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Dabbing 101
What are Cannabis Concentrates and How do you Dab with them?
Cannabis concentrates are made by extracting THC and other cannabinoids using a solvent, like butane or carbon dioxide, resulting in a sticky oil. Depending on their consistency, these concentrates are categorized as wax, shatter, budder, or butane hash oil (BHO).
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Dabbing refers to the flash vaporization of these cannabis concentrates. Commonly done using a dab rig, the concentrate is placed on a hot surface, usually a specialized nail, and then inhaled. Smoking dabs has been a method of cannabis consumption for at least a decade, but is now seeing a surge in popularity as a result of more advance extraction methods and higher quality products.
The Bad News
When I get asked if I want the good or the bad news first, I always pick the bad news. So, let’s start with the bad news: dabbing can be dangerous. Most of the dangers with dabs involve the extraction process. So as long as you aren’t making your own, dabbing safely is easy with the proper precautions.
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In order to enjoy a dab, new consumers will take the inexpensive route and buy a nail attachment and a handheld blow torch. Make sure the nail attachment you buy matches up with your water pipe! Otherwise, it’s no bueno.
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Initially, consumers are nervous to heat the nail or rig to these extreme temperatures. But once you get used to the process, dabbing concentrates can offer you new levels of physical relief and unique cerebral effects.
Well….then what’s the Good News?
When done with clean and tested products, dabbing high-THC products can create a swift onset of powerful effects. Individuals dealing with chronic pain or extreme nausea have reported that dabbing concentrates is one of the best ways of getting immediate and effective relief.
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Cannabis extracts that have been properly manufactured can also present consumers with a clean, pure product that’s easier on the lungs. When smoking cannabis, burned plant matter produces resin and hot smoke, but extracts eliminate most of this unwanted material while still delivering essential cannabinoids and other compounds like terpenes.
For people with allergies, this can offer them a way to consume cannabis without dealing with unpleasant effects caused by pollen.
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While dabbing may still be experiencing some growing pains, overall, concentrates have much to offer patients and cannabis consumers in the future as a cannabis delivery method, and dabs are just one option among many.
Do you like to dab? Let us know in the comments!