Dabbing is the flash vaporization of dabs, also called concentrates, at high temperatures, and is performed using a dab rig, e-rig, also known as a dab pen. This guide will focus on traditional dabbing using dab rigs within this guide.
There’s a little growing curve to dabbing so if you’ve never done dabbing before, it might be beneficial to get someone who is experienced to show you how it’s done.
Things to consider when dabbing:
- Dabs are concentrated forms of cannabis, therefore the smallest amount can go a large distance. The flower contains between 15-25% THC, while they range from 60-90% THC.
- The temperature is crucial when dabbing in the nail: If it’s too hot, you’ll melt terpenes and cause a coughing fit.
- Beware of a hot nail–it’ll be exceptionally hotter than an ice pot or lighter.
How do you use a dab-rig?
Dab rigs are water pipes used to inhale dab smoke. It’s similar to an old bong with an enclosed chamber that houses water for cooling vapor, but rather than a bowl for flower-like in the bong, one of dab rig parts – a pipe has a nail to help with concentration.
What’s the best way to make a dab rig function?
For a dab to be taken, the nail of a dab rig gets heated by an electric torch, and then allowed to cool to the correct temperature. A cannabis concentrate is inserted into the nail and the heat evaporates it. A carb cap is put over the nail and the dabber breathes to control the airflow by using that cap.
Vapor flows through the nail to the main chamber and is then cool by water before it reaches the dabber’s lungs.
How to make dabs
Before you begin dabbing, it’s important to note that solvent concentrates like shatter, wax, crumble, jelly, honey, and much more, are made using a chemical solvent such as butane. As such, these concentrates require a certified technician equipped with the required equipment. They cannot be made at home.
Solvents have to be removed from an extraction so they are safe to consume Only a specialist licensed in a legally-regulated market will know how to do this. A wrong method of solvent extraction could be hazardous and lead to the release of toxic fumes and even explosions.
However, some solventless dabs can be made at home with cannabis flowers and basic household tools.