As the cannabis community and culture becomes more mainstream, new jargon is used to refer to different methods of consuming cannabis. One of the newer and more misunderstood consumption methods is what’s known as “dabbing.”
What is Dabbing?
Simply put, dabbing refers to a method of inhaling cannabis extract using a hot surface.
Cannabis concentrates are made by extracting tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and other cannabinoids from the plant using solvents, creating a significantly purer product. Concentrates come in various forms, ranging from sticky oils to hard solids.
Normally, dabbing is done using what’s known as a rig, a pipe that looks and functions similarly to the average bong. Dabbing has been around for over a decade and is considered one of fastest and most efficient methods of consuming cannabis.
Why Do People Love It?
It’s no surprise that more people are dabbing, as it hosts quite a few benefits. Extracting concentrates from plant matter removes many unwanted components, resulting in a cleaner product that’s easier on your lungs. For those who use cannabis to alleviate chronic pain, the swift onset that comes with dabbing may offer fast and effective relief. However, smoking improperly manufactured concentrates poses serious health risks, so always make sure to buy your concentrates from a trustworthy retailer.
How Do I Do It?
Considering trying out dabbing? First, you need to get yourself the proper setup. In addition to a dab rig, you’ll also need a nail or banger (the piece that attaches to the rig and gets heated up), a dabber (tool that holds your concentrate), and a butane torch lighter (unless you’re using an electric nail). It should be easy enough to find all of these online or at your local head shop.
Once you’ve gathered your materials, the steps are simple. Start by scooping a small amount of concentrate onto your dabber (remember, go slow and low with concentrates). Set aside, then securely attach your nail (ceramic, titanium, quartz) to the rig before beginning to heat with the torch lighter. Procuring an infrared (IR) thermometer that can measure standard vaporizing temperatures is a wise investment to better ensure that you’re not heating to such high temperatures that combustion occurs. Once the nail/banger is heated to a sufficient temperature to vaporize cannabinoids and terpenes without creating undesired by-products, turn off the torch lighter. Ideally, measure with your IR thermometer, and if the temperature is much higher than is suitable, wait until the nail cools into the desired temperature range, then grab your dabber and swirl the concentrate around the interior edges of the nail/banger while inhaling slowly and lightly. Exhale and repeat as necessary (which you might not need to!).
A carb cap is used with domeless nails to better retain heat, since without it, cooler air from the environment will lower the temperature. Once the nail/banger is hot and the concentrate is added, cover the nail with the carb cap, inhale, and enjoy.
Image Credit: devansiennaescrow from Pixabay
