What is Wax Weed?

Have you ever heard of wax? You might have heard about how awesome this marijuana concentrate is. But, before you dive in, you’re probably looking for more information. You’ve come to the right place, here’s what you need to know about wax weed.

Photo: Unsplash

What is Weed Wax?

Just like hash, wax is another type of marijuana concentrate. According to Good Therapy, weed wax, which looks like human ear wax, can contain up to 90% THC.  Due to its high concentration, you can feel the effects of THC much quicker. In addition to that, you need less product to feel strong effects. As a matter of fact, according to Good Therapy, “One small “hit” of wax causes the same euphoric effect as that created by smoking 1-2 marijuana cigarettes (joints).” 

As Complex said in their YouTube video wax is made using butane and the process is very dangerous. 

Wax, also referred to as a dab, tends to have a minimal smell and coupled with the intense effects is sometimes preferred to smoking a blunt. Typically, people consume dabs by using a dab rig or a vaporizer. 

In addition to that, according to Complex, wax is the most expensive marijuana product. In 2014, wax cost the average person $70 for a gram in California. The cost varies based on state and dispensary. 

What is Weed Wax Used For?

The same reason people use other weed products. People use it to get high or self-medicate. 

Benefits of Wax Weed

There are several benefits that accompany weed concentrates such as wax:

• Experiencing intense and quicker highs
• Can still treat ailments such as nausea
• Lasts much longer before going bad than other forms of weed
• Can provide a smokeless experience by using a vape or edibles

Is Weed Wax Safe?

Generally, yes, however, there are some causes for concern. Higher concentration can increase the risk of addiction. 

In addition to that, according to Oxford Treatment Center, using wax can cause:

• Higher anxiety levels 
• Blood pressure and heart rate increase 
• Paranoia or panic attacks
• Changes in sensory perception
• Feeling like there are bugs under your skin

These effects are probably due to the high amounts of THC found in wax. High levels of THC can cause unpleasant symptoms for many people. 

As a matter of fact, Healthline says, “high THC use may be connected to long-term negative psychiatric effects. This is especially true for adolescents who consume large amounts of THC, though there’s no conclusive evidence that using cannabis causes psychiatric disorders.”

However, there are accounts of high concentrations of THC, such as wax causing mental issues and causing violent vomiting. 

 Psychotic Episodes

According to NBC News, high potency weed is linked to psychotic episodes. Complex also echoed that same sentiment. As a matter of fact, a study showed that “Daily cannabis use was associated with increased odds of the psychotic disorder compared with never users”. The study also says, “[odds of psychotic disorder] increas[es] to nearly five-times increased odds for daily use of high-potency types of cannabis”.

We’re not sure how common it is. However, we do know of one case of someone who used weed, developed psychosis, and eventually committed suicide. According to People, the 19-year-old college student was addicted to concentrates. He was diagnosed with cannabis-induced schizoaffective disorder and put on antipsychotic medication. The incident occurred after he stopped taking his medication and the psychosis came back. 

Dr. G. Sam Wang, an emergency room doctor, and toxicologist told NBC News the evidence is getting stronger for the link between weed and mental health. Wang said, “Evidence for how cannabis, especially in higher concentrations, impacts mental health is growing and stronger, especially on how it relates to psychosis and schizophrenia-like symptoms,” Wang continues by saying that the impacts are greater with higher concentrations of THC and the frequency of use. 

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)

A 2018 review describes the rare condition of CHS as, “a syndrome of cyclic vomiting associated with chronic cannabis use.” 

Bo Gribbon recounted his experience with CHS to NBC News. He vomited several times per hour for hours before being rushed to the hospital.

Gribbon said, “It felt like Edward Scissorhands was trying to grab my intestines and pull them out.”

Unfortunately, his ordeal didn’t end that day. He visited the emergency room another 11 times. However, after stopping weed, CHS went away. 

It’s not immediately known why some people develop it and others don’t. What’s interesting is that weed can fight nausea, so how can it cause violent vomiting?

NBC News noted that CHS was rare but health care providers are seeing the cases every day. In addition to that, the potency of marijuana has also increased over the years. 

NBC also noted that while a lot isn’t known about CHS, chronic use and ‘powerful’ marijuana are the likely culprits. 

Conclusion

What is wax weed? Wax weed, wax, or simply dabs is a concentrated form of marijuana made using butane. It provides intense and quick effects compared to a blunt. However, some stoners have adverse effects from concentrated marijuana such as wax. If you’re a beginner, we don’t recommend starting with wax.