How To Dab: Four Ways to Consume Cannabis Concentrates

Have you wondered how to dab (but not known where to begin)? We’d love to help! Dabbing THC is an incredible rush of an experience, offering never-before-experienced potency and flavor. But that said, it’s not for beginners. Because dabbing relies on cannabis concentrates—a family of products including wax, shatter, badder and others still—you need to be aware of these products’ high potency, often reaching 60-90 percent THC

By contrast, high-potency flower maxes out at roughly 25 percent THC. As anyone who’s ever smoked just a little too much cannabis knows, it can make for an unpleasant experience. And trust us: That’s the last thing we want to have happen!

But if you’re a seasoned imbiber ready to take your game to the next level, you’ve come to the right place. Take a moment to read our quick guide to how to dab, including no less than four ways to do it!

Dabbing THC: The Dab Rig Explained

The basic tool required to dab marijuana is the dab rig. It’s roughly similar to a bong or water pipe, except that this specialized tool features a metal or quartz “nail” or “banger” in place of the bowl. This essential part features a flat-bottomed surface designed to absorb and retain heat. 

You’ll also need a purpose-made dabbing tool. Because cannabis concentrates tend to be sticky, these tiny spearlike implements are the best way to gather your concentrate and apply it to the hot nail.

Finally, because dabbing THC demands high heat, you can’t use a match or lighter to warm up the nail or banger. We suggest you procure a butane-powered kitchen torch. As with all devices that produce an open flame, be sure to take all necessary precautions with these tools.

How to Dab Concentrates: Step-by-Step

Ready to start? Here’s how to smoke dabs:

  • Step 1: Gather a bit onto your dab tool. If you’re new to dabbing, start slow: Think ¼ or ½ the size of a pea.

  • Step 2: Next, use the torch to heat the nail. Once it’s red hot, remove the flame and wait between 30 and 60 seconds for the nail to cool. This time depends on your nail’s material; read the instructions to be sure.

  • Step 3: After you’ve waited for the nail to cool, apply the concentrate from your dabbing tool to the hot nail. At the same time, inhale from the mouthpiece. Your dab should sizzle slightly as it vaporizes. Hold the dab inside your lungs and then gently exhale. 

That’s it! You’ve learned how to dab!

How to Consume Cannabis Concentrates: Three Alternate Methods

If you’re looking for other ways to enjoy dabbing, we’ve got options for you. Especially for those new to dabbing, using a blowtorch can be intimidating. That’s why some people opt for an electric nail, or “e-nail.” In addition to eliminating an open flame, these devices offer precise heat control, a bonus when you’re learning how to dab. Other than that, the process is the same as described above.

Alternately, some people use what’s called a “health stone.” A porous rock that fits into a standard bowl, it’s a great platform for using unusual concentrates such as hash and crumble. That said, it still requires a specialized butane torch for proper heating.

And finally there’s “T-waxing.” Simpler than it sounds, it’s merely the addition of a small amount of cannabis concentrate to a bowl of flower. While the experience isn’t quite as flavorful or potent as that through a purpose-made dab rig, it’s a great way to add a little spice to your standard bowl!

How to Dab: In Conclusion

We understand that people access cannabis for many different reasons. Whether your needs are medical or adult-use, we offer the same expert care, guidance, and support to all our customers! From sharing basic cannabis tips with newcomers or highly technical advice for connoisseurs, our goal is to ensure you receive top-flight service, each and every time you use our delivery service.

If you have more questions about how to dab concentrates, or anything cannabis related, feel free to reach out: We’re always here to help. Thanks for visiting, and we hope to serve you soon!