How to Dab: Consuming Cannabis Concentrates
Dabbing isn’t the latest TikTok dance trend. It is a method used for consuming potent cannabis concentrates. Dabbing concentrates deliver a more intense flavor profile, allowing consumers to savor the unique notes of distinct cannabis strains. However, getting into dabbing for the first time can be intimidating. Do you need particular cannabis concentrates or equipment to get started? Which marijuana strains are the best for dabbing? How do you even dab?
Relax. The team at Fast Slice has you covered. If you are interested in trying cannabis concentrate for the first time or want more information about dabbing, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve got your ultimate guide on how to dab.
What Is Dabbing?
Let’s start with the basics. What is dabbing? Dabbing is a method of cannabis consumption. Dabbing involves vaporizing a cannabis concentrate or “dab” and inhaling the vapor into the lungs, like smoking or vaping. However, because dabs typically get vaporized, many people find dabbing a smoother, less irritating experience than using flower.
What Are Concentrates?
Dabs are cannabis concentrates and are sometimes called shatter, wax, crumble, and rosin. Concentrates are highly potent oils created by extracting cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds from cannabis flower. Creating a dab means cannabis flower must go through a process called extraction. Solvent-based extractions involve using a chemical compound like butane or ethanol to dissolve the cannabis flower and strip out the cannabinoids and terpenes. Eventually, the chemical process evaporates the leftover solvents, and you get a highly potent, concentrated cannabis product. Solvent-based concentrates typically include shatter, wax, crumble, and resin.
Solventless extractions create concentrates by using physical means to extract the chemical compounds from cannabis flower like pressure, temperature, and filtration. Solventless extractions can produce hash, rosin, and budder. Depending on the extraction method, dabs can be thick, sticky, crumbly, or slightly waxy to the touch.
Since dabs are made by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis flower, some people find that dabs provide a purer and more intense flavor profile, allowing you to pick up the distinct flavor notes of specific cannabis strains.
Benefits of Dabbing
There are several benefits to dabbing. First, many people believe dabbing gives them a smoother, more enjoyable cannabis experience compared to smoking. Dabs vaporize instead of burning like cannabis flower, allowing you to inhale a mellow, cooler draw that tends to irritate the lungs less.
Dabs are also potent and highly concentrated, meaning you get an intense cannabis experience in a small package. While that is a pro for many cannabis enthusiasts, it also means you have to watch your dosing if you are new to dabbing.
How to Hit a Dab
Selecting your preferred dab doesn’t mean you are ready to hit it yet. Those new to dabbing may want to try using a dab rig. A dab rig resembles a bong and allows you to consume your favorite concentrates easily. Dab rigs have a mouthpiece, chamber or bowl, and a dab nail where you place your dab. Dab rigs are typically smaller than bongs or other cannabis tools because the vapor requires less filtration.
One of the most popular types of dab rigs is the banger. A banger is typically made from quartz, borosilicate, or glass, and it has a bucket-shaped attachment on the dab rig where you can add your concentrate. Most dab rigs also include a nail. The nail, which fits onto the rig, is where the concentrates vaporize. Dabbers are small tools that help you get your concentrate on the nail. Never touch the nail with your hands. You should never attempt to touch or place a dab on the nail without dabber tools, as it heats up to a temperature close to 700 degrees.
Now that you have the right tools, how do you hit a dab?
Step One
Set up your dab rig. You should also remove combustible materials from your workspace. Add water to the chamber of your rig. You should be able to create water bubbles without much effort. Insert the nail into your rig.
Step Two
Scoop your desired dose of dab with a dabber tool and set it aside.
Step Three
Heat the nail. Most people use a small torch or an electric eNail kit. Temperature is critical when dabbing. You want to heat the head of the dab nail, but not by aiming direct heat at one spot on the nail. Keep moving the heat source and heat the nail for 30 to 60 seconds.
Step Four
Let the nail cool. A super-heated nail can burn your dab and make your concentrate taste bitter. Ideally, you want the nail to reach around 545 to 570 degrees Fahrenheit. Some nails may reach the perfect temperature after about ten seconds of cooling. For others, it may take 30 to 40 seconds. If you don’t have an electric eNail and thermometer, start slow and experiment with what works.
Step Five
Apply the dab using the dabber tool. Coat the entire surface of the nail with your desired amount of dab.
Step Six
Enjoy! As you put the dab on the nail, place your mouth on the dab rib mouthpiece and take a slow draw. Inhale until you can’t see the vapor in the chamber.
After the final step, wait and see how you feel. If you’d like a more intense effect, repeat the steps and inhale again. Dabs are potent, and it is always best to start slowly at first.
How to Smoke Dabs Without a Rig
Using a dabbing rig is the most efficient way to consume and enjoy dabs. However, if you are new to dabs and want to see if you like them first, try one of these methods for consuming dabs without a rig:
- Try a dab pen
- Make edibles with cannabis concentrate
- Roll a small dab into a joint
Where Can You Find Concentrates in D.C.?
Where can you find concentrates in D.C.? The team at Fast Slice can help! We deliver premium cannabis strains and concentrates discreetly to your doorstep. You can also get concentrates from our convenient curbside pickup service. Discuss your needs with our knowledgeable team, and we’ll help you find the perfect cannabis products for a smooth cannabis experience.
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