How to Make and Use Honeycomb Wax

As you may know, cannabis concentrates can take several forms once the THC and cannabinoids have been extracted from the flower. One rather luxurious one is honeycomb. It gets its name from its golden and fluffy texture, which resembles the honeycombs found in beehives. Let's take a closer look.

What are Honeycomb Concentrates?

Honeycomb concentrates are a form of hydrocarbon extract, which simply means that the concentrates are extracted using solvents such as propane or butane. Honeycomb is commonly made with propane and gets its name from its highly stable consistency, which resembles a honeycomb. Unlike some other forms of concentrates, honeycomb is always made using a solvent to extract the compounds from the flower. Otherwise, its signature texture could not be produced.

Honeycomb extracts can be extremely potent. Compared to other concentrates, honeycomb is similar to shatter in that it can contain anywhere between 60% and 80% THC.

How to Use Honeycomb Extracts

So, how do you use honeycomb? Well, honeycomb can be used like many other hydrocarbon extracts. That is, using a specific piece called a "dab rig." Dab rigs are functionally very similar to conventional bongs or water pipes, yet they include a flat bowl called a "nail" in the place of a glass bowl. Instead of putting cannabis flower in the bowl, the honeycomb 'dab' is placed on the nail after it's been flash heated. The extract is then applied to the cooled but still-hot nail, allowing the extract to be vaporized and inhaled.

Don't be intimidated by the act of dabbing. It may be difficult or overwhelming for those who haven't done it often. You may find that you need some practice in cooling the nail enough to vaporize the dab without burning it.

How to Make Honeycomb Extracts

Note: Manufacturing your own BHO extracts can be extremely dangerous and illegal if done properly or with the necessary manufacturing licenses. In other words, don't try this at home.

Producing honeycomb is very similar to extracting shatter. In fact, nearly every step of the process is identical except for the purging. To get that classic honeycomb texture, the manufacturer must allow the extract to purge in the vacuum chamber until it looks like a honeycomb. A less detailed explanation is broken down below.

1. The manufacturer grinds all of the flower or shake they will blast.
2. The extraction tubes are packed with the ground cannabis.
3. They then blast the butane through the tube.
4. This continues until the solvent has saturated all the weed in the tube.
5. Once complete, the entire pool of butane is evaporated until only the marijuana concentrate remains.
6. Scrapers are then used to remove the concentrate from the dish onto a piece of parchment paper. This extract is still saturated with the solvent and is very unhealthy to ingest.
7. The parchment paper is then placed in the vacuum oven or chamber to purge the remaining solvent found in the concentrate.
8. The concentrate is then kept in the vacuum chamber at 110F under pressure until the honeycomb texture is obtained.

As you can see, this is a highly technical process and can easily result in an explosion if done improperly. Manufacturers must use well-ventilated, blast-proof rooms and specialized safety equipment. That's why it's illegal to make solvent-based extracts without a license or proper zoning.

Warnings and Dangers

We can not in good conscience recommend you try making honeycomb yourself at home. All extraction methods require the use of solvents to produce the honeycomb consistency, which is highly dangerous.

Also, without the proper marijuana manufacturing licenses and zoning, extracting your own honeycomb is very illegal. While it may interest you, extracting your own concentrates is not an amateur or hobbyist activity. The prerequisite equipment and licenses can be very expensive to acquire, and cutting corners can put you in legal or physical jeopardy. You will find it's both cheaper and simpler to obtain your own honeycomb at the nearest dispensary or from a weed subscription box.

How to Find and Buy Honeycomb

Unlike other more common concentrates, honeycomb may be more difficult to find. Keep in mind that you may need a medical marijuana card to purchase honeycomb, depending on the laws regarding marijuana in your state.

That about wraps up the Nugg guide to honeycomb extract. If you need a medical marijuana card to purchase honeycomb in your state, you're in luck! With NuggMD, you can connect with a state-licensed marijuana doctor and receive a medical recommendation without leaving your home. Sign up today!

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.