The Science Behind Dabbing

Dabbing has become a popular method for consuming cannabis concentrates, but have you ever stopped to wonder how these concentrates are made? In this blog post, we'll delve into the science behind dabbing and explore the various methods used to create cannabis concentrates.

What are Cannabis Concentrates?

Cannabis concentrates are a potent form of cannabis that is made by separating the active ingredients (cannabinoids and terpenes) from the plant matter. These active ingredients are what give cannabis its unique effects and are responsible for the plant's medicinal and recreational properties.

Concentrates are created through a process called extraction, which involves using solvents or mechanical means to separate the active ingredients from the plant material. The resulting product is a highly concentrated and flavorful substance that can be consumed in a number of different ways, including dabbing, vaporizing, or even eaten in the form of edibles.

There are numerous types of concentrates available on the market, each with its own unique properties and method of extraction. Some popular types of concentrates include shatter, wax, live resin, and rosin. These concentrates vary in potency, flavor, and texture, making them suitable for a wide range of consumers.

Cannabis concentrates are often used by medical patients and recreational users seeking a more potent and efficient way to consume cannabis. They can be a great option for those looking to experience the full range of effects that the cannabis plant has to offer.

Types of Cannabis Concentrates

There are numerous types of cannabis concentrates on the market, each with its own unique properties and method of extraction. Some of the most popular types of concentrates include:

Shatter

Shatter is a type of cannabis concentrate that is known for its unique glass-like consistency and ability to be easily "shattered" or broken into pieces. It is a highly potent and flavorful concentrate that is made through a process called butane hash oil (BHO) extraction.

During the BHO extraction process, butane is used as a solvent to extract the active ingredients (cannabinoids and terpenes) from the plant material. The resulting substance is a highly concentrated form of cannabis that is rich in flavor and potency.

Shatter is a popular choice among cannabis consumers due to its versatility and convenience. It can be consumed in a number of different ways, including dabbing, vaporizing, or even adding it to joints or blunts.

One of the main benefits of shatter is its high THC content, which can range from 70-99%. This makes it a great option for those seeking strong and long-lasting effects. However, it's important to note that shatter is not for everyone and may not be suitable for those who are inexperienced with cannabis or sensitive to THC.

Pros of Shatter:

• High potency: Shatter typically has a high THC content, ranging from 70-99%, which can lead to strong and long-lasting effects.
• Flavorful: Shatter is known for its rich and flavorful terpene profile, which can enhance the overall cannabis experience.
• Versatility: Shatter can be consumed in a variety of ways, including dabbing, vaporizing, and adding it to joints or blunts.
• Long shelf life: When stored properly, shatter can have a long shelf life, making it a convenient and cost-effective option for those who consume cannabis regularly.

Cons of Shatter:

• Intense effects: Due to its high THC content, shatter can lead to intense and potentially overwhelming effects, especially for those who are inexperienced with cannabis or sensitive to THC.
• Requires specialized equipment: Consuming shatter typically requires the use of a dab rig and other specialized equipment, which can be intimidating or inconvenient for some users.
• Risk of contamination: The BHO extraction process used to create shatter can potentially result in the presence of residual solvents, which can be harmful if ingested. It's important to purchase shatter from a reputable source to ensure that it is free of contaminants.
• Legal restrictions: In some areas, the possession and use of shatter may be illegal due to its status as a concentrated form of cannabis.

Budder or Batter

Budder and batter are types of cannabis concentrates that are known for their soft, buttery consistency. These concentrates are similar to shatter in that they are made through a process called butane hash oil (BHO) extraction, which involves using butane as a solvent to extract the active ingredients from the plant material.

However, the extraction process for budder and batter is often more complex and requires a higher level of skill and precision. This is because the consistency of these concentrates is achieved through a process of whipping the extract while purging the butane, which can be difficult to do correctly. As a result, budder and batter tend to be more expensive and harder to find compared to other types of concentrates.

Budder and batter are popular choices among cannabis consumers due to their smooth and creamy texture, as well as their potent and flavorful effects. They can be consumed in a variety of ways, including dabbing, vaporizing, and adding them to joints or blunts.

One of the main benefits of budder and batter is their high THC content, which can range from 70-99%. This makes them a great option for those seeking strong and long-lasting effects. However, it's important to note that these concentrates are not for everyone and may not be suitable for those who are inexperienced with cannabis or sensitive to THC.

In addition to their potency and flavor, budder and batter have a number of other pros and cons to consider. Some of the pros include:

• Smooth and creamy texture: The soft and buttery consistency of budder and batter can make them more enjoyable to consume compared to other types of concentrates.
• Versatility: These concentrates can be consumed in a variety of ways, including dabbing, vaporizing, and adding them to joints or blunts.

Some of the cons of budder and batter include:

• High cost: Due to the complex and time-consuming nature of the extraction process, budder and batter tend to be more expensive compared to other types of concentrates.
• Limited availability: These concentrates are often harder to find compared to other types of concentrates due to the specialized skills and equipment required to make them.
• Intense effects: The high THC content of budder and batter can lead to intense and potentially overwhelming effects, especially for those who are inexperienced with cannabis or sensitive to THC.

Live Resin

Rosin

Rosin is a type of cannabis concentrate that is made through a solventless extraction process that involves applying heat and pressure to the plant material to extract the active ingredients. Unlike other types of concentrates, such as shatter and wax, which are made using solvents like butane or ethanol, rosin is created through a purely mechanical process that does not involve the use of any chemical solvents.

This makes rosin a safer and more natural alternative to solvent-based concentrates, as it does not contain any residual solvents that can potentially be harmful if ingested. Rosin is also considered to be a more "pure" form of concentrate, as it is made using only the plant material and does not contain any additives or impurities.

In addition to its safety and purity, rosin is also known for its versatility and convenience. It can be made using a variety of methods, including using a rosin press or simply applying heat and pressure to the plant material using a hair straightener or other household items. This makes rosin a convenient and cost-effective option for those looking to make their own concentrates at home.

Dabbing Equipment

To consume concentrates, you'll need some specialized equipment known as a "dab rig." A dab rig consists of a few different components, including:

Quartz Nail

Quartz nails are a popular accessory for dab rigs that are used to vaporize concentrates. They are made from quartz, a type of glass-like material that is known for its durability and heat resistance. Quartz nails are preferred by many cannabis consumers due to their ability to retain heat for longer periods of time compared to other types of dab nails, such as titanium or ceramic. This makes quartz nails a convenient and efficient option for dabbing concentrates.

Terp slurper quartz nails are a specialized type of quartz nail that are designed to maximize the flavor and potency of concentrates. These nails are equipped with a small channel or "slurper" that is designed to channel vaporized terpenes and other active ingredients back into the dab rig, resulting in a more flavorful and potent dabbing experience. Terp slurper quartz nails are a popular choice among cannabis connoisseurs who are looking to maximize the flavor and potency of their concentrates.

Dabber

A dabber is a tool used to scoop up and place the concentrate onto the dab nail. Dabbers can be made of a variety of materials, including glass, metal, or wood.

Torch

A torch is a tool used to heat up the dab nail to a high temperature. It is important to use a high-quality torch with a stable flame to ensure that you are able to accurately heat the dab nail to the proper temperature.

Glass Waterpipe

When shopping for a dab rig, it's important to look for a high-quality option that will deliver the best possible experience. One thing to consider is the size of the rig – it's generally recommended to choose a rig that is under 10 inches tall in order to preserve the flavor and potency of your concentrates, but not so short that it is prone to clogging.

Other important features to look for in a dab rig include thick borosilicate glass, high-end percolation, and a finished ground joint that is a solid fit for your quartz nail. These features can help to ensure that your dab rig is durable, efficient, and easy to use.

At Glass Half Full, we offer a wide range of high-quality dab rigs that are designed to meet the needs of every cannabis consumer. Our most popular models include the Juniper Seed of Life Dab Rig, our Ball Rig, and our Incycler. All of our dab rigs are made from thick borosilicate glass and feature high-end percolation for smooth and flavorful hits. Best of all, many of our dab rigs are priced under $100, making them an affordable and accessible option for those looking to upgrade their dabbing setup. So, if you want to get the best dab rig that you can find at an affordable price, check out our selection today!