How to Dab Weed Concentrates (Oil, Shatter, Wax)?

Dabbing weed concentrates might seem daunting, but this should be easy for as long as you know how to properly do it. To ensure that you will have a smooth-sailing first experience, it helps to educate yourself about it. Basically, dabbing is the flash vaporization of marijuana concentrates after they are applied to a hot surface and then inhaled.

Concentrates are more potent than flowers, so a little will go a long way. Buds tend to have 15 to 25 percent THC, while concentrates can go as high as 80 percent, depending on the quality and type of the extract. Non-intoxicating CBD extracts can even be dabbed to achieve quick therapeutic effects with little to no cerebral euphoria.

If you are new to cannabis, dabbing might not be for you as it involves a delicate dosing process. However, once you get the hang of it, concentrates can offer new heights of physical relief and cerebral effects. Extracts also have less plant material compared to flower, so you end up inhaling more cannabinoids and less combusted resin.

What are the Needed Tools for Dabbing?

1. Dab rig. This water pipe looks similar to a bong, but it has a fitting for a nail. This works like a bong where you will put the concentrate. Today’s standard is a quartz banger that has a bucket shape. Other options include titanium and ceramic. E-nails are also becoming more common. Made of glass, metal or ceramic, this is the tool that applies the concentrate to the nail. It is also available in many shapes like paddle, scoop, needlepoint and ballpoint. The best shape will depend on the consistency and texture of the concentrate you are looking to dab.
2. Carb cap. This tool is not exactly necessary, but this is good to help regular airflow. Combination dabber or carb caps are slowly becoming popular.
3. The mini torches used in making crème brulee are usually used, but you need to stock up on propane for them. Using e-nails should cut out the need for a torch.
4. Cannabis extract. They come in various forms, but the most common ones used in dabbing are hash, wax, shatter, BHO and solventless wax.
5. Dab mat. This is an optional tool but can help keep the dabbing surface clean and prevent it from getting sticky.
6. This is another optional tool but will help ensure that you consistently heat up your nail each time you dab.

What are the Steps to Dabbing Concentrates?

1. Turn the torch on and aim the flame directly at the nail. Allow the torch to heat the nail until it starts to turn red from the heat. When using an electronic nail, you do not have to do this step.
2. When the nail turns hot, turn off the torch and allow the quartz nail cool for around 45 seconds and about 10 seconds for titanium. This ensures that the surface temperature will not be too hot. This is where a timer will come in handy. Take note that the nails become extremely hot when dabbing. Be cautious when handling them and wait for the pieces to cool down before touching them.
3. Directly apply the dab onto the nail using the dabber and start to slowly inhale. Rotate the dabber tip on the nail to prevent wasting the oil that will get stuck on the dabber.
4. Cover the dab using a carb cap and continue inhaling. Always cap your dabs to help regulate the airflow. Exhale and enjoy!

The technology of dabbing is constantly improving and expanding, so we are seeing new products and trends from time to time. Be updated and level up your dabbing game and make the most of your favorite cannabis concentrates.