What is Wax and How to Smoke It

WAX, BHO or Shatter?

Cannabis wax — also known as weed wax, Butane Hash Oil (BHO), and honey oil — is one of the most popular (and potent) forms of marijuana concentrates today. Used for both recreational and medicinal purposes, cannabis wax is made by heating the plant’s materials with butane (or another solvent) and extracting the THC. The finished product has a gooey wax consistency that contains a THC content of 30%, but many wax concentrates have over 90% THC. That’s the equivalent to 15 to 20 joints!

How can I make cannabis wax at home?

Making cannabis wax at home can be very dangerous, so it’s recommended that you purchase it already made. However if you still want to proceed with the DIY approach, following are the steps you’d take:

1. Take your marijuana buds and pack them into a tube or pipe.
2. Place your butane (or other solvent) over the plant material. The fluid will bond with the psychoactive THC in the buds and extract the compound from the plant.
3. Allow the butane to evaporate until there’s nothing left except an oily and extremely potent substance. That’s your cannabis wax.

Depending on specific conditions (i.e. temperature and humidity) of the extraction process, you can create a variety of cannabis wax textures such as shatter, budder and crumble.

How do you smoke cannabis wax?

Although there are several ways to smoke cannabis wax, you won’t be able to use the extract in a joint or vaporizer if the substance is too sticky and hard to handle. With that in mind, following are the three most common ways to use it:

• Dabbing. Dabbing is the most popular way to consume wax. Dabbing involves the use of a piece of equipment called a dab rig, which is a specific type of pipe or bong. You’ll also need a dab “nail” that fits your pipe or bong’s gauge. Some dab nails are made of ceramic and quartz, but titanium is most common. In addition, you’ll need a dome, which is the glass hood placed around the nail to trap the vapor before it’s inhaled. Finally, you’ll need a mini-blow torch, the kind that’s used for crème brulee, and a dabber, which is the glass, metal or ceramic tool used to apply a dab.Assuming you’re new to dabbing, it’s recommended that you start out with a small dose of wax no larger than a crumb. Although it may not look like much, it’s still going to pack a punch that’s much stronger than you’re used to.The process of dabbing begins by turning on your torch and aiming the flame directly at the nail. Note: nails and glass domes become extremely hot during the process. So, take caution when handling them – and always wait for all pieces to cool down before touching.Once the nail is hot, turn off your torch and place the glass dome over the nail. After you let it cool for about 45 seconds, take your dabber, apply the dab directly on the nail inside the dome, and inhale slowly.  Then exhale and enjoy!

• Vaping.  Vaping is another popular way to use marijuana wax.  For optimum effect, choose a vaporizer with a ceramic or quartz crystal heating chamber, and preferably one that has titanium coils to prevent accidental combustion. As with vaping weed, vaping wax allows you to enjoy the experience without the smoke.
• Sprinkling the wax on a joint.  The third most common way to smoke wax is to sprinkle it over flower when you’re rolling a joint or packing a bowl. This is most easily achieved when using crumble wax. Using something like buddy or resin will create a nasty and sticky mess – and you’ll end up getting more on your fingers than inside the joint!

What are the benefits of cannabis wax?

The most obvious benefit of cannabis wax is its enhanced potency. When made correctly, wax will not have any butane residue and is an incredibly potent substance. It can also be used for relieving a wide array of health issues, including chronic pain, anxiety and depression.

With that said, wax is so potent that it can cause negative side effects include hallucinations, unconsciousness and extreme paranoia. Also, as previously mentioned, it can be very dangerous to make wax at home. Butane vapors can quickly fill a room – and all it takes is a single spark to ignite. On top of that, if you’re working in a poorly ventilated area, it’s possible to die from inhaling too much butane.