Diving into Dabs: Our Guide to Vaping Cannabis Concentrates
As avid cannabis enthusiasts, we can’t help but appreciate the fun and effectiveness of vaping cannabis concentrates. Sure, smoking dried bud has its charm, but there’s something special about vaporizing extracts that elevates the whole experience.
Whether we’re vaping shatter, wax, crumble, or live resin, concentrate vaporizers have become our go-to tools for getting the most flavor and potency out of our extracts. Sleek and user-friendly, these devices make vaping cannabis concentrates easier than ever.
Why we love vaping concentrates
We’ve found that vaping cannabis concentrates offers a more refined experience compared to smoking flower. Both medicinal and recreational users can benefit from the higher potency inherent in concentrates. A single puff of extract vapor contains a significantly higher level of cannabinoids than a hit from a pipe, making it a great option for those looking to increase their tolerance or find the right dosage for their medical condition.
Vaping concentrates also allows us to savor the strain’s natural terpenes, opening up a world of aromas and flavors that smoking can’t match. Vaporization’s gentle heating preserves these pungent aromatic oils, giving us a more delicious and enjoyable experience.
We’ve also noticed that vaporization provides a smoother hit compared to the harshness of smoke. This is particularly helpful for users with sensitive airways, as the gentle heating produces a vapor that’s less likely to cause coughing fits.
Finally, vaporization offers a more discreet way to enjoy our dabs. Gone are the days of billowing smoke clouds and pungent odors. With dab vaporizers, we can enjoy a subtler, more pleasant vapor that’s perfect for on-the-go use.
Finding the right concentrate vaporizer
To make the most of our cannabis concentrates, it’s essential to choose the right vaporizer for the job. Here’s a rundown of the different types we’ve tried and loved:
Dab pens
For those new to vaping concentrates, dab pens are a fantastic choice. Their user-friendly design lets beginners easily load the wax into the heating chamber and start puffing. These pens typically consist of a battery to power the atomizer (heating element) and a mouthpiece to collect the vapor.
While dab pens don’t offer precise temperature control, they’re an affordable and effective option for those just starting out. Each pen has a preset voltage setting and may come with different coils, each with its own unique heating potential.
Desktop vaporizers
For the ultimate in heating power and flavorful vapor, desktop vaporizers are hard to beat. These devices are designed for group sessions and usually need to be plugged into a wall or powered by batteries. Due to their size and energy requirements, desktop vaporizers are best left at home.
Desktop vaporizers often feature a tube (or “whip”) to deliver the concentrate vapor. Some models also use the classic balloon-style delivery system, where you inhale the vapor collected in a large balloon bag.
Portable vaporizers
Portable wax vaporizers strike the perfect balance between the convenience of dab pens and the power of desktop vapes. These battery-powered devices are ideal for those of us who are always on the move. With quick heat-up times and preset temperature levels, portable vapes make it easy to enjoy our concentrates wherever we are.
Mastering Concentrate Vaporizers: A Step-by-Step Guide
Using a concentrate vaporizer can seem intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s actually quite simple. The process varies slightly depending on the type of vaporizer you have, but most follow a similar set-up formula that’s easy to remember.
Power up your vaporizer
First things first, make sure your vaporizer is fully charged. Connect it to a USB charger or plug it into a power outlet if it’s a desktop unit.
Assemble the vaporizer
Once your vaporizer is charged, attach the dab pen or portable vaporizer battery to its atomizer, making sure it’s tightly fastened. For desktop units, you may need to connect the whip or balloon-style bag to the main unit.
Set the temperature
After turning on your vaporizer, select your desired temperature or temperature preset. Keep in mind that dab pens usually have only one temperature level.
Load the chamber
Prepare your dab extract and place it inside the heating chamber of your portable or desktop vaporizer using a dabber. Place your dabs directly on the atomizer to ensure even heating. Be careful not to overfill the heating chamber.
Attach the mouthpiece
When the chamber is loaded, screw the mouthpiece back onto the battery or heating chamber.
Vape and enjoy
Press the button on your vaporizer to heat your concentrate. Inhale once the concentrate has been vaporized, and release the button on dab pens or portable vaporizers when you’re done inhaling. Desktop vaporizers usually maintain a set temperature, so all you need to do is reload the chamber and you’re good to go.
Choosing the best concentrate vaporizer for your needs
If you’re struggling to decide between different types of vaporizers, don’t worry – it’s a common dilemma. Ideally, having one of each type gives you a range of options depending on your situation. However, if you’re on a budget and can only afford one, consider your preferred vaping habits and lifestyle.
Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
Portability
If you’re always on the go, a dab pen or portable vaporizer is your best bet. These lightweight devices can easily fit inside your pocket and allow for discreet and stealthy vaping sessions. Desktop vaporizers, while powerful, are best suited for at-home use.
Concentrate vs. flower vaporizers
Do you plan on vaping flower or concentrate more frequently? Some vaporizers are capable of working with both dry herb and concentrates. However, for better functionality, efficiency, and power, we recommend choosing a vaporizer designed specifically for either flower or concentrates.
Budget
Your budget will play a significant role in your decision. If you’re new to dabbing and want to give it a try without breaking the bank, a simple and affordable dab pen might be the right choice. However, if you use cannabis for medicinal purposes, investing in a portable or desktop vaporizer could provide a more effective and enjoyable experience. Vaporizers can help you get more of the therapeutic compounds compared to traditional smoking methods.
Mastering Concentrate Vaporizer Maintenance: A Cleaning Guide
As concentrate vaporizer owners, it’s our responsibility to keep our devices clean and well-maintained. Until self-cleaning vaporizers become a reality, we need to roll up our sleeves and get to work. Thankfully, cleaning your vaporizer is a breeze. All you need is some isopropyl alcohol, cotton swabs, water, soap, and a brush.
The frequency of cleaning depends on how often you use your vaporizer. If you’re vaping non-stop, you might need to clean it once a day or week. If you’re using it occasionally, cleaning it every few weeks or months should suffice. Generally, when the vapor starts to taste harsh or grassy, it’s time for a deep clean.
We’ll begin by cleaning the main part of the vaporizing unit. For this step, avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners. Instead, use a soft cloth to remove any visible dirt and grime.
It’s essential to clean your dab pen’s threading to maintain a clear connection every time. A brush can help you clean hard-to-reach spaces, including your portable and desktop vaporizer’s filter screens within the heating chamber.
Dipping a cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol can help break down the concentrate build-up on the threading and chamber of your dab pen and vaporizer.
Vaporizers come in various sizes, shapes, qualities, and cleaning practices. For instance, desktop vaporizers may have more components than dab pens or portable vapes. Glass pieces such as tubes or mouthpieces, or even filter screens, can be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol or warm water and soap.
Troubleshooting: Why is my dab vaporizer not working?
As vaporizer users, there’s nothing more frustrating than trying to use your vape pen and getting no vapor. If your vaporizer isn’t working, here are some common issues we face:
Empty Cartridge
If your pre-filled vape cartridge stops producing vapor, it means you’ve consumed all the oil inside. Puffing any more will only give you a headache.
Bad connection
Cartridges on dab pens can become loose through regular use. Ensure you’ve screwed in your cartridge or mouthpiece on your battery. Don’t screw it on too tight, as this can strip the threading.
Push button not working
Dab pens or portable vaporizers with a faulty heating button might be due to user error. Consult your operator’s manual to learn how to take draws. Some vapes offer on-demand draws, while dab pens require you to press and hold the button to heat the oil.
Dead battery
Battery life varies by vaporizer. If your vape isn’t turning on, ensure it’s plugged in or that your battery is fully charged. Keep in mind that cold temperatures can reduce battery life.
Bad coil or battery
If you’re not getting any vapor, try using a different battery to determine if the problem is with the atomizer or cartridge. Some cartridges might have a defective coil.
As you can see, vaping concentrates is a fun and easy way to enjoy cannabis extracts. Choosing the right type of vape can enhance your vaping experience wherever you are.
Are dab pens worth it?
While dab rigs will always deliver the best flavors and effects from your concentrates, dab pens still have their place in our arsenal. Dab pens are more discreet on-the-go since they’re practically odorless and don’t require as much effort to use. They’re portable and still offer great flavors and effects when you’re out and about or don’t have the time for a full dab session.
