Wax

Thanks in large part to the legalization of cannabis in over 20 states, products have been evolving, and consumers have a lot more choices than just cannabis flower. Products like wax concentrates have been steadily growing in popularity for the last few years. In this chapter of our Concentrates Guide, we cover what wax is, how it’s made, and briefly discuss its potential benefits.

What Is Cannabis Wax?

Cannabis wax is oil in concentrated and prepared form. Wax is similar to shatter in its extraction method, except that its extraction process leaves it sticky and gooey instead of glass-like. Wax is almost like flakey clay, appears opaque, and is relatively simple to manipulate. In general, high-quality wax is soft and amber in color.

How Is Wax Made?

Wax is made by using a butane solvent to extract the cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Wax is a form of butane hash oil or BHO. In the years before legalization spread and extraction equipment was invented, some people would try to make wax by pushing butane through a pipe that was filled with cannabis plant material.

This is not only dangerous but a waste of money. Properly made wax is extracted by closed-loop pieces of equipment, in labs that are highly ventilated, stable environments by cannabis professionals who are trained to dispose of and handle this hazardous material. Butane can explode if not handled properly, so always leave the extraction process to the experts.

Cannabis plant material is placed in a tube on an extraction machine and is then treated with butane. The butane will separate the essential compounds in the plant, also called cannabis resins from the rest of the plant material. Once the extraction process is complete, the solvent must be evaporated so there is as little as possible in the resulting concentrate.

To do this, lab techs spread the concentrate out on metal sheets, then place them in cold vacuum ovens. This vacuum process may need to be repeated, depending on how much product the extraction lab intends to put out. Once the concentrate is thoroughly cooled, it can be scraped off of the metal baking sheets and placed into jars for sale at a dispensary. Third-party lab testing should be required before selling all concentrates, to ensure that there are minimal amounts of trace solvents. However, not all states currently mandate this lab testing, which is why it’s important to read the label before you buy products.

How Is Wax Consumed?

Due to its thick consistency, wax is one of the easiest concentrates to handle and apply to various consumption methods. Of course, this is assuming you don’t handle the product too much with your bare hands, which we recommend against in general. Cannabis wax is most often purchased in medical dispensaries or retail locations. Some locations offer discounts on wax derived from a specific cultivar they are promoting.

One of the most common ways of consuming wax is to use a device called a dab rig. This method of wax consumption involves using a small metal tool to take the concentrate out of its container and place it on the rig. The wax is then put on a hot plate, called a nail. These nails are made of quartz, ceramic, or titanium so the device can withstand high temperatures.

Cannabis concentrates require higher temperatures than traditional flowers, which is why you need a dab rig or a portable vaporizer to consume. These rigs can cause serious burns if handled without care, so be sure to always consume responsibly.

An easier, potentially less dangerous way to consume cannabis wax is by vaporizing out of portable wax pens, which are also called dab pens. The point of combustion is 446℉ (230℃), meaning you’ll be smoking the wax instead of vaping it. Thankfully, portable dab pens have easy-to-use and understand temperature controls with a wide range of heating options.

These devices are convenient and discreet, and usually offer great flavor and enjoyable effects. Some high-quality examples of dab pens include brands like Dr. Dabber, Puffco, and Grenco Science. For more information on brands we recommend, be sure to check out our Cannabis Industry Guide.

Benefits of Wax

Like most cannabis concentrates, wax is much more potent than flower, often twice as much. Wax can reach up to 80% THC content, meaning that one or two inhales are more than enough for the casual consumer.

What We Learned: Wax

Wax is just one of the many products available in the wonderful world of concentrates, and the only way you’ll discover which is your favorite is to explore.

• Wax is a gooey substance that will appear amber in color when properly made with quality materials.
• Wax is extracted with butane, and you should never attempt to make it outside of a professional extraction lab setting.
• Wax can be placed into a dab rig, a portable vaporizer. Wax can reach up to 80% THC, which is why we recommend that the average consumer only take one or two inhales.
• Dab pens are easier to use and more portable than dab rigs.
• The point of combustion is 446℉ (230℃), meaning the wax will be smoking the wax instead of vaping it if you pass that point.
• Dab pens have easy-to-use and understand temperature controls with a wide range of heating options, and are made by brands including Dr, Dabber, Puffco, and Grenco Science.

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