Dabbing has become a buzzword in the cannabis community, but for those new to the game, it can feel like stepping into uncharted territory. Is it a dance move? A high-tech gadget? Or something entirely different? Spoiler: it’s none of the above.
A dab is cannabis reimagined—concentrated, powerful, and flavorful. This isn’t your typical joint or edible; dabs are for those who want to experience cannabis in its purest, most potent form. With tools like dab rigs, electric dab rigs, and dab pens, dabbing has evolved into an art, offering a sensory experience unlike anything else.
In this guide, we’ll strip away the mystery and dive into everything you need to know. From what is a dab and how they’re made, to the tools of the trade and why dabbing is taking over the cannabis scene, consider this your crash course in cannabis concentrates. Ready to explore? Let’s get started.
What Are Dabs?
At their core, dabs are concentrated forms of cannabis that pack a powerful punch. Unlike the traditional cannabis flower, dabs are made by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant, leaving behind the plant material. This results in a product that is far more potent, with THC levels often ranging from 60% to 90%, compared to 15% to 25% in regular flower.
Dabs come in various textures and consistencies, each offering unique characteristics. Common types of dabs include:
Shatter: A brittle, glass-like concentrate that breaks easily.
Wax: Soft and pliable, making it easy to work with.
Budder: Creamy with a butter-like consistency.
Live Resin: Extracted from fresh-frozen cannabis to preserve maximum terpene content and flavor.
Rosin: A solventless concentrate made by applying heat and pressure to cannabis flower or hash.
These forms differ in appearance, texture, and how they’re made, but all deliver the concentrated effects of cannabis in a pure and potent format.
How Are Dabs Made?
The process of creating dabs involves extracting the cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis while removing unwanted plant material. There are several methods to produce dabs, each with its own advantages:
Solvent-Based Extraction
This is the most common method for producing dabs like shatter, wax, and live resin. It involves using solvents like butane, propane, or CO2 to separate cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant. Here’s how it works:
Preparation: Cannabis plant material is placed in a closed-loop system.
Extraction: A solvent is passed through the plant, dissolving the cannabinoids and terpenes.
Purging: The solvent is evaporated under heat and vacuum, leaving behind a concentrated extract.
Solventless Extraction
For those who prefer chemical-free methods, solventless extraction techniques are used to create products like rosin. This process includes:
Applying Heat and Pressure: Cannabis flower or hash is compressed between heated plates to release a sticky resin.
Collection: The resin is scraped off and cooled to form a usable concentrate.
Ice Water or Dry Sifting
Another solventless method is ice water extraction, commonly used to produce hash, which can then be further processed into concentrates. The steps include:
Freezing the Plant Material: This makes trichomes (the resin glands containing cannabinoids) brittle.
Agitation in Ice Water: The brittle trichomes break off and sink to the bottom of the water.
Collection and Drying: The trichomes are collected, dried, and processed into hash or pressed into rosin.
Why the Process Matters
The method of extraction affects the quality, flavor, and potency of the final product. Solvent-based dabs often have higher potency, while solventless methods are prized for their clean, natural profile. Understanding how dabs are made can help users appreciate the craftsmanship behind each type and choose products that align with their preferences.
By learning how dabs are made and understanding their different forms, you can better navigate the world of concentrates and make informed decisions about what suits your needs. Whether it’s the bold flavors of live resin or the purity of rosin, there’s a dab for everyone!
When and How Did Dabs Become Popular?
Dabs and cannabis concentrates have a fascinating history, evolving from a niche product to a mainstream phenomenon in the cannabis world. Their rise in popularity is rooted in advancements in extraction technology, changing consumer preferences, and the cultural influence of cannabis enthusiasts.
The Early Days: Hashish as a Precursor
The concept of concentrated cannabis isn’t new. Hashish, one of the earliest forms of cannabis concentrate, dates back thousands of years to regions like the Middle East and Asia. Traditional methods like sieving or hand-rolling resin glands were rudimentary compared to today’s extraction processes, but they laid the groundwork for modern concentrates.
Modern Concentrates Emerge (1990s–2000s)
The first wave of dabs, as we know them today, began in the 1990s and early 2000s when cannabis enthusiasts in the United States experimented with solvent-based extraction techniques, specifically butane extraction. This led to the creation of butane hash oil (BHO), an early form of dab concentrate.
However, these early attempts were often unsafe, as amateur extractors lacked proper equipment and safety protocols, leading to accidents. Despite the risks, BHO gained traction in underground cannabis communities, especially in states like California and Colorado.
The Rise of Dabbing Culture (2010s)
Dabbing started to gain mainstream attention in the early 2010s, driven by several key factors:
Legalization and Regulation: As cannabis legalization expanded in states like Colorado, Washington, and California, licensed producers began creating safer, high-quality concentrates. These products appealed to consumers seeking potent and flavorful alternatives to traditional flower.
Advances in Extraction Technology: Innovations in extraction techniques (like closed-loop systems) made it possible to produce cleaner, more consistent dabs. Solventless methods, like rosin pressing, also emerged as a safer, chemical-free alternative.
Cannabis Events and Media: The popularity of events like High Times’ Cannabis Cup brought dabbing into the spotlight, showcasing cutting-edge products like dab rigs, electric dab rigs, and concentrates. Social media also played a role in spreading dabbing culture, with enthusiasts sharing their setups and techniques.
The Quest for Potency: As consumers sought stronger cannabis products, dabs stood out for their high THC content, offering a much more potent experience than smoking flower.
Advancements in Tools: The development of modern tools like dab pens and electric dab rigs made dabbing more accessible and user-friendly, appealing to a wider audience beyond hardcore cannabis enthusiasts.
The Mainstream Boom (Late 2010s–Present)
By the late 2010s, dabbing had cemented itself as a staple of cannabis culture. Concentrates became a major segment of the legal cannabis market, offering a variety of products, including wax, shatter, live resin, and rosin. Portable devices like dab pens further contributed to their popularity, making it easier than ever to consume dabs discreetly and conveniently.
In addition to recreational use, medical cannabis patients also turned to dabs for their high potency, which provided quick relief from symptoms with minimal consumption.
Why Dabs Became Popular
Potency: Dabs offer THC levels far higher than traditional flower, making them appealing to experienced users.
Flavor: Concentrates preserve terpenes, delivering a richer and more flavorful experience.
Innovation: New products like electric dab rigs and dab pens made dabbing more accessible and user-friendly.
Cultural Shift: As legalization spread, cannabis culture grew more experimental, with consumers eager to try new forms of consumption.
From its underground origins to its mainstream acceptance, dabbing has transformed into a cultural and technological phenomenon. Today, it continues to evolve, offering cannabis enthusiasts endless options to explore and enjoy.
How Dabs Are Consumed
Consuming dabs is all about vaporizing cannabis concentrates at the right temperature to release their cannabinoids and terpenes without burning them. While the process may seem technical at first, it’s easy to master once you understand the tools and methods involved. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the most common ways to enjoy dabs:
Using a Dab Rig
A dab rig is the traditional method for consuming dabs and delivers potent, flavorful hits.
What You’ll Need:
- A dab rig (a water-filtered device similar to a bong)
- A nail or banger (the part that gets heated)
- A torch
- A dab tool (to handle the concentrate)
- A carb cap (optional, to control airflow)
How It Works:
- Heat the Nail: Use a torch to heat the nail or banger until it’s red hot, then let it cool slightly (around 30–60 seconds, depending on the material).
- Prepare Your Dab: Use a dab tool to scoop a small amount of concentrate.
- Apply the Dab: Touch the concentrate to the hot nail while inhaling through the rig’s mouthpiece.
- Use a Carb Cap: Cover the nail with a carb cap to regulate airflow and temperature for a smoother hit.
- Inhale and Enjoy: Breathe in the vapor slowly and deeply.
Using an Electric Dab Rig
An electric dab rig simplifies the process by eliminating the need for a torch and providing precise temperature control.
What You’ll Need:
- An electric dab rig
- A dab tool
- Concentrates
How It Works:
- Set the Temperature: Adjust the rig to your desired temperature (lower temps for flavor, higher temps for stronger effects).
- Load the Dab: Use your dab tool to place the concentrate into the heating chamber or on the e-nail.
- Activate the Rig: Start the heating process. Most electric dab rigs will indicate when they’re ready.
- Inhale: As the concentrate vaporizes, inhale through the mouthpiece.
Using a Dab Pen
A dab pen is the most portable and beginner-friendly way to consume dabs.
What You’ll Need:
- A dab pen
- Concentrates
How It Works:
- Load the Chamber: Open the pen’s heating chamber and use your dab tool to place a small amount of concentrate inside.
- Turn It On: Power up the dab pen, adjusting the temperature setting if available.
- Inhale: Once the pen heats up, inhale the vapor through the mouthpiece.
Tips for All Methods
- Start Small: Dabs are highly potent, so use a small amount to gauge your tolerance.
- Choose the Right Temperature: Lower temps (350–450°F) are best for flavor, while higher temps (450–600°F) deliver stronger effects.
- Keep Tools Clean: Regular cleaning ensures better flavor and smoother hits.
Whether you prefer the ritual of a dab rig, the convenience of an electric dab rig, or the portability of a dab pen, dabbing offers a versatile and enjoyable way to experience cannabis concentrates. Experiment with different methods and tools to find the one that suits your style.
The Future of Dabbing
Dabbing has grown from a niche activity into a cornerstone of cannabis culture, constantly evolving as new technologies and innovations emerge. Tools like dab pens and electric dab rigs have made dabbing more accessible, portable, and precise, opening the doors for more users to explore this potent method of consumption.
At the same time, advancements in extraction methods and the growing diversity of concentrates, such as live resin and solventless options, continue to elevate the experience. As cannabis legalization expands globally, the dabbing community is poised to grow even larger, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with cannabis concentrates.
Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or new to the world of dabbing, there’s never been a better time to dive in. With endless tools, methods, and products to choose from, the possibilities for exploration are endless. So grab your dab rig, electric dab rig, or dab pen, and enjoy the ride—one flavorful hit at a time.
