Among the endless variety of shatters, budders and live resins available today, sugar wax has emerged as the best of the bunch. Not because it's the most potent, or the longest-lasting, or the easiest to store; but because it offers the perfect blend of all three. For me, the biggest advantage of sugar wax is its relatively low learning curve for users.
What is Sugar Wax?
Sugar wax is a particular style of cannabis extract characterized by its extremely high terpene content and wet-sugar-like texture. To clarify, sugar wax isn't just one specific extraction technique; it is the result of a very specific post-extraction treatment.
The Science of Sugar Wax
As you might expect, sugar wax begins as a crude cannabis extract, and the majority of these extracts are created through hydrocarbon-based methods, such as using butane (BHO) or carbon dioxide (CO2). During the curing and nucleating process, the crude extract undergoes a phase transition where the cannabinoids (such as THC and CBD) precipitate out and solidify into tiny, crystal-like particles. At the same time, the liquid terpenes continue to circulate throughout the extract. When the two phases eventually separate, the resulting substance contains hundreds of individual terpenes floating within a flavorful and aromatic terpene-rich solvent. These high levels of terpenes are what provide many of the distinct flavors and aromas found in sugar wax, as well as a much softer, more manageable texture than harder concentrates like shatter.
Why People Love Sugar Wax
Subjectively, I believe the main reason people love sugar wax so much is due to the texture. Shatter, for example, can be incredibly fragile and hard to dab with because of its glass-like consistency. Because of its soft and pliable properties, sugar wax makes dabbing an absolute joy. The high terpene content also leads to more robust and complex flavor profiles and experiences when compared to isolates or other drier concentrates.
How to Use Sugar Wax: A Practical Guide
While using sugar wax is very similar to using other types of concentrates, there are a few key pieces of equipment and some basic techniques that you need to know about.
Equipment Needed to Get Started
You will need a dab rig (a special water pipe designed specifically for concentrates), a nail or banger (which is usually made of quartz, titanium, or ceramic), a carb cap, a dab tool, and a torch. For my own uses, I prefer quartz bangers since they provide exceptional flavor and clear visual indicators for temperature.
Dabbing Process
Although it may appear complicated, the entire process is relatively simple and you will become proficient at it with a little practice.
Step 1: Preparing Your Dab
Use a dab tool to measure out a small amount of sugar wax, approximately the size of a grain of rice. Be aware that sugar wax is highly potent and a little goes a long way. Make sure you have your carb cap and dab tool nearby.
Step 2: Heating the Nail
Once the nail reaches a glowing red color with your torch, turn it off. Typically, I heat for 30-45 seconds, focusing on the bottom and the sides of the banger to achieve an even heat distribution.
Step 3: Cooling Down
This is the most important part for both safety and flavor. Do not apply the dab to the red-hot nail, as this will incinerate the valuable terpenes and create a harsh, cough-inducing vapor. Wait anywhere from 45-60 seconds depending on the thickness of the banger. A dab thermometer will eliminate the guessing game, but with experience, you will develop the timing. A good temperature range is between 315°F and 450°F (157°C - 232°C).
Step 4: Appy the Dab & Cap
Carefully put the dab tool with the sugar wax on top of the cooled down banger and take a slow, steady breath. The concentrate will immediately vaporize. Place the carb cap over the nail right away. The cap reduces air pressure, creating the optimal conditions for the concentrate to vaporize at a lower temperature, extracting every possible drop of flavor and potency.
Step 5: Breathe and Clean Up
Take another deep breath, exhale and enjoy the effects of the concentrate. Afterward, while the nail is still warm (but not hot) use a cotton swab to remove any remaining concentrate in the banger. This is called "q-tip tech." It helps keep your banger free of debris and maintains flavor for your next session.
Common Problems and Real-Life Fixes
Even with a guide, first-time dabbers can encounter difficulties. Below are the most common problems encountered and how I've fixed them.
Harsh, Lung-Busting Vapor
Most of the time this problem is caused by dabbing at a higher temperature than necessary. In this case, you've evaporated the concentrate before the nail was able to cool.
Solution: Give yourself a lot longer cooling period. Try waiting a full 60-90 seconds until after the red glow has disappeared. The vapor should be silky-smooth and flavorful and not a choking gas.
Waste Concentrate Left Over in the Nail
When you notice a dark, thick pool of leftover concentrate inside the banger after a dab, your nail wasn't hot enough to burn-off the concentrate.
Solution: Slowly reduce your cooling period. You're trying to allow the concentrate to burn-off completely and leave behind only a thin layer of gold-colored residue that can be removed with a cotton swab.
Trouble Working With the Product
Although sugar wax is far less difficult to work with than shatter, it is still somewhat sticky.
Solution: Always store your sugar wax in the original glass container. Since sugar wax can stick to anything, always use a special-purpose dab tool. I prefer using flat-tipped tools to scoop up the granular texture of sugar wax. Also, to help maintain the consistency and potency of your sugar wax, store it in a cool, dark area.
Sugar wax has a great balance of aesthetics and functionality in the concentrates world. This provides an opportunity to enjoy the benefits of its texture, taste, and strength. To get the most out of your sugar wax, you should respect the product and control the temperature so you can take advantage of the full potential of this premium cannabis product.