Types of CBD/THC Extracts
As you can tell by the name, extracts are extracted from the marijuana plant and they come in the form of wax or oil. Wax is just one of the many forms that you can get with that type of extract as it can be a brittle, solid substance or a soft, pliant one. In the case of the more solid extracts, the strain of the marijuana plant used and the extraction technique have an effect on the type of substance created from the extraction process.
The extraction process can create extremely potent substances as it is possible for wax to have up to 90% THC, which is also why extracts are also known as concentrates. However, it is also possible to create oil or wax that has little to no THC and is rich in CBD. That gives them an impressive level of versatility that you just can’t get with the basic marijuana plant.
How They Are Made
Concentrates are extracted using hydrocarbon solvents, like butane or ethanol and complex lab equipment. That means the extraction process should be left to the professionals because hydrocarbons are flammable, plus they need to be removed from the final product. The final product depends on the strain of the marijuana plant that is used, whether the buds were fresh, as well as any special techniques used during certain stages of the process.
Carbon dioxide extraction is another common method and it is even more complex and expensive than hydrocarbon extraction. The product created has a much lower risk of contamination but it is also more expensive.
Types Of Extract Vaporizers
As mentioned above, there are two main types of CBD/THC Extracts- Wax & Oil, so there are also two main types of extract vapes- one for each kind of extract.
Some extract vapes are better for beginners and others are more suited for seasoned vapers. Dab Pens are more beginner-friendly because they are pretty easy to use and are highly convenient. E-nails are slightly more complex but can reach much higher temperatures for more intense vaping. Oil cartridges can be used with any 510 battery and are the easiest to use & most discreet.
Here are the different types of Extract Vaporizers:
Extract Vapes
Types of Wax Vapes
Wax/ Dab Pens Consist of a battery, a coil (aka an atomizer), and a mouthpiece. They have preset voltage settings rather than precise temperature control, which makes vape pens very easy to use for beginners. Vape pens are the easiest way to enjoy Solid Concentrates as they are small and relatively not expensive. To use a Wax Pen you place a small dab of wax or crumble and it will heat up to around 400F to vaporizer the extract. Vape Pens also have different coils that can provide softer or stronger vapor. Examples are the KandyPens Crystal (Review | Buy) and the G-Pen Nova LXE (Review | Buy). Both pens produce great vapor and are recommended for wax extracts.
Enails & Dab Rigs Are larger wax vaporizers with a water bubbler that cools down the vapor. E-nails can reach very high temperatures which produce harsh, intense vapor. E-nails give users a lot of customization options since they can choose from different kinds of nails and many e-nails feature granular temperature control. E-Nails can come as a “Dab Rigs” which include the whole unit- nail, body, and bubbler. Example: KandyPens OURA (Review | Buy). Or they can come as a “nail-only”, meaning you can use your own Rig, and the nail just eliminates the need for a torch by using an electric coil. Example: G-Pen Connect (Review | Buy).
Types of Oil Vapes
510 Threaded Pre-filled Cartridges As you can tell by the name, these are cartridges (aka tanks) filled with CBD or THC oil. They can be connected to a battery and used instantly. Pre-filled oil carts (cartridges) eliminate the need for reloading as they come prefilled. Unline Wax and Herb Vaporizers, that typically need a reload after every session. A single oil cart can last weeks for most users. They are fool-proof to use, just keep in mind that you need a 510 threaded battery to power them. Dr. Dabber CBD (Review | Buy) and Hemp Bombs (Review | Buy) are examples of pre-filled carts that are compatible with any 510 battery.
Pre-filled Vape Pens Unlike the cartridges (that needs a battery to operate), these have the battery built-in, so an all-in-one solution. They are also disposable and can’t be refilled. Pre-filled vape pens are certainly convenient but they don’t offer variable voltage like 510 batteries do, which means that they are less customizable. Choice CBD and Medix make CBD pens that are super beginner-friendly.
FAQs
They can be purchased from dispensaries in the states where marijuana has been legalized.
The vapor of both wax and oil pens does smell like weed, but the smell dissipates quickly and does not stick to hair or clothing.
In order to clean your wax atomizer, you need two essential accessories, a cotton swab or q-tip and isopropyl alcohol. You soak the cotton in the alcohol and use it to wipe down the atomizer. For dried up residue you can crank the vape pen to its highest setting for a few minutes to burn it off.
It depends on the experience that you want. Low-temperature dabbing (around 420°F) provides stronger flavor and a smoother vaping experience while high-temperature dabbing (over 600°F) provides a faster high and bigger clouds. Once you know which experience you want, you will know which dabbing temperature is right for you.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, extract vaping isn’t too complicated once you break down each step. The only time when things might get a little complicated is when you are deciding on which atomizer or nail is the best for you. Once you’ve made that decision, it’s smooth sailing from then on. So, there’s no need to be hesitant or apprehensive about extract vaping. Once you give it a try, you will see why so many people swear by it as their main method of consuming weed.