Dabbing has become one of the most popular ways to enjoy cannabis concentrates, providing users with an intense and flavorful experience. Dabbing is a method of consuming concentrates by vaporizing them. While there are a couple ways to dab, the best way to dab is using a specialized tool called a dab rig.
Dabbing concentrates is different from smoking flower. Smoking burns the cannabis plant material, but dabbing involves heating a concentrated form of cannabis, such as wax, shatter, or live resin, on a heated surface and inhaling the vapor. This is similar to cannabis vape pens, but much larger and without the use of a pre-filled cartridge.
Dabbing—also known as “taking a dab”—is not for everyone. It provides an extremely potent hit, as cannabis concentrates typically contain much higher levels of THC than flower, sometimes reaching 70-90% THC or more. Dabbing is popular among experienced users seeking stronger effects or medical patients who need fast-acting relief.
For those who are new to dabbing, the process can seem a bit complicated and intimidating, especially with the specialized tools and the high heat involved. We’re going to look at the best way to dab. This information can be useful for both beginners new to cannabis concentrates and experienced dabbers alike. Let’s find out how to get the most out of your marijuana concentrates.
What Is Dabbing?
Taking a dab involves vaporizing cannabis concentrates using a device called a dab rig. Concentrates such as wax, shatter, or live resin are placed on a heated surface called a nail or banger and inhaled through the rig.
There are many reasons why experienced cannabis users love dabs. Here are a few of them:
Why People Dab:
- Potency: Concentrates contain much higher levels of THC than cannabis flower, delivering stronger and more intense effects without using as much product.
- Flavor: Terpenes (the compounds responsible for the flavor and aroma of cannabis) are often preserved in concentrates. This results in a more flavorful experience.
- Efficiency: Taking a dab allows users to experience the effects of cannabis quickly and with greater intensity, making it popular for medical patients seeking fast relief.
Tools You’ll Need for Dabbing
The best way to dab requires some equipment to help you consume the cannabis concentrate. We’re going to list out the things you will need:
- Dab Rig: This is a specialized water pipe designed for dabbing concentrates. It functions similarly to a bong but is used with a nail instead of a bowl for flower.
- Nail (Banger): The nail, which is also called a banger, is the part of the rig that gets heated up to vaporize the concentrate. The nail can be made of glass, quartz, ceramic, or titanium. Quartz bangers are most popular as they retain heat and offer a clean flavor.
- Dab Torch: Taking a dab involves vaporizing the concentrate. To do this, you’ll need a butane torch to heat the nail to the proper temperature. A standard lighter won’t do it since it cannot generate the necessary heat. A dab torch (which is a butane torch specifically for dabbing) will provide the desired heat to ensure you enjoy your dab.
- Dabber Tool: This is a small tool usually made of metal or glass. It is used to pick up and place your concentrate on the hot nail when you take a dab. Concentrates are usually consumed in small quantities which is why the small size of a dabber tool is perfect for the job.
- Carb Cap: A small cap that goes over the nail to trap heat and vapor. This helps to make your dabs more efficient and flavorful.
- Timer: The best way to dab is when your nail is the optimal dab temperature. You will need either a stopwatch or a mobile app to time the cooling of the nail.
- Concentrate: There are many types of cannabis concentrate. This could be shatter, wax, live resin, rosin, or any other type of cannabis concentrate. Regardless of the kind of concentrate, the method of taking a dab is the same.
Step-by-Step Guide to Dabbing
Now that you have your dabbing equipment ready, let’s talk about the dab itself. We recommend following the steps given for a good experience, especially for newer users.
1. Prepare Your Dab
Start by selecting your concentrate. Scoop a small amount (a “dab”) with your tool. For beginners, taking a dab about the size of a grain of rice is recommended, as concentrates are highly potent.
2. Heat the Nail
Turn on your torch and heat the nail directly. Make sure to aim the flame at the base of the nail, not the rim. You want to heat it until it becomes red-hot. This typically takes 20-30 seconds, depending on the material of your nail.
- Quartz and titanium nails heat up quickly and hold heat well, making them ideal for dabbing.
- Ceramic nails take a little longer to heat, but provide a smooth, flavorful experience.
3. Let the Nail Cool
This is the most crucial step for the best way to dab. After heating the nail, wait for it to cool down to the optimal temperature. Taking a dab at too high a temperature can burn your concentrate, making it feel harsh in your throat and losing its flavor. However, dabbing concentrate at too low a temperature might not vaporize it properly.
- Ideal Dab Temperature: The optimal temperature for dabbing is between 500-600°F (260-315°C). You can estimate this by waiting 30-45 seconds after heating the nail for a quartz banger or 1 minute for ceramic or titanium.
If you want to be precise, you can use an infrared thermometer to measure the temperature.
4. Apply the Dab
Once the nail has cooled slightly to the ideal temperature for taking a dab, use your dabber tool to apply the concentrate to the inside of the nail. As the concentrate hits the hot surface, it will vaporize instantly.
5. Cap the Nail with a Carb Cap
Immediately after placing the concentrate on the nail, cover it with a carb cap. The cap helps trap heat and create a more efficient vaporization, allowing you to inhale the vapor slowly.
- Tip: Rotate or move the carb cap slightly to ensure that all the concentrate vaporizes evenly.
6. Inhale Slowly
As you cap the nail, start inhaling through the mouthpiece of the dab rig. Take a slow, steady draw to fully enjoy the vapor without coughing. The hit should be smooth, flavorful, and potent.
7. Exhale and Clean the Nail
Exhale and enjoy the effects of the concentrate! After taking a dab, it’s a good practice to clean the nail while it’s still warm by using a cotton swab to wipe away any residue. The best way to dab is with a clean nail, and regular post-session cleaning prevents build-up and ensures a clean hit with great flavor the next time you dab.
Low-Temp vs. High-Temp Dabbing
The temperature you dab at plays a significant role in the flavor, smoothness, and potency of the hit. Here’s a quick breakdown on the effects of dabbing at different temperatures:
Low-Temperature Dabs (400-500°F):
- Pros: Provides a smoother and more flavorful hit. It preserves the terpenes in your concentrate. The vapor is cooler, which makes it easier on the throat and lungs.
- Cons: You may need to use a carb cap to get all the concentrate to vaporize when you take a dab. It also isn’t as potent per hit due to the lower temperature.
High-Temperature Dabs (600-700°F or above):
- Pros: Produces thick clouds of vapor and a more intense high, as the cannabinoids vaporize quickly.
- Cons: Higher temps can burn off the terpenes. This makes the hit harsher on the throat and reduces the flavor of your dab.
Pro Tips for the Best Way to Dab
Dabbing is like art. It’s a technique which can be perfected with practice. The more you dab, the more proficient at it you’ll become. To help you along we have a few tips:
- Start Small: If you’re new to dabbing, it’s easy to overdo it due to the potency of concentrates. Start with taking a dab that’s small and work your way up to a larger amount as you get comfortable.
- Use a Carb Cap: A carb cap is essential for low-temperature dabbing. It helps trap the heat and ensures you’re getting the most out of your concentrate without wasting any.
- Keep It Clean: Dabbing concentrate results in some residue build-up, which can negatively impact the flavor of your dabs. Regularly clean your nail or banger to avoid that.
- Store Concentrates Properly: Keep your concentrates in a cool, dark place, preferably in airtight silicone or glass containers. This helps maintain the potency and flavor of the product.
- Try Different Temperatures: Experiment with taking a dab at different temperatures to see which one works best for the specific concentrate you’re using. Each type (shatter, live resin, wax) may perform better at different heat levels.
- Stay Hydrated: Concentrates are potent and dabbing can be intense. Dabs can sometimes cause dry mouth or throat so make sure to have water nearby to stay hydrated.
Is Dabbing Safe?
Dabbing is considered safe when done properly. However, because of the high potency of concentrates, taking a dab can be overwhelming for beginners or those with low tolerances. Additionally, improper dabbing techniques (such as using too much heat) can lead to unpleasant effects or burnt flavors. Use the right temperature, tools, and small amounts to experience the best way to dab.
Dive in to Dabbing
Dabbing offers an intense and flavorful way to consume cannabis concentrates, but it’s essential to know the proper technique to maximize your experience. By following our recommended steps outlined in this guide, you can enjoy smooth, flavorful dabs. Correct dabbing can highlight the full potential of your cannabis concentrates. Remember to start small, dial in your temperature, and always keep your dab rig clean to ensure the best hits every time.
HerbNJoy offers a wide selection of cannabis concentrates perfect for taking a dab of. The friendly and knowledgeable budtenders at our California dispensaries are happy to help you with making the right product choice.
Happy dabbing from HerbNJoy!
