At this point, most people have heard of various forms of cannabis and are likely familiar with more common methods of consumption such as smoking, vaping, and baking it into treats.
However, dabbing might be a bit more unfamiliar to some people since it’s quite new. You may initially be thinking of the dance move that was popular a few years ago–however, we’re here to set the record straight! We’ll break down the dos and don’ts of dabbing and recommend some tools to try if you feel so inclined.
The products we’ve recommended in this article are all currently available at our Nanaimo location. They will soon be available in Langford as well–feel free to contact the store at (778)-265-5700 to confirm stock before popping by!
What is ‘dabbing’?
Dabbing is a method of consuming THC concentrates by dropping a small amount on a hot surface and allowing it to vaporize. Various types of cannabis concentrates can be used as a dab such as bubble hash, wax, live resin, shatter, rosin, and more.
Concentrates or ‘dabs’ have much higher levels of THC in them than traditional flower. This method of consumption allows the consumer to get the most potent effect and flavour of the cannabis concentrate.
How does dabbing work?
First, the cannabis concentrate is created by extracting the essential oils from the plant. This is usually done using butane, propane, C02, or filtration screens.
Concentrates are very pure, containing between 50%-95% THC, depending on which extraction process is used and how well it is performed. When the concentrate is placed on a hot surface, it creates a potent and flavorful vapour which can then be inhaled through a glass pipe, similar to a bong.
A glass pipe called a “dab rig” is usually used during the dabbing process. A few pieces are involved in this setup including the glass rig, the nail (a metal or quartz piece that is heated up), the dabber (like the Hot Knife Preheated Loading Tool by Puffco) used to hold the dab of concentrate), and a butane torch to heat the nail. The higher the temperature of the rig, the stronger the flavour will be.
Hot Knife Preheated Loading Tool by Puffco
Simplify loading your concentrates with the Puffco Hot Knife!
Dip the knife into your concentrates and watch as it drops onto your atomizer or banger with zero mess. Replace the cap when you’re done–no cleanup required.
E-nails have been created recently as well, like the Magnetic Induction eNail by Ispire, which maintains a consistent temperature to control vapour flavour and consistency.
Magnetic Induction eNail by Ispire
Experience a revolutionary e-nail dab kit to heat your concentrates through induction heating.
The Wand creates safe and easy dabbing by eliminating the need for a torch. Select the temperature you want and achieve the perfect hit.
Magnetic Induction eNail by Ispire
Experience a revolutionary e-nail dab kit to heat your concentrates through induction heating.
The Wand creates safe and easy dabbing by eliminating the need for a torch. Select the temperature you want and achieve the perfect hit.
Why do people like dabbing?
In general, a well-made dab is cleaner than a traditional form of cannabis as it’s free of plant matter that may be contaminated with carcinogens. This is not to say there are no issues with dabs though–they also may have issues such as residual mold or concentrated pesticides from the cannabis plant. Most of these issues stem from people making dabs at home. This method can be unreliable and at times dangerous. It’s recommended that you use trusted, high-quality brands for your dabbing needs.
Dabbing can function as a great shortcut though, as it’s more efficient than smoking a joint and the vapor does not smell nearly as much as regular cannabis smoke. Vapes like Proxy by Puffco have also risen in popularity due to this reason.
Puffco Proxy Vaporizer
The Puffco Proxy Vaporizer is portable, elegant, and ergonomic, combining innovation with tradition.
You can also customize your cannabis experience by adding other Puffco accessories.
The bottom line
Dabbing can produce a much stronger effect than smoking traditional flower, so it’s best to use a very small amount for the first time. Also, make sure to start dabbing at the lowest temperature possible to avoid overdoing it.
Due to its high level of potency and flavour, dabbing is best for more experienced cannabis consumers or those looking for immediate results.
It’s important to keep your dab rig and other accessories clean to ensure you achieve the effect you want. Try the 4″ Isopropyl Cleaning Station by Pulsar to store and clean your dabbing accessories.
Pulsar 4″ Isopropyl Cleaning Station
This station is perfect for holding your carb cap, dabber tool, isopropyl alcohol, and cotton buds.
The stand accommodates most sizes of carb caps and the dabber tool opening is 8mm wide.
Pulsar 4″ Isopropyl Cleaning Station
This station is perfect for holding your carb cap, dabber tool, isopropyl alcohol, and cotton buds.
The stand accommodates most sizes of carb caps and the dabber tool opening is 8mm wide.
