretch your weed budget until payday. 

Shopping for concentrates on a budget

Though a gram of concentrate will cost you more than a gram of flower, concentrates are often more cost-effective thanks to their increased potency. While bud typically tests at around 10 – 25% THC, concentrates like budder, shatter, and crumble can reach levels of 50 – 90% THC. In other words, a little goes a long way when it comes to dabs and crumble is no exception. 

Crumble is also generally cheaper than its fellow concentrate counterparts. According to WM News data, a gram of shatter costs a median price of $40 compared to a median price of $37.50 for a gram of crumble. In other parts of the country, the prices of concentrates like shatter or live resin can skyrocket to over $60 per gram, though crumble tends to remain near the $40 price point. This is likely because the consistency of crumble is more difficult to handle and it’s a lesser-known concentrate despite being made essentially the same way as shatter. 

During the extraction process, shatter becomes crumble when you apply higher temperatures and longer vacuum time, though the exact numbers vary from strain to strain. 

How to use crumble

• Dabbing: Perhaps the most popular method of using crumble is to dab it like you would any other concentrate. Heat the nail or bucket on your rig with a gas-powered torch until it’s at the optimal temperature and drop your crumble onto the nail or into the bucket and inhale through your rig’s mouthpiece. Note: Because crumble can be difficult to work with, the best way to get the most out of your crumble experience is to use a dabber with a spoon-shaped tip. This allows you to scoop up the delicate crumble wax more efficiently so you can take a fat dab without dropping crumble all over your carpet. 
• Vaping: A vape designed for concentrates is also a great option. Simply load the chamber in your device with the proper amount of crumble, heat it and inhale. We recommend vaping crumble on its own as opposed to mixing it with bud, as many vapes perform best when you use one or the other. When vaping crumble, you can expect to take extra flavorful hits thanks to its abundance of terpenes that are left intact during the purging process. 
• Smoking: Much like kief, you can add crumble to your joints or blunts to enhance their effects by placing the desired amount down the center of the flower you’re rolling before twisting it up. If you smoke flower predominantly out of a piece, like a bong or a glass pipe, you can also sprinkle a bit of crumble to the top of the flower packed in your bowl. As with all concentrates, crumble is meant to be used in moderation until you’ve figured out the perfect dose. 

For seasoned dab lovers, I’d recommend dabbing crumble or filling your vape chamber to max capacity so you can experience the amazing taste on its own and enjoy an elevated high. For concentrate newcomers, a good place to start would be to add a few crumble crumbs to your next bowl, bong or bowl sesh and see how you like it. You can always add more later. 

How to store crumble 

To maximize your weed budget, you must ensure that your concentrates are always stored properly. This helps maintain the natural aroma, flavor, and potency of crumble. Exposure to high temperatures, moisture, oxygen, and light can speed up the degradation process, which can change the appearance of the concentrate as well as its effects. 

Crumble is typically soft and dry with a yellowish color, and if it’s not stored correctly it can turn a darker color and become hard, rendering it less effective. 

To keep your crumble fresh for longer, consider investing in an airtight and lightproof container. If possible, opt for one that is made of glass or silicone rather than using parchment paper or other material. Make sure you store your crumble in a cool, dry environment and voila: you’re on your way to becoming a bonafide crumble lover without breaking the bank. 

Ashlee Nolan