Welcome to the world of dabbing! If you’re new to cannabis concentrates or looking to expand your knowledge, you’ve come to the right place. Dabbing is a popular method of consuming concentrated cannabis that offers a fast-acting, potent experience with a variety of flavors and effects. However, dabbing can be intimidating for beginners due to its technical nature and specialized equipment. In this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive guide to dabbing, covering everything from the basics of what dabbing is to how to choose the right dab rig and concentrates, and how to safely and effectively use them. Whether you’re a seasoned cannabis user or just starting out, this guide will help you navigate the world of dabbing with confidence and ease. So sit back, relax, and get ready to learn everything you need to know about dabbing.
History of dabs:
The history of dabbing is somewhat debated, but some sources trace its roots to California’s underground cannabis scene, where it was first popularized by medical marijuana patients and growers who were looking for a more efficient and potent way to consume cannabis. The practice of dabbing quickly spread to other parts of the country and became more widespread with the legalization of cannabis in various states.
What are the different types of concentrates available to consumers?
There are many different types of cannabis concentrates available, each with their own unique texture, potency, and method of consumption. Here are some of the most common types:
- BHO (Butane Honey Oil): These are your extracts that use N-Butane to extract your cannabinoids, terpines and THC. Then it can be made into various products like crumble, wax, budder, or shatter.
- Distillate AKA fractal distillation: Made by distilling BHO and only condensing THC into a thick oily product that can then be consumed via vape carts, edibles, or dabbing. A similar process as making moonshine.
- Rosin: Made by pressing ice water hash between small micron screens with heat and pressure resulting in an extremely potent and flavorful extract. Can also be consumed in edibles, vape carts, and in its most efficient form, dabbing- considered the cleanest form of consumption.
- Ice water Hash or Temple Hash: Made by agitating cannabis in ice water, then poured through differing micron bags to extract the cannabinoids, trichomes, terpines and essential oils. Best consumed on flower or even dabbed if clean enough, providing a full spectrum experience.
Each type of concentrate offers a unique experience in terms of potency, flavor, and effects, and the method of consumption will depend on the type of concentrate and personal preference.
Different methods of extracting cannabis:
- Solvent-based extraction: This involves using a solvent, such as butane, CO2, or ethanol, to extract the cannabinoids and other beneficial compounds from the plant material. Solvent-based extraction can be used to produce a wide range of concentrates, including shatter, wax, and oil.
- Rosin: This method involves using heat and pressure to extract the resinous trichomes from the cannabis plant material or hash.
- Water-based extraction: This method involves using water and ice to separate the trichomes from the plant material, which are then collected and dried. Water-based extraction is typically used to produce bubble hash, temple hash. or ice wax.
- Dry sift: This method involves using a sieve or screen to sift the trichomes from the plant material. The resulting product is a high-quality, fine-grained concentrate that is often used for edibles or added to joints or bowls.
- CO2 extraction: This method involves using carbon dioxide as a solvent to extract the cannabinoids and other beneficial compounds from the plant material.
- Fractal Distillation AKA distillate: This method involves distilling BHO and condensed THC into a more potent extract.
Each method has its own pros and cons, and the choice of extraction method will depend on the desired end product, as well as personal preference and safety considerations. It is important to note that extracting cannabis can be dangerous and should only be done by trained professionals in licensed facilities, using appropriate equipment and safety precaution
What are the different ways to consume concentrates?
There are several ways to consume cannabis concentrates, including:
- Dabbing: Dabbing is a method of vaporizing concentrates by heating them on a hot surface, typically a quartz banger or titanium nail, and inhaling the resulting vapor through a dab rig.
- Vaporizing Pens: Vaporizing pens, also known as E-Rigs, involve heating the concentrate using a heating element, which turns it into a vapor that can be inhaled. Vaporizers can be portable or stationary and may use convection, conduction, or hybrid heating methods.
- Edibles: Cannabis concentrates can be infused into edibles, such as gummies, chocolates, and baked goods. They can also be added to foods or beverages for an easy and discreet way to consume them.
- Tinctures: Tinctures are concentrated cannabis extracts that are typically mixed with alcohol, glycerin, or another liquid to create a potent, easy-to-dose liquid that is placed under the tongue for fast absorption.
- Topicals: Cannabis concentrates can be added to creams, lotions, balms, and other topical products for localized relief from pain, inflammation, and other skin conditions.
- Smoking: Some types of concentrates, such as hash or kief, can be smoked by adding them to a joint, pipe, or bong. This method is less common for more potent concentrates, such as shatter or wax, due to their convenience.
Potency and effects of concentrates can vary widely depending on the type, dosage, and method of consumption. It is always recommended to start with a low dose and work your way up slowly to avoid overconsumption and potential negative effects.
Dabbing Tools
Dab Rig
A dab rig is a specialized type of water pipe used for smoking cannabis concentrates, also known as “dabs.” It typically consists of a glass chamber filled with water, a nail or banger made of quartz, titanium, or ceramic, and a dabber tool used to apply the concentrate to the nail. The nail or banger is heated with a torch, and once hot, the concentrate is placed onto the nail or banger, where it vaporizes and is inhaled through the mouthpiece. Dab rigs are often designed with a variety of intricate and artistic designs, and can range in size from small and portable to large and complex.
E-nail
An electronic dab rig, also known as an e-rig or electric dab rig, is a device used for consuming cannabis concentrates that doesn’t require a torch or flame to heat the nail or banger. Instead, it uses electricity to heat up the heating element, which then heats the concentrate to the desired temperature for vaporization. E-rigs typically consist of a battery-powered base, a heating element or coil, and a glass attachment to inhale from. Some e-rigs also have features such as temperature control, LED lighting, and Bluetooth connectivity for customization and convenience. They are often considered a convenient and user-friendly alternative to traditional dab rigs, as they eliminate the need for a torch and can be used with a simple push of a button.
Banger
A banger is a type of dabbing nail that is used to vaporize cannabis concentrates, such as wax, shatter, or oil. It is typically made of quartz, although it can also be made of titanium or ceramic. A banger has a bucket-shaped design that is open on one end and closed on the other, with a thin neck that connects to the joint of a dab rig. The concentrate is placed into the heated bucket until it vaporizes, then inhaled through the mouthpiece of the dab rig. Bangers are popular among dabbers because they provide good flavor and heat retention when used properly. Additionally, they can be easier to clean than some other types of nails due to their simple design.
Nectar collector
A nectar collector is another specialized type of dabbing device used for consuming dabs. It typically consists of a glass or silicone straw-like tube with a detachable tip made of glass or titanium, a dish for holding the concentrate, and a water chamber for filtration. To use a nectar collector, the tip is heated with a torch until it reaches the desired temperature, then placed onto the concentrate to vaporize it. The user then inhales through the mouthpiece of the nectar collector as the tip is moved over the concentrate, like a hummingbird collecting nectar, allowing them to control the amount and intensity of the vapor produced. Nectar collectors are often preferred by dab enthusiasts for quick, on-the-go, ease of use and as an intro into the transition from using rigs into using torches.
This should get you a good start. Thank you so much for reading our first blog post, Dabbing 101. Remember always, safety first, and happy dabb’n.