Iftikhar Alam
Author
Reviewed by Cannabis Experts
Published on: November 29, 2021 | Updated on: September 10, 2024
Cannabis concentrates come in a variety of forms and are more potent than regular cannabis flower which adds enhanced recreational and medical benefits. Cannabis wax is one of the most popular weed concentrates on the market today for both recreational and therapeutic use.
Wax consumption is not for everyone, especially if you are new to cannabis. Concentrates have a more particular dosage procedure, but once you have mastered it, they may provide you with new levels of physical comfort and distinct mental benefits.
Extracts also contain far less plant material than flower, allowing you to inhale more cannabinoids (such as CBD and THC) and less combusted resin.
What is wax?
A powerful cannabis concentrate that has been agitated throughout the extraction process, causing the oil to crystallize and harden, is known as cannabis wax. Wax comes in a variety of textures and consistency, ranging from gooey or creamy butter to crumble or honeycomb, which is firmer and flakier.
Higher-quality waxes have a softer, amber-toned appearance. Wax can provide a strong psychoactive experience for cannabis aficionados and those searching for an intense high with excellent flavor. With high cannabinoid concentrations and THC levels ranging from 60-80 percent, a small amount of wax goes a long way.
Cannabis wax is commonly smoked with a dab rig, but it can also be used in many different ways. It is a straightforward concentration that is simple to utilize. It is more solid than oil, which makes it easier to use on a dab nail, and it does not break into little, useless bits like shatter.
How is wax made?
Because wax is most often generated via butane extraction, it belongs to the family of butane hash oils. Butane is a highly flammable gas that is utilized to make cannabis extracts in a liquid state. To avoid butane explosions when making cannabis wax, commercial producers utilize closed-loop equipment.
Plant material, such as buds, stems, and trimmings, is packed into tubes and soaked with butane. The butane will separate the sticky trichomes from the remainder of the plant, and the trichomes are crucial since they contain the majority of cannabinoids and terpenes.
Following that, additional processes including heat, condensation, and vacuum purging are used to remove the butane from the plant material. These last procedures are required since butane is a hazardous chemical that should not be present in the final product.
Finally, once the residual material has cooled and hardened into a hazy, waxy substance, it may be treated into a variety of textures and consistencies. Sugar, crumble, or budder can be made by whipping, mixing, and stirring cannabis wax.
How to dose wax
Measuring a dab might also be difficult. Various THC concentrates exist in different extracts, so knowing how powerful your concentrate is before using it is beneficial. It is usually best to start modest and gradually raise the amount until you feel comfortable.
A good starting dose is about the size of a crumb. It may not appear to be much, but that is a lot of THC headed into your brain. To people used to flower, dabbing might seem a lot more powerful at first, but as your tolerance changes, the effects become less startling.
Dab rig
The most frequent way to consume a concentrate is via a “dab rig.” Dab rigs are similar to glass pipes, however, they operate differently. Instead of using a lighter to warm the flower while inhaling, you heat a nail (commonly known as a “banger”), which you can then use to heat and inhale your concentrate.
A torch is required to operate a dab rig. Propane torches can be utilized, however, disposing of spent propane tanks might be difficult. When it comes to employing a dab rig, butane torches are the finest option.
All you have to do is heat the nail with your butane torch until it is red hot. You must wait for the nail to cool down once it has become red hot. To keep your nail clean in between sessions, heat it until it is red hot. This will burn away any excess material.
You can pick up a chunk of wax with a metal stick tool (paperclips work in a pinch) while your nail is cooling down. Place the wax on the heated nail and inhale the resulting smoke. When it comes to the perfect temperature for the nail, you will have to experiment a little to figure out what works best for you.
E-Nail and dab rig
An e-nail is a temperature-controlled electronic dab nail that works in combination with a dab rig. Because it heats up on its own, an e-nail removes the requirement for a butane torch while dabbing. E-nails are preferred by some individuals over torches because they can deliver constant temps with each dab.
Using an e-nail to smoke wax is quite similar to using a torch and a dab setup. To begin, turn on your e-nail and set the temperature to your liking. Then, using a metal stick tool, scoop up your wax, spread them out in your e-nail, and inhale via the mouthpiece of your dab rig.
Vaporizer
Many vaporizers are built particularly for the usage of concentrates such as wax. Each vape pen and vaporizer device will come with its own set of instructions, so be sure to read them carefully before using them to vape wax.
Dropping a little amount of wax into a heating chamber or spreading it across heating coils is how you smoke wax with a vaporizer. To vape a concentrate, certain vaporizers require concentrate pods or other special attachments.
After you have loaded the wax according to your device’s instructions, switch on the vaporizer, set the desired temperature, wait for the device to heat up, and then inhale the vapor created inside the device via the mouthpiece.
Nectar collector
The use of nectar collectors to dab wax and other concentrates is incredibly easy and effective. Nectar collectors are becoming more popular as individuals search for methods to enjoy dabs without having to use a huge dab rig.
They are also developing many desirable characteristics that consumers want in high-quality pipes and rigs. A nectar collector is a straw with a quartz or titanium tip, often known as a honey straw or dab straw.
A nectar collector is a relatively basic gadget that is both easy to use and clean. You will only need a torch and a nectar collector to utilize one. A heat-resistant serving dish with a silicone or glass surface is also required. All of these things are frequently included in nectar collector kits.
Roll it in a joint
Only the wax, some weed, rolling papers, and a crutch are required to make a sufficiently potent joint. To begin, make your crutch and prepare your rolling paper. Then, like you would with any normal joint, put some ground weed in the paper. After that, apply some wax to the flower.
A real pro technique is to roll your wax into a thin snake-like segment and insert it into the center of your joint. Before rolling the joint, make sure you wash your hands after handling the concentrate. Because wax is highly sticky, this can be tough, but with attention and care, you should be able to complete the task.
Knife hits
Knife hits may appear and feel shady, yet they function effectively and may be performed with simple household tools. 2 butter knives, a heat source (typically a stovetop or a small torch), and an empty plastic bottle are all you need. The main concept is to make the knives extremely hot, then drop some concentrates on them before pressing them together.
Your concentrates will be vaporized as a result of this. This is where your plastic bottle (which needs to have the bottom cut off) will come in handy. Suck in all the smoke using the bottle as a funnel. With two individuals, the entire procedure is considerably easier.
Make wax edibles
If you do not prefer smoking or vaping your weed products, consider making edibles with some wax. You will not receive the same rapid high as you would from smoking wax, but you will get a longer-lasting and greater high after eating the edible.
Look for edible weed recipes and replace wax with cannabis flower. Because concentrates have a greater proportion of THC by weight than flower, you will require a lot less wax in comparison to the amount of flower you will need in the recipe.
To make your edibles psychoactive, you must first decarboxylate your wax. Cook the concentrate in butter or oil to combine the cannabinoids with the lipids. You may use the oil in any food or drink after it has been infused for a special snack.
Sources
Footnotes
- Keller CJ, Chen EC, Brodsky K, Yoon JH. A case of butane hash oil (marijuana wax)–induced psychosis. Substance abuse. 2016;37(3):384-6.
- Pierre JM, Gandal M, Son M. Cannabis-induced psychosis associated with high potency “wax dabs”. Schizophrenia Research. 2016;172(1-3):211-2.
- Braunstein MM. Mindful Marijuana Smoking: Health Tips for Cannabis Smokers. Rowman & Littlefield; 2022.
- Struble CA, Ellis JD, Lundahl LH. Beyond the bud: emerging methods of cannabis consumption for youth. Pediatric Clinics. 2019;66(6):1087-97.
- Schneberk T, Sterling GP, Valenzuela R, Mallon WK. 390 “A little dab will do ya”: an emergency department case series related to a new form of “high-potency” marijuana known as “wax”. Annals of Emergency Medicine. 2014;64(4):S139.
References
- How To Smoke THC Wax. The Health Center. Accessed 4/9/2024.
- How To Smoke Shatter, Dab, Wax And More: A Guide For Beginners. The Hemp Doctor. Accessed 4/9/2024.
The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or professional advice. Cannabis use is subject to local laws and regulations, which vary widely by jurisdiction. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment or altering an existing treatment regimen. The authors and publishers of this blog are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided herein. Use cannabis responsibly and in accordance with applicable laws. This blog is intended for adults aged 21 and over. The Sanctuary Dispensaries D186, D187.