Dabbing FAQ
Dabbing is a relatively new addition to the cannabis culture, and since the process of consuming concentrates is a bit more intimidating than rolling a joint, we might have some questions.
Well, we’re in the right place. Let’s explore some frequently asked questions about dabbing and concentrates. If we have a question that hasn’t been answered, we can ask in the comments section, and it’ll be added to the list.
What is dabbing?
Dabbing is probably the most popular way to consume concentrates. The process requires a rig (water pipe) and a nail that connects to its downstem. The nail is heated with an electronic nail or a torch before the concentrate is dropped inside the nail to be vaporized. For a step-by-step guide on how to dab with a rig and what to expect, check out this in-depth article.
What are concentrates?
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. To learn more, read this article: the Lowdown on Concentrates.
Is dabbing safe?
When it comes to taking dabs, there’s no real need for concern. Concentrates are more potent than other forms of marijuana, and we may get higher than we have been before, but that’s about it. As long as we buy only quality concentrates, we don’t have anything to worry about. However, we should never try to extract our own concentrates at home, as the results can be disastrous.
What tools do we need to dab?
For a quality dab sesh, we need a few essential accessories: a rig, nail, carb cap, heat source, and a dabber. And, of course, concentrates.
A nail is connected to the downstem of a rig and then heated using a heat source, which is typically a butane torch. However, eNails are an upgraded option that’s definitely worth the investment.
Dabbers are used to apply our concentrate to the heated nail. While we might be tempted to use something lying around at home, a dedicated tool makes everything easier and keeps waste to a minimum.
There are ways we can consume concentrates without a water pipe. Learn how to smoke wax without a rig here.
If we’re new to dabbing and need a complete, cost-effective setup, check out the Dabbing Starter Kit.
What are the different types of concentrates?
There are many different types of marijuana concentrates, categorized by extraction method and consistency. Some popular ones 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.
How are concentrates made?
Concentrates are produced by extracting the active compounds from the marijuana plant. There are several 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.
How can we keep our nail clean?
Dabs taste best off a clean nail! Whether we have a quartz nail or a 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 our quartz nail a deep clean, soak it in a zip lock bag filled with iso alcohol.
For tips and tricks to keep our TI nail clean, check out How to Clean A Titanium Nail.
What is the optimal temperature for dabbing?
Low-temperature dabs, which preserve both the flavor profile and terpenes, typically occur around 600°F.
Identifying the exact temperature of our nail can be tricky, though. Unless we have an eNail that allows us to set the temperature of our coil.
For more detailed information about the optimal temperature for dabbing, visit our Dabbing Temperature Guide.
What is a carb cap?
A carb cap is a tool that helps manipulate airflow and maintain heat within the nail’s bucket.
We can find more information on the science behind carb caps in our resource page: What Is a Carb Cap?
Can we smoke wax without a rig?
Dabbing is best done with an oil rig, but there are other ways to consume our concentrates.
Check out our article for tips on how to smoke wax without a rig.
How do we dab without a torch?
It’s late at night, and our butane canister runs out. We can’t make it out to the store for more, so what do we do?
Fortunately, there are a few options. We 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.
What is live resin?
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.
What are the best heat-up and cool-down times?
The optimal heat-up and cool-down times depend on the style of the nail. In general, we should heat our nail for somewhere between 15 – 30 seconds. We can learn more about the specific heat-up and cool-down times for our different types of bangers here.
Do we have any video tutorials on dabbing?
Yes! We have tons of product demonstrations on the Yo Dabba Dabba YouTube Channel. And if we’re looking for tips on how to dab, check out the videos from our Dab University series.
What’s the best temperature for storing dabs?
Proper dab storage practices ensure our 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 our 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.
What type of concentrate works best with a vape pen?
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.
