Cannabis consumers have a range of products to choose from to discover which works best for their specific needs. In some cases, a more niche product, like CBD wax, is the solution. But what is CBD wax, and what benefits may it provide?
What is CBD Wax?
Wax is a catch-all term in cannabis culture. In some cases, ‘wax’ is associated with a solvent-based cannabis concentrate that has an earwax-like consistency and is typically made for dabbing. However, many use wax as an interchangeable term for an array of concentrates, including but not limited to resin, live rosin, and many others.
CBD wax is virtually the same as its THC counterpart, save for its primary cannabinoid. With CBD being the prevalent compound, consumers do not experience the same intoxicating effects they would with THC. Additional qualities and characteristics of CBD wax mirror those of other CBD-based concentrates. Consumers can enjoy the elevated dose of CBD in vaped, dabbed, topical, or edible form.
How is CBD Wax Made?
High-quality CBD wax originates from either a well-cultivated cannabis flower rich in CBD or industrial hemp, which can also contain high concentrations of the cannabinoid. Both hemp and high-THC cannabis flower follow a similar cultivation process. However, several variations are utilized during extraction to create different products.
Hemp-based CBD wax is derived from legally grown hemp containing no more than 0.3% THC. Product options include:
- Full Spectrum (0.3% THC content or less)
- Broad Spectrum (THC removed from full plant profile)
- Isolate powder (Single cannabinoid)
Various solvents, including butane, other hydrocarbons, and CO2, may be utilized to produce wax. Producers choose various solvents for different reasons, often focused on producing a specific texture of concentrate or the most potent product possible.
Depending on the concentrate produced, the cannabis will undergo a different production process. Many chemical-free or solventless methods are utilized to create concentrates like rosin and ice water hash. These types of extracts can be made at home using specific machinery like a rosin press. Household items like a hair press and wax paper can serve as a rosin press alternative with diminished results.
Solvent-based extraction is much more dangerous, as volatile chemicals are best used in secure lab settings. As such, making a broad spectrum or isolate is difficult and dangerous outside of a professional setting.
Advantages of CBD Wax
Consuming CBD concentrate in its many forms, like dab pens and edibles, can provide a number of potential benefits for consumers. They include:
- Non-Intoxicating - CBD, even in high doses, does not produce the intoxicating “high” often associated with high-THC cannabis.
- Fast-Acting Relief - The effects from a dab hit can typically be felt seconds to minutes after inhalation.
- Potency - Concentrated cannabis products like CBD wax contain high levels of CBD in every dose, delivering a significantly higher cannabinoid concentration than flower.
- Versatility - CBD wax is versatile and can be used in a number of consumption methods, including dabbing, vaporizing, and edibles.
Research has shown that vaporized cannabis may be less harmful compared to smoking.1 Some studies suggest that vaping may help consumers with:
- Reduced Toxin Exposure
- Reduced Carbon Dioxide Exposure
- Respiratory Relief
Researchers continue to examine the effects of vaping and if it is advantageous to consumers compared to smoking. While analysts continue to explore the subject, we are certain that products like CBD wax can deliver fast-acting effects in high concentrations without intoxicating the consumer.
Drawbacks of CBD Wax
There are a few drawbacks to CBD wax that consumers should be aware of.
Potential Health Risks
CBD wax is often consumed in a combustible form requiring the inhalation of smoke, unless it's used in products like edibles or topicals. While some research does suggest that vaping concentrates may not produce adverse effects as severe as traditional smoking, early research suggests it is not without its own set of drawbacks, like potential contaminants.
High Potency
Consuming high doses of CBD can lead to uncomfortable short-term effects, including drowsiness and digestive issues.2
Reduced Entourage Effect
Many CBD products are broad spectrum or isolate, meaning THC and other cannabinoids and terpenes are reduced or eliminated from the final product. Removing the full blend of compounds may decrease the effectiveness of the product.
Inhaled Product
While it is primarily believed that vaporized products do pose a lower risk profile than smoking, some consumers would prefer to eliminate inhalation altogether from their consumption process.
Untested Sources
Consumers may choose to ingest a CBD product made at home or from unreliable sources. While potentially safe, these items are untested and do not carry the lab certification to confirm the product’s dosage or that it is free of residual solvents, pesticides, heavy metals, mold, and other contaminants.
Tips for Buying CBD Wax
Before buying CBD wax in a vape cart, edible or topical, be sure to consider some critical product information, such as:
- Sourced from high-quality hemp
- Extraction method
- Formulation (full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolate)
- Consumer reviews
- Product and brand reputation
- Third-party lab tests (certificate of analysis)
Alternatively, look for the following signs that might suggest you're dealing with subpar CBD wax:
- Unlisted hemp source
- No third-party lab verification
- Expired or close-to-expired products
Top CBD Wax Products
Unlike THC wax, CBD wax can be difficult to find. Still, there are a few operators producing non-intoxicating wax sourced from high-quality CBD. Some leading brands to consider include:
Tweedle Farms
Tweedle Farms offers a variety of CBD isolates and waxes sourced from strains such as Tropicana Cookies, Lemon Drop, and Key Lime Pie.
Plain Jane
Plain Jane sells a line of CBD concentrates, including shatter, kief, crumble, and THC-free distillate. The company also offers various isolates featuring 99% CBD, CBN, and CBG.
The list may be limited, but these two brands offer an array of options under one retail roof. You will likely find others with a bit of research. However, many companies offer just one or two products in their line. You may still find solid picks from those sellers. But you might need to sift through many sellers to find your ideal CBD wax option.
References
- Chaiton M, Kundu A, Rueda S, Di Ciano P. Are vaporizers a lower-risk alternative to smoking cannabis?. Can J Public Health. 2022;113(2):293-296. doi:10.17269/s41997-021-00565-w ↩︎
- Millar SA, Maguire RF, Yates AS, O’Sullivan SE. Towards Better Delivery of Cannabidiol (CBD). Pharmaceuticals. 2020; 13(9):219. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph13090219 ↩︎
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.
