What Is Dabbing, and How Do You Smoke Dabs?
Everyone has a favorite way to consume cannabis. Joints, blunts, and bowls have all had their time to reign as the trendiest way to get high. But today, it’s all about dabbing.
What is dabbing? And what is a dab?
Dabbing is the term used to describe the act of vaporizing cannabis concentrates for consumption, and “dabs” are the concentrates. Like an essential oil, concentrates are made by extracting cannabinoids and other compounds from cannabis flower, resulting in a highly potent oil. Dabs go by many names, like shatter, wax, crumble, rosin and sauce. The different types are categorized based on consistency and extraction method.
Pros and cons of dabbing
Here are a few pros and cons of dabbing to help you decide if it’s the right option for you.
Pro: Potency
Concentrates made by professional extractors working in the medical marijuana industry are known to produce products that are nearly 100% THC! If you’re looking for quick, effective relief with minimal consumption, dabs are the ticket.
Con: Price
Yes, concentrates cost more than weed, but if you really compare dollar value to effect, it’s a fair price. While cannabis flower is typically 15-20% THC (and that’s for the good stuff) most concentrates made by professionals are at least 80% THC. (Unless the focus is CBD).
Pro: Time-Saver
Dabs get the job done quick. It’s comparable to a shot of vodka in the sense that if you’re looking to get drunk in the quickest, easiest way possible you’ll probably reach for a few shots instead of a 12-pack of beer. Because concentrates are so potent, just one dab can provide the relief and effects you’d expect from smoking an entire joint.
Con: Learning curve
Just like your first time doing anything, your first few dab sessions might be a little rocky but you’ll be pro status in no time.
How to consume dabs
There are a few different ways to consume dabs, and only one method is considered ‘dabbing’. Choices vary in technique and required tools, but they all deliver the benefits that come with consuming concentrates.
Dabbing
Grab a rig and cash in on the most popular way to consume concentrates. Rigs vaporize extracts with help from a heated nail typically made from quartz. The dab is applied directly to the hot nail and vaporized on impact.
Vaping
Perfect for on-the-go dabbers or smokers just getting into the act, vape pens for dabs are discrete, mobile and easy to use. Choose from vape pens that require a pre-filled cartridge full of distillate, or opt for a handheld vaporizer that you can manually fill with various types of concentrates.
Topping
Top off your bowl or wrap your joint in wax for easy-peasy enjoyment. No fuss over supplies and accessories here, just good ol’ fashion consumption. The concentrate will super-power flower by intensifying taste, terpenes, and potency.
What tools do I need to dab with a rig?
The Essentials:
The tools listed below are must-haves if you want to dab with a rig. Don’t try to skimp on adding one of these tools to your setup, or you’ll waste expensive concentrates.
Rig
A dab rig is a water pipe specifically designed for concentrates. They’re usually smaller than your average bong because vapor requires less filtration and the taste of terps can get lost in a big chamber. A decent rig usually runs about $40 – $120, and is typically made from borosilicate glass. Heady pieces and one-offs are much pricier, of course.
Nail
Kind of like a bowl to a bong, a nail fits onto a rig and is where concentrates are vaporized. One major difference: DO NOT touch the nail! For many smokers, removing the bowl before clearing a bong is second nature. Dabbing is different. The nail is heated to around 700 degrees by a torch or an enail before use, so no touchy-touchy.
Dabber
This tool helps get your concentrates onto the hot nail. Because, you know, since we had our little talk above, you’d never touch the nail. So you’ll definitely need a dabber. They come in different shapes and sizes based on your preference and are commonly made from stainless steel, glass, titanium, and other materials.
Carb Cap
This accessory works with a nail like a lid does with a cooking pot or pan. Carb caps improve convection and control airflow and heat to produce the most vapor at the lowest temperature.
How to smoke dabs with a dab rig
Alright. Let’s get down to the nitty gritty. How do you smoke wax with a rig?
- Grab all your essential tools: a rig, nail, carb cap, dabber, a heat source like a blow torch or eNail, and of course some concentrates.
- Heat your nail with a torch, focusing the flame at the base of the nail for 30 to 60 seconds. (Or, use an eNail.) Note: Heat-up times and temperatures are dependent on the style of nail and your preference.
- Turn your torch off and allow the nail to cool for 10-60 seconds, depending on the type of nail and your temperature preference. Take this time to load your dabber with some concentrates.
- Place your dabber against the inside wall of your nail and inhale as the extract begins to melt.
- As you continue to inhale, place the carb cap on your nail to help maintain temperature. Exhale and enjoy!