In this guide, we will dissect the science and process behind the increasingly popular method of cannabis consumption called “dabbing.” Whether you’re new or simply looking to enhance your understanding, this extensive primer is intended to explore all things dab and answer the question: “what is dabbing?” once and for all.
What is Dabbing?
Dabbing refers to the method of vaporizing and inhaling cannabis concentrates using what’s called a dab rig, which can be glass, an electronic device called an e-rig, or a dab pen. Originating in the early 2000s, dabbing quickly gained momentum due to the potency and fast onset of its effects. It’s now one of the more popular methods of consuming cannabis for connoisseurs looking for increased strength and flavor.
The dabbing process involves heating a small, rice grain-sized amount of cannabis concentrate (a “dab”) at a relatively low temperature on a surface and inhaling the vapors. Unlike smoking, the lower temperatures involved in dabbing prevent the concentrate from igniting.
What are the Pros and Cons of Dabbing?
Dabbing, a method of consuming concentrated cannabis by vaporizing it on a hot surface and inhaling the vapor, has gained popularity for its efficiency and potency. But like any consumption method, it comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here we’ll explore what dabbing is and what one should consider before adopting this method.
Pros of Dabbing
Intensity and Potency
One of the most significant benefits of dabbing is the intensity of the experience. Dabs are concentrated doses of cannabis that pack a powerful punch, often appealing to those who like a higher dosage for therapeutic effects.
Flavor and Purity
For those wondering what is dabbing and why it’s special, the flavor and purity are often highlighted. Dabbing allows for a cleaner taste of the terpenes and cannabinoids present in the concentrate, providing a more authentic and robust flavor profile.
Efficiency
A little goes a long way with dabbing. Because concentrates are much more potent than flower, a smaller amount is needed to achieve the desired effects, which can make your supply last longer.
Controlled Dosage
Dabbing allows users to consume a precise amount of concentrate, making dosing more controlled and consistent. This can be particularly beneficial for medical users who need to manage their symptoms with accuracy.
Cons of Dabbing
Complexity of Use
Unraveling the mystery around “what is dabbing” is about recognizing the complexity of its use. The process requires specific equipment, such as a dab rig, torch, and dab tool, which can be daunting for beginners. It also demands a certain level of skill to execute properly.
Safety Concerns
The high temperatures used for vaporizing concentrates can pose a safety risk. The use of a torch and the heated surfaces can lead to burns if not handled correctly.
Cost
The initial investment in dabbing equipment can be substantial. Additionally, concentrates tend to be more expensive than traditional flower, which can add up in cost over time.
What are Cannabis Concentrates?
Cannabis concentrates are potent substances made by extracting crucial compounds – cannabinoids and terpenes—from the trichomes of cannabis . Each concentrate is unique and is characterized by its extraction process and resulting THC content.
Various forms of cannabis concentrates exist on the market today:
Hash
- Charas (Indian hand-rubbed Hash)
- Dry-sift Hash (Like our Moroccan Melts)
- Ice Water or Bubble Hash
Resin
- Live Resin
- Dry/Cured Flower Resin
Rosin
Whats the deal with solventless concentrates?
Other Concentrates
- BHO – Butane Hash Oil
- Cannabis Distillate (Like Terp Tanks & Dragon Tears)
Taking it a step further, many (but not all) concentrates come in different consistencies depending on the chemical make-up of the final product.
Those include:
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Budder
A smooth whipped concentrate that features extra terpenes that settle at the top due to its high terpene content.
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Badder
A smooth whipped concentrate with high terpene content and a cake batter consistency makes it easy to work with and handle for dabbing.
Budder vs badder, whats the difference?
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Sauce
The pinnacle of the dabbing experience. Sauce requires the most time and attention to detail to achieve. We carefully craft these sauces in small batches to produce a quality yield of THCa crystals drenched in terpene-rich extract.
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Jelly
Expansive terpene profiles in a jelly-like texture featuring smaller THC crystals in high terpene extract.
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Jam
A warm cured blend of crystalline THCa in a flavorful terpene-rich mixture with a consistency reminiscent of a thick fruit jam.
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Crumble
A drier consistency with a honey-comb-like texture that crumbles to the touch.
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Honey Crystals
A premium refined product designed to maximize dosage while maintaining the flavor and uniqueness of our strains. The flavor is expected to be milder when compared to Budder, Jelly, or Sauce due to a lower terpene content; however, the tradeoff is higher THC content.
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Shatter
A more solid consistency that can vary in firmness from glass-like to a stretchy “pull and snap” texture.
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Diamonds
THC cannabinoids in their natural, crystalline structure, known as diamonds.
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THCa Powder
THCa powder is extracted with hydrocarbon from flower, where the THCa is then isolated from the terpenes and cannabinoids to create a pure and potent product. THCa powder is designed to yield a higher percentage of pure THCa, resulting in a clearheaded euphoric experience.
It’s important to remember that the THC content of cannabis concentrations far exceeds what’s found in the cannabis flower equivalent; these concentrates serve as a high-potency option for dabbers to choose from.
Storing Your Dabs
To preserve the taste and texture of your concentrates, always keep them in an airtight storage container. Put them in a cool, dry place and away from exposure to light. We recommend storing them between 45-65F because colder environments with less oxygen will preserve concentrates for longer periods of time.
Due to the volatile nature of cannabis terpenoids, concentrate textures can shift over time or with exposure to heat and light. This is because of their high terpenoid content and isn’t always because of the degradation of the product. If your concentrate turns to sugar, don’t worry! Sugars and Budders will retain their medicinal value and will still provide a connoisseur-level experience.
How to Consume Dabs
Dabs are highly concentrated doses of cannabis that offer a powerful experience. With their growing popularity, it’s crucial to understand the best practices for consuming these potent extracts. Each method provides a different experience, and finding the right one for you can greatly enhance your enjoyment and the benefits of dabbing.
Traditional Dab Rig
A traditional dab rig consists of several components: a glass body similar to a bong, a nail (which can be made of quartz, titanium, or ceramic), a dome to capture vapor, a torch for heating, and a dabber tool for applying the concentrate.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Use the torch to heat the nail until it’s visibly hot.
- Allow the nail to cool slightly to avoid burning the concentrate.
- Apply a small amount of dab onto the nail with the dabber tool.
- Inhale slowly as the concentrate vaporizes.
- Exhale and enjoy.
Cleaning and Maintenance
To ensure a clean flavor and maximum efficiency, clean your rig regularly with isopropyl alcohol and salt, and maintain your nail according to its material specifications.
E-Nails and E-Rigs
E-nails and e-rigs offer a digital approach to dabbing, allowing you to set the exact temperature for vaporizing your concentrate. This control can lead to a more flavorful dabbing experience and eliminate the need for a torch.
Safety and Convenience
E-nails and e-rigs are considered safer than open-flame torches and are easy to use, making them a popular choice for both novice and experienced dabbers.
Dab Pens (Vape Pens)
For on-the-go dabbing, a dab pen is your best friend. These portable devices are discrete and user-friendly.
Loading and Use:
- Charge your dab pen fully before use.
- Load the concentrate directly onto the heating coil.
- Press the button (if applicable) and inhale from the mouthpiece.
- Enjoy the vapor without the hassle of a full rig setup.
Dab Pads/Mats
These silicone or fabric surfaces that protect your table or counter from sticky residues. Dab pads/mats are essential for an organized dabbing space, giving you a designated area to place your hot nail after use and to prepare your dabs.
Adding Dabs to Flowers
Enhance your smoking session by adding a bit of dab to your joint or bowl.
Combustion vs. Vaporization
Note that while this method is effective, the heat from combustion degrades some terpenes and cannabinoids, altering the flavor and potency.
Healthstone
A healthstone is a porous stone that’s inserted into a glass pipe or bong bowl.
Convenience
Apply your dab directly onto the healthstone and light it as you would with flower. This method provides the potency of a dab with the familiar ritual of smoking.
T-Waxing
Twaxing involves applying concentrate to your joint or blunt, either on the inside with the flower or on the outside for an added kick.
Potency and Flavor
This method significantly increases the potency and adds a flavorful twist to your smoke.
Dos and Don’ts of Dabbing
Best Practices
Start with a small amount of concentrate, as dabs can be significantly more potent than flower. Use dabbing tools properly and treat all heated elements with caution.
Safety
Never touch the nail after heating, and always wait for all components to cool down before handling. Always dab in a well-ventilated area to ensure proper airflow.
The Benefits of Dabbing
Dabbing holds several potential benefits over traditional cannabis consumption methods. Due to the high potency of cannabis concentrates, dabbing can provide rapid and powerful effects.
Quality cannabis concentrates are very rich in terpenes which are easily destroyed in the drying, curing, and combustion process. These terpenes and cannabinoids can survive the lower temperatures of vaporization, allowing full, true-to-plant flavors to come through, providing a richer experience for cannabis connoisseurs to enjoy.
Dabbing can also produce a cleaner ingestion method with less plant material and more concentrated compounds when properly executed. There may be benefits for medical cannabis patients who cannot inhale smoke from traditional combustion and for users seeking immediate relief from symptoms.
Safety Measures in Dabbing
Despite its benefits, you need to be careful when dabbing. Quality is essential when dabbing. You should always use concentrates from reliable sources to avoid contaminated products.
Handle with Care
Use the right tools to keep your fingers clean and to conserve the extracts. Concentrates can be incredibly sticky so handling them with your bare hands can transfer unwanted bacteria, oils or dust particles.
Temperature Control
You will also need to monitor the temperature carefully. When dabbing, the temperature is critical, as too high temperatures can lead to harmful byproducts.
The mantra “Start Low and Go Slow” serves as a reminder to avoid overconsumption, as the potent nature of concentrates can be overwhelming for novice users. For the best flavor and experience, we recommend vaporizing your concentrates between 500-625F for full terpene expression.
What Do I Need to Dab?
Dabbing requires a specialized equipment setup called a “dab rig.” A traditional dab rig is made of glass or silicone rubber/glass and looks very similar to a bong. It includes multiple pieces to help the dabbing process go as smoothly as possible.
Dab Rig
This is the cornerstone of your dabbing setup. A dab rig is a glass water pipe designed explicitly for consuming cannabis concentrates. It is the primary tool needed to heat the concentrate until vaporization and transport the resulting vapor to your lungs.
Nail
The nail is part of the dab rig where you place your concentrate. It is heated with a torch, vaporizing the concentrate upon contact at the proper temperature. Nails can be made of different temperature-resistant materials, including quartz, titanium, and ceramic.
Dome
A dome can be used with certain types of nails. It’s a glass hood placed around the nail that captures the vapor before it’s inhaled. Domeless nails with larger surfaces for heating the concentrates are also available and don’t require a dome.
Dabber
A dabber is a tool used to apply the concentrate to the nail. It’s usually made from glass or metal. The concentrate is collected on one end and then applied to the heated nail, avoiding direct contact with the often-sticky concentrate and avoiding potential burns.
Carb Cap
A carb cap is placed over the nail after the concentrate has been applied. It helps control airflow and a consistent, lower temperature for the best vaporization temperature.
Torch
A torch is used to heat the nail to the right temperature for vaporizing the concentrate. Torches for dabbing are usually larger than regular lighter flames, often using butane or propane. E-nails use electricity to vaporize the concentrate, eliminating the need for a torch, but they can be quite pricey.
Concentrates
Of course, you’ll need your chosen cannabis concentrate. The concentrate you use—shatter, sauce, budder, etc.—will affect your dabbing session’s potency and flavor.
Heat Resistant Mat
A heat-resistant mat is not absolutely necessary, but it’s highly recommended for safety reasons. It provides a safe place to rest your heated nail or torch and protects your surfaces from damage.
Timer
Again, while not totally necessary, a timer can help heat your nail to the correct temperature and let it cool appropriately before applying your concentrate, enhancing your experience and safety.
Cotton Swabs
Cotton swabs are used to clean the nail after each use, ensuring no residue affects the taste or performance of subsequent dabs.
These tools together form an excellent dabbing setup, each piece contributing to a safer, more efficient, and enjoyable experience.
Setting Up a Dab Rig
The dab rig setup involves assembling all components correctly, ensuring a tight seal for vaporization.
Assemble the Rig
Begin by assembling your dab rig. This includes attaching the nail to the rig itself. Make sure all pieces fit snugly together, forming a sealed pathway for the vapor. Remember, a leaky rig could lead to difficulties further down the line.
Check the Water Level
Dab rigs use water to cool the vapor before you inhale it. So, after assembling your rig, fill the water chamber. The water level will differ depending on the design of your rig, but generally, you should fill it enough so that the downstem (the part of the pipe that extends below the nail) is submerged about one inch into the water.
Prep Your Dab
Prepare your dab before heating the nail. This will make the process smoother. Using a dab tool, section off a small piece of concentrate about the size of a grain of rice. Remember, if you’re new to dabbing, start with a smaller amount and experiment with it until you find your comfort level.
Prepare the Carb Cap
Prepare the carb cap while waiting for your nail to cool to the correct temperature. The carb cap is placed onto the heated nail after the dab has been applied. Having the carb cap ready to go immediately after dab placement ensures that no vapor is lost and the temperature is controlled for the most effective vaporization of your concentrate.
Remember, properly set up dab rig is the foundation of every great dabbing session. By carefully preparing your rig, you can ensure each dab session is as enjoyable as possible. Routine cleaning is also important to maintaining the efficiency and longevity of the rig, along with the quality of the vapor produced.
Dosing Dabs: How Much Should You Use?
Correct dab dosage depends on a few factors, including personal tolerance and the potency of the concentrate used. Due to the potency of dabs, we advise that you start with a small amount and gradually increase your dose until you achieve the desired effects.
Dosing dabs can be tricky because of the variations in THC levels across different cannabis concentrates. For example, a small piece of shatter might pack a more significant punch than a sizeable scoop of Live Rosin Budder. Most solvent-based dabs range between 60-90% THC, while some solventless varieties might contain less than 50% THC.
Understanding the potency of the concentrate is essential, especially for beginners or when trying a new type of dab. Starting with a small dose, roughly the size of a rice grain is advisable, and the amount can be gradually increased as comfort levels rise.
Remember, there’s no harm in taking a tiny dab. If need be, you can dab again until you find your ideal dose.
It’s important to remember that everyone’s body responds differently to cannabis. A dab that’s good for one person may be way too much for another. Start small, stay safe, and enjoy your journey into the world of dabbing.
How to Use A Dab Rig: A Step-by-Step Guide
Prepare the Dab Rig
Start by ensuring your dab rig is clean and free of residual concentrates from previous sessions. This step is crucial for ensuring the optimal function of your rig and a clean, pure flavor from your concentrate.
Heat the Nail
Using the torch, point the flame at the bottom of the nail until it reaches the proper temperature. Some dabbers suggest waiting until the nail glows red. A general rule of thumb is to heat the nail for 45-60 seconds for a standard quartz nail.
Cool the Nail
After heating, allow the nail to cool for a moment. This step may vary depending on your nail’s material and thickness, but cooling for 30-60 seconds is often ideal. The timer is useful here for finding your correct temperature. Overheating can potentially destroy some cannabinoids and terpenes, leading to a harsh and less flavorful experience.
Apply the Dab
With the carb cap ready and the nail at the optimal temperature, apply the dab to the nail with your dab tool. Swirl the tool around inside the nail to clean all of the concentrate off the tool. Using the carb cap, regulate the airflow as you inhale the vapor.
Cover with a Carb Cap
Using the carb cap, regulate the airflow as you inhale the vapor. This helps maintain a consistent, lower temperature and creates a mini oven that optimizes vaporization.
Clean the Dab Rig
After your session, allow the nail to cool. Then clean the nail with a cotton swab to remove any residual concentrate. This practice will help extend your nail’s life and ensure a clean taste for each use.
Remember, when you are dabbing it involves potent concentrates of cannabis, and you should be very careful at each step. Use care and consideration to ensure a safe and enjoyable dabbing experience.
How to Clean a Dab Rig
Maintaining a clean dab rig is just as important as the dabbing process itself. Not only does it keep your equipment working properly, but it also ensures that the terpene profiles of your favorite concentrates come through cleanly.
Disassemble the Rig
Begin by disassembling your dab rig. Remove the nail and the dome if you’re using one. This allows you to clean each piece without the risk of damage.
Empty and Rinse
Pour the old water from the rig’s water chamber and rinse it well. This initial rinse will help to remove any loose debris that may have made it into the chamber.
Soak in Cleaning Solution
Prepare a cleaning solution made of isopropyl alcohol and a bit of salt and soak the individual pieces in this mixture. The alcohol will dissolve the resin, while the salt works as a scrubbing agent. Let them soak for anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.
Shake and Scrub
- After soaking seal all the openings of the rig and shake it carefully.
- For the smaller parts like the nail, use a brush or a pipe cleaner to scrub the nooks and crannies.
- Be gentle to avoid damaging the delicate pieces.
Rinse Again
Rinse each part of the rig with warm water once again. Make sure all the cleaning solution and loosened residues are cleaned out.
Dry the Pieces
After rinsing, use a towel to dry each piece. Allow the pieces to air dry completely before reassembling to prevent moisture from getting trapped inside the components.
Reassemble the Rig
Once everything is dry, reassemble your rig. It’s now ready for your next dabbing session.
Regular cleaning can prevent buildup and extend the lifespan of your rig so every dabbing session can be as fresh and enjoyable as the first.
Final Thoughts
Dabbing cannabis concentrates offers a potent, rapid-onset method of vaping cannabis without combustion. By understanding the science behind dabbing, using only the highest quality concentrates, and employing safe practices, dabbers can explore all the potential benefits of this unique consumption method. As with all cannabis products, dabbing should be done responsibly.
