Consumption of concentrates vs flowers is a personal preference. Concentrates such as BHO or honey oil can be very potent, much stronger than bud alone.
Concentrates refer to the product of a cannabinoid extraction processes using a solvent such as alcohol, butane or CO2. The goal of concentrates is to eliminate plant matter and extract the resin glands and essential oils from the marijuana flowers.
After mixing cannabis plant matter (trim or ground flowers) with a solvent, the solution is strained and purged to remove remaining plant matter and any solvents, leaving behind only cannabis oils and plant waxes or parafins.
The remaining concentrates are often referred to as BHO, wax, hash oil, shatter, crumble or simply, concentrates. Concentrates are much more potent than marijuana flowers, or bud, and therefore much less needs to be consumed for the equivalent effect.
The discussion about concentrates vs flowers is really one about personal taste and preference.
Flowers are smoked or vaporized. Similarly, concentrates are smoked using a dab rig (because a dab is all you need to consume) or a vape pen (which is a modified e-cigarette).
