In addition to boasting intense flavors and phenomenal potency, cannabis concentrates are a fun and exciting way to access the benefits of significant cannabinoids like THC and CBD. One of the most popular concentrates offered at our dispensaries is the style known as “wax,” named for its glistening, silky texture.
If you’re just starting to dip your toes into the world of concentrates, there’s no better place to start than wax. But you may have some questions:
- How is wax made?
- What’s the best way to smoke it?
- Does it require a specialized dab rig or other equipment?
We’ll answer these questions and more and provide some insider tips for having a great wax smoking experience.
What is Wax?
Since they first burst onto the scene around 25 years ago, cannabis concentrates have caused quite a stir, with a large part of their appeal being their high potency and aromatics. While the strongest flower tops out in the low 30% range in terms of THC content, the strongest concentrates can top 90% THC.
Concentrates, or “extracts,” can be made through solvent-based or solventless processes. Wax is made with a solvent-based process, meaning that fresh cured flower is treated with a solvent—typically CO2 or butane—that extracts the active cannabinoids and flavorful terpenes. The solvent is then carefully purged—or washed away—leaving a gooey, highly concentrated substance.
Further processing is sometimes needed to achieve a specific desired consistency, and depending on their texture and viscosity, concentrates may then be labeled as wax, budder, badder, or shatter (among others!).
5 Methods to Smoke Wax: With or Without a Rig
While dab rigs are arguably the most popular way to enjoy wax, they’re far from the only one.
Pro Tip: Because of their high potency, we recommend starting with a very small amount of any concentrate and going slow. Even for experienced cannabis lovers, the high levels of THC found in concentrates may bring on unwanted side effects like anxiety, nausea, and paranoia.
How to Smoke Wax with a Dab Rig
Dab rigs are similar to a bong or water pipe in many regards, except in place of the bowl, this specialized equipment features a metal or quartz “nail” or “banger,” which is designed to absorb and retain heat from a lighter or a butane-powered kitchen torch. You can also use an e-nail, an electronically heated nail that eliminates the need for an open flame.
Here’s how to smoke wax with a dab rig in three easy steps:
1. Place a tiny bit of wax onto a dab tool, a purpose-made implement that makes it easy to gather sticky concentrate and apply it to a hot nail. For beginners, start slow—about ¼ or ½ a pea-sized amount at the most.
2. Use your torch to heat the nail. Once it’s red hot, remove the flame and wait between 30 and 60 seconds for the nail to cool. Read the instructions to see how long you should wait.
3. Partake. Apply the wax from your dabbing tool to the inside of the nail while you gently inhale from the mouthpiece. The wax should sizzle slightly as it vaporizes, indicating that the nail’s at the right temperature. Hold the dab inside your lungs like you would smoke from a pipe, and then gently exhale.
How to Smoke Wax Without a Dab Rig
Have some wax but don’t have access to a dab rig? No problem. Here are five ways to enjoy wax without the aid of a rig:
- Use a Dab Straw: This portable variation of a dab rig looks just like a high-tech drinking straw. To use it, heat the tip like the nail on a dab rig, then drag it through a tiny dab spread out on a tray or dish. As the hot tip of the nectar collector passes through the wax and vaporizes it, you will inhale through the mouthpiece to consume the vapor.
- Vaporize It: You’re probably familiar with the standard pen-style vaporizers available at dispensaries. Some units can also handle concentrates like wax, though the process may involve special accessories, such as concentrate pads or other add-ons. But if your device accepts wax, you’re in luck. Simply spread a tiny dab into the heating chamber, power the unit, and gently inhale.
- Infuse a Joint, Spliff, or Blunt: Adding a tiny bit of wax to a joint, spliff, or blunt—also known as “twaxing”—is an effective way to add potency and flavor to your usual smoking routine. One of the best methods is to roll out a tiny bit of wax into a long snake-like shape roughly the length of your joint, then roll it up with your crushed flower. Alternatively, the “snake” can be wrapped around the outside of the joint—you may lose some precious potency this way, but it’s certainly eye-catching and fun to smoke.
- Add It to a Bowl: Along the same lines, a tiny bit of wax can be dropped into a pipe or bong bowl. Remember: You’re adding significant potency, so less is usually more.
Mission’s Exclusive Tips for a Great Wax Smoking Experience
While wax is arguably the most popular concentrate since its texture makes it easy to work with, there’s still some variation to it depending on producer, style, and other factors. Here are our best tips to have the best wax smoking experience:
- Keep your tools clean. When wax is dabbed at the wrong temperature, it can harden into a resin that will clog your gear. Cleaning your tools after each use will assure long, trouble-free service. We recommend isopropyl alcohol, cotton swabs, or gentle scrubbing with a spear-like dab tool for the corners.
- Seek out the best wax you can afford. You’ll experience purer flavors, a cleaner high, and a better overall experience. Assess the material you’re working with and adjust your approach accordingly.
Need a bit more guidance? Ask our friendly budtenders any questions you may have the next time you stop by one of our dispensaries.
Serving Up the Best Wax in MA and IL
Now that you’ve learned some of the best ways to smoke wax, you may be inspired to try them out. If you’re in Illinois or Massachusetts, start by choosing a Mission dispensary closest to you. You’ll find an incredible selection of concentrates, including wax, shatter, live resin, and more.
Or check out our cannabis blog for more on all aspects of cannabis, from culture to products to science.
