Cannabis wax is a highly potent form of cannabis concentrate, created by extracting the desirable compounds like THC and terpenes from the plant material. These extracts are significantly stronger than traditional dried flower, often containing between 60% and 90% THC. Because of this high concentration, a single gram can last a vastly different amount of time depending entirely on the individual’s habits and method of use. The duration is a direct reflection of the size and frequency of each dose.
Calculating Potential Uses Per Gram
A single gram of cannabis concentrate contains 1,000 milligrams (mg) of material. The lifespan of this gram is a simple mathematical function determined by the average size of each use, or “dab.” This calculation establishes the maximum possible uses before accounting for real-world inefficiencies.
A beginner’s dose is often recommended to be the size of a grain of rice, which typically corresponds to a dose of 10 to 20 milligrams of concentrate. At the smaller 20-milligram dose size, a single gram would theoretically yield approximately 50 separate uses. However, a more experienced user may take a larger dose, perhaps a 50-milligram portion, which would reduce the total number of uses to about 20 per gram.
Concentrates rarely consist of 100% THC, but rather fall within the 60% to 90% range. For example, a 30-milligram portion of an 80% THC product delivers 24 milligrams of active THC. Therefore, the duration is a function of the total mass consumed, which is why even small increases in dose size drastically reduce the lifespan of the gram.
Key Factors Influencing Consumption Rate
The theoretical calculations are quickly altered by several external and internal factors that dictate the actual consumption rate.
User Tolerance
One of the most significant internal variables is user tolerance. Frequent or heavy use necessitates increasing the dose size to achieve the same effect. As tolerance rises, a user naturally progresses from a small 20-milligram dose to a larger 40- or 50-milligram dose, halving the number of uses per gram.
Hardware Efficiency
The hardware used for consumption also introduces variability in efficiency. Traditional dab rigs often operate at higher temperatures and can result in material being charred or left as residue, leading to waste. Conversely, specialized electronic vaporizers or pens allow for more precise temperature control and consistent dosing, maximizing the extraction of active compounds.
Temperature
Temperature is the most impactful external factor on consumption efficiency. Consuming at excessively high temperatures causes the delicate terpenes and cannabinoids to degrade rapidly, meaning a portion of the material is burned rather than smoothly vaporized. Lower temperatures ensure the material is fully and efficiently vaporized, preserving the integrity of the compounds.
Potency
The potency of the concentrate (typically 60% to 90% THC) plays a subtle role. While a 90% THC product technically requires a smaller mass to deliver the same amount of active cannabinoid as a 60% product, this theoretical advantage is often negated by user habit. Many users consume based on visual estimation rather than precise milligram measurements, leading to inefficient consumption.
Maximizing the Lifespan of Your Concentrate
Controlling the size of each dose is the most direct way to extend the life of a gram. Users can use a dab tool to scoop a small, consistent amount, aiming for a size no larger than a peppercorn to ensure they are not over-consuming. Consistently estimating a smaller portion for each use allows for better tracking of consumption habits and more accurate prediction of when a refill will be needed.
Proper storage is also necessary to maintain the concentrate’s quality and potency over time. Concentrates should be kept in an airtight container, preferably glass, and stored in a cool, dark, and dry environment. Exposure to heat, light, air, and moisture accelerates the degradation of cannabinoids like THC and delicate terpenes, resulting in a less potent product that may require larger doses.
Employing low-temperature consumption techniques, such as “cold start dabbing,” significantly improves efficiency. This method involves placing the concentrate into a cool surface and then heating it, allowing the user to precisely control the temperature and ensure complete vaporization without burning the material. This technique prevents the degradation of active compounds, ensuring that the entire dose is efficiently utilized rather than being burned away as residue.