What are Dabs?

A popular way to consume cannabis is by “taking dabs”, but what are dabs?

Basically, dabbing refers to the vaporization and consumption of cannabis concentrate (any oil concentrate made up by the plant’s phyto-compounds, like THC and CBD). On average, most concentrates have between 60-80% THC, compared to smoking cannabis flower which averages 10-25% THC. For this reason, dabbing is much more economical for most users, as far less product needs to be consumed to reach optimal or desired effects.

The effects of a dab usually come on stronger and quicker than smoking flower.

Dabbing takes more than just a bong or a pipe

A big difference between dabbing and smoking flower is the equipment that is needed to use the cannabis. It is a bit more complicated. In order to effectively consume concentrates, a torch, a rig with a titanium or quartz nail and dabbing tool are required.

To use, the nail would be put in place where the traditional slider bowl goes. Heat up the bottom of the nail with the torch until it starts to turn red from the heat. While it cools down to an optimal burning temp, use the dabber tool to gather the amount of concentrate desired to consume. After about 20-30 seconds of letting the nail cool, “dab” the oil in the nail and inhale the vapor through the rig. It helps to cover the nail with another quartz or titanium cover piece to keep the vapor from escaping while you inhale.

Optimal dabbing temperatures are regularly debated within the cannabis community, and “low-temp” dabs have taken the concentrate scene by storm in recent history for those seeking the purest of flavors. (My preference.)

I am new to dabs, how much should I take?

Newbie dabbers should initially start off with a very small amount of concentrate until they fully understand how it will affect them. A good tip for starters is to take a dab of concentrate about 1/2 the size of a grain of rice or smaller. Just like with any medication, always start small and work your way up to your sweet spot and in this case, start off verrrrry small! Dabs are extremely potent and can hit you fast and hard without warning if not treated cautiously.

It might take a bit more equipment to dab, but dabbing is one of the most cost-effective ways to medicate, especially if you micro-dab. This is my favorite way to medicate. Since you only need a small about of oil to notice the effects, the concentrate lasts a long time, which saves money in the end.

There are many different types of concentrates available and we will go over all of them in our next series: cannabis concentrates!

How do you like to dab?