In the expanding world of cannabis, new products and terms seem to pop up on a daily basis. One term that has caught the attention of cannabis enthusiasts is “dabbing.” Specifically, people are curious about “wax dabs” and “dab shatter.” If you’ve ever wondered about the meaning of these terms and how they compare to cannabis concentrates, then this post is perfect for you.
Understanding Cannabis Concentrates
Before we delve into wax dabs and dab shatter, it’s important to have an understanding of cannabis concentrates. Concentrates are extractions derived from the cannabis plant containing levels of cannabinoids such as THC or CBD. Unlike flowers (or buds), concentrates come in forms like oils, waxes, shatters, budders, live resin, and more. Generally speaking, these products have higher concentrations of cannabinoids than flowers.
What Are Wax Dabs?
Let’s start with wax dabs—a popular type of concentrate. Picture a substance that falls somewhere between butter and oil in consistency. It often looks like honey and feels like crumble wax in texture. The extraction process involves removing solvents from the material after extracting cannabinoids like THC using substances such as butane or CO2. As a result, this process creates a wax that contains a concentration of cannabinoids.
Wax dabs offer versatility in how they can be consumed. You can vaporize them using a dab rig or pen-style vaporizer made for concentrates or even sprinkle them into a joint to enhance potency. Because wax is sticky and pliable, like taffy candy, it allows users to manage their dosage easily.
Dab Shatter: A Transparent Concentrate
Dab shatter, on the other hand, has a consistency compared to sticky wax dabs. It has a texture with light-transmitting properties that earned it the name “shatter.” It looks like glass and breaks easily when handled.
To produce dab shatter extraction, methods such as butane or CO2 are also used. However, what makes it unique is the purification process that follows the extraction to remove solvents completely. The end result is a potent concentrate with clarity and purity, maximizing the percentage of cannabinoids.
Due to its texture, dab shatter requires a method of preparation. Users “dab” the concentrate by applying heat to a nail or banger connected to a water pipe or rig while using a metal tool or dabber to place the shatter onto the heated surface.
When it comes to using heat, the solids are vaporized, creating a flavorful vapor. However, it’s important to consult your experiences for expert advice.
Wax Dabs vs. Dab Shatter
When comparing wax dabs and dab shatter, there are some distinctions that consumers may want to consider:
1. Consistency: Wax dabs have a malleable texture, similar to honey or crumbled wax. On the other hand, dab shatter has an appearance of amber glass that can easily crack when mishandled.
2. Purification: While both involve an extraction process using solvents like butane or CO2, dab shatter undergoes additional purification steps compared to wax dabs.
3. Potency: Dab shatter generally boasts THC percentages due to its purification process. In contrast, wax dabs cannabinoid content can vary depending on various factors during extraction and may occasionally retain traces of solvents, resulting in a moderate potency level.
4. Consumption Method: While both can be used with tools such as vape rigs or dab pens, their texture characteristics offer different consumption options. For example, rubbing wax against the inside of paper for joints provides an elevated experience compared to concentrated individual thread-like lumps. These aspects might influence user preferences between wax dabs and dab shatter.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, wax dabs and dab shatter are both types of cannabis concentrates that provide experiences for enthusiasts who seek potent results. Whether you prefer the stickiness of wax or the delicate nature and high potency of shatter, both options have their own place in the world of concentrates.
It’s important to keep in mind that attempting to produce these products at home without adequate knowledge and equipment can be dangerous. Always rely on professionals and trusted brands for reliable cannabis concentrate experiences.
The time you encounter these terms at your dispensary or during conversations with fellow cannabis enthusiasts, you can confidently discuss the topic with a better understanding of wax dabs and dab shatter. Enjoy your journey, and cannabis concentrate responsibly!
