Introduction to Dabbing
by Rachel Hantula, customer & product manager
What is a dab?
A dab is a concentrated cannabis extract. The term dab is often used interchangeably with concentrate, extract, wax, oil, etc. Cannabis concentrates are extracts that contain extra-high amounts of cannabinoids, terpenes and other cannabis compounds.
Thanks to their impressive cannabinoid content, concentrates are several times more potent than cannabis flower, and a favorite among those who prefer super-strong cannabis products or a more intensely flavorful experience sans the plant matter.
How do I consume a dab?
Dabbing is heating a cannabis extract/concentrate to the point where the organic compounds within the extract will activate and vaporize … not burn or combust like flower. Activation means the molecules have been decarboxylated.
This means the cannabinoids have been heated to a point where the acidic functional group (the “a” in THC-a) attached to the cannabinoid, detaches, allowing the active form of the molecule to bind and interact/engage with our endocannabinoid system.
Most raw flower and cannabis extracts are high in THC-a, as opposed to already converted THC, but need to be heated through vaporization or burning in order for the THC-a to convert to THC. This is important because THC-a by itself is NOT intoxicating and will not produce a very pronounced psychotropic high, although it has been found to be therapeutic in other capacities.
How to dab:
MATERIALS:
Cannabis concentrate
Dab Rig fitted with nail/banger
Dab tool
Carb Cap
Torch
There are a few different ways you can dab or vaporize cannabis concentrates. Vaporizing using what is called a dab rig is typically the most popular method, which we’ll cover here.
A dab rig is a type of glass pipe, operating much like a bong with a water chamber to assist in cooling the vapor, in which a piece of quartz is heated and is used as a vaporization surface. This piece of quartz is referred to as a “nail” or “banger” and there are many different styles.
The standard style is shaped much like a bucket. Nails can also be made out of other materials as well such as titanium, ceramic or borosilicate glass.
Step 1: Heat up nail/banger with a torch.
There are many different types of nails and bangers; the time you need to heat and allow it to cool down will vary. The desired temperature range for a dab is typically anywhere between 400-600 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on your personal preferences and type of extract being used.
You’ll need to experiment to find what works best for you and your particular set up. For a standard quartz banger that comes with your typical rig from a glass shop, I would recommend heating for 30-60 seconds and allowing to cool for 30-60 additional seconds before attempting vaporization.
Dabbing on a nail that is too hot will burn your concentrate, destroy some cannabinoids/terpenes, and will likely be uncomfortable on the throat.
Conversely, a dab that is not heated up enough may not activate the cannabinoids you are wishing to engage with your endocannabinoid system (ie. the a in the THC-a molecule will NOT detach, and you will NOT get high).
Aim the tip of the blue flame toward the bottom of the banger, and continuously move the torch around to evenly heat the quartz. After heating for 30-60 seconds, let cool for another 30-60 seconds.
Once you’ve allowed your nail to cool, it’s time to drop the concentrate and melt off the concentrate into the banger! You’ll get a feeling for when the time is right for your dab the more you do it. You want your extract to melt into a puddle and bubble up, darkening a bit as the dab continues on. Once it’s turned to an amberish color, the dab is done, you’ve milked its terpenes right on out.
You do not want the concentrate to immediately burn/blacken/brown the banger -- that’s how you’ll know your dab might be too hot and is often referred to as “chazzing” your banger.
This does not mean you shouldn’t take a hot dab, it’s totally up to your preference! Do as you wish! Just don’t say we didn’t warn you if you get into a coughing fit ;)
There’s lots of ways to smoke, folks, and this is just the method to one stoner’s madness.
If you want to avoid playing the guessing game, there are fun tools on the market, such as infrared thermometers, that can help you measure the temperature of your nail as it is heating and cooling, so there is less guess work. Check out the Terpometer and the Dab Rite.
You could also try using any generic infrared thermometer!
HOT TIP: Utilize a kitchen timer to help you perfect just how long it takes for your nail to reach a desired temperature and how long it takes to cool down to your preferred temperature. For the banger pictured, I heat it up for about 45 seconds and let it cool for about a minute.
Dab Rite Infrared Thermometer
Terpometer Temperature Reader
Step 2: DAB
Using your dab tool, scoop up some cannabis concentrate and allow it to melt off the dab tool into the center of the nail/banger.
Once the concentrate has melted off the tool, place the carb cap atop the nail to create a vacuum! This allows the concentrate to continue to vaporize longer at a more stable temperature. It can also prevent any vapor intending to be inhaled from escaping. A carb cap is not necessary to dab, but is a very helpful tool.
Step 3: Inhale those terpy clouds!
Watch our dabbing demo on youtube here to see this process in action!
Dabbing can seem like a lot to a beginner or someone just starting out. A torch?!? That can definitely be a little intimidating.
That’s okay!
We’re here to help and guide you along the way. We have many suggestions to make the transition to dabbing as smooth of a ride as possible.
At Hashtag we also have electronic dab rigs/devices, doing all the heating work for you! No torch required! For example, the High Five Duo can be set to the EXACT temperature you’d like to dab at -- all you must do is press a couple of buttons and drop the extract into the concentrate chamber, and you are DABBING. That’s it!
Whether you’d like to try a traditional dab rig or a convenient and easy to use electronic dab rig or device,, Hashtag has you covered for all your dabbing needs!
Ask a budtender today about their favorite way to dab!