Dabbing—or vaping a potent form of cannabis concentrate in a specialized device—is one of the most powerful ways to experience cannabinoids like THC. With reliably high potency levels, it’s no wonder dabbing culture has spread far and wide in the cannabis community, and it continues to attract consumers looking to broaden their consumption horizons.
Although dabbing has become quite popular, it can be intimidating for beginners. With so much specialized knowledge and equipment associated with it, newcomers may feel they aren’t ready to make the leap (or the initial investment) to try dabbing. The best way to overcome this stumbling block is to learn as much as possible about dabbing techniques and different types of dabs so you feel confident about revving up a rig. Keep reading to learn more about what dabs are, how concentrates work, how to dab using a dab rig, and other tips to make your first dabbing experience a good one.
What Is Dabbing?
Dabbing is a method of consuming cannabis extracts that involves heating a small amount of the concentrate on a hot surface and inhaling vapor through a dabbing rig. For those who haven’t seen dab rigs, they are quite similar to bongs and are often made with glass.
This method of inhaling cannabis delivers an incredibly concentrated dose of whatever cannabinoid is most pronounced in your extract. Whether you’re inhaling intoxicating THC or non-intoxicating CBD, this cannabinoid will go straight into your lungs and pass the blood-brain barrier within a few minutes at most, making dabbing extremely popular for experienced consumers and patients who want a potent and fast-acting high. Indeed, dabbing is well known for providing a reliably intense and immediate effect, and it can even take people with a high tolerance off guard.
While dabbing is effective, it comes with a steeper learning curve. After all, you must wield a blowtorch to heat your nail or banger if you use the traditional dabbing equipment. It can also be difficult to determine when to apply the concentrate to this hot surface for the best results. These features can be intimidating for beginners, but options like the Puffco Plus Pen offer a more accessible entry point. With these kinds of easy-to-use concentrate vaporizers, you get full control over the heat settings and don’t have to deal with potentially hazardous torches for a successful session.
What Are Dabs?
“Dabs” is another name for the concentrated forms of cannabis used in dabbing. These concentrates come in various types, potencies, and consistencies, each with unique characteristics you’ll either find annoying or appealing. Typical forms of dabs include wax, shatter, budder, and live resin.
The primary appeal of dabs is their high concentrations of cannabinoids. All of these products have some of the highest percentages of THC or CBD as their primary active compound, meaning you’ll experience way more effects from just a tiny amount of this substance than an entire well-cured flower.
Dabs can be created using different extraction methods, and they’re often divided into two broad categories: solventless and solvent-based. Knowing the key differences between these extraction methods can help customers pick the extract that best suits their preferences.
Solventless Concentrates
Solventless extracts are produced using mechanical methods without any chemical solvents like butane, propane, or even alcohol. Since no harsh chemicals are used in the extraction process, solventless extracts are often considered the “purest” on the market.
There’s zero chance of any solvent residue in these concentrates since they don’t come into solvent to begin with. Typically, extractors who make solventless concentrates exclusively use heat and pressure to get the cannabinoids they want for their customers. On the downside, it’s harder to mass produce solventless concentrates, which often means these extracts cost a premium due to their smaller supply. Still, solventless concentrates may be worth the extra money for those who prioritize purity.
Solvent-Based Concentrates
Solvent-based cannabis extracts are also highly concentrated forms of cannabis that have many of the same consistencies found in solventless concentrates, but they were made with a chemical compound like butane, propane, or ethanol. Manufacturers place their cannabis flowers into specialized machinery and expose the buds to one of these solvents to effectively separate the plant’s cannabinoid-rich trichomes.
The use of solvents has a few pros and cons that customers consider before making a purchase. On the positive side, these chemicals help extractors gain precise control over the extraction process and create a broader range of concentrate consistencies. It’s also usually easier to mass produce solvent-based concentrates, leading to a lower price tag than solventless competitors.
However, using harsh chemicals like butane means there’s a risk of solvent residue in the final product, which both messes with the taste and presents health concerns. In regulated cannabis dispensaries, all products go through independent testing to ensure they are clean and safe, and residual solvents are negligible. You can always check out the third-party lab tests that all regulated, legal products go through to see the residual solvent testing results.
Different Types of Dabs
New dabbers will be delighted to know there are many different types of dabs to discover on their vaping journey. Whatever consistency, potency, and flavor profile you’re into, one of the major varieties of dabs will suit your style.
Crumble
Think of crumble’s consistency like a handful of wet beach sand. This solvent-based extract has to undergo a bit of agitation to achieve this signature texture, and it often ends up with a bright yellow or dark amber hue. Dabbers often appreciate how easy it is to handle crumble, giving it a wide range of uses, from standard dabbing rigs to sprinkling in a bowl or joint.
Shatter
Arguably the most iconic cannabis dab, shatter was one of the first concentrates to gain significant attention in the dabbing scene, and it still impresses with its glass-like consistency. True to its name, this solvent-based concentrate “shatters” to pieces when broken, making it easy to handle in your hand and dose. Shatter is also usually translucent, adding to its reputation as one of the most photogenic dabs. Although less terpene-rich than other concentrates, it is highly potent and offers a strong THC punch.
Sugar
Similar to crumble, sugar is a cannabis concentrate with a grainy texture that makes it easy to handle. These granules are incredibly easy to dust into flower for more potent joints, blunts, or bong hits, but they are also an excellent choice for straight dabbing.
THC/THCA Diamonds
These dense, crystalline concentrates are typically almost 100% pure THCA, making diamonds among the most potent concentrates out there. While THC diamonds are sold on their own for dabbing, you may see them mixed in with terpene-rich sauces to add some flavor, or infused into pre-rolls, vapes and other products.
Sauce
For those who prefer their dabs on the runny side, THC sauce is where it’s at. This liquid, viscous concentrate is similar to honey and has plenty of aromatic terpenes for those who prize flavor. Remember that sauce can be challenging to drizzle and clean due to its stickiness, but it offers one of the most terpene-rich profiles among solvent-based concentrates.
Live Rosin
Live rosin is a solventless cannabis concentrate made from fresh, frozen cannabis plants that go through heat and pressure to extract cannabinoids and terpenes. This process results in one of the most comprehensive collections of cannabinoids, as well as extremely high levels of rich terpenes. While live rosin often costs more than competing concentrates, it’s highly valued by those who enjoy robust flavor profiles and solventless extracts.
Live Resin
Not to be confused with live rosin, live resin is a solvent-based cannabis concentrate also made from newly-harvested, flash-frozen cannabis plants. This similar starting material means live resin has high terpenes just like live rosin, but it typically costs less because making it is less labor intensive. Live resin is also well-known for its sticky, wet consistency that can be a bit challenging for newcomers to dabbing.
How to Dab: A Step-by-Step Guide
So, you’ve chosen your concentration and are ready to try dabbing. Here’s what you need to know before you get started.
Gather The Essential Supplies
If you’re using a standard dabbing rig, here’s what you’ll need:
- Dab Rig: A specialized water pipe designed with dabbing in mind.
- Nail or Banger: The surface where the concentrate gets vaporized.
- Dab Tool: A small metal or glass tool for handling your concentrate.
- Torch: A butane torch for heating the nail.
- Carb Cap (Optional): A cap that covers the nail and regulates airflow.
- Concentrate: Your choice of cannabis extract (e.g., shatter, crumble, or live resin).
- Fire Extinguisher: For obvious safety reasons.
How To Use Dabs
1. Heat the Nail
Light up the torch and heat the nail or banger until it glows red (about 20 – 30 seconds). Ensure the flame is directed away from the dab rig to avoid damage.
2. Let the Nail Cool
After heating, let the nail cool for 20 – 60 seconds, depending on the material of the nail and the desired temperature. Lower temperatures preserve flavor, while higher temperatures produce thicker vapor.
3. Apply the Concentrate
Scoop a small (emphasis, small!) amount of concentrate using the dab tool, something the size of half a grain of rice is a good way to get started. Gently apply it to the inside of the nail or banger while inhaling through the rig’s mouthpiece.
4. Cover with a Carb Cap (Optional)
This is the time to use the carb cap over the nail to trap heat and improve vaporization.
5. Inhale Slowly
As you apply the concentrate and cover it with the carb cap, inhale steadily through the mouthpiece. The concentrate will vaporize, and you’ll draw in the vapor.
6. Exhale and Enjoy
Exhale all that vapory goodness and enjoy the effects.
7. Clean the Nail
After each dab, clean the nail with a cotton swab while it’s still warm to remove any residue. This habit keeps your rig clean and ensures a better taste in the future.
How to Store Concentrates
To maintain their peak potency and flavor, you must set aside a place that’s reliably dark, cool, and dry to store your concentrates. These extracts are extremely sensitive to heat and light — and mold can form if they get wet — so it’s best to store them in an airtight container. For long-term storage, you can put them in the refrigerator or even the freezer. However, allow the extract to return to room temperature before consuming it to avoid damaging its texture and flavor.
Ready To Dab? We’re Here to Help
Dabbing is a way to vaporize cannabis concentrates that involves a specialized piece of equipment called a dab rig. If you’re new to dabbing, it’s important to remember that cannabis concentrates are very potent products. Starting with very small amounts of concentrate and understanding there is a learning curve when it comes to dabbing technique will help you get started on the right foot.
If you have additional questions about concentrates or how to dab, we’re here to help! Stop by our dispensary to talk to our team or reach out anytime.
Or if you’re interested in getting started with dabbing, Mankind has all the materials you need for a sensational experience. Check out all the lab-verified products on our menu, where you can order online for pickup or enjoy speedy delivery right to your door.
