Dabbing

What is dabbing?

As the verb "to dab" implies, dabbing involves smearing - and consuming - an adhesive substance, in this case a cannabis concentrate. You’ll need just a lick to get very high.

In order to explain what dabbing entails, I'll first tell you what you need to be able to do this, namely a 'dab'. So the best question to ask first is, what are dabs?

A dab is a concentrated dose of cannabis, or cannabis concentrate, also called cannabis extract. When you start using this cannabis concentrate to dab with, you call it ‘a dab’.  Usually, dabs contain high amounts of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Cannabis concentrates typically contain between 40% and 90% THC. In comparison, cannabis flowers contain around 10-20% THC. It is also possible to get dabs high in CBD (cannabidiol) and low in THC. Dabbing cannabidiol doesn’t create a potent high but can contain up to 90% CBD.

Through extraction, the active ingredients are extracted from the cannabis plant to transform into a highly potent product, for example hash oil, or cannabis oil. There are many extraction methods for making dabs, which means that there are also different types of dabs. During extraction, the trichomes, also known as resin hairs, are separated from the remaining plant material. The trichomes of the cannabis plant contain the most concentrated active substances.

What is dabbing, then? Dabbing cannabis means heating the dab, usually with a special device called a dab rig. With a dab rig, you can heat a dab to very high temperatures, between 204 and 315 degrees Celsius. This way, the dab evaporates. The vapor is then inhaled, creating a very potent high. 

Be very cautious when dabbing, considering the high temperatures. Smoking a joint heats cannabis to about 176 degrees Celsius, quite a bit lower. 

What dab supplies do you need?

In order to dab, you need dab supplies. For dabbing cannabis you use a dab rig, e-rig (electronic rig), or dab pen. Usually similar in appearance to a bong, therefore also called an oil bong. Often made of glass and with a chamber for water, a mouthpiece and downstem. The major difference between a bong and a dab rig, is that the latter has a banger, or nail, instead of a bowl for the cannabis flower. This nail is heat-resistant and should be of the highest quality. To heat this nail, you usually use a torch lighter. The torch flame allows you to heat to high temperatures quickly and easily, after which the nail cools to the desired temperature.

Dab rig

By using a dab rig, e-rig or dab pen, which heats your dabs to very high temperatures, the active ingredients, including terpenes and cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, vaporize. They turn into a vapor, which is then inhaled.  
Dab rigs come in all shapes and sizes. We have cheaper dab rigs, e-rigs like the Subdab Vaporizer, or this beautiful Moebius Oilbong. 

Nail

With a dab rig comes a nail. The nail functions like the bowl on a regular bong. The nail becomes very hot, causing the dab to vaporize. A nail should be made of high-quality materials that can handle very high temperatures, such as quartz or titanium.

Carb cap

Further dab supplies include a carb cap, used to minimize airflow, thus creating even more vapor. 

Containers for dabs

Silicon or plastic containers for dabs and parchment paper are also handy, since dabs can be very sticky. 

Dabbing tool

With a special dabbing tool you can handle the dabs, without making a mess. Dab tools come in different shapes and sizes, to suit everyone’s needs, for example this Dab Tool 109mm.

Different types of dabs

There are many different types of dabs. By the different names you can tell what kind of texture the dab has. They can be very liquid, crumbly, oily, buttery and more. Dabs come in many shapes and colors, usually varying between amber, yellow, gold, white or brown. 

• Hash oil, BHO (butane hash oil), or cannabis oil, has a thick liquid to solid texture. Often it has a golden to brown color. 
• Wax has a soft texture and exists in many forms. You have for example sugar wax, with the consistency of not yet dissolved sugar. 
• Live resin is a type of dab made with frozen cannabis, instead of dried cannabis. This way, more terpenes and flavonoids are present in the end result, creating an even richer aroma.

Usually dabs are very sticky in texture. You therefore need the right dab tools to work with them properly. Since you only need a very small amount of cannabis concentrate, it is important that you can use dabs in a convenient way.

How to make your own dabs

Dabs for sale at Sirius? We do have CBD dabs for sale, like this CBD Crumble. We don’t sell THC dabs, but we do sell equipment to make your own dabs, with extraction systems.

Cannabis concentrates are obtained by various extraction methods, often using volatile solvents such as butane, ethanol or propane. 

Making your own dabs using this type of solvent is not without danger, as there are chances of fire and even explosions. This can only be done in the open air. Another risk is having residues of the solvent in your dab, which is unhealthy. Only make your own dabs if you have experience and knowledge of the dangers of extracting. 

A safer way to obtain dabs is via CO2 extraction. Moreover, with this method you get a very clean end product of the highest quality. 

Benefits of dabbing cannabis

While dabbing weed is certainly not for everyone, there can certainly be benefits to it for different users. Here are some of the potential benefits of dabbing:

Powerful effect

Because of its concentrated form, dabs are a lot more potent than cannabis flowers. Because of this, you will experience a very strong high, which can be delicious for experienced users. For people who are looking for a stronger cannabis experience, or have a high tolerance for cannabis, dabbing cannabis can be a great solution if you’re looking for a very powerful effect.

Pure flavor

Thanks to the use of a dab rig, it is possible to heat your cannabis concentrate in such a way that the aroma’s of the terpenes are released in a very pure form. This allows you to enjoy a pure taste sensation, rather than a burnt flavor.

Quick pain relief

Do you use cannabis as a way to relieve pain? Dabbing cannabis can relieve pain in a very quick and effective way. So for those who use cannabis medicinally, dabbing can be a great solution.

Warning

Dabbing causes you to become very stoned or high, which can limit your motoric functions, as well as your judgment for danger. Do not do dangerous things when stoned and stay in a safe environment. As with a trip with magic truffles, set and setting are very important. So be responsible and don't put yourself or your mental health at risk.

Although dabbing cannabis has advantages, there are also some disadvantages to dabbing. Important to know: dabbing is a potent way to consume cannabis, which significantly increases the chances of a bad trip. This can result in a user not feeling well. Various symptoms include, the users feeling paranoid, nauseous and/or dizzy, vomiting, hallucinations.
If you have/are predisposed to mental disorders, the use of cannabis (and especially dabbing) is highly discouraged. 

Tips for dabbing weed

Although overdosing on cannabis is basically impossible, during a bad trip it can still feel like things aren't going to work out. Keep reminding yourself that no one has ever died from a cannabis overdose, nor is it possible. Still, it's nice to have some tips for dabbing weed.

• Know what you're taking. A hit consists of just a sliver of cannabis concentrate, and can have the potency of an entire joint, which you inhale in one sitting. If you start with a new cannabis concentrate, stick to a miniscule dab, then build up slowly if necessary.  
• Dabbing with friends? Make sure you do it with someone who is experienced, and trusts you. 
• If you’re having a bad trip, or this happens to someone close to you, it is important to keep calm. Take calming breaths. Count to 4 on each inhale and exhale, bringing your body and mind to a calmer state. Drinking tea can help, as can lying in bed with a warm blanket in a calm and quiet environment.