Dabbing; What is it?

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Dabbing refers to the process of heating a concentrate on a hot surface and then inhaling it through what is known as a dab rig. Dabbing is a very popular way of consuming concentrates as it produces an intense high. Although it depends upon the type of dab that you are consuming, whether it be oil or shatter, typically dabbing is more potent. Because of this, people that have chronic pain or other medical issues often prefer to consume concentrates in the form of dabs.

Before you actually try, dabbing... you need to read this...

Cannabis Concentrates; The Complete Guide

https://potguide.com/learn/cannabis-concentrate-guide/

It's well worth it!

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Dabbing as a Concentrate Consumption Method
Dabbing is the most popular way to consume marijuana concentrates. Often called "doing a dab" or "taking a dab hit," dabbing simply refers to the vaporization and consumption of a marijuana concentrate. On average, the concentrate a consumer might dab has between 60-80% THC, compared to smoking cannabis flower which averages 10-25% THC. For this reason, dabbing is much more economical for most users, as far less product needs to be consumed to reach optimal or desired effects. The effects of a dab usually come on stronger and quicker than smoking flower. Because of this, dabbing is often recommended for experienced or frequent smokers due to the high potency of the product.

While it is possible to use concentrates as a "bowl-topper" over flower, most consistencies other than bubble hash do not vaporize effectively with this method. The most effective way to consume cannabis concentrates is dabbing with what is known as an "oil rig" or "dab rig." Rigs are essentially water pipes made for dabbing that are designed specifically to bring out the complete flavor profile and potency of the concentrate being consumed. In combination with a titanium or quartz nail, a dab rig is the most optimal and efficient way to vaporize and consume concentrates.

The method of dabbing is also more complicated than smoking flower. While flower can be relatively simple to pack into a pipe, bong, blunt or joint, a few more tools are necessary for dabs. In order to effectively consume concentrates, a torch, a rig with a titanium or quartz nail and dabbing tool are needed. The titanium or quartz nail is inserted in place of a traditional sliding bowl, and is heated by the torch. Optimal dabbing temperatures are regularly debated within the cannabis community, and "low-temp" dabs have taken the concentrate scene by storm in recent history for those seeking the purest of flavors.

For novice users, just be sure to wait until the nail is not red hot to ensure vaporization of the product and not combustion. To take a dab, consumers apply the desired amount of concentrate to the dabbing tool, heat the nail, wait until the nail reaches the perfect temperature, gently touch the concentrate to the nail and inhale. To achieve even vaporization and convection within the dish of the nail, most experienced dabbers will use what is called a "carb cap" to cover the nail and evenly distribute heat. Using a carb cap allows for better flavor and more economical and even vaporization of the concentrate.

Some consumers use electronic nails, or e-nails, which are heated to a specific temperature by a small machine. E-nails are often high in price and not very portable, so be sure to research if they are right for you before making an investment. Another dabbing apparatus is a honey straw. A honey straw, or nectar collector, is essentially a portable nail that allows concentrate consumers to travel without lugging their rigs around. Some honey straws have a middle chamber where water can be filled to induce percolation, similar to traditional rigs and water pipes.

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Remember, portions aren't just for food. Novice dabbers should only try a very small amount of concentrate initially until they fully understand how it will affect them. A good tip for starters is to take a dab of concentrate about 1/2 the size of a grain of rice or smaller.

 

Here's another good article, from The Cannabist, on the detailed aspects of using concentrates:

https://www.thecannabist.co/2015/06/19/concentrates-how-to-consume-them-dabbing-vaping-hash-pipe-vaporizer/36402/

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The difference in flavor between concentrates and flower is also pretty dramatic. Cannabis extracts not only concentrate cannabinoids, but also the tasty and beneficial terpenes. The flavor resulting from concentrate vaporization allows consumers to taste terpenes more clearly, instead of having the terpene flavor mixed with combustible plant matter (this occurs while smoking flower).