If you are looking for a sky-high hit and you fancy yourself a die-hard weed enthusiast, then weed wax could be the answer. Weed wax, also known as butane hash oil (BHO) or ‘dabbing’ is a concentrated cannabis with a potency that will knock your socks off. So, perhaps one best left to weed veterans and those who need fast-acting, pain relief. What is this powerful concentrate? What even is a concentrate, exactly? These days, between all the weed lingo and diverse extraction methods you can be forgiven for getting a little lost. Let’s take a closer look.
What is weed wax?
Inhaling weed wax is vastly different to your average vaping experience. Essentially, it gives you a heavy-hitting whack of THC in one dose and is produced using various extraction methods. THC is the part of the plant that gives you that ‘cloud-high’ sensation. This concentrated form of cannabis, along with others, is insanely potent, with some saying it’s the equivalent to a mind-boggling, 15-20 joints. The difference is immense and one that should always be built up towards slowly. Put it this way, you won’t want to try this just before an important work meeting.
This stellar concentrate is the end product of a process called extraction. This is when the active ingredients (cannabinoid and terpene compounds) are removed from the cannabis plant to form a solid, potent form of concentrated weed. The texture of wax is soft, malleable and features an amber-like, honey colouring. Unsurprisingly it has a look and feel of wax and is often compared to ear wax (appealing, right?)
The catalogue of concentrated weed is pretty big and depending on the different look and feel of the product, it can be referred to as:
- Shatter: a glass-like, translucent concentrate which tends to be brittle.
- Budder: a softer, oily type of wax. Created at a high temperature before being whipped.
- Sugar wax: similar to the look of brown sugar, it’s sticky and crumbly.
- Crumble: a powdery concentrate, produced at a low temperature.
- Honeycomb: a form of wax or budder which is crumblier, yet softer than shatter.
Concentrates are known not just for their high THC levels, but for their rich flavour profiles too. Because they are abundant in terpenes (the compound of the plant responsible for aroma and flavour), the taste is powerful and vastly different to your average weed experience. Concentrates are often referred to as ‘dabs’ or ‘dabbing’ because the amount needed to feel the effects is so little; essentially, a ‘dab’.
Another concentrate which is often referred to as ‘wax’, is rosin. Rosin is considered a solventless extract, thanks to its simple chemical-free process using a rosin press. Rosin is sticky and waxy in texture and features a distinctive amber colouring, although this can sometimes look milky too. Many believe that translucent rosin is a sign of top-quality rosin.
Does it matter what weed concentrate feels like? Wax is more than about the texture. The different types of consistency are important as all are handled differently and can be used in numerous ways. But it mostly comes down to individual preference.
How is weed wax made?
As you know the world of weed is not without its chemical jargon. If we get right into the nitty gritty there are some complex explanations as to why different chemicals are used and the impact that they have. But let’s try and keep it simple for now. There are several ways to create weed wax and it’s similar to how other types of concentrate are produced. Some of them we’d not recommend trying at home, especially if you fancy keeping your walls and body parts intact. One of them, using a rosin press, we’d highly recommend.
Butane extraction
(The one we wouldn’t recommend trying at home)
A widely used technique to create concentrate is butane extraction. The solvent commonly used for this is butane, but CO2 can also have a similar effect. These chemicals are highly volatile, which is why it’s a procedure best left to the professionals.
To create, experts pass butane (or CO2) forcefully through a tube filled with the cannabis plant. This act separates cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant matter. The extract then passes through a filter to produce concentrate; essentially pulling out all the THC from the plant. This blasting process must be undertaken with a great deal of care as butane can fall onto the floor and build up, causing an explosion. Many professionals who are making concentrates in bulk, adopt a closed-loop system which leaves no openings for butane to leak.
Besides the risk of explosion, this form of extraction can cause serious harmful effects if the chemical is not filtered out properly. So, unless your kitchen set up looks like a scene from Breaking Bad, leave this procedure to the professionals!
Is there a safer way of making your own concentrated stash?
The production of weed wax comes with its risks, so where does that leave those who simply want to safely make their own batch at home? This is where the rosin press comes in. A relatively new product in the world of weed concentrates, a rosin press uses the natural combination of heat and pressure to create clean, chemical-free rosin. Plus, it has the advantage of utilising the whole cannabis plant.
Safe to make and solvent-free? We’re sold.
Once you get over the fact that it looks like an industrial panini machine, the process is pretty simple. To prepare, add a rosin filter bag filled with the flower between the two plates, select the optimal temperature and once the device is hot, apply pressure. Then sit back and watch the beautiful, sticky substance emerge.
As interest in the rosin press has exploded in the last couple of years, so has the number of devices on the market. Therefore, it’s always important to buy from a reputable company. At Nectar, we offer a free 2-year warranty and lifetime support to help you get up and running, as well as a range of rosin press machines to suit different needs. Our Pollen Puncher 5T Hydraulic rosin press is ideal for those who are looking for a small and portable version; or for those who want a little extra control, click here to check out our Pollen Smasher 8T Hydraulic rosin press. This comes with a digital temperature control to adjust temperature and timing.
Whether you are a cannabis connoisseur or you are a beginner working out an affordable way to create a solvent-free stash, a rosin press is seriously worth the investment. For a detailed look at how to make shatter wax using a rosin press, read our blog here.
How do you use weed wax?
There are multiple ways that you can use weed wax including:
- Dab rig
One of the most popular ways to inhale wax is by using a dab rig, also known as an ‘oil rig’. Similar to a small bong, these are made from heat-resistant material and use water to filter concentrate into an inhalable vapour.
- Portable vape
Some vaporizers are designed to use, specifically, with concentrates and even handy 2-1 versions which can accommodate both dry herbs and concentrates. Simply load up and vape away. It is a convenient, uncomplicated and discreet way of inhaling wax. Just ensure that you have the right vaporizer. Place this wax in a dry herb vaporizer and you will end up in a hot and sticky mess!
- Adding to a joint
For a super potent joint, try adding concentrate cannabis. This form of weed is often referred to as a ‘twax’ (sounding like the sort of term you’d use during a bout of road rage). Simply prepare a joint and spread the melted concentrate evenly and roll away for a buzz with a difference.
- Edibles
Wax edibles are a sure-fire way of getting a highly potent weed hit in one snack. Decarboxylate (a heating process which converts non-intoxicating THCA into THC) and combine with oil. Brownies, cookies or even gummies, wax can be consumed in a variety of forms.
What are the benefits of weed wax and other concentrates?
Since THC concentrates aren’t legal in the UK, not much is known about their benefits. There is a great deal of focus on the benefits of CBD but not so much on the qualities of THC concentrates. Users of THC concentrates can get the following benefits:
- Intense flavour and aroma
The extraction process means that flavoursome terpenes are retained from the original plant, giving an enriching dose.
- Cost-effective
Since you only need a little to get a lot out of dabs, concentrates are better value for money, in the long run.
- Improves health and wellbeing
From their anti-inflammatory properties to the cleaner way of inhalation, studies have shown that the high levels of THC can alleviate auto-immune conditions and prevent lung damage from smoking.
- Less of that give-away smell
Yes, they have an odour; the infamous smell of weed is distinctive. However, they emit far less of a smell than smoking.
- Potent and fast acting
Using concentrate hits your system quickly, giving you a fast and potent dose. This makes it the ideal candidate for relieving severe pain relief, anxiety, insomnia and other issues.
If a casual dose of weed isn’t quite hitting the sweet spot, then concentrated weed, such as wax, is worth giving a try. At Nectar we want to keep you healthy, without losing a limb in the extraction process. Therefore, we recommend never trying chemical extraction at home. Instead, a rosin press provides a solvent-free way of making concentrate weed, such as wax. It also gives you ultimate control over the weed potency and, most importantly, what you are putting into your body. Do away with nasty chemicals and embrace a healthier way of making your own concentrate. Plus, your wallet is going to thank you for it!
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