Wax and Herb: 5 Significant Differences
Many people wonder if they can use wax instead of herb and herb instead of wax during their smoking sessions. However, despite a common belief, wax and herb are two very different substances. They work differently and serve different purposes.
What is a Herb?
When people refer to cannabis as an herb, they mean the bud or flower from the marijuana plant - and not an actual herb! Cannabis sativa, also known as Marijuana or Hashish, is the dried portion or bloom of a female cannabis plant. Pot, Grass, Bud, Ganja, and Mary Jane are some other names it is known by. Dry herbs are consumed in various ways, from conventional pipes and joints to innovative devices like dry herb vaporizers.
What is Wax?
Butane hash oil, commonly known as wax, is a cannabis concentrate manufactured by extracting components that include THC and CBD from marijuana flowers. Wax can be smoked in its natural form. It's generally produced in dabs, heated on hot surfaces (usually titanium or quartz), and inhaled through an oil rig or wax pen. Wax is also known as budder, shatter, crumble, and honeycomb.
Now that you know the basics of what herb and wax are, let's dive into the differences between both these things.
Five Significant Differences Between Herb and Wax:
1. Wax vs. Herb: Potency Level
The potency of dry herbs is usually between 10 and 25%, while the potency of the extracts begins at around 50% and can go as high as 90%. It's riskier to get high with a concentrate if you're just getting started. If you make a blunder, you may be trapped on the sofa for a long time until the aftereffects begin to wear off.
On the other hand, the dry herb is a more subtle option for beginners. You'll still get all of the advantages without risking any surprises. With concentrates, you need to learn how to get the dosage just right. If you wish to socialize or be far from home, it is probably safer to stick with loose leaf than risk an overdose.
However, if you don't want to be up all night smoking, concentrate is probably your best bet. Recent research revealed that the user would absorb more than 75% of the active components in a dabbed concentrate. A single hit from a dab rig will keep you high for a long time. However, when smoking the bud, 75% of the active components are lost before being absorbed. If you want to go slow and steady with your dosing, then dry herb might be the way to go.
2. Wax vs. Herb: Taste and Smell
Even when it's in a container, we all know how strong the smell of marijuana is. When you smoke marijuana, the higher the quality of the herb, generally speaking, the better its smell and taste are when using a bong. However, if you're smoking it straight, there's a possibility that it'll leave a smoky, ash-like aftertaste.
Wax (especially shatter) has a faint, mild fragrance. The smell and taste of wax are complicated to describe, but they're similar to the best quality cannabis's aroma and taste. Contrary to marijuana, you generally won't detect excellent wax until you are smelling it directly.
3. Wax vs. Herb: Dosing
Dosing with wax is more complicated than dosing with dried flowers, which you may always smoke again if the effects are too powerful or not what you wanted. Wax has an immediate impact when it enters your body, so there's no way to take more if you don't feel anything after a few minutes.
4. Wax vs. Herb: Method of Consumption
Herb is frequently consumed by smoking. However, some individuals prefer to use their culinary talents to develop delectable dishes and edibles to consume. If you opt for this option, be sure to decarboxylate your marijuana first. This method guarantees that the THC-A transforms into a potent THC. When you smoke a joint, the decarb process takes place automatically. Bake your flower at a 220-245 degrees Fahrenheit temperature for 30-45 minutes for culinary usage.
Dabbing, on the other hand, opens up a wide range of possibilities. The most frequent way to consume concentrates is via a dab rig. Put your concentrate on the hot nail (usual quartz of titanium) and breathe in the vapor for a smooth hit.
You can experiment to produce ingestible oils and tinctures. It may also be added to foods and beverages or even smoked as a joint additive. There are numerous dab styles, including sugar, crumble, sap, oil, wax, shatter, resin, and honeycomb.
5. Wax vs. Herb: Discretion
One of the most significant drawbacks of the dry herb is its lack of discretion. If you're smoking a joint in public, the odor will undoubtedly expose you. The distinctive fragrance of Mary Jane fills the air as soon as the joint is lit. When you get dressed in the morning, the smoke will likely cling to your clothes and make it obvious.
Dabs, on the other hand, produce no smoke. As a result, the vapor does not leave any odor on your clothing or hair. Another advantage is that dab pens are inconspicuous gadgets. Thus, providing necessary discreetness. You may even regulate the amount of smoke produced to guarantee a covert vaping session.
6. Wax vs. Herb: Pricing
Wax is a more concentrated and potent form of dry herb and goes through a considerably complicated manufacturing process. As a result, it is typically more costly than herbs.
Conclusion
There are several distinctions between marijuana flowers and marijuana wax. Which one is more convenient and beneficial for the consumers is entirely dependent on their preferences. Wax is more convenient in terms of maintenance, portability, and discretion. However, if you are looking for a varied flavor profile or are a beginner, dry herbs are the way to go.