CBD wax is a highly concentrated, semi-solid form of cannabidiol (CBD) extract. It is typically extracted from hemp using processes like CO2 or butane hash oil extraction. The primary purpose of using CBD wax is to achieve a potent, near-instantaneous onset of effects. Unlike traditional CBD oils or capsules, inhaling the vaporized concentrate delivers the cannabidiol directly into the bloodstream through the lungs, bypassing the slower digestive system.
Essential Equipment and Preparation
Consuming CBD wax through dabbing requires a specific set of tools to vaporize the concentrate. The central piece of equipment is the dab rig, a specialized water pipe that uses a nail or banger, typically made of quartz or ceramic, instead of a traditional bowl. You will also need a butane torch to heat the nail and a dab tool, or dabber, to handle the concentrate.
A carb cap is an accessory that acts like a lid to regulate airflow and pressure inside the heated nail. This control allows the concentrate to vaporize efficiently at lower temperatures, preserving the delicate terpenes for better flavor. Preparing your dose requires you to use the dabber to scoop a very small amount of wax. For beginners, the starting dose should be no larger than half a grain of rice, as the high concentration of CBD can produce strong effects even in small quantities.
Dabbing CBD Wax Step-by-Step
The primary method for consuming CBD wax involves vaporizing it on a heated surface. To begin, use the butane torch to heat the quartz or ceramic banger until it begins to glow red hot. Immediately turn off the torch and allow the nail to cool, a step known as “low-temp dabbing.”
The ideal temperature range for dabbing wax is between 460°F and 520°F, which maximizes the vaporization of cannabinoids and terpenes without burning them. Depending on the nail’s material and thickness, this cool-down period can take between 30 and 60 seconds. Once the nail is cooled to the correct temperature, use the dab tool to gently apply your rice-grain-sized portion of wax directly onto the hot surface of the banger.
As the concentrate vaporizes, begin to inhale slowly and steadily through the mouthpiece of the dab rig. Place the carb cap over the banger as you inhale to trap the heat and manipulate the airflow. After the inhalation is complete, clean the nail immediately to maintain its quality and flavor for the next use. Use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to wipe away any residual oil or dark residue while the banger is still warm, which prevents residue buildup.
Other Ways to Consume CBD Wax
CBD wax can be consumed using a specialized portable vaporizer or “dab pen.” These devices contain a heating coil or ceramic chamber designed to vaporize concentrates. Load a small amount of wax onto the coil and activate the heating element before inhaling. This method offers a convenient, discreet way to consume the concentrate while retaining the rapid onset of effects.
CBD wax can also be incorporated into homemade edibles or infused oils, though this requires an activation step called decarboxylation. Because the wax contains cannabinoids in their non-activated, acidic form (CBDA), it must be gently heated to convert them into the form the body can process (CBD). This process typically involves baking the wax at a low temperature, such as 230°F to 250°F, for about 30 to 45 minutes, until bubbling subsides.
Once decarboxylated, the activated wax must be mixed into a lipid carrier, such as coconut oil or butter, since cannabinoids are fat-soluble. This infusion allows the body to absorb the CBD through the digestive system, resulting in effects that are slower to appear but last longer than those experienced with inhalation methods. Crumbling a small amount of wax over dried hemp flower in a bowl or joint allows the concentrated CBD to vaporize as the flower is smoked.
Safe Handling and Proper Storage
To maintain the potency and integrity of the CBD wax, proper storage is necessary. The concentrate should always be kept in an airtight, non-stick silicone container. This container should then be stored in a cool, dark location away from direct sunlight, excessive heat, and humidity.
Safety during the dabbing process centers on managing the high temperatures generated by the torch and nail. Always place your dab rig on a stable, heat-resistant surface and ensure the hot banger is never touched with bare skin, as it retains intense heat for several minutes after torching. Furthermore, all CBD concentrates and dabbing equipment must be stored securely out of the reach of children and pets to prevent accidental exposure or injury.