What Is Wax And Its Different Forms?

Wax, shatter, budder...diamond? These are all phrases for CBD extract that have each undergone a different type of extraction method. For those who are new to the concept of vaping, you may find yourself lost in the first few times that you head to your local dispensary. Not to worry! We put together a list of the most common wax extracts and how they work!

What Is Wax?

Wax is the general term that many use for a number of different types of dabs. It is an umbrella term that characterizes a number of different consistencies. The typical extraction method is via butane. Wax can be used for a number of different purposes. It can be used in a joint or blunt, or you can place wax on top of your bowl for a greater effect. 

Crumble

Crumble has a grainy consistency more akin to sand than it is to honey. While the overall presentation is felt that way, the tiny micro-grains are, in fact, honey-like. It can fall apart easily if you are trying to scoop it up using your dab tool. 

The way this is made is after the extraction process, it is left in the vacuum for a longer period of time than most types of wax. This creates the "dry" and "crumbly" effect. On top of this, due to the low moisture level in the vacuum process, this wax doesn't grow moldy over time. 

Budder

Budder is known as one of the cleanest concentrates on the current market. On top of that, due to the extraction method, it is also one of the purest and most potent of the bunch. Budder tends to have a higher CBD ratio ranging from 90% CBD to 99% CBD. 

One look at this and your first instinct would be that it looks like butter. 

"I can't believe it's not butter!" you tell yourself as you smirk at how lame that dad joke was. 

That is because it is whipped up in the same fashion as your FDA-approved stick of butter. The end product will look creamy golden and will have the same consistency as freshly whipped butter. Due to its high potency and the labor that is put in during its development, this will cost you a bit more than your regular wax. 

Shatter

Shatter is up there in terms of commonality. It is one of the most famous and popular among those who prefer dabbing. Shatter is flat, semi-clear, and less "honey" and more "wax". This is also one of the hardest forms of wax to make (next to budder). 

There is also a grading system for shatter. While a low-end shatter will have a yellow-amber hue, the darker color does not affect the levels of potency. 

Diamonds

Not all dab-extracts are considered "full-spectrum". Diamonds were developed for their purity and diamond-like structure. Without the need to be "full-spectrum", they're developed with a single canabidiol (CBD). While extraction methods may have trace coloring and hue, diamonds are relatively clear. 

Due to the extraction methods filtering virtually all compounds with the exception of CBD and due to the fact that diamonds are isolates, there is no apparent flavor or smell that comes with traditional wax dabs. 

Many people often make the mistake of thinking that diamonds are what are considered "terp sauce" but this is not the case. 

Rick Simpson Oil

Many will find it hard to believe that one of the best oils on the market is extracted using rudimentary assets such as a rice cooker and 99% rubbing alcohol. Fortunately for them, Rick Simpson Oil is one of the most famous wax extracts in the world. 

Although it is widely believed that Rick Simpson Oil (RSO) has the ability to help deal with, treat, or even cure cancer in some patients, the results and studies are still under review.

Rick Simpson Oil is most commonly used for medical patients. What separates this from the rest of the pack is that it is extracted from female plants exclusively. On top of that, those female plants must have at least a 20% CBD content.