Is your knowledge of cannabis pretty limited, like smoking the occasional joint or eating some homemade pot brownies? One thing that may be foreign to you is dabbing. 

This article is for all folks out there who feel totally overwhelmed by dabbing and all the ways to consume cannabis.

What is dabbing?

Dabbing is a way to use cannabis concentrates like oil, wax (a honey-like substance), budder (a sticky substance), or shatter (a hard, glass-like substance).

Dabbing is the flash vaporization of these concentrates and subsequent inhalation of the vapor.

How is dabbing different?

While flower tends to test between 20-35% THC, concentrates typically range between 70-85%. They can even hit 99% depending on the extract type and quality. 

You’re being exposed to significantly more THC, which means you use less product. The THC punch that concentrates pack isn’t for everyone, especially if you’re new to cannabis. We suggest a careful approach to dosing so you have the experience that’s most beneficial for you.

How are cannabis concentrates made?

There are two main methods for removing cannabinoids from cannabis and concentrating them: solvent-based extraction and mechanical extraction. 

Solvent-based extraction 

This type of extraction uses volatile chemicals to dissolve the trichomes in the plant material. After this is done, the solvent is removed, which leaves behind an extract like shatter, wax, or vape oil.

Mechanical extraction 

This method doesn’t use chemicals. Instead, the trichomes are beaten, rubbed, or pressed out of the plant, resulting in a concentrate like kief, hash, or rosin. These are called “concentrates.”

How to dab

Dabbing involves the use of specific equipment, such as a special dab rig (a sort of water pipe, or bong). A small element in the form of a cup - usually made of titanium, ceramic, or glass - is called a “nail” and is located on the bong.

A powerful torch lighter heats up the nail. Then you place a dose of concentrate on a metal pin (known as a skillet) and dab this on the heated nail. The released vapor is then inhaled through the dabbing rig.

While this is the most popular method, there are two other ways to dab:

1. A device like a Puffco Peak

The Puffco Peak is a portable electronic vaporizer. It's like the Tesla of dabbing, engineered for concentrate consumers who want to dump the messy, time-consuming parts of the dabbing process (like firing up a blowtorch and waiting for the nail to heat). 

There's a single button on the base of the device used to control the power and temperature settings, making the dabbing process fairly simple. There’s also a phone app where you can further dial in your preferences.

1. A combo bowl or an infused pre-roll

The combo bowl method is a simple way to use concentrates to supplement your current smoking routine. The flame from a lighter will be enough to vaporize the concentrate, but the concentrate can’t be smoked. It will melt and go straight through the hole in the bowl. It needs a smokable material under it for this method to work. 

Alternatively, there are several infused pre-rolls that offer the same experience as smoking a combo bowl. This is a good route to try if you’re just getting into concentrates. We recommend:

• Ganga Gold Tarantula Indica Pre-Roll

• Fuzzies Super Silver Haze Sativa Pre-Roll

• Pacific Reserve x The Expendables Starry Night Infused Pre-Roll

Ease into dabbing with combo bowls, pre-rolls, and micro dabs

The biggest advantage of dabbing is that the effect is a much cleaner, stronger high than what you’ll get with other consumption methods. 

Try easing into it with combo bowls and infused pre-rolls. Then find yourself a dabbing guru who can help guide you into the dabbing culture in a comfortable manner. 

It’s best to start with small “micro dabs,” which can be almost unnoticeable on your dab tool. This allows you to judge the potency and effect on your mental and physical being. Remember, you can always take another dab if you want a bigger impact.