Smoking dabs is a popular and efficient way to consume cannabis concentrate, but many beginners are left in confusion as to what dabs are and how they should go about smoking them. Dabbing requires the use of a dab rig setup, which can be intimidating for those new to it. Thankfully there are other ways to smoke dabs without a rig or torch, allowing users to experience the full effects of cannabis concentrates with relative ease.
In this blog post we will explore all the different ways that you can smoke dabs without a dab rig or torch, from using butter knives on your stovetop to electric dab pens. We will also discuss the differences between traditional dab rigs and other types of setups, so that you can choose the best option for your smoking experience.
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Different ways to smoke dabs
Dabbing is becoming an increasingly popular form of using cannabis concentrates. It allows you to get a higher level of THC and other cannabinoids in your system, often leading to a more intense high compared to smoking flower. There are many different ways to smoke dabs, each with their own set of tools and techniques that you need to be aware of.
We’ll explore the different ways to smoke dabs so that you can find the most efficient way for you to enjoy all the benefits they have to offer. We’ll discuss everything from how much concentrate you’re going to need for dabbing, what tools are best used for dabbing, and even some tips on how to take a clean hit off your rig or dab pen.
Vaping
If you’re looking for a more efficient way to smoke dabs, then vaping is a great option. You can use most types of concentrate with these vape pen devices, as long as they are compatible with the atomizer that comes with the device. Vaping gives you an incredibly flavorful experience and lets you get all of the desired effects without having to worry about inhaling too much smoke.
Topping
You can add a dab to your bowl or joint to get an extra-potent boost, no extra supplies needed. By topping off your bowl or wrapping your joint in wax, you’ll power up your flower, strengthening its potency, terpenes and taste.
Ways to Dabbing Using an electric dab rig
Much like smoking dabs using a butane torch, this method requires you to heat up the dab nail and add your concentrate to it before taking a hit. The difference is that you don’t need to use a torch since the electric rig does all the work for you.
Smoking a dab cannabis with a Butane Torch and Nail
This method involves heating up the dab nail with the torch to a certain temperature before adding your wax or concentrate, then inhaling the smoke.
Dab Straws
These work much like pipes but provide an even more efficient way to consume dabs since there’s no need to light up a torch or use a dab rig. Simply heat up the end of your straw and place it on top of your concentrate before inhaling the vaporized concentrate through the straw.
What is Dabbing?
Dabbing refers to vaporizing cannabis concentrates, called “dabs.” These concentrates are made like essential oils, by extracting the cannabinoids and other compounds from the flower, creating a very potent oil. Dabs can come in different consistencies and are made with different extraction methods, and so there are many names for dabs based on these differences: wax, shatter, rosin, crumble, sauce.
Different extraction methods change the effects you’ll get from the dab, similar to differences between strains. Some methods use solvents, like butane, to extract the cannabinoids from the flower, while other methods use pressure and temperature and are known as “solventless” or “solvent-free” options.
Dabbing Pros and Cons
If you’re not sure if dabbing is right for you, here are some pros and cons that may help you decide.
Potent but Pricey
These concentrates are highly potent. Professional extractors in the medical cannabis field make dabs that are close to 100% THC, making them highly effective for fast relief. The flip side of this is that they’re more expensive up-front. If you’re buying cannabis flower, you’re getting about 15-20% THC in the good stuff, while concentrates are, obviously, a lot more concentrated, at least 80%. So ultimately you’ll get your money’s worth.
Fast but Tricky
Dabs work very quickly and you only consume a small amount of product. If smoking a joint is like drinking a 6-pack of beer, one dab is like a couple shots of vodka. You’ll get the effects you’re looking for quickly. However, it can take some adjustment to get used to consuming dabs, and if you’re using a rig, it might take a few sessions to get the hang of it.
Dab Tools for Dabbing with a Rig
Here are the basics you’ll need if you want to dab with a rig. If you’re interested in getting into dabbing, choose good-quality tools, as you don’t want to waste your expensive concentrates by ruining them with sub-par equipment.
Rig
A dab rig is a water pipe that’s designed specifically to be used with concentrates. They’re generally smaller than the typical bong, since vapor doesn’t need as much filtration, and flavors can be lost in a larger chamber. You can expect to pay about $40–120 for a decent borosilicate glass rig, though of course you can get heady pieces and one-offs if you’re ready to spend more.
Quartz Banger Nail
The nail in a dabbing rig serves the same purpose as the bowl in a bong. The nail is heated in order to vaporize concentrates. However, while you may be used to removing the bowl before clearing a bong, dabbing is different, because the nail is HOT! You’ll be heating it to around 700 degrees using a torch or an eNail, so be sure not to touch it until everything has fully cooled.
Dabber
This tool is what you’ll use to get your concentrates onto the heated nail, since as we’ve said above, you’ll be getting it very hot. They come in different shapes and sizes, as well as materials, including glass, stainless steel, and titanium, among others. You can use whatever type suits your preferences.
Carb Cap
Finally, the carb cap works in conjunction with the nail just like a lid on a cooking pot. The carb cap will improve convection in your rig and control the heat and airflow so that you can produe the most vapor at the lowest temperature.
That covers the basics, but if you really get into dabbing, you can elevate your session with some special extras.
eNail
The biggest upgrade you can make to your setup is an eNail, so you can leave the torch behind. It simplifies the process and eliminates the hazard of an open flame. No more counting to 40 while you carefully heat your nail—just switch on your eNail and you’ll be ready to go, without any reheating between dabs.
Terp Pearls
These are a popular addition to a dabbing setup, because not only do they help with heat retention and vapor distribution, they also look cool while doing it. Keep in mind that you’ll also need a certain kind of carb cap to get terp pearls to spin.
Quartz Insert
A quartz insert keeps your nail clean by containing your concentrates so you’re not applying them directly to the nail. Just heat your nail up and then drop the insert in, or, for a different experience, try a cold start.
How to Smoke Dabs with a Dab Rig
Once you have your dab rig set up, it’s time to start smoking. Here are the steps to get started:
- Gather your dab tools – To get started with dabbing you will need a dab rig, a dabber tool, and a torch. For the dab rig, make sure you have either a male-jointed or female-jointed nail depending on your setup. You may also want to have a bowl for a bong or pipe if you don’t have a torch available.
- Prepare the smoke wax – Dab some wax onto your dabber tool from the concentrate container and add the dab to the nail of the rig. Make sure that it slides into the dab rig without any residue left over on your tool since dabs are generally more expensive than flower cannabis.
- Heat up the nail – Heat up the nail with your torch and aim the flame until it’s hot enough to vaporize the wax. You can also use a knife on the stove if you don’t have a torch available to heat up the dab.
- Inhale – Place your mouth over the rig opening and inhale as much of the hot smoke as possible. Make sure that you are not too close to the dab when inhaling since dabs are often more potent than flower cannabis, so there may be more THC in dabs than what you are used to.
- Clean up – Use a cotton swab or cleaning solution to thoroughly clean out any residue from dabbing so that when you want to enjoy another dab, your rig is set up and ready to go. This will enhance your smoking experience with every hit that you take!
Dabbing is a great way to enjoy cannabis concentrates as it allows for an even more intense high than flower cannabis. With the right tools, dabbing can be very enjoyable and simple. Hopefully this guide has helped you get started on your dabbing journey! Enjoy!
Conclusion:
Now that you know the basics of dabbing, it’s time to enjoy your dabs! Dabbing is a popular way to consume cannabis concentrates that offers an intense and flavorful experience. To get the most out of your dab, it’s important to find the right tools and techniques for your own specific needs. By learning how to clean a dab nail, use a carb cap, inhale smoke from your dab hit properly, and choose the right oil rig or male-jointed dab nail for a female rig, you can maximize your enjoyment of this unique smoking method. Additionally, if you don’t have access to a torch or don’t want to use one, there are other ways to heat up your concentrates for dabbing. With the right setup and tools, you’ll be able to enjoy a dab like a seasoned pro!
Whether you are just starting out or have been dabbing for years, it is always important to remember that knowing what you are doing is key when it comes to enjoying dabs. Dabbing might seem intimidating at first, but with the right knowledge and some practice, anyone can successfully use cannabis concentrates for this method of smoking. So if you’re looking for an enjoyable way to consume cannabis products, look no further than dabbing! Now that you know all about how to smoke dabs safely and effectively, go on and enjoy!