Introduction to Dabbing Cannabis Concentrates
If you are a smoker you have heard of dabbing before. Dabbing is a way to consume the active compounds of the cannabis plant without smoking all of the plant matter. Cannabinoids are extracted into a smokeable oil that is pure and refined. Dabbing involves heating a vaporizing element until it is hot enough to vaporize your concentrates. Typically this involves a dab rig and a quartz nail where you place your dab on the nail after it has been heated up. This method allows for strong, potent hits from just small amounts of material.
If you are new to dabbing, the blowtorch and equipment can seem daunting. We cover the basics of dabbing and the equipment you'll need to dab properly.
Types of Cannabis Concentrates
With all of the innovation in cannabis, there are a growing variety of cannabis concentrates available. Each has their own properties and characteristics. Here are some of the most common types of cannabis concentrates.
Shatter
Shatter is a form of cannabis oil that has been purged of any extra material. It takes on a glass like consistency and is known for its clarity and ability to be handled. It is typically made with butane that is used to extract the active cannabinoids and then it is purged off to leave just the cannabinoids behind.
The main characteristic of shatter is its consistency which is achieved during the purge process of extraction. When the butane and cannabis slurry is placed into a vacuum oven and heated at a low temperature, the butane boils off at a temperature that doesn't affect the cannabis leaving behind a glass like slab of high potency THC.
Since shatter is a purged exact, it is very potent. THC levels of shatter often reach up to 90%. Shatter is known for its immediate and powerful affects and is up to 3.5x stronger than typically cannabis flower. Because of this, it is important to start small when dabbing and gradually increase your dosage as you get more comfortable.
When it comes to flavor and smell, shatter can vary greatly. The quality of cannabis that goes into the extract greatly affects the quality of the shatter. Although it is almost pure the, the remaining % of the shatter is comprised of terpenes and non psychoactive cannabinoids. If you put in poorly grown cannabis trim, the flavor profile of your shatter will not be very high quality compared to if you use indoor cannabis to make your shatter.
Hash Rosin
Hash, a well-liked cannabis concentrate made from the resin glands of the cannabis plant, is pressed to form hash rosin. The completed product has a feel similar to sap or honey and looks like resin.
Hash rosin is known for its powerful and flavorful smoke because it preserves the terpenes and other aromatic molecules found in the original hash. It is frequently weaker than shatter, with THC levels ranging from 40 to 80%.
Making hash rosin at home simply involves a little quantity of hash and some simple tools, such a hair straightener or rosin press. Due to its simplicity and adaptability, cannabis fans also favor it.
Flower Rosin
Flower rosin, a kind of cannabis concentrate, is produced by cooking and compressing a batch of marijuana flower. The completed product has a feel similar to sap or honey and looks like resin.
Flower rosin is renowned for its potent and enjoyable smoking because it preserves the terpenes and other aromatic elements found in the original flower. It is frequently weaker than shatter, with THC levels ranging from 40 to 80%.
A tiny quantity of marijuana flower and some simple tools, such a hair straightener or rosin press, are all that are needed to create flower rosin at home. Due to its simplicity and adaptability, it is also a well-liked option among cannabis fans.
Crumble Butane Hash Oil (BHO)
BHO, or crumble butane hash oil, is a form of cannabis concentrate created by extracting THC and other cannabinoids from the cannabis plant using butane as a solvent. The end result is a waxy-like material that is sticky and has a consistency akin to honey or ear wax. Because of its strength, which may approach 90% THC, it is a favorite among seasoned dabbers.
Crumble BHO is renowned for its shelf-stable consistency in addition of its high THC concentration. When compared to other types of oil that could be less stable, it is easier to handle and store because of this.
Butter Hash Oil
Butter hash oil, sometimes referred to as "budder," is a form of cannabis concentrate produced by pressing and heating the cannabis plant to release THC and other cannabinoids. A soft, buttery substance like peanut butter in consistency is the end result. Because of its strength, which may approach 90% THC, it is a favorite among seasoned dabbers.
Depending on the cannabis strain used to make it, butter hash oil can have a variety of flavors and aromas. While certain strains could smell earthy and strong, others might smell fruitier and sweeter. Overall, cannabis aficionados appreciate butter hash oil for its strength and adaptability.
Live Resin
Live resin, a type of cannabis concentrate, is made from cannabis plants that are still young and un-dried. The plants are immediately frozen after harvest, which helps preserve the strain's unique terpene profile. Due to its reputation for creating powerful, delightful smoke, live resin is generally regarded as a premium concentration.
One of its main characteristics is a terpene content that is substantially higher in live resin than it is in typical concentrations made from dried cannabis. Cannabis has various aromas and fragrances because of terpenes, aromatic compounds found in the plant. When live resin is created from fresh, undried plants, the terpene concentration is preserved, giving the finished product a better flavor and aroma.
Cryogenic freezing, in which the plants are frozen to subcritical temperatures with liquid nitrogen, is commonly used to create live resin. This aids in protecting the plant's sensitive terpenes and other fragrant chemicals.
Live resin's strength might vary, although it is typically regarded as being less potent than shatter or wax. It generally has THC concentrations between 60 and 90%. Live resin is a favorite among cannabis aficionados despite having a lower THC content owing to its potent flavor and scent.
The History of Dabbing
Dabbing has a lengthy and colorful past that dates back many years. When a team of researchers used butane to extract THC from cannabis, in the 1970s, it is when cannabis concentrates were first known to be dabbed. However, dabbing didn't become more popularity until the 2000s.
Concentrates like shatter and wax started to gain popularity among cannabis lovers in the early 2000s. These concentrates were frequently created in secret laboratories by extracting the THC and other cannabinoids from the cannabis plant using a variety of solvents and techniques. As a result, dabbing acquired popularity and a reputation as a pungent and strong method of consuming marijuana.
Concentrates like shatter and wax have become easier to get in recent years because to the growth of legal marijuana and extraction laboratories. As a result, dabbing has grown in acceptance.
Dabbing is still a contentious subject in the marijuana industry despite its increasing popularity. While some contend that using concentrates is a safer and more effective way to ingest cannabis, others express concern about the possible risks and hazards involved. Regardless of your position on the matter, dabbing is undeniably here to stay and will be a vital component of the cannabis market for years to come.
Equipment You'll Need for Dabbing
Before you can start dabbing, you'll need to gather the following equipment:
Dab Rig
A water pipe known as a "dab rig" is made particularly for dabbing concentrates. It has a mouthpiece, a nail or banger (more on this later), and a chamber holding the concentrate. Dab rigs can be simple and portable or big and complex, and they come in all different sizes and designs.
Size, substance, and pricing are all things to keep in mind while selecting a dab rig. Although they may have a smaller chamber and create less vapor, smaller rigs are more manageable and portable. On the other hand, larger rigs may create more vapor but may also be more costly and less portable.
Glass, porcelain, and silicone are just a few of the materials that may be used to make dab rigs. You should do some study and select the material that best suits your preferences and budget because each material has advantages and disadvantages of its own.
Nail or Banger
An essential part of a dab rig, a kind of water pipe used for vaporizing concentrates, is the nail or banger. The heated surface on which you set your concentrate is known as the nail or banger, and it is often composed of titanium, quartz, or ceramic. Each material has special qualities and traits of its own, thus selecting one to utilize is sometimes a question of preference.
Although they are very cheap and simple to get, glass nails are not as strong as certain other materials and are prone to breaking. For certain people, ceramic nails may be preferable than glass nails since they are more robust and heat up more slowly. They could, however, be more prone to breaking.
Titanium nails are recognized for their tenacity and heat resistance, and with the right maintenance, they may survive for a very long period. Although they can cool down more slowly between usage, they can also heat up fast.
Quartz bangers, a more recent innovation in the dabbing community, are constructed entirely of quartz crystal. Quartz is renowned for its exceptional heat resistance, longevity, and purer, cleaner flavor than other materials, according to several consumers. Quartz bangers, however, could cost more than other kind of nails, and maintaining them might take more effort.
What type of material you choose for your nail or banger is up to you and will depend on your personal needs and preferences. It is a good idea to do some research and find out the material that works best for you.
Dabber
A dabber is a specialized tool used to grip and apply concentrates during dabbing. Dabbers come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are frequently made of glass, titanium, or stainless steel. The most common type of dabber is a long, thin rod with a flat or scooped end. It is used to apply the concentrate to the heated banger or nail.
For getting into tight spaces or dabbing the concentrate at different angles, some dabbers include curved or slanted tips. Some of them feature textured or grooved edges that may help the concentrate remain there and prevent it from slipping or spilling.
Dabbers that are shaped like pens, spoons, or forks are additional options to the standard rod-style dabber and each one has its own distinct benefits. For instance, a pen-style dabber could be more practical for precision application while a spoon-shaped dabber might be easier to use for scooping up greater amounts of concentrate.
The dabber, regardless of its precise form or pattern, is a crucial instrument for anybody who uses concentrates and a crucial step in the dabbing procedure.
Torch
A torch is used to heat the nail or banger to the proper temperature for dabbing. You'll want to choose a torch with a strong flame and wide base.
Timer
Using a time can ensure that you are letting your nail cool down after heating to the proper temperature. Once you figure out the cool down time that works for you, a time is a helpful tool.
Preparing for a Dab
Now that you have all the necessary equipment, it's time to prepare for your dab. Here's what you'll need to do:
Now that you are all set up, it is time to take your dab. Here is what you need to do:
Choose Your Concentrate
Selecting the concentration you wish to use is the first step in getting ready to dab. Concentrates come in a wide variety of forms, including shatter, wax, and living resin. You should pick the kind that most closely matches your tastes because each has a distinct consistency and set of qualities.
Load Your Dabber
Once your concentrate is ready, it's time to load your dabber. Scoop up a small amount of concentrate with the dabber and set it aside. You'll only need a small amount of concentrate for each dab, as concentrates are much more potent than traditional flower.
Heat Your Nail or Banger
The next step is to warm up your banger or nail. The nail or banger can be heated using a torch until the necessary temperature is reached. Set your timer for 45 to 60 seconds if you're using one. As a result, the nail or banger will have more time to warm up to the ideal temperature for dabbing.
The Dabbing Technique
Now that you have all your equipment prepared and your nail or banger is heated, it's time to actually take the dab. Here's the proper technique for dabbing:
Place the Concentrate on the Nail or Banger
Once you have heated your nail or banger to the desired temperature, you can use your dabber to apply the concentrate. To do this, simply hold the dabber with the concentrate over the nail or banger and carefully place the concentrate onto the heated surface.
There are a few different ways to apply the concentrate, depending on your preference and the specific type of concentrate you are using. Some people prefer to touch the concentrate to the nail or banger, while others prefer to hover it just above the surface.
When applying the concentrate, it's important to be careful and use caution. The nail or banger will be hot, and the concentrate may sizzle or vaporize quickly upon contact. You may need to experiment with different techniques to find the one that works best for you.
Once you have applied the concentrate, you can inhale through the mouthpiece of the dab rig to vaporize the concentrate and experience its effects. Remember to start with a small dab and wait a few minutes to see how you feel before taking more, as concentrates are much more potent than traditional flower.
Inhale the Vapor
Use your dabber to apply the concentrate after heating your nail or banger to the proper temperature. Simply place the concentrate over the hot surface while holding the dabber with the concentration above the nail or banger.
Depending on your preferences and the particular sort of concentrate you are using, there are a few different ways to apply the concentrate. While some prefer to hover the concentrate just over the surface, others prefer to contact the concentrate to the nail or banger.
You could notice that the flavor and strength of the vapor alter as you breathe it in. This is typical and results from the concentration of different terpenes and cannabinoids in the concentrate. While certain concentrations may be sweeter or more subdued in flavor, others may be more earthy or pungent.
Exhale the Vapor
To truly appreciate the flavor and benefits of your dab, exhale via your nose. The vapor interacts with the olfactory receptors in your nasal passages as you exhale through your nose, which can improve the entire sensory experience of dabbing.
Dabbing requires prudence because concentrations are significantly more strong than conventional flower. This translates to a smaller amount of flower having a much greater impact than a bigger amount. Start with a little dab and wait a few minutes to see how you feel before taking more, which is a smart suggestion. This might assist you in determining the concentrate's strength and preventing excessive use.
When dabbing, it is advisable to use caution, be aware of your surroundings, and pay attention to your own physical and emotional well-being. Being safe and responsible is crucial since dabbing may be a strong and sometimes intense experience. You may have a seamless and pleasurable dabbing experience by adhering to these rules.
Tips for a Successful Dab
Here are a few tips to help you have a successful dabbing experience:
Start Small
As mentioned earlier, concentrates are much more potent than traditional flower. It's important to start with a small dab and work your way up to larger amounts as you become more comfortable with the process.
Experiment with Temperature
The flavor and effects of your dab can be significantly influenced by the temperature at which you heat your nail or banger. You can discover that you favor one temperature range over another since different temperatures can result in different forms of vapor.
As an instance, heating your banger or nail at lower temperatures usually results in a vapor that has a stronger taste. This is due to the fact that lower temperatures induce the terpenes, which are the substances in charge of the concentrate's flavor and scent, to evaporate. A softer, more subtle high can also be produced at lower temperatures.
However, heating your nail or banger at a greater temperature may result in a stronger high. This is so that the cannabinoids, which are the substances that give the concentrate its psychoactive effects, may be vaporized at greater temperatures. A harsher, blander vapor could also result at higher temperatures.
You might need to experiment with several settings to find the temperature that works best for you. You can change the heat of the nail or banger on some dab rigs using the temperature control settings. In order to discover the ideal temperature range, you may also use a timer to regulate the length of time you heat the nail or banger.
The ideal temperature for you will ultimately depend on your individual preferences and the particular concentration you are using. You may discover the one that gives you the finest flavor and effects by trying with various temps.
Properly Maintain Your Equipment
Properly maintaining your dabbing equipment is essential for getting the best performance and flavor from your setup. Here are a few tips for keeping your equipment in top shape:
- Regularly clean your dab rig, nail, and banger since concentrate residues can accumulate over time and compromise the flavor and functionality of your equipment. You may scrape away any remaining concentration with a q-tip or dabber dipped in isopropyl alcohol to keep them clean. To get rid of any extra residue, you may also give your dab rig a warm water rinse.
- Replace any worn-out or damaged components: Over time, your dab rig may develop worn-out or damaged components. Your equipment's functionality and longevity may be impacted by this. Replace any worn-out or broken components as needed to make sure your dab rig is operating correctly. This might apply to the gasket, the o-ring, the nail or banger.
- Maintain correct equipment storage: To avoid damage, it's critical to maintain adequate equipment storage for your dab rig and other items when they're not in use. Keep your dab rig out of direct sunlight and severe temperatures, since these conditions can cause the glass to expand and shrink, perhaps resulting in cracks or breakage. To avoid inadvertent damage, you should also handle your equipment cautiously.
By following these simple maintenance tips, you can help to ensure that your dabbing equipment stays in good working order and provides the best possible experience.
Conclusion
Cannabis concentrates may make dabbing interesting and potent. If you use the necessary equipment and follow the recommended instructions, you could have an excellent dabbing experience. Start small, experiment with the temperature, and take excellent care of your equipment to get the best results.
Start small and watch your dose if you're just getting started because dabbing concentrates can be more potent than regular flower. As with any drug use, it's crucial to practice caution and never drive or handle heavy machinery when drunk.
Overall, dabbing cannabis concentrates may be a fun and enjoyable way to consume marijuana as long as it is done cautiously and responsibly. By employing the proper equipment and techniques, you may fully use concentrates and experience the tremendous effects of THC and other cannabinoids.
