So you’re sitting around watching South Park and your friend turns to you and says, “Hey, I got some wax. Wanna dab?”

Little do they know, you’ve never taken a dab before, you don’t even really know what a dab is, and you have no idea what to expect. If you find yourself in this situation, here are some considerations you should make to prepare yourself for what’s to come. Dabbing isn’t scary, but it helps to have a basic understanding of what to expect to ensure you have a good experience.

Is dabbing safe?

We’ve all heard stories of amateur, at-home drug labs exploding as a result of improper production, but does dabbing pose any real cause for concern for the average user? Despite the lack of formal scientific research on the matter, empirical data suggests that dabbing poses fewer health risks than traditional smoking.

When producing concentrates, the active ingredients are stripped from the plant, leaving a much purer product to be consumed. And, the act of dabbing removes combustion, a concerning element of conventional smoking.

The only potential danger of dabbing is found not when concentrates are consumed, but during the extraction process. Extraction can be tricky, and many amateur ‘chemists’ think they know enough to try it on their own. In the best scenario, a low-quality product is produced. When things go bad, a house blows up. It’s really not worth the risk and should not be tried at home. Lets make it clear: Yo Dabba Dabba DOES NOT recommend anyone who does not have professional training to attempt making their own concentrates.

dabbing with torch

Tips and guidance for first-timers


If you’re considering trying out dabs for the first time, here is some advice to help you on your way.

• Steer clear of low-quality concentrates

Purchase your concentrates from a dispensary that provides verified lab results to ensure you have a quality product.

• Go slow: Dabs are substantially more potent than flower

Dabs are a lot stronger than flower, so if you’re new to the game, it’s best to start off small. The powerful high caused by concentrates can be too much for some less-experienced users. On occasions, these users have reported panic attacks. On the bright side, the high potency level of concentrates make them a life-changer for  people looking for immediate pain and symptom relief. Dabs have allowed patients to receive the proper amount of potent and fast-acting medication when most needed.

• Stick to quartz or grade 2 titanium dab nails

When shopping for your first nail, it is important to know the difference between materials used, and which is most suited for dabbing. Quartz is the go-to popular choice because it’s the purest material and allows for the best flavor. If you’re going with a TI nail, stick with grade 2 as it’s tunalloyed, ‘commercially pure’, has a low heat resistance and gives off minimal to no harmful byproducts when heated.

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What to expect from your first time dabbing


Being aware of what to expect when taking your first dab can help you to be mentally prepared for the effects you’ll feel.

  1. Your first dab will hit you hard, so be very careful.
    You can always do more, but you can’t do less! Like we’ve been saying- they’re called “concentrates” for a reason. A dab of some quality wax can do more than a joint. Surely one of your friends has an awesome story about how they took too big of a dab and spent the next hour coughing, sweating, and checking their pulse. Don’t be that guy. Keep in mind that you cannot overdose – and nobody ever has – but you can dab too much, leading to uncomfortable highs, vomiting, and, in some cases, passing out. So remember: dab lightly, especially for your first time.
  2. Say hello to the munchies…probably.
    After taking a dab, you’ll feel good. Then you’ll be thirsty. Then you’ll be hungry. You’ll be feelin’ good, thirsty, and hungry. Before you tell your friend that you’re down for a dab (as if you’ve dabbed a hundred times in your life), make sure you grab yourself a glass of water (or two) and something to munch on. You’ll be glad you did.
  3. Once you go dabs, you don’t go back.
    Dabs are an easier way to get super clear, super quick results. Don’t be surprised if hitting a bowl just won’t do it anymore.

All in all, make sure you enjoy yourself, and most important, remember to start slow.

Article Contents

  1. Is dabbing safe?
  2. Tips and guidance for first-timers
  3. What to expect when you take your first dab

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