What is dabbing? Benefits? What are dabs?

In recent years, the world of cannabis consumption has been revolutionized by dabbing, an effective and fast-acting method that has generated both curiosity and concern.

Because dabbing involves consuming concentrated forms of cannabis, the high you get from dabbing is usually stronger than the one you get from smoking the flowers.

The dabbing experience can be both exciting and a bit overwhelming, especially for those new to the cannabis world.

If you are considering this method of consumption, it is important to understand what dabbing is and how to do it safely and effectively.

In this guide, we analyze the science and process behind the increasingly popular method of cannabis consumption called “dabbing.”

Whether you're a newbie or just want to improve your understanding, this comprehensive introduction will help you become a pro.

What is dabbing?

Dabbing is the vaporization of cannabis concentrates for consumption on a heated surface.

Users inhale or smoke the vapors from the concentrate, which produces an intense high.

This method allows for a stronger and more immediate effect and is therefore the preferred choice for patients seeking rapid relief from their symptoms.

Dabbing generates a lot of heat, which quickly turns the dabs into vapor. This happens at temperatures between 200 and 280 °C. For comparison: When burning normal cannabis (flowers), the temperature is around 175 °C.

It requires special tools and a little know-how, but once you've mastered it, it's an effective and fast-acting way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis.

History of Dabbing

Dabbing originated in the early 2000s and quickly gained popularity due to its effectiveness and rapid onset of effects.

Today, it is one of the most popular methods of cannabis consumption for connoisseurs looking for more strength and flavor.

What are dabs?

Dabs are concentrated forms of cannabis that come in a variety of textures. They are the resin of the Cannabis sativa plant.

The resin is extracted from the trichomes of the flowers and leaves of the plant during harvest.

Trichomes are crystallized molecules and hairs that contain most of the tetrahydrocannabinol, better known as THC.

Butane, propane, ethanol or CO2 are used as solvents to extract the THC oils from the marijuana plant.

The different types are categorized according to consistency and extraction method: wax, shatter, crumble, honey oil, live resin or budder.

Different Types of Cannabis Dabs

The world of dabs is diverse and there are different types of concentrates available.

This variety allows for a wider range of experiences and caters to individual preferences in terms of taste, texture and effect.

Here are some of the most popular:

1. Smash

As the name suggests, shatter is a solid, translucent concentrate that resembles amber glass. It is one of the purest forms of dab and can be quite potent.

2. Wax

This concentrate has a consistency similar to ear wax or honey. It is easier to handle than shatter and is often preferred by beginners.

3. Budder

Budder has a creamy texture, making it one of the easiest concentrates to work with. It is made by whipping the extract while simultaneously removing solvents.

4. Sprinkles

This is a drier form of budder that, as the name suggests, crumbles easily. It's perfect for sprinkling on a pipe or adding to a joint.

5. Living resin

This concentrate is made from fresh, frozen cannabis flowers, not dried. This process captures more terpenes, resulting in a more flavorful and aromatic hit.

6. Rosin

Unlike other dabs, rosin is made without solvents. Instead, heat and pressure are applied to the cannabis flower, creating a juice-like concentrate.

What are the benefits of dabbing compared to smoking weed?

The potential benefits of dabbing cannabis concentrates include:

1. Highly effective

Dabbing provides a more concentrated form of cannabis, making it more potent and effective, especially for those looking to achieve a strong effect.

Dab concentrates have a much higher THC concentration – between 60% and nearly 100% depending on the strain – than marijuana flowers, which generally have a THC content of around 30%.

2. Efficiency

The rapid onset of effects from dabbing is also attractive. The effects of dabbing are known to be felt quickly and give people a quick and strong high.

This may be attractive to those seeking immediate relief or a fast-acting experience.

3. Tasteful

The purity of the concentrates allows for a clearer, more pronounced flavor profile that highlights the unique terpenes of each strain.

Not only does this make the hits taste better, but the well-documented “entourage effect” between cannabinoids and terpenes also creates a more complex and precise high.

Therefore, dabbing can provide a more flavorful and aromatic experience compared to smoking.

4. Healthier

Unlike smoking, dabbing involves vaporization rather than combustion (combustion).

This means you avoid tar, carcinogens and other combustion byproducts that make smoking harmful to your lungs.

5. Discreet

Dabbing can produce less noticeable odors than smoking, making it a more discreet option if you are concerned about the smell associated with cannabis use.

What are the risks of dabbing?

Is dabbing bad? Yes, marijuana dabbing has many dangerous physical and mental effects.

Potential risks include:

1. Health risks

Compared to other consumption methods, dabbing produces an intense high, but comes with an increased risk of addiction and side effects similar to those of any type of excessive THC consumption.

These may include rapid heartbeat, paranoia, hallucinations, numbness or crawling sensations under the skin, anxiety, panic attacks, tremors, and other symptoms of psychosis.

2. Increased tolerance

Regular consumption of highly potent concentrates can lead to increased tolerance to THC.

This can lead to the desired effects and result in the need for ever larger amounts of cannabis, which can lead to an overdose.

In addition, chronic use of highly potent cannabis concentrates can potentially lead to dependence or addiction.

3. Risk of burns

Dabbing involves heating the concentrate and tools to high temperatures, which carries certain risks.

When dabbing, always observe safety precautions and use appropriate tools and equipment.

4. Respiratory health

Heating the nail to extremely high temperatures can produce potentially harmful byproducts in the form of fumes. These can irritate the respiratory tract.

Although consumption is generally considered less harmful to the lungs than smoking cannabis flowers, there is still a risk of respiratory problems with frequent and heavy consumption.

5. Risk of contamination

If your cannabis concentrate is not produced using proper extraction techniques and quality control measures, it may contain contaminants such as residual solvents, pesticides or contaminants.

Make sure you source your concentrates from reputable and trustworthy suppliers.

What equipment is used for dabbing?

People use dabs or concentrates in a dab rig, e-rig (which means electronic dab rig), nectar collector (or dab straw), or a dab pen (also called a wax pen).

1. Dab Rig

A typical dab rig looks a bit like a bong. It is made of glass or silicone and has a chamber section for water filtering.

But instead of a bowl, as is known for cannabis flowers, there is a nail made of metal, quartz or glass.

Because dabbing requires very high heat, the nail is usually heated with a torch and then allowed to cool to the correct temperature before the concentrate is added.

2. E-reich

An E-Rig, short for “Electronic Dab Rig”, is a portable, electronic vaporization device for the consumption of cannabis concentrates with water filtration.

An e-rig powers and heats a nail with a battery instead of a butane torch.

In addition, E-Rig allows the user to control the temperature of the swab via buttons.

3. Manual nectar collector

Nectar collectors work like dab rigs but offer a more direct and precise way to vaporize your concentrates.

Nectar collectors have a vertical design that looks like a straw.

The body is made of glass or silicone and the tip is made of titanium or quartz, which is heated with a burner and then used to inhale the concentrate vapor.

4. Electric nectar collector

The electric nectar collector replaces the manual heating element with a battery-operated one. All you have to do is turn the device on and wait for the element to heat up.

5. Stippling pen

A dab pen, also called a wax pen, concentrate pen or even wax vaporizer, is a portable vaporizer specifically designed for the consumption of cannabis concentrates.

Compared to a dab rig, dab pens allow for a more portable cannabis experience while remaining discreet, producing less odor and attracting less attention.

Diploma

Everyone has a preferred way of consuming cannabis. Joints, blunts and bongs were once considered the most popular way to get high, but today it's all about dabbing.

Dabbing is a fun and flavorful way to enjoy the versatility of marijuana, with many benefits and very few risks.

If you want to try it out for yourself, buy a classic dab rig or an electric vaporizer and some concentrates to start with!

Although dabbing has powerful effects, caution is still advised, especially if you are new to the world of cannabis concentrates.

The high THC content can be overwhelming for some people, so it is recommended to start with a small amount and see how your body reacts.

Finally, make sure you use clean and tested products to avoid any contamination.

Have fun dabbing!