What is Dab Wax?

A common form of cannabis, dab wax is created from an extensive extraction process using solvent solutions such as butane. The highly concentrated THC in dab wax gives users an almost immediate onset of high effects while providing a more pure and rich abundance of cannabinoids with each inhale.

While dab wax has become increasingly popular recently due to its high potency, it is suggested to consume in small amounts and slowly. Continue reading to learn how dabbing is the most fastest and effective way to consume cannabis due to its various extraction methods and forms of consumption.

What are Dabs?

Dabs are classified as a type of cannabis concentrate, essentially an extracted form of dry herb that you can smoke or vaporize. Dabs are reputable for their high content of THC that can often get as high as 80%. Dab wax is a form of hash oil concentrate that is created when a solvent washes over cannabis plant matter, extracting and concentrating high levels of potent cannabinoids such as THC.

In general, dabs come in several different forms depending on their consistency and appearance although all are extremely powerful and extracted similarly. Besides dab wax, there is shatter, budder, live resin, and butane hash oil. Dab wax is also referenced as Butane Hash Oil (BHO) or honey oil, due to its golden appearance and how it’s made.

It is believed that THC concentrates have been around for at least 2,000 years, although the method of extraction and consumption has advanced over time. Most experts believe dab wax originated in Eastern Asia and was then introduced to Nepal, India, and the Himalayas back in 100 AD. These ancient extracts would be made using silk screens or by rubbing cannabis flowers together until powdery dust was formed. Over time, chemists experimented with making dab wax by placing dry cannabis flower in metal pipes and heating it up with butane in order to extract and activate certain ingredients.

How is Dab Wax Made?

There are multiple different ways you can make dab wax and the different specific extraction methods can make all of the difference in the final product. In order to produce dab wax, a solvent is required to extract the THC from the plant matter. Butane extractions are the most common extraction method for dab wax. Because of the use of highly flammable gas such as butane, manufacturers use closed-loop equipment to prevent explosions or errors.

To commercially manufacture dab wax, the cannabis plant materials are dried and collected into tubes that are saturated in butane. The butane separates the resinous trichomes that hold all of the potent cannabinoids, such as THC, from the rest of the plant matter. After the plant matter has been saturated in the butane, the next step of the extraction process involves the removal of the butane in the plant matter. With an intricate process of heating, condensation, and vacuum purging, the butane is isolated and removed from the plant matter. The remaining result of this extraction process is the rich cannabinoids that have been isolated. This will be a cloudy and waxy substance that is then whipped, shaken, and stirred to create various forms of dab wax. The main difference between these different forms of dabs is the texture and viscosity of the substance created. Dab wax is soft, more opaque, and easily malleable. This is because the wax is whipped for a thick consistency. Because dab wax is more flexible and soft than other dabs such as budder or shatter, it is much easier to dose and is usually recommended for beginner weed enthusiasts.

A lesser-known method of making wax dabs is by using isopropyl alcohol. This is also known as a “quick wash” and can be considered a fun yet challenging DIY project. This process includes submerging the cannabis matter into the alcohol for a short period of time, then draining the matter into a micron sieve. Strain and filter the liquid several times, allowing the alcohol to evaporate in the process. As a result, a sticky and super concentrated THC extract will be left behind. There may still be some alcohol needed to evaporate from the substance, which can take up to 24 hours.

 It’s imperative to keep in mind that lack of proper ventilation and the combination of flammable gases can run a huge risk for at home DIY dab extractions. While there are no statistical reports of people dying from cannabis, there have been fatal accidents from those who have attempted wax extractions at home by causing dangerous explosions. It is highly recommended to purchase dab wax from commercial retailers for the best quality extraction and higher THC concentrations. 

What is the Flavor and Appearance of Dab Wax?

With highly concentrated cannabis products comes a highly concentrated flavor profile, and wax dabs are no exception! Dabs should always have a familiar earthy, weed flavor and aroma to them. If your dab wax seems to have a foul, pungent odor or is extremely clear in color, it may be a bad quality product and it is suggested to avoid smoking!

The best dab wax will have the typical cannabis smell that emits from the wax and has a syrup-like consistency in texture. The best forms of dab wax will often resemble light, honey syrup in color and appearance and should be simple and flexible in form. Upon inhalation, dab wax should taste like good weed. If an unusual flavor of solvents is tasted from dab wax, it may still have butane solvent in the dabs and should not be inhaled further for risk of your health.

How to Use Dab Wax

Luckily in today’s cannabis world, there are multiple ways to enjoy dab wax. However, there are specific steps and equipment required for the different methods of dab consumption. When ready to consume dab wax, it’s important to remember the sticky consistency of this substance and how it can often be hard to handle.

Dab Rig

Dab wax can be sprinkled or wrapped to joints or bongs for an extra boost, or inhaled using a dab rig or bong. Dabbing is the most common method of consuming a dab wax concentrate by using equipment such as a dab rig. A dab rig is required to dab cannabis wax, where the wax is placed on the dab nail and heated by a blowtorch to an extreme temperature where it can be melted and vaporized, ready to inhale. These dab nails are often made from titanium, glass, ceramic, or other durable and heat protected material. This process is similar to a traditional bong, however the high is definitely more potent and hard-hitting.

Vaping

Vape pens and vaporizers have also become increasingly common in the cannabis market. Made out of a ceramic or quartz heating chamber and titanium coils, the dab wax is quickly heated, vaporized, and ready for inhalation. The dab wax is often placed in a ceramic or glass cartridge, which can be connected to the portable vaporizer. Vaping has become a common method of consumption for dab wax because no extensive equipment, such as a dab rig or blow torch, is required. Plus, this method is discrete and usually does not cause an excessive amount of smoke or aroma compared to other methods.

Sprinkled in a Joint

Next time you plan on rolling up a joint, consider sprinkling a bit of wax into your weed. Some brands offer pre-rolled joints that have been rolled or sprinkled with dab wax in or around the outside of the joint. This gives those who consume an extra boost of potency and increased flavor, enhancing the overall high.

What are the Benefits of Dab Wax?

The extreme and enhanced potency of THC is the greatest benefit of dab wax. Because of the immense potency of dab wax, many patients choose this form of cannabis for faster and stronger relief from conditions such as chronic pain, depression, and anxiety. Dabbing with a dab rig or vaporizer allows the substance to turn into a smooth white vapor, reducing the risk of smoking linked to lung damage.

The high potency of THC can cause some users with strong hallucinogenic effects or other adverse side effects from dab wax. Overall, the general effects of wax are similar to consuming traditional cannabis, with general waves of euphoria, hallucinations, increase in appetite, body relaxation, and more. The effects produced by cannabis concentrates are similar to the effects produced by weed, however, they are far stronger and can often feel more intense. If consuming great amounts, these side effects could include vomiting, coughing, increased heart rate, and blood pressure, dizziness, anxiety, or panic attacks. Similar to cannabis flower, overconsuming dab wax can risk further long-term side effects and is highly recommended to start small and slow.

To avoid the severe effects of dabbing, many users suggest heating the dab wax toward the lower end of the temperature spectrum. The lower heat will lessen the likelihood of carcinogens released into the body and reduce the risk of overconsuming THC. If you’re concerned about the risk of potentially severe effects from dab wax, there are also products containing CBD wax. While CBD wax is also made from cannabinoid extract, specifically cannabidiol, the extraction of this non-intoxicating compound is effective for chronic pain, depression, and other conditions without the overwhelming high effect of THC.

How Potent is Dab Wax?

When it comes to dab wax, it is important to remember that a little goes a long way!

No matter the varying percentage of THC in dab wax, the concentration will certainly be higher than smoking regular, dry flower. Even the most advanced weed consumers are recommended to start off with a small dose of dab wax in order to test the dose and limit that works best for you.

For instance, a dab wax with 80% THC is about eight times stronger than 10% THC in dry flower. That is the equivalent of around 15-20 joints of the highest quality flower! However, there are various factors that contribute to the concentrated level of THC in dab wax. The type of cannabis strain, where and when the plant was harvested and grown, the amount of time the solvent is submerged in the plant matter, and the method of extraction are some details that determine the percentage of THC. The cooler vapor inhaled from dabs is much smoother on the throat and lunges compared to dry flower, with an almost immediate onset time.

Today, the genetic cross-breeding of different cannabis strains also contributes to the higher THC potency in weed. The rise of research in dabbing has created a curious interest in cannabis distillates, terpene infusion, full-spectrum extraction, and other dab wax options.

Final Takeaways

Many users believe dab wax to be better for your health than weed because of a cleaner, more pure hit compared to charred plant material from the dried herb. Concentrates such as dab wax get rid of excess plant material and provide faster, stronger high effects. With the various extraction methods available to create dab wax, it is important for users to keep in mind the extreme potency of dab wax. When it comes to dabs, a little goes a long way, with an abundance of rich and intoxicating cannabinoids in every inhale!

FAQ

What is Dab Wax?

Wax is one of the products from the wonderful world of cannabis concentrates. Concentrates are what happens when you take a cannabis extract and concentrate it further than you would if you were making an ordinary oil. These specific concentrates are commonly referred to as “dabs” due to the process required to smoke or vaporize them. 

Are Wax and Dabs the Same Thing?

Wax, Dabs, & Dab Wax are all terms used for this highly favored concentrate.

Where Can I Buy Dab wax?

For all of your premium Wax needs, look no further than Black Tie CBD! We have an assorted selection including CBG Dab Wax, CBD Dab Wax, and Delta8 Infused Dab Wax.

What Does Dab Wax Feel Like?

If you've used other Hemp products, such as oil, you can expect Dabs to feel similar, except that the effects will likely be quite intensified due to the potency of the product. If you have experienced pain relief from oil, dabbing may produce similar effects. Dabs made out of Hemp derived CBD will either contain very little or absolutely no Delta9 THC. So while you won't experience a “classic high”, you will still have an elevated experience.