The Art of Dabbing
What is a “dab”? It’s not the millennial definition of an arm gesture, it’s a way to consume cannabis concentrates.
Concentrates by definition are a compressed, pure version of the crystal-like dusting on our buds known as trichomes. Concentrates are well-known for carrying high potencies in a concentrated mass.
In order to consume concentrates properly, they must be heated/melted to higher temperatures for the best combustion of flavour and potency. This method has evolved rapidly over the years, giving way to various convenient, foolproof methods of consuming your concentrates. Let’s break it down into methods!
Dab Rigs
Similar in appearance to a water pipe (bong), dab rigs are most differentiated by their attachment piece – where you would normally have a bowl for dry herb, a dab rig will have a NAIL. Dab rigs also may be smaller in comparison to a dry herb water pipe – the reason for this is to allow a smaller distance for the vapor to travel, allowing it to enter the lungs more quickly. This also helps allow you to inhale the full potency of the flavour profile known as terpenes.
There are three types of nails that are common with dab rigs:
Glass Nail: The glass nail is a fan favourite when it comes to price and its melting capabilities. These typically will heat up fairly quickly and will hold the heat well. Made from the same borosilicate glass you would find your rigs made of, these nails may shatter at high temperatures.
Electric Nail: Also known as the E-Nail, this is the most accurate form of dabbing. A titanium “nail” is inserted into the down stem and attached to a coil system that heats up your nail to the exact temperature you set it to – the benefits of this are you can optimize your temps for flavour, potency, etc. They heat up quickly and retain their heat just as well.
Quartz Nail: Also known as the BANGER, these nails will heat up rapidly but lose their heat quite quickly. They are simple to clean, provide better flavour as the quartz doesn’t interfere, and as for durability – these can be heated up red hot to burn off any residue without risk of shattering.
A butane torch will be necessary to get your experience going with a dab rig – these torches produce large and quick flames that will heat up your nail to allow your product to melt and decarboxylate.
Additional accessories for dabbing
Carb Cap: This little cap sits on top of your banger to hold your vapor in as long as possible without letting any escape to waste!
Cotton Swabs: These are always convenient to have on hand to clean your banger.
Dab Tool: Often made of stainless steel, these are optimal for handling/scooping your concentrates out of their container without getting any sticky residue on your hands. (It’s hard to come off – although a touch of our FOUR20 Iso will do the trick to remove it)!
Mat: Your setup isn’t complete without something to set your tools and product on! Ranging in size and composition, this will keep your waxy residue from getting on any other surfaces.
How to dab using a rig
1. Fill your rig with water. Most glass pieces do not come with a preferred water line measurement, so this is all based on your preference for the strength of your pull.
2. Prep your DAB – using a tool, scoop out a small amount of your concentrate of choice. Remember – a little goes a long way with this concentrated mass of product! Some more experienced dabbers may suggest lightly heating the tip of your metal tool to help gather more crumbly or glass-like pieces of product.
3. Heat your nail.
a. Glass Nails: using a butane torch, heat up the bottom glass on the outside of the banger. NOTE: it’s important to point your torch away from the dab rig – the glass on it won’t be as strong as your nail. Heat it up until the glass lightly starts to tinge red, and then STOP. Allow to cool for 30-45 seconds before placing your material on the tip of your nail. NOTE: Some glass nails come with a glass cover to help insulate your vapor.
b. Electric Nails: Turn on the switch to start the heat activation on your coil that is attached to your titanium nail. Set your desired temperature on the dial and wait for it to heat up to perfection. Once it’s reached the temperature you are good to place your material on the nail at any time – you do not need to wait for this method to cool down.
c. Quartz Nails: also using a similar method to the glass nail with the butane torch, heat up the bottom glass on the outside of the banger. NOTE: it’s important to point your torch away from the dab rig – the glass on it won’t be as strong as your nail. Heat it up until the glass is red hot and glowing, then STOP. Allow to cool for 15-25 seconds before placing your material.
4. Place your product on the nail. On a glass or quartz nail you will place your product inside the banger, allowing your tool to touch the bottom so that the product may melt off and combust. On an electric nail you will glide your tool along the outside ridge of the titanium nail to allow the product to melt down. Ensure you are not getting any product on your coil as this is your main heat element.
5. Inhale – as your concentrates melts you will see a thick cloud of white vapor – this is what you want to inhale. Place your lips on the mouthpiece and inhale the goods. Continue to inhale until the chamber is no longer cloudy or full of vapor.
6. Exhale – remove your lips from the mouthpiece and place your rig on a flat surface. Try and exhale in a controlled manner to allow the effects to consume you immediately.
7. Repeat if necessary to achieve higher elevation.
8. Clean your nail – best practice to use your butane torch to heat up and burn off any leftover residue, then to wipe with an alcohol-soaked cotton swab once cooled.
Concentrate Vaporizers
Growing increasingly in popularity, concentrates vaporizers are one of the best ways to consume these high-potency products in an effective, easy, controlled manner (not that a butane torch is that out of control, just not ideal for on-the-go)! There are many versions of this tool available, and some vaporizers have the dual ability to vaporize both dried flower and concentrates (all be it not at the same time).
Using your concentrate vaporizer is super simple:
1. Prepare your product. Using a small metal tool, scoop yourself a small amount of product to place into your vaporizer.
2. Turn on your vaporizer and set your temperature/voltage. There is a difference between low temperature dabbing and high temperature dabbing: lower temperatures are best for flavour, while the higher temperatures create more intensity and vapor (cloud) production.
3. Evenly distribute your product onto your coils. If you have a multi coil vaporizer you want to ensure there is the same amount on each, being careful not to overload your coils. They will all burn at the same time and you won’t get a proper experience if one of them is burning empty.
4. Place the cap onto your vaporizer and inhale through the mouthpiece. Continue to inhale and exhale in a controlled motion until there is no more extract flavour or until the vapor stops producing.
Remember to continually clean your pen, and when it gets too dirty or clogged change out the coil or the tank that holds the coil.
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Looking for concentrates or dab tools? Hit your local FOUR20 store!
