What is Dabbing & How Do You Dab Cannabis Concentrates?

What is a "Dab"?

A "dab" refers to a small amount of a concentrated form of cannabis, often resembling wax, shatter, or oil. These concentrates are known for their high potency, containing elevated levels of cannabinoids like THC or CBD compared to traditional cannabis flower.

What is Dabbing?

Dabbing is a method of consuming cannabis concentrates that involves vaporizing the concentrate on a hot surface and inhaling the vapor. This technique allows users to experience the benefits of cannabis in a more concentrated form, often resulting in a more intense and rapid onset of effects.

Benefits of Dabbing Concentrates

Dabbing offers a more potent and efficient way to consume cannabis. It provides rapid onset of effects, precise dosage, and a cleaner experience due to the elimination of plant material. Additionally, dabbing can offer a more flavorful experience by preserving the terpenes found in concentrates.

What Do You Need To Dab With a Rig?

As mentioned, you’ll need some unique supplies to begin dabbing. Here are the essentials.

The Nail

Usually constructed of glass, quartz, or metal, the nail sits in the glass bowl and is the object you’ll heat to then heat and vaporize your dab. The nail is designed to heat up quickly when exposed to a torch. After heating, when you place your concentrate onto the nail, it will vaporize almost instantly. The resulting vapor is then routed through the rest of the rig so you can inhale it. Nails and dab rigs often come as a set, but nails can be purchased on their own. Together, the set can also be referred to as a rig.

The Dabber

A dabber is needed to transfer the concentrates onto the nail so the heating process can begin. This prevents you from needing to move dabs with your hand, which is not only sticky but also potentially dangerous once the nail gets hot. Dabbers can be glass, ceramic, or metal, and are typically inexpensive and easy to purchase.

The Torch

As noted, you’ll need to heat the nail to an extremely high temperature, which requires equipment with a bit more sophistication than a regular lighter. For dabbing, you'll need a butane or propane torch as these can reach higher temperatures quicker which is ideal for heating the nail/banger.

Carb Caps

An extremely useful tool to the world of dabbing, the carb cap blocks the airflow atop the dab nail. This makes it easier to vaporize the concentrates, avoid wasting vapor, and get a tastier and more potent product. Carb caps are recommended if you want the best possible result.

Timers

A timer can help you regulate how much you heat your dab by taking the guesswork out of timing yourself. Many people heat the nail for about 30 seconds and let it cool for 60 seconds, which can be tricky to do on your own while focused on using a torch and handling the extract.

Temperature Gun (Optional)

When dabbing, it's important to let the nail cool down. For this step, temperature guns allow users to see the exact temperature of their nail/banger, allowing them to take a dab at a temperature that fits their preference. For context, lower temp dabs tend to preserve flavor while higher temp dabs tend to burn more of the product. Temp guns allow users to find the perfect balance between flavor and product burn.

How to Dab With a Rig

Dabbing with a rig can require some trial and error along with a bit of science to get the exact outcome the user is looking for. Follow our steps below while tweaking things like the time and temperature to get the outcome you desire.

1. Heat the Nail: Begin by heating the nail or banger of your dab rig using a torch until it's glowing red hot.
2. Cool Down: Allow the nail to cool for a short period to reach the optimal temperature for vaporizing the concentrate without burning it.
3. Apply the Concentrate: Using a dab tool, apply a small amount of the concentrate directly onto the heated nail or banger.
4. Inhale: Cover the dab with a carb cap to regulate airflow and vaporization, then inhale the vapor through the rig's mouthpiece. Continue inhaling until the nail is no longer hot enough to vaporize the concentrate.
5. Clean: After each dab, it's important to clean the nail or banger with a cotton swab (and rubbing alcohol if needed) to maintain cleanliness and nail integrity. If you skip this step, you run the risk of reheating old concentrate, resulting in a burnt residue that can negatively impact your next dabbing experience.

Other Tools & Methods for Dabbing

In addition to the traditional rig and nail setup, users can opt to use e-rigs, vape pens, or nectar collectors to take a dab. Dive into additional concentrate smoking methods to find one that fits your preference and smoking style.

E-rig

An e-rig is an electronic rig that eliminates the need for a torch to heat the nail. It allows precise temperature control, making it easier to achieve the ideal vaporization point for different concentrates. E-rigs are portable, convenient, and provide a consistent dabbing experience, but don't forget to clean it after each hit if possible!

Nectar Collector

A nectar collector is a type of portable dabbing tool with a straw-like design. Users heat the tip before directly touching it to the concentrate and inhaling the vapor through the other end. Nectar collectors are simple to use and great for on-the-go or at home dabbing.

Concentrate Vape Pen

Like THC cartridge pens, concentrate vape pens offer a discreet and portable way of taking dabs. Depending on the type of pen you have, simply fill the chamber with your desired product, choose a heat setting, and you're all set to dab on-the-go. Remember, like a rig it's important to clean your concentrate pen after every use if possible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dabbing

Do dabs have a stronger effect versus traditional flower?

Yes, dabs typically have a much stronger effect than traditional flower due to the higher concentration of cannabinoids like THC and CBD in concentrates.

What concentrate is best for dabbing?

The best concentrate for dabbing depends on the user's preference for potency, flavor, and texture. Popular choices include wax, shatter, and live resin, known for their high quality and distinct profiles.

What are the strongest dab concentrates?

The strongest dab concentrates are those with the highest THC or CBD levels, such as distillates, which can reach potency levels up to 90% THC.

What should I expect from my first dab?

Traditionally, concentrates are more potent than their traditional flower counterpart. With this in mind, users can expect a more intense psychoactive experience when smoking cannabis concentrates. With this in mind, it's important to start slow to find the right sized dab for your ideal experience.

Purchasing Concentrates for Dabbing

For those looking to explore the world of dabbing, Zen Leaf offers a selection of high-quality concentrates perfect for dabbing. Whether you're a seasoned dabber or new to the experience, our knowledgeable advisors can help you find the right product to suit your needs. Visit one of our dispensaries near you to discover premium concentrates to elevate your dabbing experience.