{"id":12383,"date":"2024-03-19T08:15:34","date_gmt":"2024-03-19T12:15:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/?p=12383"},"modified":"2025-02-24T13:37:37","modified_gmt":"2025-02-24T18:37:37","slug":"how-to-dab","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/concentrates\/how-to-dab\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Dab Cannabis Concentrates: Tips, Techniques, and Temps"},"content":{"rendered":"

With its own set of terms<\/a> and practices distinct from other forms of cannabis, the intricate world of cannabis concentrates<\/a>\u2014sometimes called extracts\u2014can be overwhelming. A concentrate is a highly potent concentrated cannabis product made by extracting terpenes<\/a> and cannabinoids (think THC<\/a>) from cannabis plant material. While there are multiple ways to consume concentrates, the most popular is a process known as dabbing.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is Dabbing?<\/b><\/h2>\n

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Dabbing involves inhaling vaporized cannabis concentrate through a dab rig (also known as an oil rig) or similar device. Not all concentrates and distillates are made equal, though. When it comes to dabbing, BHO (butane hash oil) concentrates, or any concentrate made using the solvent butane, are standard due to their potency and long-lasting effects. When made properly and safely, BHO should contain very little residual solvent in parts per million (ppm).<\/span><\/p>\n

Supercritical CO2 extraction, however, is quickly becoming a frontrunner in the concentrates world for being environmentally friendly, efficient, and the cleanest extraction<\/a> <\/span>process<\/span> method without any chance of residual solvents. Other concentrates, like distillates, often leave out medically useful terpenes, but sometimes they are added back in. It should be noted, though, that it is more common to find these products in vape pens. Live resin is high-quality, flash-frozen cannabis concentrate that preserves terpenes and cannabinoids in the final product and can be dabbed. For a less intense version of the full dabbing experience, concentrates can be consumed using vape pens and dab pens.<\/span><\/p>\n

So why do some cannabis users like to dab or consume concentrates in general? Many people find smoking cannabis flower to be too smelly or harsh on the lungs. Others have developed a tolerance to THC<\/a> in flower or have high medical needs and are in need of something stronger. With higher THC content and rich terpene profiles, high-quality concentrates can deliver smoother, tastier, and more potent hits compared to combusted (smoked) flower. Those who are new to cannabis or sensitive to THC should approach dabbing with caution.<\/span><\/p>\n

Interested in dipping your toes into concentrates but unsure of where to start? In this <\/span>beginner\u2019s<\/span> guide, we\u2019ll give you the rundown on all things dabbing, from tools to methods to dosing. Plus, we\u2019ll touch on some alternative concentrate consumption methods for users who aren\u2019t quite ready, able, or comfortable with wielding a dab torch. For more information on concentrate products and the different types available, check out our guide to cannabis concentrates<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is Dabbing Concentrates Safe?<\/b><\/h2>\n

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Many cannabis <\/span>enthusiasts<\/span> safely dab concentrates on a regular basis, and regulation has helped improve the quality and consistency of products. Thanks to the legal cannabis market, consumers can rest assured that the cannabis products they purchase from dispensaries have endured intensive safety protocols and lab testing. Some question the safety of solvent concentrates, but proper chemical extraction leaves behind little to no harmful by-product.<\/span><\/p>\n

The only time consumers should be worried about the safety of their concentrates is if they were bought on the illegal market<\/a>. In a small sample study in California, unregulated cannabis extracts had over an 80% chance<\/a> of contamination. There\u2019s no way to ensure these concentrates weren\u2019t extracted using dangerous chemicals or know if they contain substances like vitamin E acetate, a thickening agent that\u2019s been linked to lung injury and death, or phytol, a flavor-boosting terpene that studies have found to be harmful when inhaled<\/a>. Make sure to only purchase concentrates from reputable companies that include the product\u2019s full cannabinoid profile. This will also verify that the concentrate was extracted from quality cannabis<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

We\u2019ve already touched on the fact that dabbing is easier on the lungs than smoking, but is it actually a safer consumption method? Unfortunately, dabbing is still very new, so little controlled research has been conducted to properly compare the effects of these methods on the body. A 2006 study<\/a> found vaping cannabis flower to be better for the respiratory system than smoking it, but the finding reveals little about vaping or dabbing concentrate.<\/span><\/p>\n

Still, some experts lean toward dabbing as a better option. Cannabis clinician Laura Lagano told GreenState<\/a>, \u201cIf a patient was in extreme pain and needed the immediate relief those methods provide, I think I would choose dabbing because it doesn\u2019t do as much damage to the lungs as smoking.\u201d Many cannabis users stick to flower purely for its naturality, but no existing research suggests that dabbing concentrates is any less safe if done at similar or lower temperatures than smoking.<\/span><\/p>\n

A 2017 stud<\/a>y raised some concern about toxicant formation after dabbing, but these toxicants were only found at temperatures much higher than dabbing or smoking (>400\u00b0C\/752\u00b0F). Such extreme temperatures are intolerable and impractical for virtually everyone. As long as you\u2019re careful with that sizzling torch and buy regulated products, dabbing shouldn\u2019t cause you problems.<\/span><\/p>\n

Must-Have Dabbing Tools<\/b><\/h2>\n

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Now that you know the basics, let\u2019s dive into what you\u2019ll need to get your first dabbing session started.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cannabis Concentrate<\/b><\/h3>\n

When choosing your concentrate, or extract, it\u2019s important to pick a wax rather than an oil. While THC and CBD oils are great for handheld vaporizers, most will not be able to handle the heat needed for dabs like a wax concentrate can. It should be noted that these are not the same oils as sublingual tinctures<\/a>, which should never be vaped.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dab Rig<\/b><\/h3>\n

Many cannabis consumers are familiar with the instruments used to smoke flower, such as joints and bongs. However, dabs must be consumed using a glass device known as a dab rig that heats cannabis concentrates to the point of vaporization. The rig may be heated manually by a torch, or simply (and safely) electronically. Similar to how bongs have a bowl that holds cannabis flower, rigs have a piece called a nail or banger that holds concentrate.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nail or Banger<\/b><\/h3>\n

The nail is the detachable component on the body of an oil rig that is heated to vaporize the extract. A banger, which is similar but slightly larger, can also be used for this purpose depending on the rig and personal preference. Typically made of quartz, the nail or banger is heated with a torch either before or after the extract is placed into it depending on the dabbing method. Connoisseurs will say that different materials will give different flavor profiles, temperatures, and thus effects.<\/span><\/p>\n

To prevent the buildup of carbon and oil, you should clean your nail or banger after every dabbing session. The easiest and most common method is to torch the nail until the buildup burns off or can be easily scraped off\u2014just remember not to scrape the residue off of the nail while it\u2019s still red-hot, as this can damage it. Minor buildup can also be wiped off with an isopropyl alcohol-soaked cotton swab. Lastly, the nail can be soaked in rubbing alcohol for 10 minutes to loosen the buildup.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dome or Carb Cap<\/b><\/h3>\n

Most users also recommend getting a dome or carb cap for your nail since it will improve airflow and temperature control and help you get the most out of your dab. Usually made of glass or metal, domes and carb caps prevent the loss of vapor when the concentrate is being heated, leading to a stronger, better-tasting dab. They also lower the temperature necessary to create the vapor.<\/span><\/p>\n

The main functional difference between a dome and a carb cap is the size of the air intake hole: A dome\u2019s is much larger than a carb cap\u2019s. Many dabbers have upgraded from domes to carb caps because of their heat-retaining ability that allows for low-temperature dabbing, a popular form of dabbing that preserves the terpene-fueled flavor profile of the concentrate and makes the vapor easier on the airways.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dabber\/Dab Tool<\/b><\/h3>\n

Next you will need a dab tool, also called a dabber. One of the most common cannabis accessories, a dabber has a pointy or scooped end that you use to place the concentrate onto the nail or banger.<\/span><\/p>\n

Torch<\/b><\/h3>\n

Finally, you\u2019ll need a heating element. The most popular tool to heat nails with is a butane torch <\/span>or a hot nail <\/span>(think mini creme br\u00fbl\u00e9e torch) for its high heating point, and propane torches work as well. If using a torch, remember to be careful storing, placing, and aiming it since it is a potential fire hazard.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can also use an electronic nail, or e-nail, which consists of a nail wrapped in an electronic coil connected to a power source. Some consumers opt for e-nails for their convenient ability to heat dabs to specific temperatures and safely function without a <\/span>hot nail or blowtorch<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to Choose the Right Type of Dab Rig<\/b><\/h2>\n

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The growing popularity of dabbing means that you can now find a perfect dab rig for just about any lifestyle.<\/span><\/p>\n

-For first-time dabbers, the best option is the standard glass dab rig. Usually 7-10 inches tall, a glass dab rig resembles a typical bong <\/span>or water pipe<\/span>. This rig is perfect for beginners since its water filtration system allows for clean, smooth hits. Glass rigs can also be easily customized with various accessories. However, they can take awhile to heat up and cannot be temperature-controlled as well as other devices.<\/span><\/p>\n