We’ve written previously about cannabis concentrates, the potent and highly flavorful extracts that have taken the cannabis world by storm since their introduction roughly twenty years ago. Today, we’re going to take a deep dive into the story of one of the most popular forms of concentrate: marijuana wax.
What is marijuana wax? At the simplest level marijuana wax (also commonly referred to as cannabis wax, THC wax or simply wax) is a dense, shelf-stable, and highly potent extraction of cannabinoids such as THC and CBD as well as flavorful compounds such as terpenes and flavonoids. And if you’re wrestling with chronic symptoms or conditions that resist treatment with regular cannabis flower, wax can present an effective and powerful alternative.
In this post we’ll discuss important topics, explaining how cannabis wax is made and answering such questions as “how to smoke wax.” By the end, you should have a firm grounding in the use of this potent and intriguing marijuana product.
What Is Marijuana Wax? An Introduction
As we hinted a moment ago, while wax is relatively new on the scene its potency and flavor have made it one of the hottest products on our dispensary shelves. Typically taking the form of a creamy, amber-colored waxy substance, the consistency makes it relatively easy to grab just the right amount, a topic we’ll return to in a moment.
The first thing to know about wax is that—like all cannabis concentrates—it’s far more powerful than cannabis flower. If the strongest flower tops out around ~30% THC, concentrates like wax can easily reach 90% THC. Above all, this means that these products should be approached with the utmost caution and respect, as their effects can be surprisingly intense and long-lasting.
One of the most important questions we receive from patients around marijuana wax is: Is it produced using solvents? The answer is yes. In this sense, “solvents” are products including butane, CO2, and ethanol that separate the crucial “active ingredients” in cannabis—the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other components—from the flower.
Clean, lab-tested, carefully made solvent extracts like the wax we offer feature exceptional flavors, aromas, and potency. And any trace of solvent is carefully removed before packaging and sale.
How to Smoke Wax: Top Tips
Even for seasoned fans of marijuana concentrates, it’s important to remember that these products are extremely potent. These products are best not used by cannabis naive patients. Especially if you’re new to concentrates, we advise our customers to “start slow and go low.” While the effects of having too much THC can be unpleasant, it’s important to know that they’re rarely dangerous. In the great majority of cases, unwanted side effects subside after a couple of hours. Remember: You can always take more cannabis later, but you can’t take less!
While tiny amounts of wax can be added to a joint or a bowl, it’s most common for it to be consumed through a specialized pipe called a “dab rig.” Similar to a bong or a water pipe, this specialized tool features a metal or quartz “nail” or “banger” in place of a regular bowl. This piece features a flat-bottomed surface designed to retain heat.
Speaking of which, you can’t heat up the nail or banger with a match or regular lighter. We recommend using a butane-powered kitchen torch for a powerful, tightly focused flame. As with all such devices, you’ll want to take all necessary precautions and be safe.
Finally, you’ll need a dabbing tool: a tiny spear-like implement that allows you to gather the desired amount of wax and then apply it to the hot nail before inhaling just as you would from any other pipe. How much to start with? We recommend the smallest possible amount: A tiny crumb or a sliver.
Smoking Wax: In Conclusion
As D.C.’s #1 family-run medical marijuana dispensary, we’re dedicated to helping you get the very most from your cannabis experience. If you have other questions about wax, concentrates—or anything else in the world of cannabis—be sure to visit our Patient Resources section for more useful information. Or: just ask! We’re always here to help.