The practice commonly termed “wax smoking” involves inhaling vapor from highly concentrated cannabis extracts, which is technically vaporization rather than true smoking. This method uses extreme heat to instantly vaporize the concentrated material, often called “wax,” delivering a potent dose of cannabinoids and terpenes. The process is distinct from the combustion of traditional cannabis, focusing on efficiency and intensity. This consumption method has grown in popularity due to the material’s high potency and the rapid onset of effects.
Defining Cannabis Concentrates
Cannabis concentrates are potent extracts made by separating desirable compounds, primarily cannabinoids like THC and aromatic terpenes, from the plant material. The resulting product is a highly refined substance with a significantly higher concentration of active ingredients than dried cannabis flower. While flower typically contains 15 to 25% THC, concentrates frequently range from 60 to over 90% THC, making them three to four times stronger by weight.
The specific extract known as “wax” is characterized by its opaque, soft, and malleable consistency, often resembling earwax. This texture is achieved through post-extraction processing, such as whipping or agitating the material, which causes the oil to solidify. Other forms, like shatter, budder, or crumble, are simply concentrates processed differently. The high concentration is a direct result of using a solvent-based extraction process, such as butane or propane, to strip the compounds from the plant matter.
Consumption Methods: Dabbing and Vaping
The consumption of these high-potency concentrates is typically done through two methods: dabbing and using specialized vaporizers. Dabbing involves a specialized water pipe called a dab rig, which features a heating element known as a nail, often made of quartz, ceramic, or titanium. The nail is heated to high temperatures, often using a handheld butane torch, though electric nails (e-nails) offer more precise temperature control. A small amount of the concentrate, or “dab,” is then placed onto the hot surface, instantly vaporizing the material for immediate inhalation.
The goal of dabbing is to quickly vaporize the concentrate while preserving the flavor of the terpenes. However, traditional torch dabbing temperatures can be inconsistent and may exceed 400°C (752°F), risking compound degradation. The alternative method uses a portable concentrate vaporizer, often called a dab pen or wax pen, which employs a battery-powered heating coil or atomizer. These devices heat the concentrate to its vaporization point at a lower, more controlled temperature than a torch, offering a more discreet experience.
Understanding High Potency Effects
The defining characteristic of concentrate consumption is the high concentration of THC, which leads to a rapid and intense psychoactive effect. A single inhalation delivers a significantly larger dose of cannabinoids compared to smoking cannabis flower. This results in an immediate onset of effects, often within seconds, due to the rapid absorption of the vaporized compounds into the bloodstream. The experience is often described as a more powerful and immediate “high” than that achieved with flower.
The intense effects can be especially pronounced for inexperienced users, sometimes leading to acute adverse effects like rapid heart rate, paranoia, or temporary blackouts. The high dosage also contributes to a faster development of tolerance, requiring users to consume increasingly larger amounts over time. This pattern of use associated with high-potency products is linked to a greater risk of developing cannabis use disorder and experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
Health and Safety Considerations
A safety concern with concentrates relates to residual solvents left over from the extraction process, especially if the product is sourced from unregulated markets. Common solvents like butane, propane, and ethanol are used to separate the compounds, and inadequate purging can leave trace amounts in the final product. Ingesting these residual chemicals may cause health problems, with some studies linking chronic exposure to respiratory issues. Regulated markets require testing to ensure residual solvent levels remain below established safety limits, but this is not guaranteed for all products.
The high temperatures used in dabbing also introduce health risks from thermal degradation of the material and the heating element itself. Research indicates that heating concentrates excessively can produce harmful byproducts, including methacrolein and the carcinogen benzene. The direct inhalation of this high-temperature vapor can irritate and potentially damage lung tissue, sometimes leading to respiratory symptoms and acute lung injuries. Using electronic devices with precise temperature control is one way to mitigate the risk, as lower temperatures are less likely to cause thermal degradation.