THC Oil, Wax, and Distillate: What’s the Difference?

When you shop for cannabis concentrates, you might come across names like THC oil, wax, and distillate. They all sound powerful and seem to offer a strong high, but what exactly are they? How are they made? And which one should you choose?

In this guide, we’ll break it all down in a way that’s simple to understand. By the end, you’ll know what sets each of these products apart—and which one might be right for your next cannabis session.

What Does THC Stand For?

THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol. It’s the main chemical in cannabis that makes you feel “high.” THC connects with special parts of your brain and body called cannabinoid receptors. This changes how you feel, think, and even move.

When you see products like THC oil or THC wax, it means they’ve been made to have a high amount of this compound.

What Is Cannabis Oil (THC Oil)?

THC oil, also called cannabis oil, is a liquid form of cannabis concentrate. It’s made by using a solvent—like CO₂ or ethanol—to pull out THC from the cannabis plant. The result is a thick oil that can be used in vapes, edibles, capsules, or tinctures.

What It Looks and Feels Like

Cannabis oil is usually dark golden or amber. It has a sticky, thick texture like syrup. You’ll often find it in vape cartridges or dropper bottles.

How It’s Used

You can:

• Vape it (in a cartridge or dab pen)

• Add it to food (to make edibles)

• Use it under the tongue (as a tincture)

• Put it in capsules for slow-release effects

THC Levels in Cannabis Oil

Cannabis oils usually have a THC content between 60% to 80%, depending on the strain and extraction process.

What Is Wax?

Wax is another type of cannabis concentrate, but it’s solid and sticky instead of oily. It’s also known by names like budder, crumble, or honeycomb, depending on its texture.

Wax is made by blasting cannabis with a solvent—usually butane or propane—and then whipping or purging it to remove the leftover gas. This turns the extract into a soft, wax-like substance.

What It Looks and Feels Like

THC wax is yellow or gold and has a soft texture, kind of like lip balm or whipped butter.

There are a few types:

• Budder – smooth and creamy

• Crumble – dry and breakable

• Shatter – glass-like and snaps when broken

How It’s Used

Wax is usually dabbed. This means heating it on a hot surface (called a nail or banger) and inhaling the vapor. Some vaporizers can also handle wax.

THC Levels in Wax

Wax has very high THC content, often 70% to 90%, making it stronger than most flower and even some oils.

What Is Distillate?

THC distillate is the most refined form of cannabis concentrate. It’s a pure, thick oil with almost no flavor, smell, or plant compounds—just THC.

What Is THC Distillate?

Distillate is made by heating cannabis extract until it separates into different parts. The goal is to isolate and collect just the THC. The process is called short-path distillation, and it removes everything except the desired compound.

The result? A clear, golden oil that’s up to 99% pure THC.

What It Looks and Feels Like

Distillate is thick and almost clear, with a honey-like texture. It comes in glass syringes or cartridges.

How It’s Used

You can:

• Vape it (in carts or dab pens)

• Dab it (like wax)

• Eat it (in edibles or capsules)

• Infuse it into topicals

Since it has no flavor or smell, it’s perfect for making edibles or adding to other products without changing their taste.

Key Differences: THC Oil vs Wax vs Distillate

Let’s look at how these three compare:

Which One Should You Choose?

That depends on what you want out of your cannabis experience.

Here’s a quick guide:

• Choose THC Oil if you want flexibility. It’s great for vaping, edibles, or tinctures. It also keeps more of the plant’s natural flavor and effects.

• Choose Wax if you’re looking for a strong, fast-acting high. Dabbing delivers intense effects, so this is better for experienced users.

• Choose Distillate if you want pure THC with no flavor. It’s perfect for edibles or if you want to control your dose very precisely.

Benefits of Each Product

Here’s a bulleted list to help you compare their benefits at a glance:

• THC Oil:
  • Great for vaping and cannabis edibles

  • Keeps natural flavor and aroma

  • Easy to dose

• Wax:
  • High THC potency

  • Quick effects when dabbed

  • Multiple textures (budder, crumble, etc.)

• Distillate:
  • Ultra-pure THC

  • No taste or smell

  • Ideal for mixing into anything (food, carts, tinctures)

Are These Products Legal?

In many U.S. states where cannabis is legal, you can buy THC oil, wax, and distillate from licensed dispensaries like Dank Mart. But always check your state’s laws before buying or using cannabis products.

Safety Tips

All three of these products are highly concentrated. That means even small amounts can have strong effects. If you’re new to concentrates, start low and go slow.

Other safety tips:

• Store them in a cool, dark place

• Keep them out of reach of children and pets

• Never try to make your own concentrates at home—it can be dangerous

Final Thoughts

Whether you go with THC oil, THC wax, or THC distillate, each product offers a unique way to enjoy cannabis. They all deliver high THC content, but they differ in texture, purity, flavor, and how you use them.

If you want something easy to use and versatile, try cannabis oil. For fast and intense effects, wax might be the right choice. And if you want ultra-pure THC for edibles or vaping, distillate is hard to beat.

Looking to explore these products? Visit Dank Mart to shop trusted THC oils, waxes, and distillates online. We carry a wide selection of premium concentrates for every type of cannabis user.

REFERENCES:

Hartney, E., BSc, MSc, MA, PhD. (2024, June 2). What is THC? Very Well Mind. Available at: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-thc-in-marijuana-4080556

Sample, I. (2018, June 19). What is cannabis oil and how does it work?. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/jun/19/what-is-cannabis-oil-and-how-does-it-work 

What is THC Distillate & How Do You Use It? LivWell. (2024, June 16). Available at: https://livwell.com/blog/thc-distillate 

Bear-McGuinness, L. (2022, August 2). Cannabis Distillate: What Is It and How To Make It?. Available at: https://www.technologynetworks.com/applied-sciences/articles/cannabis-distillate-what-is-it-and-how-to-make-it-390014 

Takoma Wellness Center. (2022, October 19). Cannabis Concentrates: What is THC Wax?. Available at: https://takomawellness.com/marijuana-wax-what-is-it-and-how-to-use-it/