Dabbing can seem a bit intimidating because of the difference in how it is consumed, not to mention the vast options of dabs to choose from. But once you know how to begin, the rest is easy. In fact, we think once you’ve tried dabbing it might just become one of your new favourite consumption methods.
Dabbing offers consumers a more efficient way to consume THC. This is because traditional cannabis flower usually runs between 15 to 25% THC, but dabs range between 50 to 80% on average. There are many concentrates and extracts available and each one is unique. In general dabs are consumed the same exact way. But, before diving into the world of dabbing, knowing the tips and tricks that OG dabbers have passed on can be helpful in your journey.
What are Dabs?
Dabbing encompasses flash vaporising or slow vaporising concentrated cannabis extracts with heat at varying temperatures. It is reminiscent of using a bong for cannabis flower, but concentrates are consumed with a dab rig.
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A dab is placed on the heated surface of the rig and the concentrated vapour is inhaled. Sometimes referred to as extracts, dabs are created by stripping out the cannabinoids from cannabis plants. Dabbing can provide cannabis consumers with a better experience including a flavourful taste and higher potency.
The Skinny on Dabbing
When dabbing, a portion of your chosen concentrate is placed in the dab nail or banger. Instead of using a lighter, you’ll use a small hand-held torch to heat the concentrate. The traditional method is to heat the banger to a red-hot state and then let it cool to the desired temperature before placing the concentrate into the banger. The heat then melts the concentrate creating a purely potent vapour.
Dabbing offers cannabis consumers a pure vapour created while dabbing, and this purity provides a taste that is unique to the concentrate. A high temperature is needed to vaporise cannabis, but it’s important to be careful not to overheat your dabs as you could burn it. However, you can find numerous accessories and electronic devices to assist with dabbing that will ensure the process goes smoothly. There are endless options to pick from and dab rigs come in different shapes, sizes, and designs. Dab rigs also come in different materials and personal preference is often the most important element to choosing the right one.
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We offer different styles of dab rigs and dab tools at most of our Fire & Flower locations and online. In addition to your rig, you will also need a metal dabber tool, a small handheld torch, a banger or dab nail, a carb cap, and of course your concentrate of choice.
Dabbing Tools & Accessories You’ll Need
Dab Rig
Similar to a glass bong, a dab rig is a pipe with a chamber for water. The main difference is the dab rig uses a banger or nail to hold the concentrate, rather than a bowl for flower.
Dabber
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This is a tool used to scoop or place the dab onto your dab rig. Also known as a dab tool or dab wand.
Banger or Nail
Bangers are usually made from quartz or borosilicate and look similar to a tiny glass cup. They slide into your dab rig’s downstem, then are heated to turn your dab into vapour. Another option on a dab rig is a dab nail. When purchasing a dab rig you can decide which attachment you prefer. A dab nail is a small (typically titanium) attachment that holds your cannabis concentrate in the dab rig, and like a banger is made from heat resistant materials such as quartz.
Carb Cap
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The carb cap is a multitasking little tool. It caps your banger to keep the vapour from escaping, raises the temperature, and moves air more efficiently so the entirety of the dab is vaporised. Some carb caps are extra fancy providing a directional or vortex of wind.
Dab Torch
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A simple small torch that is used to heat up your banger or dab nail to the right temperature.
THC Concentrates
Get your dab on with extracted and concentrated cannabinoids and terpenes expelled from the cannabis plant. Keep reading to learn all about the types of concentrates you can dab.
Concentrates & Extracts Used for Dabbing
Dabs come in a variety of flavours, textures, potencies, and consistencies. The dab gurus are always creating new methods to keep the desired elements of the plant (like cannabinoids and terpenes) while purging the undesired plant material. This process results in cannabis concentrates, which vary from bubble hash, to live resin to more. The difference in these concentrates is all in the process itself. At a basic level, cannabis concentrates are made through a mechanical process to concentrate the trichomes, a.k.a. the weed hairs.
Bubble Hash/Ice Hash
Bubble hash is made by filtering cannabis flower through cheesecloth that has been iced to freeze the trichomes, resulting in bubble hash. Its texture is fine, almost sand-like, similar to kief.
Hash Rosin
Hash rosin is a bit more on the spendy side because it is extremely potent in terpenes, and can be tricky to make. Made through a combination of heat and pressure without the use of solvents, Hash rosin has a budder/badder style consistency.
Live Resin
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Cryogenically frozen and flash frozen cannabis plants that have been harvested within minutes of processing become live resin. The result is an intense aromatic, flavourful cannabis extract that offers intense terpenes and potent levels of cannabinoids.
Sap
Just like it sounds, a bit oozy but not quite oil. Sap is among the stickiest of cannabis concentrates.
Sauce
When you open a container of sauce, you’ll notice there are two parts to it — small THC-A crystals (also referred to as diamonds) which are surrounded by an oily sauce that is terpene-rich, hence many calling it, “terp sauce.” A super flavourful and potent concentrate to try out.
Wax
One of the most common forms of butane extracts (BHO) on the market. It’s solid, but can be malleable.
Crumble
A little harder than wax, but as the name implies it crumbles easy and breaks apart when it’s handled. It can be a bit more difficult to work with due to its delicate nature.
Shatter
Shatter is the hardest BHO form, and looks like honey but the texture is more like glass. Next to wax, it is one of the more sought after styles of concentrates as it’s both flavourful and potent.
Budder
This is a whipped, extremely pure form of BHO concentrate. Budder is smooth like butter, and is highly popular among dabbers.
Cannabis extracts are created by using an added solvent which is then removed at the end of the process to extract the coveted cannabinoids. Solvents can include butane, propane, alcohol, and ethanol. There are also solventless extracts like bubble hash and rosin, made with methods that rely on things like heat, water and ice rather than solvents.
Know Before You Dab
Start Slow
Always begin your dabbing adventure in small doses. A good phrase to remember is “start low and go slow” — you can always take another dab if the first one is extra small. We all absorb THC differently, and our bodies interact with cannabis in a unique way.
Low-Temp is the Way to Go
There are a few ways to regulate temperature while dabbing. The most common way dabbers regulate heat is with a timer and good old time and experience. The best way to begin is heating the nail with the torch for 30 seconds, letting it cool for 30-60 seconds, then adding the dab to the banger/nail. We recommend dabbing at low temps, around 177°C to 204°C (350℉ to 400℉). This heat range will sufficiently vaporise the dab capturing its potency and essence without burning it. Make sure to use your carb cap to keep the temperature where you want it. Low-temp dabs range from 177°C to 232°C (350℉ to 450℉) and will give you more flavour since lower temperatures preserve terpenes better.
Some cannabis consumers prefer high temp dabs, but we recommend against it — your lungs will thank you. However, if that is your thing, 232°C to 288+°C (450℉ to 550+℉) is considered high-temp dabbing, probably best not to go above that to avoid burning your dab.
Let’s Get Dabbing: Step by Step Instructions
Step One
Fill your dab rig with the right amount of water.
STONER TIP: This will depend on the size of your dab rig, but you can test it by inhaling with no banger or dab nail in the dab rig and if you get water in your mouth there’s too much and you need to pour some out.
Step Two
Use your dabber tool to grab a small amount of concentrate and set aside so it’s ready to go.
Step Three
Turn on your dab torch aiming the flame directly on the bottom of your quartz dab nail. Most people will heat their dab nail turn bright red. The concept of switching from a lighter to a high temp torch sounds intimidating but after time it will become like second nature.
Step Four
Once the banger or dab nail is hot, let it sit and cool for 30 to 60 seconds. If it’s too hot it will scorch your concentrate leaving a less than ideal dab experience. Using a timer during this step will help. As you get familiarised with your rig, you’ll figure out the perfect amount of cool-down time for your preferred heat.
Step Five
Apply the concentrate wax with your dabber tool onto the banger or dab nail then slowly inhale the vapour as you would with a traditional cannabis bong.
Cover the dab with a carb cap and finish inhaling. Exhale and repeat.
The Wrap Up
A dabbing journey always begins with visiting an online or in-person dispensary to choose a concentrate. Asking your budtender or cannista questions is a great place to start as they will be able to guide you on your dabbing experience.
Dabbing may sound like a lot at first, but once you get the hang of it the process really takes less than a few minutes to get started. If you are ready to get your dab on check out all of our concentrates and accessories for an excellent dabbing experience at all of our Fire & Flower retail stores.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Get Started With Dabbing?
To get started dabbing, visiting your local dispensary and talking with a budtender/cannista can ensure you are starting off on the right foot.
How Much Should You Dab For the First Time?
Starting with a small portion of concentrate is recommended for beginners. You can always do more dabs as you become accustomed to how the concentrate makes you feel.
How Do You Hit a Dab Perfectly?
Hitting a dab perfectly might take some practice but with time the perfect way to consume is by heating the dab to the right temperature.
Is Budder Better Than Shatter?
Budder and shatter are sought after forms of concentrates used for dabbing. Each concentrate has its own unique qualities, potencies, and textures. Preference is the key to choosing a favourite.