In recent years, dabbing exploded as a trend for many individuals in different parts of the globe. It’s essentially a technique of inhaling the concentrated form of cannabis, widely known as dabs. The process is strikingly similar to smoking cannabis via a bong. The only difference is that instead of utilizing dried cannabis in a bowl, you need to heat a special form of cannabis, such as concentrates, dabs, or extracts.
In one study, around 58% of respondents tried it once, while for those who tried dabbing, about 45.04% currently use it regularly. It clearly shows that dabbing will be a trend that will stay.
If it’s your first time to try out dabbing, it can be intimidating, but once you know the basics, it’ll ensure a potent hit. Practicing and considering insightful pointers can help refine your dabbing technique, avoid adverse effects and improve the quality of every hit.
Here are several tips to give beginners a good head start.
Table of Contents
1. Know Everything About Dabbing And Dabs
One of the main reasons many prefer dabbing is the potent hit it provides. If it’s your first time trying out dabbing, it involves heating and inhaling cannabis concentrates or dabs using a dab rig. A complete dabbing guide is worth considering for beginners to ensure a good start.
Generally, you only use a small amount of dabs, but it can provide a potent hit. Depending on the manufacturing processes, the dabs can come in various flavors, textures, and consistencies. Some popular dabs include oil, wax, shatter, hash, crumble, etc.
If you need clarification on whether there’s a difference between concentrates and dabs, both terms are interchangeable. They are formed from an extraction process that starts with trichomes, the adhesive glands in the cannabis plant that contain cannabinoids, namely tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and terpenes. THC is the psychoactive element of cannabis, while CBD may benefit the body. As for terpenes, they’re natural compounds responsible for the aromatic features of cannabis.
Dabbing involves a step-by-step process that you need to practice to ensure a good experience. Here’s a glimpse of the dabbing process.
- Place a piece of concentrate or dab into the banger or nail. A banger has a quartz bucket design, while a nail has a flat surface. Nowadays, banger and nail are utilized interchangeably.
- Use a small hand-held torch to heat the banger or nail, usually around 14-30 seconds, and allow it to cool for another 14-30 seconds.
- Scoop a concentrate into the nail or banger using a dabbing tool.
- Once the dab is on the nail or banger, the heat melts it away, generating vapor you inhale. Some utilize a carb cap to boost the amount of vapor.
The dabbing process is relatively straightforward. However, take the necessary precautions with the heating phase and take time to practice.
2. Try Dabbing Cannabis Concentrates First
In dabbing, it may be best to start small due to the potent hit it provides. For beginners, start using a small amount of concentrate of your choice. Doing so will help you gauge how hot your nail or banger should be, how the vapor feels while inhaling, and know if you like the dabbing experience. If you love the potent hit that cannabis concentrates provide, you can steadily integrate your sessions into your daily routine.
3. Practice The Dabbing Technique
Nowadays, you can learn almost anything online, and if you want to know the dabbing technique, it’s a good place to start. If you prefer visual learning, watching a video on dabbing techniques will ensure you have a good experience with your sessions.
In every video, you’ll find slight differences in the technique, but it all involves the basic dabbing essentials. Once you’re accustomed to the method, you can experiment and eventually refine your technique.
4. Make Use Of Carb Caps To Control The Potency
Using a carb cap may be worth considering to ensure a good dabbing experience. It’s one of the tools you need to invest in. When using a carb cap, placing it over the nail or banger reduces the air pressure. The drop in the air pressure allows the concentrate to vaporize at a lower temperature, ensuring a smooth hit and well-preserved terpenes.
Aside from the flavor, a carb cap also improves control of the hits. When you take out the cap, there’s a rise in the air pressure while the temperature drops. You’re likely to observe this as the density of the vapor diminishes. Once you put the cap back on, it allows dense smoke to form again. In simple terms, lifting and placing the cap enables you to regulate the thickness and potency of every hit.
Final Thoughts
Dabbing is a trend and will likely stay as more enjoy its benefits. If it’s your first attempt at dabbing, make it a priority to be familiar with the essentials. Having the right tools and experimenting to know what works best for you will ensure a good hit during your sessions.
