What is marijuana wax? How is it made and used?

Marijuana wax is a popular alternative to marijuana flower because it is stronger and requires a smaller amount for the user to get a substantial “high.”

Are you curious about cannabis wax? Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cannabis user, this guide will help you.

Below, we'll go over everything you need to know about marijuana wax to clear up any confusion and make better use of it.

We'll explain what marijuana wax is, provide some step-by-step instructions for consuming marijuana wax, and explain how marijuana wax is made.

What is marijuana wax?

Marijuana wax, also called cannabis wax or weed wax, is a potent cannabis concentrate with a waxy texture.

This powerful form of cannabis is created through a careful extraction process that preserves essential cannabinoids and terpenes while removing unwanted plant material.

This creates a highly concentrated product that offers a quick effect, intense flavors and a unique consumption experience.

Due to its potent nature, cannabis wax is often used to make edibles, topicals, and other infused products. However, it can also be smoked in different ways.

Because waxes can form a variety of nuanced textures due to variations in moisture and lipid content, it may also be called “butter,” “badder,” “honeycomb,” “sugar,” or other descriptive names that indicate the extract's texture and appearance .

What are the benefits of using cannabis wax?

Why Choose Marijuana Wax Compared to Regular Flower Wax? Here are some of the main benefits of cannabis wax.

1. High potency

Cannabis wax is known for being a highly potent concentrate that contains about three times as much THC or CBD as dry flower.

Flowers can have a potency of 15 to 25%, while cannabis wax can have 50 to 90% or more.

A smaller amount of wax can be enough to achieve the same effects as a larger amount of flowers.

2. Excellent taste and aroma

Cannabis wax contains terpenes that give it its distinctive taste and aroma.

For cannabis connoisseurs and those who want to experience a premium taste, wax can provide an excellent experience.

3. Healthier

Cannabis wax is a much healthier alternative to smoking weed as it has none of the negative side effects associated with burning plant material.

This is because when dabbing or vaporizing the wax turns into vapor instead of smoke.

4. Fast-acting effects

The high from dabbing or vaping wax is almost immediate, making it an ideal candidate for relieving chronic pain, insomnia, loss of appetite, anxiety, depression, and more.

If you are struggling with chronic symptoms or conditions that resist treatment with regular cannabis flower, wax can provide an effective and effective alternative.

How do you make marijuana wax?

Wax can be produced using various production techniques, such as using solvents or solvent-free methods to separate the desired compounds from the plant material.

Marijuana wax can be made in a commercial setting using modern equipment or prepared at home.

We do not recommend making your own wax as it is usually very dangerous. However, it is entirely possible if you research carefully and err on the side of caution.

A. Solvent-based extraction methods

Solvent-based extraction methods use chemicals like butane or isopropyl to dissolve the desired compounds from the cannabis plant.

This process effectively extracts cannabinoids and terpenes, creating highly concentrated cannabis wax.

However, it requires careful handling and thorough rinsing to ensure removal of any residual solvent.

Method 1 – BHO/Butane Hash Oil (most common)

The process was developed to extract as much THC as possible from leftover, unsaleable pieces of marijuana.

This method is dangerous because butane is a very flammable and explosive substance. In addition, inhaling solvent vapors is very harmful to the lungs.

Step 1: Add the cannabis into the tube

Place the ground cannabis in an open-ended tube with one end covered with a filter (most commonly a coffee filter) and the other end sealed.

Step 2: Pour butane into the tube

Inject the compressed butane into the tube and saturate the plant for 30 seconds.

The butane removes the THC or CBD from the plant and it flows out in a greenish sludge.

Step 3: Evaporation

Collect the resulting liquid in a glass pan and place it in another pan with boiling hot water. Wait 15 to 20 minutes for the butane to evaporate.

This step is crucial because inhaling butane can harm your health.

Step 4: Rinse

You can use a vacuum chamber to remove any remaining butane. This step ensures a purer and safer end product.

Step 5: Scrape

Once the wax is stable, scoop it up from the glass bowl with a swab.

Method 2 – Isopropyl

When using isopropyl alcohol, the cannabis is first soaked in the alcohol for a period of time before being drained into a container.

The liquid from the soaked mixture is then heated to an extremely high temperature until most of the alcohol has evaporated and wax is formed.

B. Solvent-free extraction methods

No chemicals are used in solvent-free extraction processes.

Instead, they rely on mechanical processes such as pressure and heat to extract the desired compounds from the cannabis plant.

Solvent-free methods such as rosin pressing and ice water hash extraction are becoming increasingly popular due to their purity and lack of solvent residue.

How do you use marijuana wax?

Dabbing and vaporizing are probably the two most popular ways to enjoy cannabis wax, but there are a few other methods you can experiment with.

1. Smoking with a joint or bowl

Adding weed wax to traditional smoking methods such as joints and bowls (sharing a bong or pipe) can add a new level of intensity to your smoking experience.

Simply add a small amount of wax to the flower you want to roll or pack into a joint or bowl and you'll get a slower burning and more potent result.

The heat from the burning flower creates wax fumes. However, be careful not to point a flame directly at the wax when lighting the bowl.

2. Dabbing with a dab rig

Traditionally, marijuana wax is consumed in a glass dab rig with a nail, a heating element made of ceramic, titanium, or quartz.

Heat the nail with a butane torch until it turns red. The nail is then allowed to cool to reach the desired temperature.

A small amount of cannabis wax is applied to the heated surface with a swab.

You can then inhale the vapor through the mouthpiece for a powerful and immediate effect.

Pro tips: An infrared thermometer can be used to better control the temperature of the dab nail.

Some people prefer an e-nail over a flashlight because it delivers a consistent, precise temperature and avoids an open flame.

3. Dab with a nectar collector

The nectar collector, also called a honey straw or dab straw, is a portable, easy-to-use alternative device to traditional dab rigs with a vertical, straw-like design.

It consists of a glass or silicone body, a titanium or quartz tip and a mouthpiece.

To use a nectar collector, you will need the nectar collector itself, a butane torch, and a heat-resistant serving bowl.

Heat the tip with a flashlight, touch the wax, and inhale the vapor through the mouthpiece.

This method of smoking wax offers precise dosage control and minimal waste.

4. Vaping with a dab pen

You can use a dab pen (wax vaporizer, wax pen) designed for concentrates, which is similar to a traditional vape pen but specifically designed for waxes.

These special vaporizers have coils that are heated to a temperature sufficient to process wax.

With a special vaporizer designed for vaporizing wax, all you need to do is add a small amount of wax to the heating chamber and then inhale the vapor produced.

Many younger people choose this method because of its discreet nature – smokeless, odorless and easy to conceal, its portability and great taste – and less stressful on the lungs compared to dabbing.

5. Edibles

You can mix the cannabis wax with butter, oil, or other fats to incorporate into various homemade recipes.

This allows you to make your own potent edibles like brownies, cookies, or gummies.

However, it is important to properly decarboxylate the wax beforehand in order to activate the cannabinoids and achieve the desired effects.

This method is discreet and may take longer to take effect.

6. Tinctures

Dissolve cannabis wax in a hard alcohol (such as Everclear) to make a tincture.

You can then take it sublingually (under the tongue) using a pipette.

This method allows for rapid absorption into the bloodstream and provides an alternative for those who prefer not to inhale or use edibles.

7. Topical products for use on the skin

Mix cannabis wax with a carrier oil or lotion to create a cannabis-infused topical product such as balms or creams.

When applied to the skin, the cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid receptors, providing potential benefits such as pain relief and reducing inflammation.

Because the THC in most topicals doesn't enter the bloodstream, it doesn't have the psychoactive effect – that intoxicating high feeling.

8. Capsules

Some people encapsulate decarboxylated cannabis wax in gel capsules, allowing for precise dosing and discreet consumption.

Diploma

Marijuana wax is a strong and aromatic concentrate that offers a unique and powerful way to enjoy the benefits of weed.

Understanding the basics, production, and different consumption methods will help you improve your cannabis experience and discover new ways to enjoy marijuana.

Given the risks of contamination and variable product quality, it is of utmost importance to purchase cannabis wax from established, reputable sellers or dispensaries.

When consuming cannabis wax, we recommend vaping and vaping at low temperatures, between 350 and 450°F, rather than higher temperatures, which can destroy the wax's terpenes.

Additionally, when handling wax, you should be wary of the added potency and dangers that come with using the necessary equipment.

Going low and slow will make it easier for you to find the perfect dose and avoid the unpleasant side effects that come with overconsumption.