Dabbing is a popular way to consume cannabis concentrates, also known as “dabs” or “shatter”. It involves heating up a dab nail with a torch and then placing a dose of concentrate onto your dab tool and melting it into the hot nail. This process creates a thick vapor that has both smooth flavor and high levels of THC.
With the right tools and knowledge, you can learn how to dab safely and efficiently. Dabbing is also an efficient consumption method for extracting pure THC oil from solid concentrates like wax or shatter. Unlike smoking flower, dabs have little to no combustion products making them safer than traditional methods of smoking
What is a dab?
Dabs are known as the purest form of thc because they are made with a special extraction method that pulls out all the compounds from the cannabis plant. A dab is a potent form of cannabis concentrate that is made from the cannabis plant. The most popular type of dab is known as “crumble” or “shatter”, and it has become increasingly popular with cannabis users over the last few years.
To use a dab, you will need to have a specialized accessory called a nail or banger. You will then use either a torch lighter or an electronic device to heat the nail until it is red hot. After that, you can apply your desired amount of concentrate onto the nail and wait for it to vaporize off. Other types of dabs such as BHO (Butane Hash Oil) also exist but these require more skill in preparation due to their volatile nature.
Different Ways to consume cannabis concentrates
Dabbing cannabis extracts is quickly becoming one of the most popular ways to consume concentrates. There are many different ways to dab cannabis, and this guide will explain each method so that users can find the best way for them to enjoy the unique effects of these powerful concentrated forms of cannabis.
Dabbing Cannabis Concentrates – one of the most popular and potent ways to consume cannabis concentrates, dabbing involves using a dab rig or an electronic nail with a torch to heat up a metal surface which is then touched onto concentrate on a “dabber” to produce vapor that can be inhaled.
Vaping Cannabis Concentrates – vaping concentrates produces much less odor than smoking, as it requires heating the concentrate without burning it. This results in the extraction of THC and other cannabinoids from the extract into vapor that can then be inhaled.
Smoking Cannabis Concentrates – The most popular method for smoking concentrate is through a bowl,pipe,blunt or joint because of its efficiency and ease of use. Start by packing your bowl with ground up cannabis flower and then top it off with your concentrate.
Sublingual Tinctures – tinctures are extracts made with alcohol, and can be taken by dropping them under your tongue or mixing with food or drink. Taking tinctures sublingually (under the tongue) is one of the most discreet ways to consume cannabis concentrate, as they can be easily concealed and don’t produce an odor.
Edibles – edibles are another popular way to consume concentrates, as they provide a slow-release effect that lasts for several hours. They also come in many different forms such as gummies, chocolates, drinks, and baked goods.
Topical Ointments/Creams – topicals like ointments and creams can be applied directly to the skin to relieve muscle aches and pains while providing localized relief from pain without having to ingest any THC or other cannabinoids.
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What is Dabbing (The best ways to smoke dabs)
Dabbing is a great way to enjoy cannabis concentrates. With dab pens and rigs, you can easily add concentrated thc to your smoking experience. A dab pen is a type of vape that lets you inhale the vapor produced by adding concentrates to it. Dabbing cannabis concentrates is one of the best ways to take advantage of the full potential of THC. Not only are dabbing marijuana concentrates a great way to deliver an extra-potent dose of THC, it’s also incredibly efficient with your flower.
The tools and devices you need for this type of consumption are simple but effective, and now more than ever, there’s no shortage on variety when it comes to consuming cannabis concentrates. If you want to learn more about taking dabs, here’s everything you need to know.
Prepare the right dab tools.
With the concentrates sorted, next on the list is to get the right dabbing tools for the job. These include a dabber, carb cap, nail, and dab rig.
Dab Rig and Nail
Combining a quartz nail with a small dab rig will give you the optimal flavor. While you can go with giant bongs to cool and filter smoke when ripping some flower, dabbing gives you the best experience with the sweet milky vapor.
Dabbers
Rather than touching the hard and expensive concentrates with your hand, you should use a dabber. Dabber tips like spatulas, pick, scoop, and shovel are all made to handle various types of concentrates. Pick your concentrate with the right dabber and prevent accidental droppings.
eNails
eNails are advanced accessories designed to help you maintain a consistent temperature easily. Yes, they are expensive, but you can rest assured of getting maximum value for your investment. They are designed to remove the trickiest part of creating the perfect dab session.
Carb Cap
This is another dabbing tool you need. A simple flat top carb cap will cut it, but it gets even better if you can find a bubble carb cap or a directional carb cap. The latter can effectively guide the airflow within your nail chamber, giving you a solid session at the lowest temperature possible.
Other accessories
While these accessories are not mandatory, having them can give you that perfect dabbing experience. These include quartz inserts and terp pearls.
Quartz inserts are designed to form a barrier between the banger and the wax to contain the hot temperatures. You need them for cold-start dabs and can help protect your banger. Terp pearls rotate in the bucket of your banger, keeping heat distribution even for optimal concentrate consumption. A terp pearl ensures every last drop of your concentrate is dabbed.
How to smoke concentrates using a rig?
Getting the best and most flavorful hits from dabbing requires you to master a few essentials. We have highlighted them below.
Use high-quality dab concentrates.
There is no dabbing without concentrates. Therefore, quality concentrates play the most critical role in dabbing. While you cannot easily assess the quality of concentrates, it is highly recommended to go to a licensed dispensary for your extracts. Second-rate concentrates tend to be cheaper, but is the extra cash saved worth their adverse, long-term effects on your health?
The quality of your concentrate depends on the extract starting material, the extraction process, and the storage methods adopted. High-quality concentrates are most likely tested and certified by a third-party lab. Feel free to ask for lab results from the brand or dispensary you patronize.
We recommend high-terpene full-spectrum extracts (HTFSE) for the best dabbing experience. However, if you cannot get those, you are good to go with traditional full-spectrum extracts (FSE) from a reputable company. HTFSEs are made up of high amounts of cannabinoids and terpenes.
You can also consider whole-flower products—products that contain the entire original chemical profile of the strain. These products contain compounds that work together to improve the health benefits of cannabis. You can also go for high-quality solventless concentrates in the absence of solvent-based ones.
Determine the optimal dabbing temperature.
The ultimate goal is to reach the optimal temperature for your dab. The most beneficial dabs are the low-temperature dabs due to their gentleness on the lungs and capability to retain terpenes.
Knowing how to heat your nail correctly becomes easier when you know the dimensions (bowl size and wall thickness) of your nail. Getting the perfect heat-up and cool-down times may require some practice. However, you can achieve complete temperature precision with an eNail instead of a thermometer gun, a timer, and a blowtorch.
Just set up your eNail to your preferred temperature, and the machine will take it from there.
Keep your dab tools clean always.
An easy way to mess up a perfect dab is to use a dirty setup. We recommend an everyday maintenance routine to keep your dab tools clean. Use a q-tip to swab your nail out after every use to maintain a tasty dab always.
The frequency of cleaning usually depends on the frequency of use. However, doing a deep clean at least once every month is best. When your dab ring is spotless, you inhale your concentrate’s purest flavor and aroma.
Adopt advanced dabbing techniques.
More than the basic dabs, you can check out dabbing techniques made for advanced users. One of these is the cold-start dabs, where you add the dabs into the nail before heating the bottom of the nail with the tip of the torch flame. This continues until you have bubbles in your extract, which then condense into vapor.
You should also learn how to use terp peals, quartz inserts, and other dabbing tools to elevate your dabbing game. All of these require practice and, in turn, time. So, do not be in a hurry to become a pro.
Join dab forums and communities.
You can learn more about creating a perfect dab when you learn from long-term users and experts. Online dab communities and forums provide excellent opportunities to assess these resources and people. Whether you are a new user or a regular who wants to refresh your knowledge about old concepts, you can count on these platforms to offer much-needed guidance.
You should also look out for Dab Universities and Bootcamps dedicated to newbies and veterans.
Conclusion
Overall, achieving a perfect dab requires careful consideration and practice. You should invest in high-quality tools, keep them clean always, and use advanced techniques to refine your experience. Additionally, do not forget to join relevant forums and communities to get the most up-to-date tips for improving your technique. With all these recommendations in mind, you are sure to achieve perfect dabs every time!