When most people hear the phrase “dabbing,” they think of the dance moves that originated in the Atlanta rap culture. They were subsequently popularized by football great Cam Newton, who made “the dab” his patented touchdown celebration.
When it comes to weed, however, dabbing refers to taking large doses of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the hallucinogenic ingredient in marijuana. Despite the risks, the practice is gaining popularity, particularly among teenagers.
Today, we’ll discuss dabs, what they contain, how they work, and the possibly harmful adverse effects, according to an article from a Colorado Springs dispensary.
What Exactly Are Dabs?
Dabs are also known by the names wax and honeycomb. They contain high levels of THC extracted from full versions of butane hash oil (BHO). According to research, BHO can have a THC concentration of up to 80% compared to regular cannabis, which has a THC content of 10% to 15%. This means dabs can be up to four times more potent than a joint. Furthermore, folks who dab get a powerful high all at once, as opposed to the high steadily rising over time from smoking a joint.
Butane is poured over the marijuana to make dabs. This method extracts THC from the marijuana plant and dissolves it in butane, resulting in a gummy, solid product containing high levels of THC.
How It Works
The dabbing process involves extracting essential oils from the cannabis plant (as seen in the trichomes). It is usually done using a chemical solvent like butane, CO2, propylene, or other mechanical techniques, such as filtering screens.
The concentrate comes in various forms and names, depending on the process employed and the final texture. The idea is that these goods are highly pure, containing between 50% and 95% THC depending on the extraction and the extractor’s skill level.
When the extracted concentrate is placed on a heated surface, it bubbles away, producing a tasty and intense vapor that may then be inhaled through a glass pipe that looks like a classic bong.
Making Marijuana Dabs
Butane oil is poured over cannabis throughout the procedure. This permits the tetrahydrocannabinol to be drawn out from the cannabis plant, resulting in a semi-solid, adhesive material. There are many sorts of dabs that you may encounter. Here are a few examples:
- Shatter – It is smooth, clear, and solid, unlike other types, which can be slightly sticky. It is concentrated in a glassy substance that breaks down into small pieces. This form of dab is sought after by many because it is considered to be the purest.
- Rosin – One of the most recent types of dabs is rosin. It is simple to make, using only parchment paper, marijuana, and a hair straightener. Hand pressure can be used to make an oil-like substance.
- Crumble – When butane hash oil is beaten or vacuumed, the wax transforms into a crumbly material hence the name.
- Wax – Wax is the stickiest type of dab and is often yellowish-brown or amber in color. Due to its sticky texture, it should only be handled with a dab tool. The usage of wax concentrations gave rise to the word “dabbing” as users used to say “smoking a dab of wax” back then.
- Oil – Instead of butane oil, dabs are sometimes made with carbon dioxide. This technique produces a slightly runny dab with a particular flavor separate from the other varieties.
Cannabis Dabbing Instructions
Although dabbing is not a new method of ingesting cannabis, it is becoming more popular due to cannabis legalization and an increase in the creation of marijuana-infused goods around the United States.
The method is straightforward for those who wish to dab THC or cannabis for the first time. To dab, heat marijuana dabs until vapor is created. The vapor is then inhaled using tools like a glass pipe, and the effects are felt almost immediately.
Here are some of the essential equipment you will need to dab cannabis correctly:
- Dab Rig – It is one of the items that individuals require when dabbing. This water pipe has been modified to accommodate marijuana dab consumption. Dab rigs come in various sizes and forms depending on the substance used. There are dab rigs explicitly made for wax and some specifically for shatter.
- Banger or Nail – A banger or a nail is another instrument required for dabbing. These two have different shapes, but they are both used to hold the concentration or dab while it is heated. As a result, a nail or banger should be capable of withstanding extremely high temperatures.
- Torch – A torch is used during dabbing to heat the nail or banger, which heats up the concentrate. This device is responsible for converting the concentrates into a vapor that is consumed through inhalation.
- Dabber – Dabbers are tools that transport cannabis concentrates to the nail or banger. Sometimes, it’s also called a wand. Dabbers are a better alternative to using your fingers to avoid burning yourself.
Key Takeaway
Novice users who wish to dab should usually start with a vape pen to become acclimated to concentrates in general and then work their way up to dabbing. The idea is that you should probably only dab if you: A) want something with greater intensity, taste, and medicinal impact than regular cannabis but a more immediate and dependable effect than edibles, and B) have a consistent and verifiable source of excellent concentrate.
