By: Sadaf Naushad

What is dabbing?

In a world of diverse cannabis consumption methods, many users find themselves gravitating towards dabbing, and rightfully so. 

Dabs are extremely powerful doses of marijuana created by a solvent (butane, CO2 or propane) extracting THC, terpenes and other existing cannabinoids from the plant’s flowers.

Although dabs found its way to the United States in the 1960s, its current rapid consumption rate can be credited towards increased vaporize usage.

By allowing a tiny amount of concentrated cannabis oil to vaporize on a hot surface, this extraction results in sticky oils that are most commonly referred to as wax.

However, depending on its creation process and texture, concentrates come in many forms with different names, like shatter or live resin. 

Whichever concentrate form one ends up using, the bottom line is that each type comprises high levels of THC, ranging from 50% to 95%. THC, also known as tetrahydrocannabinol, is cannabis’ major psychoactive ingredient.

This powerhouse element is largely responsible for generating euphoric sensations by affecting the dopamine center of the brain. Dab’s extraordinary THC levels deliver consumers an intense, memorable experience. 

Professionally manufactured extracts offer consumers a purely clean product that is much better on the lungs.

Extracts that are properly constructed burn plant matter resin and hot smoke while still providing its vital cannabinoids. With correctly made dabs, those in need of immediate pain relief should consider using this method.

In comparison to smoking marijuana flower, dabs’ faster and stronger high function together to alleviate any chronic illness, muscle pains, or nausea. Ingesting concentrated cannabis oil allows for users to get nothing but a swift, potent high. 

Why is it called dabbing?

The instant high users acquire from just a small amount is one of the main reasons attributed to its popularity. In fact, the term “dab” originates from the fact that only a small amount is necessary for an unforgettable high.

Its excessive THC content serves users a relaxing feeling with the potential for a more hallucinogenic high. 

What do you need to dab?

Learning how to dab may initially seem intimidating, but the process will increasingly feel natural after reading about it.

Today, dabbing technology continues to expand, but here are the traditional tools consumers can enjoy: 

Dab Rig

This water pipe is a combination of utensils and accessories required for vaporizing marijuana concentrates. It appears similar to a bong except it contains a fitting for a nail. 

Nail or Banger

Consumers can think of the nail or banger as the bowl for a bong where the concentrate will go. There are various styles that change the speed of vaporization, along with the amount that can be dabbed in one sitting.

Today’s standard nail includes a quartz banger, which presents purer flavors and heats up instantly. Bangers can also be composed of titanium, quartz, glass and ceramic. Each type of banger provides its own distinct set of slightly different features.

Dabber

This tool is essential for applying the concentrate to the nail. Long, pointy and heatproof, the dabber touches the concentrate to a heated surface on the rig.

Most often, they are assembled from glass or stainless steel, designed to ensure safety when using the rig. 

Carb Cap

Having a carb cap handy isn’t necessary but is certainly recommended, as it makes dabbing much easier. Used to restrict airflow through a tiny hole, carb caps allow for the nail to preserve heat for a longer period of time.

Without a carb cap, consumers are forced to dab at higher temperatures, which may ruin terpenes in the concentrate.

These carb caps are special for cooling down the concentrate and heating source, allowing consumers to enjoy the concentrate’s flavors. 

Torch

This refers to the butane or propane torch used for heating the nail. Many dabbing experts recommend having a butane torch, as propane produces a stronger flame that may harm the nail.

Butane torches fire up a cleaner flame, protecting the concentrate’s flavor compared to a propane torch.

Cannabis Extract 

As mentioned above, there are an abundance of extracts available. The most commonly dabbed extracts are wax, shatter, live resin, BHO and oil. 

Dab Mat (optional)

Think of this like a coaster for your dab rig. While it’s not required, dab mats guarantee consumers the least messiest experience.

Not only do these mats keep surfaces from becoming sticky, but they also prevent the rig from sliding around and possibly breaking. 

What are the benefits of dabbing?

While everyone has their own preferences regarding dabbing and consuming cannabis flower, it is widely noted that dabbing enhances the high like no other.

For users who seek a high intake of concentrate, dabbing is the perfect way to achieve an exceptional high. 

When dabbing for medicinal reasons, dabbing is the quickest way to achieve relief.

It enables consumers undergoing anxiety, depression or aches to acquire results faster than regular marijuana consumption. 

Dabbing can also remove the negative effects of smoking cannabis, specifically in relation to users’ lungs. Smoking cannabis runs the risk for burnt, resin buildup and hazardous smoke.

Through dabbing, users are able to achieve their high without any harmful substances. It is worth stating, however, that dabbing large amounts of wax in one take may not be healthy for the lungs.  

 What are the dabbing effects on the brain?

Dabs are a continued, extending field of research today. While there have not been any known cases of dabbing impairing the brain, doctors and scientists recommend that adolescents avoid such use.

Due to their developing brains, marijuana could damage their dopamine system. Younger people also have a greater chance of drug addiction. 

Dangers of dabbing

Dabbing delivers several benefits, yet just like any drug, they also carry potential side-effects.

These side-effects involve rapid heartbeat, paranoia, hallucinations, blackouts, or loss of consciousness. 

Additionally, scientists discovered that dabbing can expose consumers to elevated toxin levels through high temperatures. Increased temperature makes it difficult to control the nail temperature.

If the temperature is too high, then more toxins, such as carcinogenic compounds, are produced. This is why it is especially important that consumers have proper supplies that are made by experts. 

In general, every consumer should dab with caution. Clean, potent highs are more easily obtainable when dabbing with appropriate tools.

Each person encounters distinctive experiences when dabbing, yet it is crucial that such consumption methods are always taken with care. 

Sadaf Naushad is a writer who focuses on cannabis culture and lifestyle.