How to Dab Cannabis Concentrates

How to Dab Cannabis Concentrates - |

Dabbing is one way to consume cannabis concentrates, which include shatter, rosin, wax, live resin and distillate. The process requires a few specific tools and some caution around temperature and dosing.

HIGHLIGHTS

Dabbing is a smoke-free alternative for consuming cannabis because the concentrate is heated to produce a vapour.
A basic dab rig is made up of four parts: a water pipe, nail (also called a banger), dome and dabber. You’ll also need a butane torch to heat the nail.
Certain types of concentrates contain high concentrations of THC. Start low and go slow.

Cannabis concentrates can be consumed by inhalation. One way to inhale cannabis concentrates is by using a dab rig. Read on to learn more about dabbing and get some tips to help you get started.

What Is Dabbing?

Essentially, dabbing involves bringing a concentrate into contact with an extremely hot surface — which causes it to undergo flash vaporization — and then inhaling the vapour. A basic dab rig involves four components: a water pipe, nail or banger, dome and dabber. You can either use a standard water pipe and swap out the components or purchase a specific dab rig.

The nail or banger is the heating portion and can be made of ceramic, quartz or titanium. A banger is shaped like a bowl and traps the vapour; if you’re using a nail, it will require a glass dome. The dabber is a tool used to apply the concentrate. You’ll also need a small torch to heat the nail or banger. Other accessories include carb caps, trays, mats and cleaning supplies.

There are variations on this standard “torch and dab” method. Domeless nails are made of titanium and do not require a dome to trap the vapour, as the nail itself features small holes that draw the vapour through it. E-nails are similar but are also self-heating, eliminating the need for a torch.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Dabbing?

Dabbing is considered a smoke-free consumption method because it produces vapour instead of smoke. Only a small amount of concentrate is required for use, however, dabbing does require quite a few tools and caution in terms of temperature, as the nail or banger can get dangerously hot.

It is also important to consider dosing: Health Canada warns that certain types of cannabis concentrates, such as hash, kief, wax and shatter, contain high concentrations of THC. Always check the label for the product’s strength and consider selecting products with a low amount of THC and an equal or higher amount of CBD. To minimize the risk of overconsumption, Health Canada recommends starting with a low amount — no more than the size of a lentil — and proceeding slowly until you understand how your body reacts.

Which Concentrates Can be Dabbed?

Cannabis concentrates are produced by processing cannabis flower into a concentrated form. Dabbing can be done with shatter, rosin, wax, live resin, distillate and hash (as long as it is full melt or six star).