HOW IS CBD WAX MADE?

HOW IS CBD WAX MADE?

CBD wax is made by extracting cannabinoids from the cannabis plant. There are several ways manufacturers extract CBD, but the two most common use a ‘closed loop extraction system’ and are often referred to as:

Butane Hash Oil extraction (BHO)

In this instance, butane, a highly explosive gas, is blasted over the plant material to extract its essential oils, including cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes. As the butane evaporates, a potent, concentrated substance is left behind. Following this, the substance is tested to ensure the successful removal of the butane.

CO2 extraction

Believed to be a far safer way of extracting cannabinoids, CO2 extraction is also expensive. This process uses pressurised carbon dioxide to extract cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes. Heat and pressure force the carbon dioxide to turn ‘super-critical’ (a state of liquid and gas), which then evaporates, leaving behind a pure, concentrated form of cannabis.

CAN YOU MAKE YOUR OWN CBD WAX?

The above methods are not exceptionally safe or cost-effective, so it’s recommended to leave these to the experts. That’s if you want to avoid burning down your kitchen. 

A method which has taken off in popularity recently is rosin press extraction. This simple tool can be used safely at home and uses solely heat and pressure to generate a solvent-free form of concentrated cannabis.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CBD WAX?

You may have heard various terms used to describe CBD wax, from budder to shatter, making it a little confusing. These terms refer to the consistency of the product, and they all fall under the umbrella of what we call CBD wax. Different types of CBD wax can include:

CBD Budder

CBD budder is produced by using air pressure and purging the CBD extract at an extremely high temperature. The substance is then whipped to extract solvents, creating a fluffy, creamy texture which resembles butter.

CBD Shatter

Unique in its appearance, CBD shatter has a translucent appearance which is often clear or amber in colour. As the name suggests, the substance is glass-like and can ‘shatter’ into many pieces. Upon heating, shatter melts to form a thick, gooey liquid resembling honey. Shatter is achieved by allowing the substance to cool down and harden after its extraction.

CBD Crumble

Likened to looking similar to honeycomb, CBD crumble has a brittle consistency. During the process of extraction, less moisture is removed from the product. This method enables a crumblier appearance, making it an easy CBD wax to handle.

Live Resin

To create live resin, hemp buds are immediately flash-frozen after harvest. This method helps to preserve a larger number of terpenes and cannabinoids, making a sought-after concentrate with maximum flavour and potency. Live resin has a runny consistency and is either white or pale yellow in colour.

Rosin

The most natural extract available, rosin is made by pressing the plant matter with heat and pressure. This method preserves the terpenes and cannabinoids, delivering a wax high in flavour and potency without the risk of any added solvents. Using a rosin press has become a popular method opted by those making CBD concentrate from home.