Dabbing is a relatively new addition to cannabis culture, and because the process of consuming concentrates is a bit more intimidating than rolling a joint, you probably have a few questions.
Well, you’re in the right place. Check out some frequently asked questions about dabbing and concentrates below. Have a question that we haven’t answered? Ask us in the comments section and we’ll be sure to add it to the list.
Concentrates are just that – extremely concentrated forms of cannabis gathered by extracting cannabinoids and terpenes from the flower or other parts of the plant. There are various methods of extraction, and each produces differences in consistency and potency. Common names for the various types include: shatter, crumble, sauce, and diamonds. Read more here: the Lowdown on Concentrates.
When it comes to taking dabs, there is no real need for concern. Concentrates are more potent than other forms of marijuana, and you may get higher than you have been before, but that’s about it. As long as you buy only quality concentrates, you don’t have anything to worry about. But, whatever you do, don’t try to extract your own concentrates at home. The results can be disastrous. For more information about the safety of dabbing, visit this page.
A few accessories are essential for a quality dab sesh: a rig, nail, carb cap, heat source, and a dabber. Oh, and concentrates (of course).
A nail is connected to the downstem of a rig and then heated using a heat source which is typically a butane torch, although eNails are an upgraded option that is definitely worth the investment.
Dabbers are used to apply your concentrate to the heated nail. While you might be tempted to use something sitting around at home, a dedicated tool makes everything easier and keeps waste to a minimum.
There are ways you can consume concentrates without a water pipe. Learn how to smoke wax without a rig here.
If you’re new to dabbing and need a complete, cost-effective setup, check out our Dabbing Starter Kit.
There are many different types of marijuana concentrates, categorized by extraction method and consistency. Some of the popular include shatter, sauce, rosin, crumble, and diamonds.
For in-depth information about the various types of concentrates and the extraction methods used. Visit The Lowdown on Concentrates.
Concentrates are produced by extracting the active compounds from the marijuana plant. There are a number of different techniques, such as BHO extraction or CO2 extraction.
Some of the most common methods of extraction include:
- Water and Ice
- Butane
- Dry Ice
- CO2
- And the utilization of insanely expensive machines
For more in-depth information about the various extraction methods and the consistencies of concentrates they produce, check out our Lowdown on Concentrates resource.
Dabs taste best off of a clean nail! Whether you have a quartz nail or titanium nail, giving it a quick clean after every use is definitely recommended.
Simply grab a Q-tip and swab out the bucket after each dab. Dip the Q-tip in some isopropyl alcohol for an even better clean.
To give your quartz nail a deep clean, soak it in a zip lock bag filled with iso alcohol.
For tips and tricks to keep your TI nail clean, check out How to Clean A Titanium Nail.
Low-temperature dabs, which preserve both the flavor profile and terpenes, typically occur around 600°F.
Identifying the exact temperature of your nail can be tricky, though. Unless you have an eNail that allows you to set the temperature of your coil.
For more detailed information about the optimal temperature for dabbing, visit our Dabbing Temperature Guide.
A carb cap is a tool that helps manipulate airflow and maintain heat within the nail’s bucket.
You can find more information on the science behind carb caps in our resource page: What Is a Carb Cap?
Dabbing is best done with an oil rig, but there are other ways to consume your concentrates.
Check out our article for tips on how to smoke wax without a rig.
It’s late at night and your butane canister runs out. You can’t make it out to the store for more, so what do you do?
Fortunately, there are a few options. You could use an eNail, vape pen, top a bowl, or wrap a joint. Find out more tips on how to dab without a torch here.
Live Resin is a type of concentrate made using marijuana that has been freshly harvested. Instead of allowing the cannabis to dry, the plant matter is frozen and the active chemicals are extracted. This results in dabs that are more potent and terpene-rich.
Find more information about Live Resin on our resource page.
The optimal heat-up and cool-down times depend on the style of nail. In general, you should heat your nail for somewhere between 15 – 30 seconds. You can learn more about the specific heat-up and cool-down times for our different types of bangers here.
Yes! We have tons of product demonstrations on the Yo Dabba Dabba YouTube Channel. And if you’re looking for tips on how to dab, check out the videos from our Dab University series.
Proper dab storage practices ensure your dabs remain potent and flavorful for longer. Concentrates can last up to a year in an airtight container away from light, air, and humidity. High temperatures, however, can degrade the quality of your dabs and make them super hard to handle. Dabs should be stored at about 70ºF to maintain their peak freshness. Slightly cooler temperatures can also work — just watch out for humidity issues. Some dabbers pop their extracts in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes to make them easier to handle.
Vape pens can vaporize a variety of concentrate consistencies. The best types of concentrates for dab pens are distillate, shatter, and crumble because they are convenient to load. Budder can also work but it’s a bit trickier to handle. Other types of solvent-based concentrates can also be dabbed with a compatible vape pen meant for concentrates only.
Solventless concentrates such as kief and hash are not able to be used with an oil vape pen. Dry herb vaporizers are not compatible with thick and viscous concentrates but may be able to handle solventless concentrates.
Do you have a question about dabbing?
Ask it below and we’ll add it to the FAQ.
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