Difference Between Dabbing and Vaping Wax
Difference Between Dabbing and Vaping Wax
In recent years, concentrates and wax have grown exponentially in popularity. To the point that some folks don’t even smoke flower anymore, and only smoke wax. But what’s the difference between dabbing and vaping wax?
The most common ways to ingest wax is to dab it. However, vaping it is gaining popularity.
You can also add it to a bong or bowl hit, as well as a joint.
These concentrates have gotten very popular, to the point there is a whole subculture around dabbing and using rigs to smoke wax.
Cannabis concentrates have many different nicknames depending on their shape and extraction form. Such as crumble, shatter, budder, or wax.
These terms are used to distinguish the traits of the concentrated substances. However, they are often used loosely.
Difference Between Dabbing and Vaping Wax
The process of extracting cannabis plant matter is done by extracting desired oils from the plant using solvents or other means.
In extraction, butane and carbon dioxide are generally the most commonly used solvents. The end product is a refined, concentrated oil, rich in desired the cannabinoids like THC/CBD.
These extracted oils are great for vaping and dabbing.
The process of extracting cannabis plant matter is done by extracting desired oils from the plant using solvents or other means.
In extraction, butane and carbon dioxide are generally the most commonly used solvents. The end product is a refined, concentrated oil, rich in desired the cannabinoids like THC/CBD.
These extracted oils are great for vaping and dabbing. Beware that the potency and consistency of these products may vary. Oils are thick, sticky liquids that can be difficult to handle. They can also range in color from a light honey to a darker, nearly black color.
Different forms of wax
As mentioned, there will usually be certain characteristics used to name the oil extracts. The “shatter” concentrates are usually firm and look like a shard amber.
The substance will shatter when it is broken down, as the name implies. This can make it a bit difficult to handle.
There are also concentrates that are referred to as wax or “budder.” It has the consistency like a soft butter and a richer golden color.
Wax has more of a crumbly texture to it, which makes it easier to handle than shatter. Some concentrates are easier to work with than others. All extracts can be consumed in one of two ways: dabbing or vaping.
Beware that the potency and consistency of these products may vary. Extracts are thick, sticky liquids that can be difficult to handle. They can also range in color from a light honey to a darker, nearly black color.
As mentioned, there will usually be certain characteristics used to name the oil extracts. The “shatter” concentrates are usually firm and look like a shard amber.
The substance will shatter when it is broken down, as the name implies. This can make it a bit difficult to handle.
There are also concentrates that are referred to as wax or “budder.” It has the consistency like a soft butter and a richer golden color.
Wax has more of a crumbly texture to it, which makes it easier to handle than shatter. Some concentrates are easier to work with than others. All extracts can be consumed in one of two ways: dabbing or vaping.
Difference Between Dabbing and Vaping Wax: Vaping
Vaping is one of the most popular ways to consume concentrates and wax.
Even though there are many options on the market for vaporizers, most of them function the same, for the most part.
Simply load up the wax and you are good to go.
They don’t require any extra tools; all you need is a reasonable-sized container to store your wax.
Because the concentrate is fully contained within a vaping device, it’s much easier to handle and use in comparison to dabbing.
Is vaping a healthier alternative?
Another reason why consumers prefer vaping is that it has been repeatedly reported to be a healthier alternative to smoking or dabbing.
Not to mention that vaporizers are available in a variety of different styles and colors.
It’s important to note that many vapes only work with one particular substance, so be sure you verify which type of concentrate or oil cartridge the vape is made for.
However, there have been a few vape devices on the market that can be used with a large variation of dry herbs or concentrates.
Depending on which type of wax or concentrate you are using, the vaporizers can heat up in one of two methods: via a heating chamber, or through coils.
High-quality coil vapes will tend to use either quartz rods or ceramic donuts for the heating process. A large selection of vapes with heating chambers will feature variable temperature settings that can allow for maximum vapor production.
Difference Between Dabbing and Vaping Wax: Key Differences
Although vape users will often claim that they are “dabbing” when using a vape pen or similar device, dabbing is actually quite different…
For one, a dab rig is required for dabbing. They come in nearly as many styles and variations as dry herb pipes do.
The majority of rigs look similar to a bong but will use a ‘domeless’ nail instead of a traditional bowl.
On dab rigs
This nail is different from the one usually found in a toolbox. ‘Domeless’ nails have a smaller divot or hole. Dab nails are typically made of quartz, titanium, and ceramic.
When using a rig for dabs, you heat the nail with a torch for approximately 30 seconds.
Once the nail has reached a certain temperature, a dabber is used to apply a small amount of wax.
The wax will almost instantly vaporize upon contact with the hot nail. You also have the option of using electric nails. Which are more efficient, safer, and longer lasting than nails that require a torch.
However, the one drawback is that they are quite expensive.
The potency of dabbing wax is considerably stronger than when vaping wax.
A single puff is the equivalent of smoking a full-sized joint of a fairly potent herb
You will most certainly feel the effects of a well received dab almost immediately. The full flavor profile and aroma of the concentrate are not lost when dabbing, though the taste will be much more prevalent in comparison to smoking out of a pipe or bong.
Although vaping may be effective, dabbing is more efficient for psychoactive effects.
Another benefit for using a dab rig is its ability to handle all of slick oils, shatter, and wax extracts.
There is no need for getting a new cartridge or device like vapes would usually require.
Also, dab rigs don’t need to be recharged, you just need to make sure that you have a torch on hand.
This means that there are no adapters or cables to lose, as well as not being dependent on electricity for operation.
Dabbing is perhaps the most reliable method of consuming your concentrates.
Difference Between Dabbing and Vaping Wax: Exact Differences
The major difference between vaping versus dabbing lies at the scientific level…
It comes down to the type and amount of heat applied to induce combustion in the cannabis concentrate.
Vaporizers will use convective heating, while dabbing is conductive.
Convective heat uses hot air to vaporize the concentrates. Conductive heat is the term used to describe combusting material by heating it on a surface.
Convective vaporization is considered to be a more preferable means of consumption for your health as it avoids carbonization.
Difference Between Dabbing and Vaping Wax: Comparing and Contrast
Vapes are considered to be a bit more user-friendly, which is a big advantage over a complicated setup for consuming dabs through a rig.
However, as we mentioned earlier, there is a significant subculture around dabbing, people will defend it to the grave. Swathes of people will argue that it is better than any other method of ingesting cannabis because of how potent and immediate the effects are.
Furthermore, you don’t necessarily need to be an expert to be able to use a rig.
Although, you should have some knowledge of the basics of dabbing and access to a variety of equipment such as a blowtorch, dabber and the rig itself (which are quite costly.)
Another key difference is the portability.
If you are lucky, you may be able to find mini dab rigs available, as well as other products for dabbing on the move.
However, you will still require a blowtorch, dabber, and a ‘domeless’ nail which can be excessive to take around places.
Contrary to this, a small wax vape pen is much more portable. To store your vape and accessories, many vapes will come with or include a carry case.
Vaping is a great choice for solo usage.
The majority of vape pens, or ‘dab’ pens, are small enough to hold only your personal amount of wax.
Dabbing using a rig would be more of a preferred option in a group setting.
A small amount of wax can get much more use out of a rig compared to a vape pen
Though vapes might appear to be a better option because of their portability and are easier to use, there is a key difference between vaping and dabbing.
Aside from the potential health concerns that could come with vaping, the overall potency of the concentrated oil will have much more potency to it through dabbing with a rig.
When you smoke concentrates from a rig, both the taste and psychoactive effects are considerably enhanced.
Dab rigs can also be used with any consistency of concentrate, while some pens can only focus on one specific variety.
Difference Between Dabbing and Vaping Wax: Which Option Is Better For You?
Truth is, there is no right or wrong answer here.
It is simply a matter of preference, desire, or necessity. You’ll need to consider many factors when choosing between them.
For beginners, vaping can be a great place for to start.
You can consume wax and other concentrates with minimal effort.
Because they are so easy to use and store, it is also a top choice for minimalists.
Also of note is that publicly transporting a torch or a dab rig is not an easy task.
Yet, there are also the aforementioned health concerns with vaping to think about.
That aside, dabbing using a rig is only best when it comes down to potency and taste.
Although, vaporizers are made up of many smaller pieces that are often exclusive to a brand or manufacturer.
This makes them more difficult to find and even more expensive.
Vape technology is constantly evolving, rendering older models obsolete. It can be rather costly to keep up with all the latest developments of vape parts. Proper care will ensure that your dab rigs, and all their components, will last a lifetime.
As you can see, there are both advantages and drawbacks to each option.
Some people prefer one over the other
Many concentrate enthusiasts don’t really have a preference either way and will use both as a means of cannabis consumption.
We hope this article helped to inform you on the main differences between the two popular forms of wax consumption. Now that you know more about it, you can make a more informed decision.
We hope this article helped you to better understand which option is better for you! Stay safe and always source from credible vendors.
Want to learn more on cannabis oil and wax extractions? Consider signing up for our Advanced Extraction Course
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