Wax Marijuana Side Effects – The Good & The Risks

Today, we’re covering the side effects of wax marijuana, also called cannabis wax, weed wax, or dab wax.

Please remember that we’re not doctors. We’re insurance agents making sure you aren’t overpaying for a policy by being charged smoker rates. This is not medical advice. Always talk with your doctor.

Quick Takeaways

• Wax marijuana is more concentrated than other forms
• The strength means that the regular side effects of cannabis are more intense
• Wax-induced psychosis is one major side effect difference between this and other forms of cannabis consumption

What is Wax Marijuana? 

Wax marijuana or wax is one type of concentrated cannabis. Named after its sticky wax texture, it has a much higher concentration of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) than regular smokable flower. THC levels (aka marijuana concentrates) in cannabis wax can exceed 80%. In comparison, cannabis flower tends to range between 15% and 30% THC concentration.

Producers extract the THC from the raw material from the cannabis plant through either butane hash oil or CO2 extraction process. The solvents strip the THC from the plant, where it can be processed into cannabis concentrates like marijuana wax or vape oils.

Physical Side Effects of Wax Marijuana 

Wax cannabis is very, very potent. Personal tolerances can also vary widely, as can concentrations of the products. The increased concentration can also lead to more severe wax marijuana side effects than you may normally experience.

Relaxation. “Indica – in da couch.” There’s a pretty good reason for the pneumonic. Surveys report that many people feel an increased sense of relaxation after consuming cannabis in any form. 

Panic Attacks. The concentration of THC in wax marijuana can cause some people to skip right past the calming feeling of relaxation and move into panic attacks. Instead of unwinding after a long week, their mind will race, and anxiety will spike, leading to the next two side effects of cannabis wax.

Heart Rate Increase. THC can lead to increased heart rates. This can either feel like your heart is racing like you’ve just been out for a run. Or it may take you by surprise if you wear a smartwatch with a heart rate monitor.

Blood Pressure. Increased heart rate can also lead to increased blood pressure because your heart is working harder to pump blood through your cardiovascular system faster.

Respiratory Irritation. Regular use of cannabis wax for prolonged periods can decrease lung function, similar to pneumonia.

Sensory Perception Changes. Many folks consider this one of the perks of consuming cannabis. An increased sense of taste, smell, or touch can be expected. Naturally, it will depend on the person, the strain, and the concentration of marijuana wax. It can also affect hearing and vision. Reaction times will be slower, so don’t drive or use heavy machinery. Also, someone’s sense of time may change.

Impaired Coordination. No amount of paranoia while driving will help someone drive safely. Reaction times are slower, and sensory perception changes mean that trying to operate heavy machinery or tasks requiring safe, precise coordination should be avoided. 

Increased Appetite. Some people get the munchies. In more colloquial terms, this means that someone might feel more hungry or want to eat more than normal. That can be great if someone is having trouble eating. But it also may lead to deliciously excessive snacking or increased delivery orders.

Wax Marijuana Side Effects – Mental Side 

Because THC is a psychoactive, there are also some mental and psychological side effects. These can create more long-term health consequences, again from the heightened concentration of THC.

Euphoria. Cannabis is inarguably a mood-altering substance. This can come in the form of feeling relaxed and happy, even euphoric. 

Anxiety & Depression. THC can already have side effects of temporary paranoia or exacerbate existing anxiety or depression. There is also some correlation between consistent cannabis use and developing anxiety or depressive disorders. But, as we know, correlation does not equal causation.

Wax-Induced Psychosis. The dramatically higher levels of THC in cannabis wax than in flower or vape oils can lead some people to experience temporary psychotic breaks. Symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, intensified anxiety or depression. It’s most common in people with existing mental health conditions.

Cognitive Decline. This is one of the long-term effects, particularly with high levels of THC. Continuous use of high-concentration cannabis products has been linked with cognitive decline, specifically in short-term memory. Cognitive decline is also linked to genetic factors and other medical conditions. 

Wax Marijuana Compared to Other Forms

Wax marijuana side effects tend to be more severe than other forms of cannabis. This is a result of the potency of the very high concentrations of THC. If the side effects of edibles or flower hit you hard, wax marijuana might not be for you. The increased effects most likely also have stronger side effects on young people whose brains are still developing. 

Increased research is always needed. 

The side effects are strong enough that the medical community seems to be at odds over the therapeutic benefits versus health risks, depending on the strength of the dose. Marijuana use disorder (sometimes called cannabis use disorder) occurs when someone starts to experience withdrawal symptoms after prolonged, consistent consumption of marijuana products. It’s not a physical dependence like nicotine but a mental dependence on the feelings produced. In recent years, it has been a challenge to overcome for both people who smoke for medical reasons and recreational use.

Remember the old adage, “the difference between medicine and poison is the dose.”

Particularly if your lungs are getting irritated or if you’re experiencing shortness of breath, it might be wise to take a break and switch to edibles for a while. Here’s everything you need to know about edibles, including side effects.

What Does This Have to Do With Life Insurance? 

There are currently a dozen companies that don’t automatically decline an applicant for cannabis consumption. This neatly avoids lying on your life insurance application, which, if you get caught, can have frustrating consequences. 

Working with an agent like us here at Marcan Insurance helps you find the best company before you apply. Smoking THC wax versus marijuana flower makes no difference on your application. However, if you’re suffering severe side effects, that might be the case. Click here to read more about how cannabis does and doesn’t affect your life insurance rates.

If you have any questions about how to apply for life insurance and continue to enjoy cannabis, however you choose to consume it, give us a call at 888-987-8447.