There are many different ways to enjoy cannabis, including smoking, vaping, consuming edibles, and using cannabis concentrates. If you’re looking for a way to consume cannabis that will bring you to new heights, dabbing weed concentrates may be the choice for you.
So what is dabbing? Here’s what you need to know before purchasing your first cannabis concentrates at a Massachusetts dispensary.
What Is Dabbing?
Dabbing is the process of consuming single servings of cannabis concentrates, sometimes called dabs. Dabs get their name because they’re extremely small, or only a “dab” of material. Some dabs can be smaller than a grain of rice.
When people drink alcohol, they sometimes want to leisurely sip a glass of scotch. But other times, they just want to get drunk as quickly as possible, so they take three shots of tequila in a row. When it comes to consuming cannabis, dabbing is like taking shots, but even more powerful.
To dab, you’ll heat the concentrate to an extremely high temperature: between 400-600°F. The concentrate turns into vapor, which you can then inhale. There are several ways to dab, including using a dab rig or dab pen. We’ll walk you through the process in a bit.
Want to know more about cannabis concentrates? Check out our post about the different types of weed concentrates, what they are, and how they work. Our dispensary agents can help you pick out the best type of cannabis concentrate for dabbing, too.
Why Choose Dabbing?
Dabbing isn’t for everyone. Here are the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision.
Pros of Dabbing Cannabis
Dabs Are Extremely Potent
Standard cannabis flower is about 15-20% THC. Some concentrates can go all the way up to 99% THC. That makes them much more powerful than a simple hit from a pre-rolled joint. This is great for people with high tolerances, someone who wants to get very high, or medical patients.
Quick Activation Time
You’ll feel the high from dabbing almost immediately. This is great if you want to feel the strong effects right away, whether for recreational or medical reasons.
Taste Great
Many cannabis concentrates are full-spectrum, meaning they contain all of the terpenes, flavonoids, and minor cannabinoids of the cannabis plant. These compounds create a potent, enticing flavor that many cannabis enthusiasts love.
Cons of Dabbing Cannabis
May Be Too Strong for Beginners
Dabs are extremely potent. This is helpful for cannabis enthusiasts who have built up a high tolerance and know how marijuana affects them. However, it can overwhelm people who’ve never gotten high before.
If you’re new to cannabis, we recommend trying another delivery method like a pre-roll or pack of gummies. Talk to our dispensary agents about the best way to try cannabis.
Cannabis Concentrates Are More Expensive
Weed concentrates are a little more expensive than other cannabis products. While it may seem like you’re getting very little in each container, dabs are incredibly small, so you’ll be able to use the product many times before you need to restock.
Luckily, Blackstone Valley Cannabis prides itself on offering affordable products for members of the Uxbridge, MA community. We also have offers all the time that make concentrates more affordable. Check out our dispensary menu to see our current promotions!
Learning How to Dab Can Be Intimidating
Dabbing requires more equipment and skill than smoking. Many people don’t want to invest and learn how to consume cannabis in a new way.
If dabbing interests you, it’s really not that difficult once you get the hang of it. In the section below, we’ll walk you through the process of taking your first dab using a dab rig and dab pen.
How to Dab with a Dab Rig
A dab rig is the most common tool for dabbing. Let’s talk about what you need to get started and how they work.
Tools You’ll Need
Dab Rig
A dab rig looks like a bong, but it doesn’t work the same. Instead of a bowl, it has a nail where you place your concentrate. You can purchase your own dab rig at a smoke shop or online.
Nail
The nail is the surface of the dab rig where you put your cannabis concentrate. It’s located in the space where a bowl would be on a standard bong. Dab nails are generally made of quartz, ceramic, or titanium. When you heat the nail and apply the concentrate, it turns into vapor that can be inhaled.
Butane Torch
Dabs need to be heated to extremely high temperatures, higher than a normal lighter can produce. You’ll need a butane torch to heat the concentrate on your nail.
Dab Tool
You use a dab tool to scoop the concentrate onto the heated nail. There are many different types, but they generally look like a small spoon or hook.
Instructions for Using a Dab Rig
- Fill the dab rig with water. Read the dab rig’s instructions to determine how much water to add.
- Place the nail in the dab rig and make sure you have your other supplies ready.
- Scoop a small portion of cannabis concentrate out of the container using the dab tool. Start with a dab the size of half a grain of rice. You can scale up if necessary in the future.
- Heat the nail with your torch for about 30-60 seconds. Keep the flame moving around the edges of the nail. If the nail turns bright red, stop heating it immediately.
- Turn off your torch and let the nail cool for 10-30 seconds. As you dab more, you’ll find the right timing for your dab rig.
- Use the dab tool to apply your concentrate to the nail. Touch it lightly to the outside edge of the nail. Swirl it around with the dab tool and allow it to coat the entire surface.
- At the same time as you’re touching the concentrate to the nail, slowly inhale from the mouthpiece.
- Keep inhaling until the vapor is gone.
Still have questions about dabbing? Our retail dispensary agents will help you learn how to dab and give you advice on the best products for the job.
Blackstone Valley Cannabis offers the best selection of cannabis concentrates in Uxbridge, MA. We carry a wide variety of different types of weed concentrates, including:
Blackstone Valley Cannabis is the perfect Massachusetts dispensary to help you take your first dab. Stop in or order online today!
