Ultimate Guide to Dabbing Weed Concentrates

Dabbing can seem like an intimidating way to use cannabis, especially if you’re a first-time user. There are many dabbing terms that might seem unfamiliar (such as dabs, electric ring, dab pen, etc.) and learning about them can seem like some work.

However, dabbing has numerous benefits and can be a great way to consume weed. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about dabbing and how to smoke dabs, including the benefits of dabbing and the best concentrates for dabbing.

What is Dabbing?

The term “dab” refers to a highly concentrated form of cannabis that comes in a variety of products. You can practice dabbing by putting your dabs in an electric ring (also known as a dab ring or a dab pen) and heating them to very high temperatures.

A dab ring looks like a bong. It has a mouthpiece that is connected to an area that holds water. The only part that is different is that instead of a bowl for flower buds (like you use in a bong), a dab ring has a nail where you put the dabs. The nail is designed to withstand high temperatures that are needed to heat the dabs with a torch. The nail also helps cool the dab to the proper temperature before you drop in the dab.

The dab extraction process starts with trichomes, which is a term that refers to the resin glands located on the cannabis plant. These resin glands contain cannabinoids, including terpenes, THC, and CBD. There are several ways to extract dabs. The primary reason for doing so is to separate the trichomes from the cannabis plant to create an extract that has a consistency similar to oil, wax, butter, taffy, sauce, sap, and more.

These extractions are known as cannabis concentrates or extracts. Some concentrates are not dabbed - such as kief, tinctures, and RSO. These are not considered dabs, but they are still concentrates or extracts because the trichomes have been removed from the plant.

Benefits of Dabbing

Dabbing has many benefits when you use clean, tested products, but it can be challenging for first-time users. Most people use dabs because they are very potent, delivering a highly concentrated amount of cannabis at once.

Dabs are also very flavourful and full of terpenes, which have anti-inflammatory effects and can provide immense relief from the symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and pain. Many people find the ritual of dabbing itself to be relaxing.

When extracted from properly made, clean sources, dabs are easier on the lungs and can provide a safer smoking experience for users. This is because when you smoke weed, the burned plant matter produces hot smoke and resin.

However, extracts get rid of most of the unwanted materials while still providing the user with essential cannabinoids for the most benefits with immediate results.

Use Caution When Dabbing

Be cautious when dabbing because the products used contain large concentrations of THC. Most experienced weed users know what their personal THC limit is, and going over this limit might make you feel overwhelmed and uncomfortable.

Dabbing is a bit more complicated than using a bong. It’s a good idea to make sure you have a friend with you the first time you do it to ensure your safety and show you how it’s done. You’ll need to make sure you have the proper equipment and only use high quality products.

Also, keeping in mind that dabbing involves heating nails to extremely high temperatures of up to 600°F. If you accidentally touch one, this could cause serious burns that may result in a trip to the hospital.

How To Smoke Dabs

To smoke dabs, you’ll first need to set up your ring and ensure your dab is on the dabber. It’s a good idea to sit down while dabbing because it might be intense, especially if it’s your first time.

You’ll also need the proper equipment, such as a dabber and carb cap. This is why it might be a good idea to dab with an experienced user who can show you how to do it. Here’s how to dab:

1. Turn the torch on and point the flame right at the nail. Heat the nail until it becomes red hot.
2. When the nail is red hot, turn the torch off and let the nails cool for about 45 seconds for quartz or about 10 seconds of titanium. You’ll want to make sure the surface temperature is not too hot, so it might be helpful to use a timer.
3. Apply the dab to the nail with your dabber and start to inhale slowly.
4. Rotate the dabber tip to prevent wasting oil or getting it stuck to the dabber.
5. Cover the dab with a carb cap to regulate airflow and finish inhaling.
6. Exhale.

Final Thoughts

Dabbing is often a cleaner way to use weed that doesn’t impact lung health as much. It’s also a great way to deliver an extremely concentrated amount of cannabis to ensure the best results.

In this article, we outlined what dabbing is and how to do it. For your first time, it’s best to have an expert show you how. It also helps to know your personal THC limit and use high quality concentrates only.

For the best weed concentrates for dabbing, check out our list of lab-tested concentrates here.